Since Ronny Deila became manager I’ve met a Norwegian journo a few times who has been keen to discuss our manager’s progress. One of the points he’s continually made is about Stefan Johansen, who he insists is known as a creative midfielder in Norway, someone who regularly makes defence-splitting passes.
Until recently, we’ve not seen this, Stefan has played as a box-to-box midfielder. Something changed against Hamilton Accies two weeks ago. Celtic were inept in many areas but Stefan seemed particularly exasperated at the lack of penetration. He ran and harried, pushed and prodded. It was as though the general malaise around him afforded him the authority to take control of the situation.
Late in the game against Accies he bent double with his hands on his knees, the outward sign of exhaustion anyone over 40 who’s played fives is familiar with, but which you seldom see from professionals, as it’s a sign your batteries are empty. When fans see this in a player the natural reaction is to berate him but Stefan’s knees deserved to be held, he’d put more effort in over the 90 minutes than anyone I’d seen all season.
Saturday’s performance from Celtic seemed to come from nowhere; suddenly we looked like a team. Stefan’s newly acquired authority, which I think he acquired two weeks earlier, goes some way towards explaining why.
I’m loving the love being shown to the glib and shameless one today, especially the accompanying commentary, “are you a fan who is staying away from Rangers matches?”, “this Rangers support is already dangerously close to a full-scale rebellion”. Framing the debate like this is an explicit call to Newco Rangers fans to ditch their hard-up club.
I would like to echo this sentiment. Go find another sport, or take up a higher education class instead.
That’s easy for me to say, I care nothing for Newco, but at least I’m being honest about it. There are those prepared to drive the club into the Clyde in their attempts to grab control on the cheap – i.e. instead of buying shares on the open market.
Good luck to them. I’m sure Mike Ashley and the Easdales will be easily bullied.
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Ha Ha! (to Hrvatski Jim) and many thanks to all you Bhoys for congratulating our daughter. I will certainly pass it on. It really makes a difference to be able to share good news with the Celtic Family.
Hail Hail
Sftb @ 2.02
Yes I think we could play VVD in that role. He could a toure or rijkard waiting to happen.
Or denayer? An Essien waiting to happen?
In truth, and it hurts me to say it about a Tim, I prefer that than risk Charlie M’s complete lack of pace being exposed in Europe.
HH jamesgang
PS silly question. Do our guys do sprint training. Allan Wells’ wife apparently worked wonders with one of the big London rugby teams. Completely honed their running styles. A faster mulgrew. A less frequently injured Jamesie?
weeminger,
Hamilton, etc…
We have weakened our team continually since the death of the huns, I’m sure you’ll agree on that?
The question is why?
Is our focus just on an old firm battle?
Mibees, if so, at least be honest about it.
We sell our best players to quantify the accounts, the stands are emptying due to this policy…who is a accountable?
jamesgang
14:04 on 20 October, 2014
davidopoulos
geordie munro
Wee munger
Weeminger. A thousand apols. Fat fingers thick head on my part!!!
HH jamesgang
Morning bhoys, just wanted to pop in and say thanks for the thought and prayers while my wee island home went through the trial of Hurricane Gonzalo at the weekend. I’ve been through my fair share of storms since i’ve been here, but i’m not afraid to admit that parts of this storm had be genuinley scared, the howling wind was unbelievable and made a roar that i’ll not soon forget, also being in the eye of the storm was a bizarre experience, total chaos to total calm in the space of 5 minutes.
Thanksfully the island has made it through surprisingly well, 95% of the island lost power and there was some significant structural and infrastructure damage, but thankfully no fatalities or serious injuries.
I believe the big bugger is heading towards Scotland in the next couple of days so I hope its not too bad when it hits the motherland.
Thanks again for keeping us in your thoughts.
jamesgang
Did we not have a French fitness coach a few years ago who turned McGeady into a better runner? Something to do with conditioning the fast twitch muscle fiber?
Guys, just found out that I’m in Blackpool on Thursday – does anyone know of any decent pubs that will be showing the game ?
Cheers
RP
mctall
I’m glad you’re safe and that the prayers were answered.
