You will be told by some that an invincible season holds less than it would have before Rangers liquidation in 2012, but that assertion overlooks the clear facts. Martin O’Neill’s then-record points hauling treble winners lost to Kilmarnock. The Lions lost to Dundee United, twice. We always lost games to someone other than Rangers. If invincibility was achieved by stopping only one opponent there would be nothing special to report from yesterday.
This is an astonishing achievement. Invincibility over an entire season is unlikely, no matter what your comparative strengths in relation to the rest of your league are, for mathematical reasons.
Football teams convert a small percentage of their attempts at goal. There will be occasions when a team scored three from three chances, but there will also be times when a team has 20 attempts and fails to score.
Over the course of a season, the random distribution of chances converted is likely to match one of Celtic’s highly unproductive striking days, with an opponent who happen to score with perhaps their only attempt at goal. This phenomenon explains most results when poor teams beat significantly better rivals.
Strong teams are also commonly drop points away from home to top half of the table opposition. Here, Celtic have been truly imperious. We won twice away to each team in the top half of the table, scoring 6 at Aberdeen, 7 at Newco, 9 at St Johnstone, 7 at Hearts and 9 at Patrick.
It would also be lax not to mention the style of football. This is not a brutal domination of the ball and physical area of the pitch, Celtic play a stylish, flowing, game, which entertains and succeeds in equal measure.
One more bridge to cross before the job is complete.
Thanks for all the encouragement, and especially the donations to Celtic FC Foundation, for the Stirling Marathon yesterday. Before going to bed on Saturday night I read through all the donations and couldn’t wait to get started.
It was an unforgettable experience. We’ll wait and see if it’s also unrepeatable.
Our good pals at Intelligent Car Leasing have offered two (£100 each) tickets for the Lisbon Lions night at The Hydro, on Thursday. You can win them by raffle in aid of Mary’s Meals.
The raffle is open less than 12 hours, closes at midnight tonight, so mathematics also suggests your chances are none too shabby. To enter, make a minimum of £5 here, then email me, celticquicknews@gmail.com with the word “Hydro” in the subject line to confirm your entry.
Good luck!
ORDER TODAY AND WE WILL POST STRAIGHT AWAY FIRST CLASS POST SO YOU WILL HAVE FOR THIS WEEK’S CELEBRATIONS AND THE SCOTTISH CUP FINAL!
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Tontine Tim
Thanks very much for that fascinating link.
So,the Finlays turned down Celtic and Anna Pavlova.
I am taking the time tonight to watch the full rerun of the Lisbon final. 25 minutes gone so far.
Good commentary by Kenneth Wolstenholme. Fair to both teams but very positive about Celtic.
Oh, the memories.
Have loved all the posts* since yesterday afternoon, but Raymac at 3:27 – Well That’s What I Call a Post! Brilliant. I felt I was right there with you giving pelters.
St Stivs’ McCann put down was also excellent.
GFTB, love your lists, especially the missing links.
Och, it’s all been excellent.
Not long now before I head for the airport. All you Lisbon bound punters, and punsters, if you see me bedraggled, bemused and grumpy over there, don’t worry that’s a) my normal state & b) this is the longest time I’ve been without Mrs S since we met in 1984. I think I may be a bit wobbly. Youngest daughter will hopefully keep me sane as does the thought of spending time with the Celtic Family.
Big Jimmy – you’ve not been on these last couple of days. Hope you are well. I know you have a big day yourself on Thursday in Edinburgh, so best of wishes for that.
* Shurely shome mistake there….did you miss Reggie’s posts. Ed.
Ooooppps – spoke to soon. Welcome back Big jimmy. Best of luck on Thursday.
Big Jimmy
I don’t think we need worry about Brendan getting involved with Pedro. Brendan is way too professional and if the situation did occur like you fear Brendan is so well spoken, has linguistic charm, is of greater intelligence and more articulate that he’d wipe the floor with Pedro in one fell swoop.
MWD
One step closer to Cafe Almore. Re-tweet on Phil’s twitter page stating that Glasgow City Council does not believe that an Environmental Impact Statement is required. Comhghairdeas. HH
Scaniel 7.25pm
If we ever meet you will realise how much of an eijit I am :-)
An Teach Solais 7.30pm
Great to see you posting, hope you have enjoyed this great season (that was rhetorical) this Brendan ghuy is no bad :-)
ATS- i wonder if PL going public on GCC, attempts to delay the Club’s progress around CP, is bearing fruit now?
