Neil Lennon suggested Gary Hooper, unquestionably his favourite son, was Celtic’s best striker since Henrik Larsson. It’s an interesting question.
The list is long: Chris Sutton, John Hartson, Henri Camara, Craig Bellamy, Dion Dublin, Scott McDonald, Marc-Antoine Fortune, Chris Killen, Maciej Zurawski, Kenny Miller, Derek Riordan, Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, Georgios Samaras, Robbie Keane, Diomansy Kamara, Olivier Kapo, Anthony Stokes, Pawel Brozek, Moh Bangura, Daryl Murphy, Miku and Lassad.
Apologies if I’ve overlooked someone. That’s 22 strikers in nine years (it’s a bit soon to consider Amido Balde), some of whom were loans, but the list doesn’t include the many Celtic youth players who got their shot at first team football, or those, like Tony Watt, who were signed for low fees from lower league Scottish clubs.
Chris Sutton and John Hartson were already at the club when Henrik left, but it quickly became evident they were past their best. Robbie Keane and Craig Bellamy were quality but only played a dozen or so games, so can’t really be considered as competition to Hooper.
Maciej Zurawski arrived a year after Larsson left and had a phenomenal first season at the club. He made his debut after the 5-0 reversal to Artmedia but inspired Celtic to a 4-0 win six days later. Maciej was on fire when he joined and only failed to score in five league games before the league win in April but he never found anything close to that consistency again. Record: 22 goals in 55 games.
Scott McDonald’s YouTube clip of goals in the Champions League and against Rangers will have featured heavily in the portfolio as his agent looked for a new club this year. His goals got us into the Champions League, beat European champions, Milan, and regularly put our (then) nearest rivals to the sword. Record: 51 goals in 88 games.
Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink arrived in summer 2006 and immediately outshone Zurawski. His debut as a substitute against Hibs transformed Celtic and won the game. His signing was pivotal in Celtic winning the title in 2007. Record: 34 goals in 78 games.
Georgios Samaras arrived 18 months after Vennegoor of Hesselink and alongside Barry Robson pushed Celtic over the line for three in a row. 2008 was a fabulous year for Georgios but although he’s still a forward, he’s not really been a striker since. Record: 41 goals in 138 games.
With 63 goals, 95 games, Gary Hooper’s scoring record is better than anyone else’s, but the challenge to be best since Larsson was simple, just outperform Scott McDonald. With all those strikers as competition, that’s not as high as the bar could be.
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I read Kilbowie Celt earlier who took a new tact on calling anyone who dissents from fawning over the Board. Rather than simply calling us huns he went one step further – we now merely THINK we are Celtic supporters but are actually huns.
Its quite breathtaking and let me make a comparison. Celtic fans who called out the cheating in Scottish football and the bias in the media as mentally ill (paranoid).
So Kilbowie take a long hard look in the mirror and ask yourself who is delusional about being a Celtic fan.
I am going to use Ernie’s reposting of DD’s quote from earlier – I do it deliberately because it clearly annoyed some of the more ostrich like posters on the site.
“Rangers are a fantastic club with a great history. They will, in not too long a time, be back in the SPL. I have no doubt about that.
“And they’re needed for Scottish football because of their following, the size of the club and especially their history. We certainly would like to contest with them every week. We believe we have a better team and management structure.
“For us, it’s disappointing that they are not there but that’s decisions by the various clubs and leagues and we accept those.
“Rangers are one of the great clubs in Britain and we have to acknowledge that.
“They are a motivation for us to go along and beat them in every Old Firm match, so we miss that opportunity.”
Its clear that DD wants the old firm cabal back. Good for business and all that.
So in spite of now clear and growing evidence of the corruption with the game being rigged against celtic – Celtic will not mention it, pursue it etc. Because that’s bad for business. Despite now clear evidence of a media rigged against us Celtic will not question it – bad for business.
