Football is often about the margins. Virgil van Dijk’s header, when Celtic were 0-1 up away to Maribor, beat the keeper and defence, but struck Stefan Johansen on the line. A year later, with Celtic 2-0 and rocking Malmo to their core, Stefan came close to putting us 3-0 and clear, but both Champions League playoff ties turned and a chapter in our history changed.
Trailing 1-0, yesterday’s tie against Astana could have tipped out of control but sublime play by both Patrick Roberts and Leigh Griffiths turned the game on its head. It was a ballsy play. Patrick wouldn’t give up, Leigh used all of his experience to despatch the ball into the net from the edge of the box. It went exactly as I predicted in yesterday’s blog, “A great deal of responsibility will lie with Leigh Griffiths. He’ll have space to receive the ball from Roberts”. Astana were stunned.
Not so stunned they think they’re out of it, in fact, after the game their manager and players were talking about winning at Celtic Park. See Maribor, above, if you think that’s not credible. They reckon the tie is “50/50”. None of them were impressed by Celtic, the sentiment it they let us off the hook. We will have work to do next week.
Kolo, is there anything you can do to sort us out at corner kicks? Eoghan O’Connell lost his man, but we lose too many goals from corners inside the six yard box, or on the line, for me to ask no questions of Craig Gordon. Is his starting position right? Maybe if he started a pace off his line he’d get a fist on a corner before the striker. It feels like there’s more going wrong than just the defenders losing their men. If a goalkeeper comes for a ball in his six yard box but doesn’t get it, he’s responsible.
Irony is finished.
Care to guess which club issued this statement after the Scottish Cup final two months ago?
“Any attempts to attach blame to our supporters for the disgraceful and violent behaviour will not be accepted or tolerated by this club”.
Yesterday, the same club, Newco, not only accepted and tolerated those same supporters being blamed, they led the charge by banning them indefinitely and telling them they would lose their season ticket for the coming season without a refund!
“Any club’s supporters would have done the same”
Here’s the thing, after the cup final, Newco’s statement not only tolerated fans’ behaviour they made unprecedented attempts to justify it:
“We acknowledge that a tiny minority of Rangers fans also encroached on the pitch but only after having been faced with prolonged and severe provocation and in order to protect our players and officials who were being visibly attacked in front of them. Any club’s supporters would have done the same”.
If Celtic did this we would be mocked on every front page for a week. Unfortunately, Scotland does not have appropriate oversight in any walk of life, or the post-final reporting and political reaction would have been entirely different.
Thanks to all who are involved in the eBay auction for this incredible prize:
Courtesy of Celtic sponsor, Intelligent Car Leasing, we have an outstanding auction prize, as the centrepiece of our summer good causes. For the Kilmarnock game at Celtic Park, on 24 September 2016, you can win:
2 seats in the directors’ box
Champagne reception
5 course meal in the Walfrid Suite
Fully expenses bar (pre and post-match)
Half time snacks and refreshments
Car Parking
And a match programme.
The auction is open for only ONE MORE DAY. This is a fabulous opportunity to indulge yourself in some high living while watching Celtic and contributing towards the construction of a school kitchen in Malawi for Mary’s Meals. You can get involved here.
Thanks again to Intelligent Car Leasing.
536 Comments- Pages:
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DAVIDOPOULOS
After his performances last season,and given his c£180k pw contract,I think he might opt to “stay and fight for my place”
For the remaining two years of his contract anyway.
Good one Tony Donnelly. 60,000 bhoys standing behind Effe will do his confidence a shot, give him another chance troops, find another escaped goat. The big fella gets us, and he has quality no doubt about it. Cut out the big time mistakes and he will be gold. Mon Effe Ambrose.
And the cry was 12 defenders
Lustig (keep), Efe (sell), Erik (keep), Simo (keep), O’Connell (loan), Janko (keep), McCart (loan) Toure (keep), Ralston (loan), Fisher (sell), Izzy (sell) and KT. (keep)….
Buy a left back.
7 into 4……
DAVIDOPOULOS on 29TH JULY 2016 10:21 AM
Apparently Bastian Schweinsteiger is heading for the exit at Man Utd. Surely Sevco bound
######
Dont say that mate Awe they stoopid Zombies will be stamping their way to the bookies trying to get their money back from yesterday:-)
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS
I’m actually surprised Jose doesn’t think he can use Schweiny. I think the guy is excellent.
50 shades of green
I personally have stopped taking bets on this transfer. If that doesn’t tell you how solid this link is then I don’t know what does.