GERRYFAETHEBRIG,
Seldom post these days – cannae get a word in edgeways for some!! No, seriously, enjoy your posts about the wee one and seriously over the moon with the team’s performance this season. It has been a season to remember. Hopefully, one more victory to round it off.
BADA BING
Brendan’s statement may have galvanised things and – not to start the whole political debate again- some officials who had been blocking Celtic plans may be a bit leery of new political bosses. HH
Gerry on SSB, a fair few ciders been partaken in me thinks :-)
TET 7.54pm
The ciders are done, now on the Smirnoff :-)
Gerry
Enjoy them :-)
HH
TET 7.59pm
The wee blade and her two pals were listening in the living room, they are now doing a dance “Gerry fae Gartsherry” happy days :-)
All packed for morning Embra flight for 5 busy days in Lisbon – huge big tick off the Bucket List.
Then its on to Benalmadena for a week to wind down and a few beers in John Lemon, a great Celtic bar for any travellers (Kevin Bridge popped in for a few beers the other week). Then into Buddy’s in Plaza Ole for their honey rum speciality, a Legendario, also known now as a Jimmy Johnstone according to an ‘Auld’ acquaintance of mine when he’s in town !
Finally a couple of days up in the Mijas hills to dry out -3 different holidays in 1 – got to fill in close season somehow !
Bv for a quick drink
Brth see you later.
Martin twas good meetin you and your good lady.
See you wednesday
Mea Culpa good to meet you J post again.
Smiling
Later Celts
HH
I heard the promo for Wednesdays tribute to the Lions. Sounds brilliant. I had lumps in my throat listening to the social history. Reminded me of my dad and that night in my native Belfast when the bhoys reached the pinnacle.
I was just 8 years of age. The joy of my dad and the neighbours was something I did not understand at the time but did later. Bonfire in the street yet no alcohol. Everyone had to work next day. Happiness abound.
I envy those going to Lisbon this week . Sounds beautiful. Hail Hail !!
Had a great wk in santa ponsa,got of the plane to find we were 2up:-)).watched the after match walk about on tv,absolutely brilliant feeling,and my dad didn’t keep his little bit of gold tinsel:-))tho he did renew my ST as a birthday present:-)).This how it feels to be CELTIC
And people are still falling for reggie-:(((((
The words ‘rat’ and ‘sinking ship’ immedialtely spring to mind …
http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/rangers/15302183.Rangers_director_John_Gilligan_steps_down_from_Ibrox_board/
Was he pushed or did he jump ?
JOHN GILLIGAN has decided to step down from the board of Rangers International Football Club Plc.
The Chairman, Dave King, stated: “After regime change, it was necessary to compile a board who recognised the magnitude of the challenge facing the club and who had the passion and commitment to drive the club’s agenda forward against the obstacles that faced us at that time.
“When I approached John to assist with the rebuilding exercise he unhesitatingly agreed to do so, despite the challenges this would demand of his time given his other extensive business, social and family commitments.
“After years of tireless effort, lobbying, and campaigning to turn Rangers’ fortunes around, John has taken the decision to step down knowing that much of what was required post regime change has already been achieved and that the outstanding requirements have been clearly identified by the board, who have the necessary action plans in place.
“John would now like to concentrate on business and family life, as well as simply being a fan again.”
John said: “I am proud to have played my part in helping the right people regain control of our fantastic club. It was a long struggle but words can never describe the joy and thrill of winning that critical EGM. That memory will remain with me forever.
“There is still much to do but I am confident that the board will not fail our supporters, whose never-ending loyalty drives our club forward, and I thank each and every one of you for the tremendous backing we have received. I am looking forward to returning to my place beside you every week.
“Finally, let me say it has been a privilege to serve this wonderful club and its supporters at boardroom level. It has been like living the dream and I am honoured to be able to say that I was deemed worthy to be a director of this Scottish institution and the greatest football club in the world.”
Dave King added: “John is one of the most passionate Rangers fans I have ever known. He brought a great deal to the boardroom table and was never slow to question decisions, or courses of action if he thought there were better options. John always put the interests of supporters first.
“On behalf of the entire board of directors and Rangers supporters everywhere, I would like to thank John for his unflinching support, wisdom and commitment. He is a true Rangers fan.”
Raymac 3.27
Sound post.:-)
HH
……….
Interesting Celtic PLC Ownership So Far ..
