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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NegAnon2
Could attending Ibrox not be considered ” supporting sectarianism” ??? And if so is it okay for the support to do this but not the club?
parkheadcumsalford
14:43 on 28 July, 2013
I thought young Fisher looked ok, but the number of times he was exposed, was down to lack of awareness and Movement.
Still good for me to see some of the potential future
Hail Hail
People forget that, while he could certainly score goals, Mcdonald’s gave away possession far too easily, much to WGS’s frustration.
Hooper was miles better.
I would add that, even though I’m in Sammi’s corner, Hooper had a more successful season than him last year (imo). Up until 2012, I was usually getting pelters from talking up Samaras; there was never any need to defend Hooper, unless you count the latter half of last season, when some conveniently decided his performances declined once there was talk of him leaving.
The fact is, Hooper has been central to any forward partnership or front three Celtic played for the last 2 years – he will be incredibly difficult to replace, but mainly for the SPL, and do we actually need another Hooper to win the league?
Ironically, our best European performances came when we played 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1, something Hooper wasn’t particularly essential for, so hopefully our European campaign won’t be too badly affected.
Her’s another one I’ve just come across:
Allan MARTIN (1895/96)…100%.
18 appearances, 18 goals (17 in the league)!
Then disappeared!
HH!!
Top 3 celebrations?
1.Peter Grant @ the Begging Bowl,when he paid tribute to his faith.
2.Stan Petrov @ the Hate Factory,where he sprayed them with an imaginary machine-gun.
3.Craig Bellamy @ Asbestos Stadium,when he paid homage to the Celtic shirt/crest.
Also mentioned in dispatches,wee Berkovic doing that silly chicken dance,again @ the Bastion of Bigotry.
Broonie,obviously as well.
Big Samaras launching himself into the Broomloan Stand.
Chris Sutton.
Far too many magic moments.
The wee hateful,contorted coupons of the hun were a joy to see.
We buried them eventually,but they were funny sometimes.
B-)
Summa of Sammi….
.
Top 5 Coloured Celts..
Paul Wilson
Henrik Larsson
Didier Agathe
Momo Sylla
Derek White..
How did that Paul Wilson song go again ?
Perhaps the answer to the current debate on the merits of the present Board lies in the answer to the following questions.
How many Celtic fans honestly believe that the current Board could, and should be doing more to represent the views of the fans?
And how often do commercial considerations mean that the Board shy away from the above?
excathedra44. I thought like you Lennies comments on Hooper where over the top but maybe just maybe it was reverse psychology ? to get the other strikers Stokes, Watt, Balde and Sammy fired up. However, I think this week may tell us a lot we need a decent win at home to take with us Sweden.H.H.
Starry – well it depends what you think you are doing when you go to the game (or indeed buy a season ticket for Celtic). When I went to Ibrox it was, for me, a sheer act of defiance to stand up to the bigots, see their hatred for us and show them that for all their acts of prejudice and discrimination we will not be moved.
I always viewed Celtic as us and our fight against the prejudice. But when they went bust and we now have evidence of it – but the club says nothing. When DD tells us how great our oppressors are and how much he looks forward to getting them back.
Then propping this up? That is supporting sectarianism is it not?
There was always a danger this affair would hurt celtic more than the evil ones. It depended on what our Board did – sadly the divide and the problem is growing with every day they remain silent while the evidence floats before our eyes.
Qunno – good question – whats your view on the answer to it?
If Hooper is that great a player, why did he go for what is loose change in the EPL. And perhaps more pertinently, why having played in England did he pitch up at Celtic.
Go on the Rebels!!
Neganon
Hiya,Pally.. Ages since we Commed..
O.K.
Hold oana yer Hat,son.. or.. should that be.. Stet,son?
Yep..
fur..
Ah agree wi ye..
Ah wid Welcome the G.A. Back.
They ur missed.
Man, it Makes Sense.. The Un-Common ,Kind..no Doot!
But, tae bring the G.A. back,once again.. tae Face us … as Unworthy Opponents.. makes .. Sense.
That is why . well..
Sensible Folk ..Like Me and You and Demetrius.. Want them Back.
Noo..
Oan the Ither Haun
Let’s talk aboot the Folk..
WHO DON’T WANT the G.A. Back..
Well. those Folk ,besides no hiving an Ounce of Un-Common Sense..
Are jist
PLAIN SCARED of the G.A.
They ,Tremble at the Thought of Facing Them ,wance again,in Serious Competition.
These Scaredy Cats, are mair than Satisfied fur Celtic ,tae Walk the League Championship withoot .. mair than a Whimper of Competition..
Winning a Championship .. withoot Stern Competitiion. Sucks!
It is Phoney.. it’s No a Gas.. It’s Cheap.
Ah am no Lover of the G.A.
Howevahhhhhhh…
Celtic need them.. and They Need Us.
It’s a Marriage Made in Hell.. No Question
But, as Long as We,the Celtic Fitba’ Club, remains in this little Two-Horse Burg..
We Need ..well… TWO HORSES~
Maks Sense tae Me.
Kojo
Still Laughin’
MIKE IN TORONTO
Absolutely,mate.
In a social setting,there should be discussions and an exchange of views,knowledge,and opinion.
Arguments demand a winner,and thus a loser,and are by definition divisive.
