Celtic frittered away another two points at Kilmarnock this afternoon after a performance which ultimately showed depths of determination but was marked by shockingly bad organisation.
Kilmarnock’s opener in 25 minutes could not have been simpler. An 80 yard high ball was collected on the edge of the Celtic penalty area by Heffernan, who turned and picked out the onrushing Dean Sheils, who was initially being marked by Beram Kayal but the Israeli failed to match Sheils run, allowing the Killie player time to pick his spot and score.
The home team were encouraged by the opening goal and continued to press forward. Fraser Forster did well to turn over a blistering shot from Kelly which was destined for the top corner. Kilmarnock’s pressure was rewarded on 40 minutes when Kayal and James Forrest stood off a ball conceding possession. Sheils crossed for the offside Heffernan to score but the assistant referee didn’t flag so the goal stood.
Seconds before half time Charlie Mulgrew was short with a back pass and James Fowler chipped Forster to give Killie and three goal half time lead.
The first 28 minutes of the second half were miserable for Celtic as the team appeared resigned to a fate similar to the Celtic team which visited St Mirren Park in March 2010 but Anthony Stokes had other ideas. Stokes missed what was surely the worst chance of his career early in the first half when the scores were still level, and saw a good penalty claim denied on 71 minutes, but instead of hiding he stepped forward.
James Forrest, who also stood up to be counted throughout, ran at the Killie midfield and was fouled 25 yards out. Stokes struck the resultant free kick perfectly into the top left corner.
Two minutes later Stokes collected the ball from Ki 28 yards from goal in what seemed like a safe position but his swift turn and inch-perfect shot beat Jaakkola in the Kilmarnock goal.
Kilmarnock were now rattled and Celtic were level on 79 minutes. Daniel Majstorovic got on the end of a long free kick at the back post and squared for Charlie Mulgrew who headed home.
Having scored three times within seven minutes and with over 10 minutes of the game remaining the Celtic support had reason to feel confident their team could collect all the points but it was Kilmarnock would should have tied up the win in the final minutes when Heffernan found himself unmarked inside the Celtic six yard box but headed over, however, the home team will be happy to have collected their first point in four games.
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derbyshirebhoy @ 17.44
I always take your contributions very seriously as they are seriously good.
You are right about our erratic signing policy, but I think you are wrong to attribute the blame to the board. I doubt whether any manager in Britain has complete control over signing players any more, with the possible exceptions of Ferguson and Wenger.
Our signing policy has been erratic recently because of the changes of manager. It seems each new manager has to throw out the previous manager’s signings – e.g. Lenny not giving Hooiveld a proper chance.
I think the real problem is the structure of the club – we need a director of football to provide continuity when managers change. Unfortunately the CEO probably has to perform the director of football role, and he is not a football man. A good director of football might also have advised against Mowbray and Lenny, who were both appointed in response to “popular” sentiment by an under-pressure board.
Paul67
I don’t know how you can block some posts as it must be difficult screening all the opinions on here.
However will you please try and block, or better still ban anyone that uses Neil’s surname in a derogatory fashion. These people are either of the horrible persuasion or just lacking in decency if they are our own.
I have posted on a couple of occasions that Neil is not up to managing our club. I have never ever doubted his passion and love of our great club. It is just that I believe you cannot truly give the proper time and attention to detail that gets results, while you have your own illness and all the threats and violent abuse that comes his way in the sick sectarian country that is Scotland.
As for the idiots on here who favour a ban on attending games and buying merchadise, GTF is the only reply I am willing to give to that group.
James Forrest is Lennon says:
16 October, 2011 at 17:37
We all share a common goal.
I hope the recovery in your situation continues, tough times for all of us I am afraid.
James Forrest is Lennon says:
16 October, 2011 at 17:29
Cheers James. We’ll meet in God’s time, by that I mean when the best possible outcome will result.
emusanorphan says:
16 October, 2011 at 17:55
One of the best posts ever on CQN
I disagree entirely!
That is THEE best post I have ever read on CQN. EVER!
I had missed it earlier.
Thanks for reposting it.
And thank you Sandman.
emusanorphan says:
16 October, 2011 at 17:55
Thank you for posting Sandman Is Neil Lennon’s post. I was not on at all yesterday, excellent post…
I agree with just about all of it:
Hooper, Commons and Kayal heads are elsewhere in my opinion…Commons I think is attributed difference of opinion with NL, they other ideas above their station.
Glad Samaras was not there yesterday, too often the whipping Bhoy…there are far more than him who are deserving of that title.
