Losing players on your own terms

894

A quick straw poll suggests we’re happy with £2m for Adam Matthews, although Sunderland will be happier, having signed what is likely to be a first team player for what is a bargain fee in the English league.  For Celtic, the player had only a year left on his contract, and was not first choice when Mikael Lustig was available.  On other occasions we would struggle to get £500k.

A few factors supported Adam’s marketability and price.  He is part of a successful Wales team who are likely to reach Euro 2016.  Scouts from all over Europe watch Wales and it’s unlikely you’d be able to sign any of that team for less than £2m.

There’s also the Joe Ledley and Victor Wanyama effect.  Joe and Victor were Celtic contemporaries of Adam and both are solid performers for EPL clubs.  Don’t even ask me about what’s going on with Daryl Murphy at the moment, as it beats any rational explanation I can come up with.

Having 20 hugely wealthy neighbours comes with lots of problems, but if we are going to lose players to England, it’s better to lose them on our own terms – when we are in a position to start a fresh building process, than have events overtake us, as appears to be happening at Tannadice this year.

Enjoy events this afternoon at New St Mirren Celtic Park.

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894 Comments

  1. JimmyQuinnsBits on

    There are emblems, revolutions, great rallying calls, and there is John the Boatman

     

     

    No More Songs

     

    Joe Heaney

     

     

    I will sing no more songs: the pride of my country I sang

     

    Through forty long years of good rhyme, without any avail;

     

    And no one cared even as much as the half of a hang

     

    For the song or the singer, so here is an end to the tale.

     

     

    If a person should think I complain and have not got the cause,

     

    Let him bring his eyes here and take a good look at my hand,

     

    Let him say if a goose-quill has calloused this poor pair of paws

     

    Or the spade that I grip on and dig with out there in the land?

     

     

    When the great ones were safe and renowned and were rooted and tough,

     

    Though my mind went to them and took joy in the fortune of those,

     

    And pride in their pride and their fame, they gave little enough,

     

    Not as much as two boots for my feet, or an old suit of clothes.

     

     

    I ask a Craftsman that fashioned the fly and the bird,

     

    Of the Champion whose passion will lift me from death in a time,

     

    Of the Spirit that melts icy hearts with the wind of a word,

     

    That my people be worthy, and get, better singing than mine.

     

     

    I had hoped to live decent, when Ireland was quit of her care,

     

    As a bailiff or steward perhaps in a house of degree,

     

    But my end of the tale is, old brogues and old britches to wear,

     

    So I’ll sing no more songs for the men that care nothing for

  2. Richie #TeamOscarForever on

    HT

     

     

    Well seeing it’s no’ a school night….oh wait, there are none for ages :-)

  3. Richie

     

     

    Every day’s a school day but only some of them take place in a classroom :-)

  4. JimmyQuinnsBits on

    Imagine a big black merican wummin sassin this out, and if that sounds racist, you’ve got the problem

     

     

    You may write me down in history

     

    With your bitter, twisted lies,

     

    You may trod me in the very dirt

     

    But still, like dust, I’ll rise.

     

     

    Does my sassiness upset you?

     

    Why are you beset with gloom?

     

    ‘Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells

     

    Pumping in my living room.

     

     

    Just like moons and like suns,

     

    With the certainty of tides,

     

    Just like hopes springing high,

     

    Still I’ll rise.

     

     

    Did you want to see me broken?

     

    Bowed head and lowered eyes?

     

    Shoulders falling down like teardrops.

     

    Weakened by my soulful cries.

     

     

    Does my haughtiness offend you?

     

    Don’t you take it awful hard

     

    ‘Cause I laugh like I’ve got gold mines

     

    Diggin’ in my own back yard.

     

     

    You may shoot me with your words,

     

    You may cut me with your eyes,

     

    You may kill me with your hatefulness,

     

    But still, like air, I’ll rise.

     

     

    Does my sexiness upset you?

     

    Does it come as a surprise

     

    That I dance like I’ve got diamonds

     

    At the meeting of my thighs?

     

     

    Out of the huts of history’s shame

     

    I rise

     

    Up from a past that’s rooted in pain

     

    I rise

     

    I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide,

     

    Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.

     

    Leaving behind nights of terror and fear

     

    I rise

     

    Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear

     

    I rise

     

    Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,

     

    I am the dream and the hope of the slave.

     

    I rise

     

    I rise

     

    I rise.

