Someone asked me a few weeks ago if this was a must-win game. Clearly it’s not, the cup games are must-win, as is the coming league game against Aberdeen, but tomorrow night is an important weathervane, indicating if the club is on the road to recovery.
Since that great high against Barcelona, we have faced Italian opposition twice, both in 2013, losing home games 0-3 to Juventus and Milan. You can trace the decline in European performances through a subsequent Champions League group stage which concluded with five defeats, and last summer’s abject qualification campaign.
Indications are we are a better team now than we were in August, or even when qualifying from our Europa League group, but there is still an almighty task ahead tomorrow night. I suspect none of this recent history will affect Ronny and his players. The manager has told the players they can win. Most of them are playing like they have a point to prove, all of them are looking forward to the challenge.
Inter will know they’ve been in a game.
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Who cares about Pat Nevin ? Waste of space.
RONNY can become a Celtic legend ( early in his career ) Thursday night !
Hope so, will be some Ronny Roar.
Celtic Celtic
Morning timland!
Last shift done before inter, making sure I tell all the Clive Dunns at work
HH!
Morning hoops.
Just started my 6-2 shift and then the journey to CP.
Excited
HH
Morning Celts
My prediction is a score draw tonight, I’m expecting a massive improvement on our early season euro struggles and we’ll still be in it going to Milan.
My team barring injuries:
Gordon
Lustig Denayer VVD Izzie
Brown Bitton, Johansen
Armstrong, Stokes
Griffiths
Hx2
Morning, think that’s me wakened….!
Quick enquiry at Celtic Park today, hopefully resolve the matter of cup final ticket, I’m sure I will. Then pub for about half two.
Looking forward to tonight, my son, my dad my brother his wife and two bhoys, my three Aunts, my Uncle who was in Lisbon and a couple of cousins all going tonight.
All born within thirty miles of Celtic Park…! Is that an omen..?
Ayrshire is Green and White
Evening all,
I’m catching up on over a week, so please bear with me I’ve nothing to add to my thoughts below, so it’s a fleeting visit for me, but with all the biggest hugs my heart can give to Eddie, Jimbo, and Midfield Maestro.
Eddie, you’re making a physical effot to improve the lives of others in a system and society that would see them shot down and ignored. That you have had to tolerate abuse to such a threatening scale is more than sickening, but see the positives from that amigo. When you know you’re right, it’s great. When you’re upsetting the applecart so much, then it becomes religious. But I can only imagine the horror of those bastards threatening your family from the safety of their keyboards. What you’re doing in one week means so much more to society than such trolls can achieve in their lifetime – which is sad, and which is another reason why your own work is important. It will change at least one of their minds, which creates another upward spiral of improvement and decency.
Anyway, didn’t want to be verbose,
Midfield Maestro, I had the pleasure of your company one night in Bar67 – I found you to be a quiet and pleasant gentleman, and very much enjoyed our conversations. Your dad must have been a lovely fella; I was very sad to hear your bad news, and you obviously were keeping it private, but as usual it spills through here. All my condolences to you and all your family.
Jimbo, could you get my email from BMCUW? Would be good to have a chat by email and/or even meet again, for a coffee or five in Weegieland. I’d enjoy that.
That’s it from me.
I fancy a 2-0 tomorrow, but AC Milan seem likely to score as much as us, so if we win, it will be 3-2, 2-1.
It won’t be 1-0, or 0-1, or 0-0.
It could be another cheatin Juve a-hole irritation repetitive blight on the history of our beautiful club, aka 2-2, or 3-3, thanks to some dubious penalties and questionable pushing.
Fair refereeing would see us win by one goal in a multiple goal game. But chances of us getting fair refereeing are quite poor, aren’t they?
HH all,
But my thoughts are especially with Jimbo, Eddie, and Midfield Maestro. Good good men. (sorry for rabbiting on, was really trying to be brief).
Ach, seeing as it’s normal time now, I might as well share a wee, mellow moonhowlers’ song for you lot commuting around the country.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5iqidjXC7A&feature=youtu.be&t=59s
I can guarantee it’ll be the best song you’ve listened to in a long, long, long time.
Good morning friends from a drizzly, grey and blustery East Kilbride.
The sleeping is over.
Can’t wait!
From the Scotsman.
The story is well known, of course. Eleven lions, all, save for one exception, brought up within a few miles of Celtic Park. But though the majority were local – Bobby Lennox, from Saltcoats, was the interloper – they still all had to be spotted, and, when they had been spotted, persuaded to sign.