And here is a harsh reality for us all to face. We (and the daft huns) are merely commercial fodder in a rigged game designed to feed off years of discriminatory behaviour in Scotland. Its excellent for business and the fact that its football that’s a vehicle for making money is incidental. Its clear that Celtic’s business model is await a return when the hun is back. Its also clear from DD’s quote above that he wanted Rangers to remain in the SPL.
So what does all this say about us? We are just commercial fodder and love a club that simply wants to exploit us. Are we not as daft as the huns under this model?
The demise of the huns offered a one time opportunity for us to escape the commercial background that was based on sectarianism. Its clear those who run the club don’t want that. Instead they attack the support at every opportunity and ignore evidence of the cheating etc.
Meanwhile – faced with a massive financial windfall we sell our best players ahead of the CL qualifiers. Operation survive until the huns come back is in full swing. I see we are now selling Wilson as well. All our effort is on selling – with very little on buying. What a surprise.
And meanwhile those of us who question simply think we are celtic fans but must be huns………
The hard question
Clashcitybhoy – of course DD influences celtic – that’s why we are happy to ignore the corruption.
ItaliaBhoy Good comparison mate and like Skippy i think Hooper may put weight on easy when older or injured much like KC as well. Total Predator and a little bit more, He has got better by the season.
KLV
neganon2
Struggle to disagree with most of that.
As I understand it Kelvin Wilson is homesick his wife and family are in the Midlands and dont wish to move up to Scotland if Celtic are offered 2.5 Million for him I believe they will let him go.On the Gary Hooper debate yes he scored goals but I just couldnt take to his style to me he appeared lazy and disinterested at times I prefer my strikers to be more mobile and have a high work rate but that is why football is such a great game we all see it differently.H.H.
gordon_j backing neil lennon
13:36 on 28 July, 2013
So…..if any trialists play for sevco this afternoon, we have FURTHER evidence of corruption / collusion at the SFA …… why would they disregard their own rules?….and are these rules not policed by FIFA / UEFA for possible violations…?
Incidentally, sally isn’t the brightest, is he…….imagine stating that his new team will be capable of winning all competitions this season …. you’ve been eating too many stale pies, sally ……. how silly is that assertion by a manager who’s ‘performance’ so far has been so hilariously dire……to the extent that we are very anxious for him NOT to be sacked ….!!!!!!!!
ernie lynch
so ernie what would you change about the modern Celtic to that of 67era? hh
Ernie Lynch,
Not sure how you jump to that conclusion from what I wrote .
Whether they are or are not his views are inconsequential to me – I genuinely don’t know or care. As for calling him a liar, I am not sure how you get to that conclusion.
What does concern is that if he had expressed a view of “glad to see the back of them” , then we would have been slated in the press, therefore I commend him for avoiding creating controversy
Favourite strikers for me were
1. KoK
2. Brian McClair
3.Early Charlie Nicholas
Since then, GH is, in my opinion, the best we have had. Skippy had good numbers, and showed up in big games, but, seemed to be divisive on the pitch…. and had a stronger team which, I would speculate (no empiricial evidence, I’ll admit) created more chances for him.
In spite of our domination of possession, our midfield does not create a lot of chances, but GH still bangs them in
I think he is going to score a barrowful next season playing in a good footballing side, and along side RVWolf (who I also rate).
Top 5 Italian Celts.
Lou Macari
Di Canio
‘Rico Annoni
Massimo Donati (struggling here)
A.N Other.
HH!!
Samaras is much better than Hooper (in overall contribution to the team) ……. Hopefully, Stokes will improve (quickly ..!!!!)
Got to respect your fervour neganon. However the overwhelming majority of Celtic supporters seem to have no interest in ousting DD. The Celtic Trust membership numbers are only one indicator of this lack of desire.
Tony Cascarino?
I believe the monkeys are where they are at the moment by not offering any critique of their custodians and suppressing any debate this might spark. If we are not offering opinion and debating the points because the opinions are deemed ‘negative’ (the most overused word on CQN maybe?), I believe we are doing our club a disservice.