     

     

    Maya Angelou

  5. macjay1 for Neil Lennon on

    Hamiltontim

     

    02:09 on

     

    5 July, 2015

     

    Macjay

     

     

    I didn’t get back to you but I noted your reply about not criticising any particular group. You chose to describe the Celtic supporters who sing Irish songs at games as parasites.

     

    ———————————————————————————————————————

     

    I can`t quite remember the context in which i used the word parasite.

     

    In fact I think some posts have been removed.

     

    O.K. I`ll take your point.

     

    That is a harsh word to use about my fellow Celtic supporters,but in fact I`m more concerned about the leaders of the band rather than the choir.

     

     

    Why can`t they move on?

     

    It would appear that Ireland has.

     

    Irish connection.No problem.

     

    I.R.A. connection profoundly counter to the interests of Celtic.

     

     

    Incidentally,the context was in response to a post about the recent terrorist attack in Tunisia.

  6. Macjay

     

     

    One of Paul’s words, obfuscation.

     

     

    You described Celtic supporters as parasites because they sing Irish Rebel songs at the football. I’ve provided a link of ‘us’ singing RoH at Ibrox. Would you describe those singing it as ‘parasites’?

  7. macjay1 for Neil Lennon on

    Hamiltontim

     

    02:32 on

     

    5 July, 2015

     

    Macjay

     

     

    Obfuscation?

     

    Did you read this?

     

     

    “That is a harsh word to use about my fellow Celtic supporters,but in fact I`m more concerned about the leaders of the band rather than the choir.”

     

     

     

    You seem to be more interested in me than Celtic .

     

    Why is that?

  8. Rascar Capac on

    Jimmy

     

     

    I buried my wee mum Bridie this week.

     

     

    For a really sad thing, it went as well as it possibly could.

     

     

    The finest person I have ever met.

     

     

    We carried her out of St Maggies to The Lord Of The Dance, as she always insisted we would.

     

     

    The wee girl who knew all the poems.

  9. macjay1 for Neil Lennon on

    Rascar

     

     

    Deepest sympathy.

     

     

    I`m tempted to post your party piece ……………..Loch Tay,

     

    but perhaps not the moment.

     

    God Bless.

  10. JimmyQuinnsBits on

    Rasc,

     

     

    I was just loggin off… Thank whatever I caught that

     

     

    I’m truly sorry for your loss

     

     

    I don’t really know what to say

     

     

    Here’s the thing, I lost my mum a year ago… Dementia and other stuff

     

     

    I’m not writing this for a sympathy thing, only to say that you’ll think about her every day, and thats the riches.

     

     

    Mine was mischief wrapped up in devilment, all displayed in the dancing she loved.

     

     

    Kick off the shoes Rena

     

     

    Rasc, I hope you get comfort from the memories, it’s what we should all make

     

     

    HH and peace brother

  11. macjay1 for neil lennon

     

     

    01:42 on 5 July, 2015

     

     

    Teuchter ár lá

     

    01:23 on

     

    5 July, 2015

     

     

    Is the relationship between Agent Orange and birth defects proven?

     

     

    The regime which took over has it`s own catalogue of crimes,as I`m sure you know.

     

    ===============================================================

     

    Agent orange (among a host of other chemicals ) – related? Who knows, The Vietnamese people say so and what I saw formed my opinion on what I believe to be factual.

     

    I do not dispute that there was evil on all sides, my concern was for the innocents – the smiling ones.

     

    I support the view that anyone who rises above the politics and strives for peace and reconciliation are to be commended, even if they have so much reason for revenge and for the atrocities commited against them.

     

    They are still smiling.

     

    JQB

     

    In my experience, and travels – I have found that the world is full of good people and often in the most impoverished places, and still they smile. Maybe if they growled at their own leaders once in a while ………..if only.

  12. Rascar Capac on

    Jimmy

     

     

    There is no tragedy here, just something that happened.

     

     

    An old lady surrounded by her family singing to her in a beautiful new hospital.

     

     

    Sadness and epic tiredness, even alcohol could not conquer our thoughts.

     

     

    But it’s life, and Bridie had a great one.

  13. The hand of God on

    Macjay…early on Saturday morning Scottish time you seemed to suggest that the name i post under contradicted the point i was making about the obsession on this sight about religion.This is not the case unless you are a member of course of the church of Maradona.

  14. The hand of God on

    Raspar…losing your Mum hits you hard but her memory will live on with you and your family for many years to come.