Perhaps these tales of how each player came to be at Celtic are not so deeply woven into our consciousness. Bertie Auld yesterday painted a particularly vivid picture of the circumstances that deposited him at the club as one of the greatest of all British sides was in the process of being built.
This was a dozen years before the glory of Lisbon. Jock Stein was still a player at the club. Auld had been attracting admiring glances while playing for Maryhill Harp. He’d already turned down Clyde and Partick Thistle, and when Celtic came on the horizon, his father informed him: “this is a big decision, I will make it!”
Father and teenage son travelled to Celtic Park on a Sunday, chauffeured in a vehicle driven by the local coalman, who was also Maryhill Harp secretary. “We went up to this magnificent boardroom, Jimmy McGrory, the manager, was there,” recalls Auld. “All the big noises were there. Mr McGrory says to me: ‘Bert, would you like a drink?’ I used to run home from school to get my dad’s razor and cut myself a lot because I had heavy growth. And that Sunday I must have cut myself so looked older than I was. My dad said: ‘my boy doesn’t drink! But I do!’”
McGrory turned to Auld jnr and asked another question: Have you ever been to Celtic Park? Auld replied that no, no he hadn’t. One of seven children, his family had grown up “a short corner kick” away from Firhill, the home of Partick Thistle. Money was tight so he and his friends would play football in the street with a tennis ball. When the gates of the ground opened with ten minutes to play, they would weave in and out of the droves coming out to catch the last few minutes of the inevitable Thistle defeat.
But Firhill wasn’t Celtic Park. So when he was asked whether he had been inside the ground of the famous club he was about to join, Auld had to admit: “No, Mr McGrory, I haven’t seen Celtic Park before”.
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“He said: ‘Come with me’,” recalls Auld. “He opened up the gates to the tunnel. We walked down it. It was awesome. There must have been a game on the Saturday. There were empty bottles on the terraces.”
It was then that Auld’s father, perhaps emboldened by the drink he had been given in the boardroom, turned to his son and said: “Listen son, see if you can play and entertain, then this support will never forget you”. Auld smiles at the memory. “Now that was 1955. For a brickie’s labourer, it wasn’t bad vision.”
This pact struck between Celtic supporter and Celtic player is one reason why we are sitting in a brewery in Glasgow. A replica European Cup has been placed in a window. The sense of nostalgia is as strong as the whiff of hops. The Celtic fans were not just treated to glory in 1967, when they won the European Cup and every goddamn other trophy that was on offer that season, they were entertained.
Of course, these men who brought the handsome trophy back to Britain for the first time haven’t been forgotten. They haven’t been forsaken. The tartan jacket that hangs on the back of the chair next to Auld while he talks is a reminder of this . It is their regulation uniform on the many occasions the surviving members – five from the squad have now passed away – are invited to attend functions.
There are fewer stories that remain untold. But there are still anecdotes that can stop you in your tracks, particularly when Auld and Jim Craig, the player with the job of clearing up the danger on those few occasions Jimmy Johnstone lost the ball, are brought together, as they were yesterday, on the eve of tonight’s re-match between Celtic and Internazionale of Milan, their defeated foes in Lisbon.
Fate can explain everything, reasoned Craig, and he wasn’t referring solely to that historic 2-1 victory. Rather, he means what happened the following night, back at Celtic Park. “People ask me if Lisbon was the biggest day of my life,” he says. “I always reply and say no, it was the day after. Because that’s when I met my wife.”
During the course of this victory reception Elizabeth, the daughter of a Celtic director, told Craig that she was set to leave for France. As a recently qualified dentist, he told her to make sure she came and got her teeth checked before she left, which she did. “Now five weans and seven grandkids later that has to be the biggest moment of my life,” says Craig. “Lisbon was the biggest football moment of my life, though.
“It’s been a phenomenal 48 years,” he added, with reference, one presumes, to life as a European Cup winner as well as life with Elizabeth. Neither existence has made him rich, he grins.
Indeed, because he was a Puma man, Craig was almost cut out of the boot deal struck on the day of the game with Adidas, which guaranteed each player £33. A belated attempt to paint three stripes on the sides of his boots proved as hapless as might be imagined.
“All through the game I was worrying about missing out on my bonus because I could see the paint rubbing off,” Craig recalls.
Their deeds, of course, will never be erased. What a privilege it is, though, nearly half a century later, to sit and hear first-hand accounts of the night in question. Such small treats will not always be possible.
micktt:
Enjoy and I hope your Team wins.
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!
Good morning CQNers,
Tonight affords the team the opportunity to add to Celtic’s reputation, I hope we grasp it with both hands!