Tallybhoy
Cascarino :-)
Clashcitybhoy
14:08 on
28 July, 2013
He made a clear cut statement of his views.
You claim his views are the opposite of what he said.
That amounts to you calling him a liar.
3.2 million at Popacabana.
Don’t tell the BBC, it doesn’t fit into their view of things.
67Heaven,
I’m pretty sure that tralists will play this afternoon – do you think any other club would get away with playing them in similar circumstances?
Heard the one about the Devil having all the best tunes?
Eat your heart out Lucifer. The gates of Hell, et cetera.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LEJWQ0T6QdM&feature=player_embedded
Burghbhoy
Cannae believe I stooped to this podium malarkey stuff but that’s it and – No nay never no more.
Maybe I was destined when I read Paul67’s headline linking Hoops with the KOK.
I’m having all sorts of bother with the laptop this weekend up north and had to do some improvising – a wee bit like having to score European goals with yer knees, while recovering from a broken jaw – Now I can die happy in the fact that the auld Teuchter was first in, on the day that Hooper was mentioned in the same sentence as our beloved Larsson.
I would have paid anything to see yer face when you submitted that #2 post :)
Paul67
Gary Hooper was one hell of a goalscorer and had skill in abundance = I wish him well…..Somehow I don’t see myself shouting “He’s one of ours” when he scores in the EPL, the way my heart brimmed with pride when Henrik was scoring in the Euro’s against Bulgaria.
Teuchter ar la
I
neganon2
14:02 on 28 July, 2013
Agreed…….supporters of all Clubs will have varying opinions on ALL aspects of their Club …… What I don’t like are the comments which are agenda-based (and anti-Board for personal / ‘political’ reasons)…….
For me Samaras is a far better player than Hooper. Hooper scores goals but isn’t much better than Skippy. I’d have Tommy Johnson as a far better player than Hooper. If Tommy was playing for us now he’d be our no 1 striker.
Hooper was a good Celtic player, not even great and nowhere near a legend. Samaras is in our top 10 European goalscorers. He is out main man
Thanks Bhoys. Annoying bit is they wd have played Rapid V who they have already beat. Playing Bayern for 3rd place later today.
top 5 Italians Garissimo Caldawello……… oh sorry he just thought in his own head he could play like an Italian.
KTF
HH
I prefer Skippy to Hooper, mainly because of his heart and aggression, ohh and all of his goals. Hooper is technically and statistically better however if I was playing doon the pitches and had a choice I would rather be in a team with Scott as he is a Celt.
Hail Hail.
Joe McBride, Willie Wallace, Bobby Lennox, Stevie Chalmers, Kenny Dalglish, Dixie Deans, Charlie Nicholas (first time), Frank McGarvey, Brian McClair, Frank McAvennie, Henrik Larsson, Chris Sutton, John Hartson, all better strikers than Gary Hooper that I’ve had privilege to watch. keane & Bellamy also better players but wouldn’t include as they were only with us a couple of months.
NegAnon2
14:02 on 28 July, 2013
=====================
I am heading up to the Merchant City in search of music & beer, so I will have to keep this short.
Celtic HUNS….. Definition.
Those who booed Fergus at a flag raising. Every one of them.
Those who jeered as Brian Quinn welcomed our Seville visitors.
Those who are prepared to boo or jeer at ANY guy in a hooped shirt.
Those who constantly criticise the Bored members no matter how successfully they are doing their job.
Those who demand success constantly, no matter what the circumstances.
All the above are Huns.
I will doubtlessly add to the list when I get a few pints of fine ale into me.
Good luck.
Sir Paul
Read this, Carefully.. Verra Carefully…
O.K.
Carefully,mind ye, Carefully..
“Who Wid we MISS,and let me add… BIGTIME…if he is no Playing fur us, agin the Elfs?”
Noo.. Ah am,already,oan record…as Proclaiming..”We wull NO MISS VICTOR,but we Wull Miss ,Gary.”