Figures are obviously approx, but close enough to emphsise the point ..
Season Ticket Holders have funded £500 Million = 0 % Voting Share ..
Lindsell Train £10 Million of ongoing Share Purchase = 15% Voting Share.
Celtic Season Ticket Supporters are not only the best in the world,
but also the most generous ..
To fund the PLC to the tune of £500 Million for 0 % Voting Share,
and no Supporter Board Representation,
vs Lindsell Train £10 Million only for 15 % Voting Share and
Boardroom Representation if they want it ..
It’s no wonder the PLC Board speak so highly of the Celtic Support ..
https://twitter.com/white_italy/status/866710850308059136
Starry thanks for the link to the goals.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wlSVL3kyQo
If you watch SS winner against Hearts in the first game of the season a Hearts “fan” tries to swing a punch at him as he ran behind the goal
Raymac
Just wanted to say – if I may – that your post from earlier today was pretty ‘invincible’ to coin a phrase. On so many levels…..
Celtic mirrors the movement for freedom in Ireland. A broad church, inevitably dominated historically numerically by our brothers and sisters of the Catholic Faith. But open to all who treasure justice and freedom.
That’s why I support Celtic.
JJ – treble please, best achieved via a truly unbeaten domestic season.
Yesterday was magic. It will get stronger. Mark my words. This is historic but this is but the first chapter in this story.
HH jamesgang
https://twitter.com/thecelticroom/status/866607024146141184
Tet 8.44
Unsound post
:-)
HH
AN TEARMANN on 22ND MAY 2017 8:23 PM
Bv for a quick drink
Brth see you later.
Martin twas good meetin you and your good lady.
See you wednesday
Mea Culpa good to meet you J post again.
Smiling
Later Celts
HH
The pleasure was ours, will see you all Wednesday and buy you all a drink;)
Off course I meant Thursday.
Gb
Fairhill Bhoy 8.39pm
Glad you had a good wee break in the ole Santa Pee, not sure if you caught my congratulations, but well done for your Thursday (?) podium:-)
No Ponsa for me this year, MissGFTB is seemingly fed up going to SP and wants to go to Blackpool ????? A total Hun venue, but hey ho
AT
Sorry :-)
HH
YORKBHOY
I thought Scott was very brave in his first game to join an elite group of Tims who had been outnumbered and gubbed down the Gorgie Road:))
AN TEARMANN on 22ND MAY 2017 8:23 PM
Bv for a quick drink
Brth see you later.
Martin twas good meetin you and your good lady.
See you wednesday
Mea Culpa good to meet you J post again.
Smiling
Later Celts
HH
____________________________________________________________________________
I think my partner Sheila had the pleasure of meeting you in the BV today, BRTH and his large holdall of Polo Shirts as well
HH
Coatbridge Paper Bhoy
Didn’t realise you were “home” I was half thinking of nipping into the BV today but I hate going into Glasgow when am not working, hope all is good ……
Jamesgang
Heh big fella.good to see you post.
Thats it.always learning always looking to improve and get a wee bit better as players, as wee units and as a team.proper Brendanite synergy.
Celtic
HH
One Malloy
It was indeed ;-)
Hope they fitted.
Hehe
Hail hail tae Shiela :-)
HH
TONTINE TIM @ 3:57
The SFA, the Scotland team and SEVEN Celts…
You will of course recall SEVEN Celtic players did play for Scotland against Russia in a friendly at Hampden on 11 May 1967 ! (losing 0-2)
Ronnie Simpson, Tommy Gemmell, Billy McNeill, John Clark, Jimmy Johnstone and Bobby Lennox all started and Willie Wallace came on for Denis Law.
We still had a one league game to play too (four days later).
AT
Hey (considerably) bigger fella!
Completely agree bud. Improvement across the team and club.
For example- Nonchalantly chips the onrushing hearts player…..great player though he is in his principal role….did you ever expect to read that about Craig Gordon?????
;-)
I spent my entire youth and 20s Keeping the Faith against then’ cheating. My laughter of joy will be my revenge brother.
HH jamesgang
AN TEARMANN on 22ND MAY 2017 9:13 PM
One Malloy
It was indeed ;-)
Hope they fitted.
Hehe
Hail hail tae Shiela :-)
HH
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Mines did thanks :))
Look forward to meeting you in Lisbon.
HH from Sheila
Back in hotel in Cascais after longish day out an about. Soon be The Day.