DAVIDOPOULOS
Just reading an in-depth 4-4-2 article on Mourinho at the moment.
I think his problem with Schweinsteiger is likely to be with his injury problems rather than ability.
Jose needs a core to his teams. Canny do that wi fragile players.
Excited about Wednesday. Biggest game of the season for the hoops. 60,000 Tims showing that Glasgow is green and white. Hunbelievable that the daily Rangers were trying to pin an undefended cross prior to a corner on Effe shows that they must read CQN as well. Hail hail
They don’t just read CQN, you kidding me? They post in here daily, I would mention names, but that’s not the point, they know who they are, and some in here swallow it to, be vigilant at all times in here, level 5s little helpers are everywhere, along with the lurking Huns so! GIRFUYs
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS
That’s a fair point. Mourinho’s Man Utd will be built around machines….and will be mind numbingly boring to watch…
https://twitter.com/tedermeatballs/status/758947810368565248
SFM @TheSFMonitor 2m2 minutes ago
Donald Findlay appearing for Craig Whyte at the High Court this morning. #newBrief
Looks like the story which never stops giving, takes another entertaining twist
Our hero got himself a new brief of the staunch persuasion………………….hilarious
DAVIDOPOULOS
Re that article,when Benitez was appointed Real Madrid boss-having also had some success at Chelsea-his wife said-We clean up Mourinho’s messes.
Jose response was
She should focus a lot more on Rafa’s diet.
I remember how frustrated,angry,cheated I felt in 2003,but I’ve always admired him as a boss. Same wi,say,Fergie. Even at Aberdeen.
Though my big pal and I got pelters for supporting Real in ’83-you can admire someone without liking them,and still hoping they fall on their petted lip.
Today`s golf day and thoughts of Martin.
Celticlover.
PETEC on 29TH JULY 2016 9:37 AM
Hyperinflation is just around the corner.
As prior to 2008 the smart advice is to stay out of Debt.
Gold might seem dear, is it really?
Helicopter…….
———————————————————————————————
Staying out of debt is usually good advice. Borrowing money has never been so cheap as it is now. As for buying gold – those who bought at peak in 1980 had to wait almost 30 years to get back to where they started. No investment is risk free.
2018 a New system?
Matthew Leslie Retweeted Herald Scotland
I’ll link Hearts with Messi. Codswallop of course but hey…”at least we’re being linked…”Matthew Leslie added,
Herald Scotland @heraldscotland
Neil Cameron: Robin van Persie rumour was ridiculous but at least Rangers are back to being linked with such players
http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/14649682.Neil_Cameron__Robin_van_Persie_rumour_was_ridiculous_but_at_least_Rangers_are_back_to_being_linked_with_such_players/ …
No wonder SMSM Scottish sports journos are mocked, derided and laughed at………….Neil Cameron deary me ? BTW Neil Celtic playing against real superstars this Weekend if you looking for a real story
NATKNOW
No investment is risk-free? That’s absolutely rubbish,pal. And you know it.
Just the other day,RVP was 10/1 to sign for The Rangers. Before you know it,3/1 then 6/4.
The bookies ran for cover,suspended betting at 4/6.
Now that’s risk-free. A month’s wages on at the start,I’ve got nearly a years-worth to look forward to.
Canny wait to spend it.
I’m a bit surprised at the lack of exits so far in the transfer window. It’s probably the cheapest way BR can improve the squad. I’d expect 10 or so between this and Jan window to be punted. By 10 I mean ten wage stealers that we know about rather than young kids who haven’t quite broken through. I also don’t mean Tierney or Griffiths.
BR hopefully assessing players against his own system but be good to see departures to make space and finance available for quality players.
I’d take 10 out and 3 in if they are Centre half, mid and forward.
If we lose on Wednesday we can predict with a high degree of certainty it will be through neglect of the central defensive position.
If we go through – Griffiths has again proven his worth.
It’s 50-50. It shouldn’t be but it is.
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS
you can admire someone without liking them,and still hoping they fall on their petted lip.
———————————————————–
Nary a truer word said.
CULTSBHOY
Agreed in principle. Few of them left in football,especially re out-of-favour players.
See my comment at the top of the page,for example.
Players are contracted,thus due
IMO,certain players attitude to a contract is-Cheers,gimme a call when the next one’s due.
Viduka for example. Fat lazy supremely-gifted multi-millionaire.
Heyho…
I’m in conspiracy theorist mode this week. Did David Murray have a hand in persuading his acquaintance Donald Findlay to represent Craig Whyte to limit the amount of dirty linen needing to be aired in a court case????