It’s obvious Ronny Deila isn’t a strategist, he has a simple template of high pressing, high tempo attacking game that he rarely, if ever, deviates from, so tonight we all know what his approach will be and so will Roberto Mancini.
With that in mind I hope he pitches both Mackay-Steven and Armstrong into the starting line-up to spring a new dimension (in European terms) into the mix.
Going for a wee sentimental bet the night, celtic 2-1 (a know), and inter half time celtic full time.
And as for paisley, may the man rot in hell.
Are we playing anyone .Quick look at the daily ragers and not a peep about the biggest game to be played in Scotland this year. Wee bit about my local MP Murphy wishing he had not played the North Britain card and some more banning of losers and something about Mike Ashleys dog stuck upatree but nada about Celtic playing Inter in a rerun of the most famous of famous victories by a Scottish team ever. So geyour t intae them Celtic, rub it in and do your talking on the park. Ronny’s bhoys time to shine and make some more history. Hail Hail
Im hoping for a positive result tonight one that means we go to Milan still in the tie.For me this game is a nice bonus but the trophies available domestically are more important however cant wait for tonight at Celtic park with a full house and hopefully an interesting tifo from the Green Brigade.
Tonite is indeed a marker where we are. Will the ronny pressing game work with Italians who would be quite happy to sit in and allow us to press
Ronny’s record in Europe is simply poor
His tactics in most cases were schoolboy
I fear for this pressing game tonight
Europe is more of a holding game
Hold the midfield and hope for set pieces
If we push them back then that is bread and butter to the itatians and they will pick us off
FFM –
We’re not playing AC Milan.
Tsk Tsk.
In the departure lounge at Oslo airport. Of course I would give anything to be at Paradise tonight but I won’t be.
Instead I’ll be sitting in a wee front room in a wee bungalow in West Yorkshire with my old uncle, more like a dad to me these past 25 years, watching it on his telly.
He was in Lisbon in 67 along with several of his brothers from Clydebank, now sadly all gone. He is too frail now to attend games, but not too frail to appreciate a drop of the Metaxa 7 Star I have just bought in duty free.
Or to stay up till yon time yarning about the greats he has seen in the hoops, and the bleak times we had to endure before the Jock Stein whirlwind put us on top of the pile playing “pure, beautiful football”, and the magic of the Estadio Nacional, and a hundred other things that make us more than a club.
So as second bests go, that’s not a bad one at all.
Hail Hail and mon the Bhoys tonight.
One more work….
Enjoy the day Bhoys and Ghirls.
Tom,
Fair play. FFS, that really annoys me I handed you that on a plate :)
I find it hard to diffentiate Italian teams now. Never liked them, never will.
Might as well be Juve.
I appreciate it’s Inter, 1967 etc, still loathe the way they play football, always have done.
Refereeing will see them through to the next round, no matter how well we play or how much we deserve to win. And even if we play poorly, they will still benefit from refereeing.
Football in Europe is corrupt and run for money. The referees know what side their bread is buttered.
Or do you reckon we will be refereed fairly?
I woke at 7:20, about 30 minutes ago. I rubbed my eyes and performed the customary mental ritual of working out what day it was and what it had in store for me.
The bedroom door opened and my good lady entered, tiptoeing so as not to disturb me. I watched as she quietly suspended a hanger on the wardrobe door and as my eyes adjusted to the semi-darkness, the sight of my green and white hoops hanging there proudly, newly laundered and ironed, reminded me that this was the dawning of a special day and my heart raced and the butterflies in my tummy roused from their slumber. Nervous excitement will be the order of the day.
She bent down and hugged me, uttering the words, “Enjoy the game and drive carefully.” She went off to work. I will be on my way to Paradise by the time she gets home.
I lay back and contemplated the day ahead, planning my timetable to ensure that it passes quickly.
Inter Milan at Celtic Park in front of 60,000 like-minded fanatics. It doesn’t get much better than this.
I envisage a narrow Celtic victory.
1-0.
Possibly needing a penalty.
A good result.
That will do nicely.
Hail Hail.
frannyb67
01:01 on 19 February, 2015
DD
My apologies I thought you posted you share the same birth date as Paisley,I read it wrong,sorry mate.HH
delaneys dunky
01:10 on 19 February, 2015
Franny
I was born in Paisley. Hate the fact that is the name of the devils rep of that time.
———–
Thank Heaven that was cleared up!
So it’s fishal CQN, Paisley was delaney’s birth PLACE not his birth MOTHER!
PhewCSC
HH jamesgang .
4-3 with average refereeing bias,
4-1 with an honest referee.
Greeninbingley
Enjoy tonight.
Clydebank will be well represented inside Paradise tonight.