HH jamesgang
Gerrybhoy
Great news for the whole family…
The winning athlete needs a good backroom team.
McTall
Good news indeed!
Weather forecast here is gale force winds, gusting to 60/70 mph over the next day or so.
Will keep you posted.
Rpmurphy
Vmhan is yet man . look out for him on the blog.
I’ll text him but think he is driving back down south.
Albert kidd,
I think the league start coulda been much better. That much is obvious.
But we will still win the league and are still in 3 cups midway through October. This hasn’t always been the case.
Philbhoy
If you want any help with this lovely tipple, just invite your humble round to yours.
I would be only too glad to help you with a wee swally or two.
Seriously, drink Aldi’s own malt when with plebs and keep this delectable malt for that special occasion!
Oh, by the way, when you’re finished just empty a bottle of Highland Park into the empty Glenfiddich bottle and no one will be any the wiser!
Hail! Hail!
Terrymac
Thanks BT
davidopoulos
As ever you’re correct.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/celtic/5002275/Scott-McDonald-believes-Celtic-fitness-guru-helped-outmuscle-Rangers-in-cup-final.html
HH jamesgang
Philbhoy, it’s a very nice dram. I had a bottle myself and would buy more. Glenfiddich spend a lot of time and effort with this one fannying about with different casks and vats. It’s worth it.
If you want a second opinion, send it to me as my memory of it is a bit sketchy now:-)
HH
Geordie at 13.54
Irony?
You must have missed the clown earlier complaining of foul mouthed apologists
From STV
Celtic goalkeeper Lukasz Zaluska has been attacked in the street by a fellow Scottish Premiership player while on a night out.
Zaluska, 32, was assaulted by a player, who cannot be named for legal reasons, while out in the west end of Glasgow on Monday.
Police were called to the scene of the attack in Ashton Lane in the early hours of Monday morning.
The extent of the Celtic goalie’s injuries are not fully known, however he suffered a head injury and blood loss.
Two other Premiership players were also present at the scene and were spoken to by police.
However, it is not yet known the full extent of their involvement in the incident.
It is understood the Celtic number two was out with his partner when the attack took place.
He was approached by the player while making his way to a taxi in the city’s Ashton Lane.
Police say they have now launched an investigation into the incident and are examining CCTV for evidence.
A statement from Police Scotland said: “Police Scotland are investigating a report of an alleged assault on a 32-year-old male in Ashton Lane, in the west end of Glasgow, in the early hours of Monday morning.
“Police inquiries are ongoing, including the monitoring of CCTV.”
Celtic were unavailable for comment.
jamesgang
Back of the net.
Geordie Munro,
Fair point.
Time will tell wether RD is the man for us or not.
On another note, looking for some help from any London based Celts…
In Chatham for work on Thursday so looking for a good pub to watch the game, any suggestions?
Gerrybhoy, congratulations to your daughter on her achievement.
HH Bruv
Clink,
The poster must be on my scroll list;)
And you thought we had it bad sometimes…..
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/international/australia/11171698/The-fallout-from-Ewen-McKenzies-resignation-as-head-coach-of-Australia-will-leave-a-lasting-and-profound-scar.html
Hope to goodness lawwellsacountant isn’t a wallabies fan!
HH jamesgang
TBB.
What a shocking incident. I really thought we had seen the last of that when deidco emerged, as it where.
Await developments with interest.
And of course, all the best of Lukasz.
To Lukasz.
Liam Brady played 116 won 66 lost 24 drawn 26
John Barnes(spl) played 29 won 19 lost 8 drawn 2
Tony Mowbray (all) played 45 won 23 lost13 drawn 9
Lou Macari (all) played25 won 8 lost 7 drawn 10
Ronny Delia played 17 won9 lost 4 drawn4
One of the above is a genius who needed more time……………….not like the others who were just eejits
sipsini
14:14 on
20 October, 2014
Ok the figures suggest were 10k season tickets down. That’s roughly £5M. What level of player do you think would bring all of those back? I’d hazard a guess that it’s going to be somebody costing more than we’d make having won those ST holders back – at best we might break even on the deal. I guess the question is, is it worth it?