Ah am noo gonna make a few mair ,Proclamations..
Ready?
Who Wid we Miss.. if He disnae Play fur us oan Wednesday?
Why….
Wee Jamesie.
Fur he Is oor Mainspring,oor Lynchpin, n oor Watter Carrier.
When he Sparkles, Celtic, GLOWZES..
When He Disnae, Celtic, DOZES!
He is oor Most Dangerous Weapon..
Wee Jamesie, kin carry oor Team oan his Back..No, Physically..of course..
but.. Metaphorically.
Yes, Ah believe he is THAT good!
Noo, who else wid We Miss..if He disnae Play again the Northern Rutabagas,oan Wednesday( a guy ,whom, we Soitenly WULL MISS, when he Heads fur the Tall n Uncut.)?
Answer: Forster.
Anybuddy else.. whom we wid Miss, if He disnae Play agin the Swedes?
Two Mair..
Broonie.. Yes, Broonie.
and.. Last, but no Least…
Who else wid we miss if he disnae Play agin the Yellow Turnips?
why…
The Enigmatic, Sammi.. You Betcha!
Noo… that’s The Lot,fur Me.
So long as they Four Guys Play fur us,oan Wednesday..
Ah wull be Happy… as Larry.
Kojo
Still Laughin’
Hooper was good but not as good as K o K!!!
tallybhoy
13:35 on 28 July, 2013Mibees aye..mibees naw.Need to think about that one.HH!!
I’ve a big mate over in Italy
George Nicol.. also an Ayrshire man… I know is a big country..!
HH
gordon_j backing neil lennon
14:15 on 28 July, 2013
Correct …… Another nail in the coffin for Scotland’s Shame ….they reaaly do not have any integrity at all …….l
Ernie,
To quote myself
“It may even be that those are his genuine views – only he knows.”
If you wish to draw that inference from my quote, then that is your opinion, but not one I agree with.
As to DD’s views, I genuinely don’t care, I am much more concerned about getting a result on Wednesday
.
Top 5 RPCS (Repetitive Post Content Syndrome) Sufferers on Cqn..
1. SydneyTim..(PL’s Bonus)
2. KevJungle..(Off Oot)
3..BlantyreTim..(Various Typos)..
4. ACGR..(ACGR)..;-)
5. WeeFraTheTim..(GoodNight..#1)
Summa
jude2005 is neil lennon \o/
14:21 on 28 July, 2013
THAT goes without saying …… MESSI is nearly as good as KOK…….he he
Scoring rate for celtic goals to games: (excuse the small case on surnames)
Jimmy mcgrory. 106%
Joe mcbride 98%
Jorge cadete 81%
Henk. 77%
Dixie 71%
Jimmy Quinn 66%
Pierre. 62%
Choccy 62%
Gary hooper 60%
Lou macari 57%
Steve chalmers 57%
Willie Wallace 57%
John Hartson 54%
King Kenny 52%
Skippy 50%
Frank mcgarvey 46%
Chris Sutton 43%
Jvoh 41%
Others available on request:-)
NegAnon 2 @ 14 02.
” the commercial background was based on sectarianism ”
Indeed , as early as 1904 , a Scottish fitba fanzine was talking about —–
” The Old Firm of Celtic and Rangers Ltd “
Clashcitybhoy – so DD should praise the huns in case we get bad press?? Really?
Kilbowie – you are a most unimpressive debater. Enjoy your beer – might sharpen up your wits.
67heaven – I do not know any of the board at celtic park personally and have no axe to grind with them individually. I have no idea what you mean by politics. Politics is simply our discourse and while you decry it the Board do have political agenda – get the huns back and get back to feeding off the sectarian pound.
twists n turns
Bobby Lennox… canny believe ye missed him oot…!
HH
Twists,
If Cadete had hung around, do you think he would have maintained that sort of record ?
In recent memory, I thought he was a really good player, and after Henke, I would put him and Macca as joint second in my fave strikers list.