In ten years time will we be saying “remember Gary Hooper?”? Probably not.
ASonOfDan
The reason SevCo haven’t had a pre season game at the Bigotdome is down to the cost of staging such matches. Appearance fees etc.
Hence the reason Ashley has provided Newcastle free of charge less expenses, on the 6th of August.
Other stats available on request ???
Any for Maurice J errrrrrrrrrrrr
Maybe No…
neganon2
14:55 on 28 July, 2013
Do you not think that the safety of a percentage of the population of this great wee country has been taken into consideration.
I for one know the reaction should certain things be said or done, maybe it’s the wrong way and maybe something will happen in the future. But as a club we’re stuck with it just now…
Maybe I’m wrong too, just a thought..
Ayrshire is Green and White..but is certainly got plenty of another colour..
HH
Joe Filippis Haircut
14:55 on
28 July, 2013
Hope your right, and it was meant as a motivational comment, I’m more inclined to think he’s getting in his insurance early in the event of problems.
It’s quite clear what DD said
CFC have acted in accordance with his statement
Why is there a clamour by some to try to convince us that it’s not what he really meant ..when it plainly is
Glasstwothirdsfull
Gary who?
NegAnon2
So would I be correct in saying that Celtic for you is a club that was founded to fight against prejudice?
Where does that leave those who don’t believe that??
twist n turns
how about charlie nic and tommy coyne h.h
I know I’ll get pelters but I rate big Sammi well ahead of Hooper, if only for his non stop attitude. Don’t want to sound to disapproving but if Hooper is the best since Henke that kinda says it all really to me. Don’t forget too that Sammi is not the traditional striker but scores when it matters. Said it before but Sammi is a confidence guy who reacts well to a wee pat on the back and conversley is affected by any mutterings and booing from the crowd.
In a year or so I see Jordan Larsson wearing the hoops and maybe, just maybe we will have a striker as good as King Henrik.
Hail Hail
KINGLuBO
John Colraine???
Oops, first to should be too!! Doh
KINGLuBO
Kojo – I fear you have misunderstood me. I do not want the GA back.
Far from it – their avarice and hatred are not missed by me. The corruption they have (and continue to) caused is unwelcome and it reflects badly on anyone who wants to return to that.
I read your post the other day where you claimed those who disagreed with the board were of lower intelligence than others. Quite a claim that one.
I do have a question for you. Given that we are now seeing firm evidence that Scottish Football has been corrupt and was rigged in favour the now deceased club, corruption which directly impacted Celtic’s financial position, why are Celtic quiet about it?
I am intrigued by how you will respond that.
Anyway, I support a football club that is Glasgow Celtic and I’m happy the noo with our lot on and off the field, it changes now and again, but for now, I’m happy…
HH
HH
Auldheid spells out brilliantly the ” trialist” farce. Moreover Charlotte highlights the MacLean sectariangate.. Decent journalists have enough there to have a career but this is Scotland, media manipulation, suppression..
ITs hell on eartH TO WATCH THE CORRUPTION
HH
Hooper……….disappeared in January, re-appeared at Hampden and left Glasgow in July.
The best since Henrik ? Not for me.
NegAnon2
14:57 on
28 July, 2013
Qunno – good question – whats your view on the answer to it?
Without conducting an extensive survey, there is no means of definitively answering the first question.
However, my instinct is that most fans feel that the Board does not represent them.
On the second question. As the Board is legally bound to protect the interests of its shareholders, I would imagine that quite often it keeps its mouth shut on controversial matters.
That is only my opinion.
a shame for the under16’s cruely defeated v bayern in the semis 0:0 after full time then 4:4 on penalties then lost on sudden death..credit to the young hoops for giving it their best!h.h
Starry that’s partly my view yes. That has helped bind me to the club.
Now that it appears that the club are happy that corruption and prejudice continues to thrive I guess I really need to think about my continued association with Celtic don’t I? Pretty horrible really but there you are.
Thereafter its up to us all as individuals, understanding the evidence we have in front of us, to come to the same conclusion.
I guess the only other way forward would be akin to a rather horrible civil war with a bitter and twisted media attempting to ensure we are destroyed (rest assured there would be no clamour to help Celtic survive).
You see these are the consequences of the behaviour that our Board are exhibiting.
As I say pretty horrible.
My mother always had a hot bath and 2 bars of Lifebhoy (at my request btw) ready for me when I came back from from doom dome. She never knew why bless her!!
lubo’s magic boots
14:19 on 28 July, 2013
Cant compare TJ to Hooper
PLUS
Left footed players never make good CF’s
& Penalty takers !
Bobby Russell
:-)
Quonno – in my opinion those who run the club don’t try and represent the fans because they dislike the fans opinions as these are not good for business (as they see it).
You are correct that the Board is legally bound to act in the best interests of shareholders. However lets think about that a bit more. No business can survive and thrive without its customers. In this case the customers are the support. The Board are currently doing an excellent job of alienating the customers. Is that acting in the best interests of shareholders?
Afternoon bhoys and ghrils
My top 10 Celtic Strikers
Larsson
Dalglish
Cadete
Sutton
hartson
lennox
Van hooijdonk
Craig
McClair
Dziekanowski
Some great goals scored by these bhoys.
HH