On the face of it I’d say yes, but everything about the way the board operates is risk averse, so they won’t do it.
However I also don’t think we need big names on the pitch. I think if we could win things with decent attractive football we’d get the crowds back, then we can look at gilding the team with some stars. It’s that cheaper model I think we’re aiming for.
You cannot dismiss how poor our tv deal is, even compared to European leagues from similar sized countries. The Norwegian tv deal for example is nearly 3 times what ours is.
I haven’t checked but I’d be surprised if there are many comparable leagues in Europe where tv makes up such a small proportion of the income. That money, that you can depend on without ‘working’ for it makes a massive difference.
Good Afternoon All.
Some will know that my mother took a fall after attempting a triple toe loop and a double axel last week and as a result managed to break her shoulder, upper arm and three ribs whilst almost knocking herself out completely.
I had to get the Police to burst in her door so that the ambulance guys could get to her.
Anyway, the week before we had all been at a family wedding which lead to a great story involving a Celtic legend and hopefully I will get the time to post it up later– maybe tonight or tomorrow between hospital visits!
I do like a good story.
On that front please take a look at the cqnbookstore.com page where we have some special offers on Celtic books for those who fancy them.
You will also be able to pre order a personally signed copy of Caesar and the Assassin the new book by Billy McNeill and Davie Hay about managing Celtic after Jock Stein.
This book covers the period 1978, all the way through the 80’s to the early 90’s.
It gives a great insight into the games and the challenges that these two legends faced as manager – and some of the personalities they managed and would have liked to have managed.
We are going to get Davie Hay on to the blog – and possibly Billy too — and we just may have one or two other surprises lined up for the coming weeks.
However, there will only be a limited number of signed copies so if you want one with a special dedication for a father, brother, sister, son, daughter and not forgetting wives, mothers, husbands, lovers, in laws, favourite neighbour, friend, traffic warden, holiday rep, parish priest, minister, rabbi, guru or whatever — get in quick with your dedications.
All purchases are made through the bookstore page but the dedications can be e-mailed and we will marry them up.
e-mail myself or WC — editor@cqnmagazine.com or david@cqnmagazine.com
Right off out to see the mother at the hospital in the Drum.
As I said yesterday — remember Gerry Conlon and Carole Richardson.
Their lives were stolen from them.
BRTH
Terrymac and ACGR
It is packaged in a fancy box and looks to good to touch at the moment, but 1st November, don’t expect to see too much of me!
STV has learned that Celtic ‘keeper Lukas Zaluska was attacked by a Premiership player while on a night out http://t.co/fW4i4Xj3op #celtic
BRTH
You’re just aff yer heid.
Bisous (got that from the ghirls)
The Battered Bunnet
a very worrying post I sincerely hope Players dont feel they are unable walk the streets of Glasgow . we will never attract any quality then.
Hope Zaluska is ok
HH
SuperSutton 14:32 on 20 October, 2014
TBB.
What a shocking incident. I really thought we had seen the last of that when deidco emerged, as it where.
Await developments with interest.
And of course, all the best of Lukasz.
—-
Only a matter of time before some eejit suggests he shouldn’t have been out or that he brought it on himself … or that he was a friend of Neil Lennon and Artur Boruc.
Troublemaker.
Hope the boy is not too badly hurt. Almost certain his assailant will be captured.
Terry mac
I had a wee insight into William grants last month … Looking at the 8 bottling lines I asked the guy what they were all bottling
I was very surprised when he told me their newest plant was bottling Aldi malt . He explained it was the cheapest of glass and other packaging but a decent product inside .
Why would the name of the attacker need to be protected for legal reasons. ?
Who is paying to keep it out the media ?
Name him
Hail Hail
“Almost certain his assailant will be captured.”
Steinreigned,
They already have him.
Cowiebhoy,
Mibby a team mate :o
TBJ
Hope you told them you are Goan to Goa shortly :-)
Hail Hail
Ps, any surprises for me getting back We’d ?