FFM –
I know what you mean about Italian teams and their referees. Let’s just hope for the rub of the green and somehow, safe passage to the next round. Are we good enough to nullify the referee’s influence? We shall soon find out.
greeninbingley
07:30 on 19 February, 2015
In the departure lounge at Oslo airport. Of course I would give anything to be at Paradise tonight but I won’t be.
Instead I’ll be sitting in a wee front room in a wee bungalow in West Yorkshire with my old uncle, more like a dad to me these past 25 years, watching it on his telly.
He was in Lisbon in 67 along with several of his brothers from Clydebank, now sadly all gone. He is too frail now to attend games, but not too frail to appreciate a drop of the Metaxa 7 Star I have just bought in duty free.
Or to stay up till yon time yarning about the greats he has seen in the hoops, and the bleak times we had to endure before the Jock Stein whirlwind put us on top of the pile playing “pure, beautiful football”, and the magic of the Estadio Nacional, and a hundred other things that make us more than a club.
So as second bests go, that’s not a bad one at all.
Hail Hail and mon the Bhoys tonight.
₩₩₩₩₩₩₩₩₩₩₩₩₩₩₩₩₩₩
Walking in your shoes I think I’d rather be with my uncle, that’s the place to be tonight. Hope you both have a lovely evening, I’ll be at the game, but somethings come before being there.
Ayrshire is Green and White
Day 4 of the biblical downpour. Woken at 5 am by the sound of huge hailstones battering the roof tiles..Much repair work to be done when the storm passes.
Mancini still keeping schtum re the line up.Big question is does Kovacic play or does he not..Easily their best player, easily one of the best players in Italy.Inter fans will tell you that Inter are more dangerous when he plays but when he does they are much more vulnerable.Heard Mancini on the radio earlier talking about the game requiring skill and physical and mental courage.Some pundits have taken that as indicating that Kovacic will not start.He will be sold in the summer / he will be bought by one of the Champions League big boys..Too good to stay in going down the plug Serie A
James
Delaney is my birth mother.
She would not be amused being called Paisley. :)
At this time on the morning of the 25th May 1967, I was leaving my hotel in Estoril and was on my way to the airport to meet up with friends arriving on the Greenock CSC plane. It was to prove to be the most memorable day in all the years of following Celtic. I hope to night will restore even a little of the glory that was that day.
Morning all.
Woke up with this old ditty “Oh, Dixie, Dixie……..” It’s been a long long time since that game and since we were one of THE very best teams in the world.
Then, I thought of Neil Lennon. I had the privilege of hearing him on Radio 5 Live, by chance, last night. He was talking with 3 others. It was obvious he was well respected and was enjoying himself (he even got a wee dig in about how poor the undead are now). What a contrast from how the MSM up here treated him. Institutionally sectarian.
Then, my thoughts, naturally I suppose, drifted to Pat Nevin and WC’s story of him yesterday. Poor soul, he’s only the latest of a long line of victims. Will it ever change? Can’t see it in my lifetime.
Celts tae dae awe right the night…
…thats it…oot.
19th of February, 2015 — AT LAST!!!!!!
So buzzin!!!!! C’mon you Bhoys in green!!!
Tomorrow’s my birthday, Celtic, and all I want is a win. PLEASE!!! I’ll be the happiest birthday ghirl in Timdom.
Might even pluck up the courage to say hello to the corner. (Ran away the last time!!!!!!).
Adaytoremember CSC
HH
Penalty ?
I assume the nominated penalty taker knows that Handanovic has an astonishing record of saving penalties.
ffm – i’m the only conspiracy theorist in the village)
07:51 on 19 February, 2015
———————————————
First you think we’re playing AC Milan, now you think they’ll score 4 against us…..
C’mon man……WAKE UP!
;-)
Parkheadcumsalford –
Aw did you have to mention Nevin?
He dominated the blog all day yesterday, for reasons which remain lost on me.
Let today be a Nevin-free day on CQN.
:-)
Like no other –
Here’s hoping your birthday kicks off with memories of a great Celtic victory.
Hail Hail
Maidin mhaith CQN,
Getting the boys ready. Bus then boat and bus again.
See some of you beforehand.
Ard Macha
It’s great for the club to be playing teams like inter , in European matches . It will take some of our players to a different level from what they face in scotland . I think they will do well , I only wish some of them had the arrogance and swagger of the aulds ,McNeill s, and johnstones . And not get overawed by the big names they are facing . Our Bhoys are playing for one of the big names in world football , I hope they take it in , and stand tall 2 . 0 to the good guys .
micktt,
Your post of 6.40. I read the first line incorrectly:-)
Ard Macha