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!
Auld Neil Lennon heid says:
I’m not sure what that means mate. If you’d rather not, then fair enough.
emusanorphan & Lennybhoy
I was really impressed with Stokes’s attitude yesterday. He’s had his fallings out with Lenny in the past, been dropped for games etc., and so may have had more reason than most to phone it in, but he didn’t. Instead, he fought for the team and the manager. He’ll do for me.
Just one caveat – people are being too harsh on Ki. He just isn’t a ‘get stuck right in’ player – doesn’t make him unfit for purpose. He needs the right players around him, and has easily been one of our best players this season.
The difficulty now is whether Lenny start his best XI on Thursday or focuses all his attention on the league – think the penny has finally dropped that most players can no longer maintain the required fitness levels if they play mid-week and weekend games.
I don’t enjoy winning as much as I used to, but the hurt at getting beat is still as strong.
Sorry. No matter how revered certain posters are on here, but that statement is just plain wrong.
So, I hate getting beat, but can’t get excited at winning?
I suggest another sport/team or should I maybe say ‘pastime’……???
derbyshirebhoy says:
16 October, 2011 at 17:47
I stayed out of that one having tackled their reporting of the referee’s strike. I took on the role of cheerleader without pom poms. I saw MWD post he has had what I call a holding reply. I congratulted him on his tenacity as I do you.
79caps says: 16 October, 2011 at 17:49
Still have concerns with Neil being the manager and understand your point about not changing managers midway through the league;
“We are stuck with this manager and this board till the end of the season. Changing now will only disrupt”
though that begs the question IF we do change managers at the end of the season then why on earth would the board sanction ANY spend in January?
notthebus
You asked BB where he heard his info.
He replied with
!!Bada Bing!! says:
16 October, 2011 at 16:10
From a coach who left last year, and probably still should be there.
Bleat away my friend, just don’t respond to me any more.
As I said you have a problem with what is staring you in the face.
I would wager you still don’t believe him though.
Apologise to you, I think not, have nothing to apologise for.
Are you Peter Lawwell ?
79caps
Incidentally how many of the first team would you keep?
Back later need to head out.
Livornobhoy
Forward line Scottish Cup Final, versus Rangers, May 1963.
Jimmy Johnstone, Bobby Murdoch, John Hughes, John Divers and Frank Brogan.
Not a dumpling amongst them!
Other Celtic players around before Big Jock came back;
Charlie Gallagher, Bobby Lennox and Stevie Chalmers!
You could have been unlucky of course, maybe Hughie Maxwell was playing on your first Celtic game!
up_over_goal says:
16 October, 2011 at 18:09
I agree with you on Ki,one of the things I don’t agree with Sandman…on.
Ki is a good footballer but perhaps the players around him do not allow him to express himself all the time. He is not a fighter but he does have good attributes. His talent may not be realised whilst he ia Celtic player, unfortunately.
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!
Emus…
I think you are spot on. Im not a big fan of Sammy but he doesnt hide. right now that is an essential ingredient.
Stokes deserves a mention not just for rescuing us on Sat. but for his general attitude. It strikes me that despite being dropped time and again for big games this guy has remained completely professional and give his all when he has the shirt. Well done Stokesy. You are made of the right stuff. i would now have you as first pick ahead of all the strikers.
When Izzy comes back I pray he will continue his excellent attitude. I believe he will as he is no prima donna.
So disappointed with the man who would be king. Kayal. Thanks for last season, shame you turned out to be just another glory hunter. Good luck at Wigan, Bolton, Norwich etc.
Play men who respect the jersey.
Mick @ 18.09 and 18.11
I am sure the board want Lenny to succeed and so will make money available if at all possible. We may have to sell to make that possible, but we have a big squad.
There’s really no point in saying which players we should keep and which ones we should move on. Everyone has their own ideas on this. Only Lenny’s count.
Last post should have been addressed to Emus and Sandman.
79caps says:
16 October, 2011 at 18:17
…Everyone has their own ideas on this. Only Lenny’s count.
Or depending who you believe, PL’s…(tongue in cheek remark in case you don’t get the simely thingy)…:)
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!
It pains me to say it, because I thought he had the potential to BE the Neil Lennon in our team, but Kayal looks so awfully like a guy who’s head’s not with us right now.
For me, he’s becoming part of the problem.
There’s some excellent reading on here today.