  15. macjay1 for Neil Lennon on

    The hand of God

     

    03:26 on

     

    5 July, 2015

     

    Macjay…early on Saturday morning Scottish time you seemed to suggest that the name i post under contradicted the point i was making about the obsession on this sight about religion.This is not the case unless you are a member of course of the church of Maradona.

     

    ————————————————————————————————————————

     

    O.K.

     

    Just my lousy attempt at humour.

     

    :-)

  16. The hand of God on

    Macjay….thank you for responding.For what it is worth i cringe when Celtic fans belt out IRA songs at football grounds in Scotland.Doing so gives the press and rival fans a big stick to hit us with.As i have stated before i am not saying that some of the songs sung offend me in any way whatsoever but i prefer to stick to songs which relate to our club.

  17. 16 roads - Celtic über alles... on

    Rascar Capac – Can always remember yerself and the likes of FFM and the rest of moonhowlers – nothing contrived, all just shootin’ the breeze about this that t’other.

     

     

    A wee candle now being lit in memory for your dear Ma, for what it’s worth.

     

     

    HH.

  18. macjay1 for Neil Lennon on

    The hand of God

     

    03:45 on

     

    5 July, 2015

     

     

    Mate.

     

    You`re not the only one.

     

    Careful though,pal.

     

    The standard response is to shoot the messenger,which is often performed in packs.

  19. Taurangabhoy on

    rascar capac sorry to hear about the loss of your dear mother, may she rest in peace and stay in your heart. Take care of yourself and your family.

  20. 16 roads – Celtic über alles…

     

     

    04:15 on 5 July, 2015

     

     

    Celtic always played the football – naturals such as McStay and Lubomir, but what about this genuis: (Falkirk goal not included)

     

     

    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=48RqQqj9L5I

     

     

    HH.

     

    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

     

     

    They all pass through Parkhead gates, well most of them. The truly Greats of the Beautiful game. The Celtic Support got to see that Genius, not many will, unfortunately, that clip said World Class.

     

     

    Offski for sleep, Hail Hail the brave Rascar and thoughts with him and his crew.

     

     

    16R, cheers for the link, it is a belter.

  21. macjay1 for Neil Lennon on

    16

     

     

    When you see that ,it`s hard to understand why he couldn`t be accommodated.

     

    Were his moments of genius too few and far between?

     

     

    I remember the watchword of the `70s in England was ” work rate.”

     

    Not flair,talent,skill.

     

    What a concept for entertainment.Work rate.

  22. Rascar,

     

    I am sorry to hear of your loss. Mammies are special. We only get one.

     

    Thoughts and parers for you and yours.

     

    Ronnie

  23. 16 roads - Celtic über alles... on

    Last post, the Derry Pele/Bogside Maradona for are wee cuntry, wer nat Brazil wer Norn Iron so we are – best goal ever scored @ the Hate Factory:

     

     

     

    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=G2Nvs7ZhD1A

     

     

    Sublime.

     

     

    Ridiculous.

     

     

    Oiche mhaith.

     

     

    KTF.

     

     

    :)

  24. Slan_Abhaile on

    The hand of God @0345

     

     

    Mostly the young team. And they mostly turn out to be good solid citizens when they grow up, find a girl and drop the obsession about get hammered and going to the away games.

  25. 16 roads - Celtic über alles... on

    Sorry once again this, I read wrong and said dead on:

     

     

    ———————————————————

     

     

    bgx

     

     

    23:05 on 4 July, 2015

     

     

    16 roads…Lets Leave it…My Guess is that Way Over 70% of Muslins are Disgusted by Isis and Their Actions..You wanna think Isis gonna come get you, and that 7 outa ten muslims support Isis’s actions( not Ideals)….Then thats ok by me, i Speak with muslims Everyday in life and i dont get that from them..Just Saying..

     

     

    ——————————————–

     

     

    I am not incognito.

     

     

    Everyone on here knows who I am, and where I live. I am not too difficult to find.

     

     

    For your good self, and that Isis pish that everyone seems to be in terror of – come and see ma.

     

     

    Eejits.

     

     

    FatwaCSC.

     

     

    HH.

  26. Slan_Abhaile on

    I married Isis on the fifth day of May

     

    But I could not hold on to her very long

     

    So I cut off my hair and I rode straight away

     

    For the wild unknown country where I could not go wrong