I base this on theory on nothing.
DAVIDOPOULOS
Don’t say nary to me,please. I was walking behind the goal at The Celtic End when his goal cost us the league.
On my way from The Jungle to The Gallowgate for a few celebratory jars,a win at Ibrox on the Saturday being,well,just another Saturday.
I’m sure that shot hit me in the stomach.
DAVIDOPOULOS on 29TH JULY 2016 11:10 AM
I’m in conspiracy theorist mode this week. Did David Murray have a hand in persuading his acquaintance Donald Findlay to represent Craig Whyte to limit the amount of dirty linen needing to be aired in a court case????
I base this on theory on nothing.
I had the same thought, although mine was based on secret recordings and files that our hero possess which could damage ole Sir Minty if our hero revealed in court…….ergo was Donald sent in to control our hero’s defense strategy by controlling what is revealed in court ?
Or Donald and selected judge will do something related with goats and give an Edinburgh establishment verdict which suits all parties
I can’t believe so many people are dowsing their drawers over Messi’s comments. It’s not like he’s going to say “I came back from my holidays for this? What a waste of time.”
Afternoon Timland, it’s as hot as in the hun free mountain valley
Davidopoulos
I will wager every last cent I have that Craig White won’t be paying for DF’s services, so I reckon you have hit the nail bang on re minty.
They have the outcome that was required, dumping over £100 million and getting away with it, is no mean feat, and sending CW to jail might cause his throat to clear, best for all concerned he is let off and sent on his merry way, what’s needed now is for everyone to move along, nothing to see here.
HH
I’m fine with my £12 seat thank you very but some may be interested?
http://www.celticfc.net/news/10962
THE EXILED TIM
our hero (Craigie Bhoy) knows where the body’s are, he’ll be well represented, of that I have no doubt.
LIONROARS67, 10:57 AM
It’s an incredible thing to say but betrays how desperate they are to get back to the safety of Moonbeams and Floating Pitch delusions, the same ones that allowed the (IL) to appear after the Dead Team’s name
Thankfully, due to the seeding process, we cannot draw the Huns in the draw for the second round of the BetfredCup which takes place on Sunday afternoon after the Arabs v Pars game, .
The 4 Euro teams plus the 4 best section winners will be seeded (includes the Huns), while the remaining 4 group winners plus the 4 best runners up will be unseeded.
The Round 2 game will be played 9/10the August midweek between the Jambos and Inter Milan games.
Designed to keep Murrays name and reputation to a minimum in court
TD67
Yip, it’s edinburgh after all, a city where our manager is assaulted live on TV, where the bloke who assaulted him admits his guilt and still gets away with it.
So to expect justice when it’s thems that are involved, it’s just not gonna happen.
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS
I am sorry to have dredged up such traumatising memories for you.
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised by the Bobby Murdoch’s Curled-up Winklepickers – David Narey story then please contact 0800 ….
O.G.RAFFERTY on 29TH JULY 2016 11:26 AM
LIONROARS67, 10:57 AM
It’s an incredible thing to say but betrays how desperate they are to get back to the safety of Moonbeams and Floating Pitch delusions, the same ones that allowed the (IL) to appear after the Dead Team’s name
There relentless stupidity in publishing every Level 5 guff piece has destroyed the integrity and reliabilty of the sporting section of the SMSM for a generation……not even anyone of note who could tie Hugh McIlvanney shoe laces
THE EXILED TIM on 29TH JULY 2016 11:23 AM
Afternoon Timland, it’s as hot as in the hun free mountain valley
Davidopoulos
I will wager every last cent I have that Craig White won’t be paying for DF’s services, so I reckon you have hit the nail bang on re minty.
They have the outcome that was required, dumping over £100 million and getting away with it, is no mean feat, and sending CW to jail might cause his throat to clear, best for all concerned he is let off and sent on his merry way, what’s needed now is for everyone to move along, nothing to see here.
HH
Unless of course Lee Wallace grasses um? :))
lionroars67 & THE EXILED TIM
Even a broken clock can be right twice a day :)
Are Donald Findlay and Murray still on good terms?
Published on Jul 24, 2016
The Asterisk Years- The Edinburgh Establishment V Celtic.
*****Removed for copyright reasons
If you have 40 mins to spare worth a watch………………………..
aff oot enjoy your day celts
CultsBhoy – sees right through Lawwell and the Board
I’m sure they still shake hands every now and then…
new article posted.