When Celtic are down and things are looking bad, I tend to become stronger in my love for our club, it’s the way I am and the way I was brought up and indeed brought up my two Celtic bhoys, Celtic supporters are defined in the moment of need and I’m with the Celtic support at CP, loud n proud, backing NL because if we don’t then we give them another 2/3 yrs breathing space, oh and I’m supporting yir mhan from Lurgan because it’s intrinsically the right thing for me, I have no choice…. I am Neil Lennon!
V
HH
Lennybhoy …Supporting Neil Lennon … @ 18.21
Yes, at this very moment the evil Lawwell is plotting how to sell our most valuable assets to boost his next bonus payment :)
Hail Hail
A very good piece from emusanorphan, no where near the best in my opinion. I did however agree with most of his post, well apart from Sammy and as for rubbishing and being totally disrespectful to Harry Brady and his plan,that was not necessary.
Harry was not the only one who proposed a membership scheme and I myself believe it should be done.
Vmhan @ 18.24
Well spoken. Lenny is making mistakes and it’s frustrating. His Samaras comment at the AGM was totally uncalled for.
However, Neil has risked his life for our club. As you say, we have no choice ….
I love Celtic football club!
Googybhoy, replied to ye, 3 from Blackpool…. I’m the designated driver grrrr. V
James Forrest is Lennon says:
16 October, 2011 at 18:08
I’m not going to be around for 6 to 8 weeks James, off to La Costa. I’ll be posting less as a result, but you’ll know when I’m back.
tractorbhoy says:
16 October, 2011 at 18:29
It will, lots of work being done.
Keep changing players and Managers and watch NOTHING CHANGE!
Right folks. We clearly know Celtics defence required major investment. Personally 2 CBs for me. Quality established CBs. Think it’s safe to assume we all think the same. Being rational about it who would you like to see in the hoops defence? i would pick st ledger maybe O’ Dea i think kelvin wilson would be better if he had a better partner than big dan because he is hard and he is fast but having big dan as a partner you need to do his job as well as yours sometimes
Kayal and Hooper were poor yesterday. Hooper was injured early doors and should have been hooked. I also wonder if Kayal was still carrying an injury and some resentment over the furore of his reporting for international duty.
These incidents are hopefully one offs and not more deep seated.
OptimismCSC
My dear,dear,dear,dear,friend.. Celtic Mac @ 18.15
Pal.. ye struck a Chord..
And it wiz a Sweet Wan!
Yep…those Players whom ye named,in yer last posting, wur the real McCoy.
And the Real McCoy is??
Scots Born and Bred.
And that ,Pal.. is where the Tale Hangs…
Celtic, hiv far too many.. Imported Players..
It is not their Fault if they canny quite meet up with
the High Expectations that we as Celtic Fans..
Fully Expect, fae a Celtic Player.
These Players ,in the Picture, are jist Hired Hauns..
and Because they are NOT COWBOYS..
They Dinnae “Ride Fur the Brand”…
in the totally Committed Fashion.. with which
a Scots Born and Bred Player… wid dae.
Bottum line..
Until.. we get some mair.. Scottish Born And Bred Players..who are
Born and Bred.. CELTIC FANS, as Well…
Our Team will never meet up with the High Standard
of Tenacity, and Team Spirit..which should be de Rigueur for Each Player’s Performance.
And this is a Fact..
Kojo
yer pal.. who likes ye , already.
Cultsbhoy
Apologies for my rudeness last night.
LivornoBhoy-stands by Neil Lennon says:
16 October, 2011 at 17:35
‘I was only a small boy but I can just about remember the period before Jock took over. We had possibly the worst team in our history with a forward line consisting of three puddings and a dumpling.’
Jock Stein signed only one of the Lions. The rest were already on the books when he took over.
When ‘world’ football not just the premiership and championship clubs feel the effect of the sky ruling and that rich vein of cash runs out will we then see the true catasphophy that is heading this way due to the world economic climate.
We THEN will thank our board and ex board members who financial expertise saw this train wreck coming and acted in the best interest of our club.
Many big footballing names will join the same footballing graveyard as third Lanark .
Banks would help footballing institutions but will now sacrifice them to save themselves!
Who knows what the future holds but at the moment it looks very very bleak.
Euro league anybody?
Auldheid
Glad to hear it.
THE EXILED TIM
Fortunately you are the exception on here.I seem to be able to debate the point with good manners with the majority of other posters who have made similar claims.if you dont/cant do that in a civil Celtic like way then that’s fine.
But point of order, Peter Grant wasn’t a coach at Celtic last year.
So i ask again, did you just make that up?