I never like to hear Celtic fans talk about weaknesses in opponents like Milan. They may be weaker than they were a decade ago but Milan have never been weak. The one thing Celtic have in their favour is the element of surprise, despite last season’s epic achievements. Milan will have read the screaming headlines, ‘spine of the team sold’. They will know little about how effective Celtic can use the vast open spaces of the San Siro.
After defending resolutely against Barca, Celtic looked like a far better team against a less effective Juventus but we found the limit to our abilities. Juve exploited the gaps in defence left as we took the game to them. I would rather defend in numbers and take our chances on the break than try to go toe-to-toe in midfield.
The San Siro seems to bring the best out of Celtic. Jock Stein went there three times, drawing after 90 minutes on each occasion; losing once after extra time. Gordon Strachan’s team were also level after regulation time, losing only after extra time, and lost narrowly in a Champions League group stage game. Martin O’Neill’s Celtic came within three minutes of securing a draw before conceding twice late on.
There can be fewer European grounds on which Celtic have performed as well. Wednesday will require another almighty and intense effort but that is something Celtic are never lacking. Milan may not fear us, but they have reason to be worried.
I listened to former Rangers director Paul Murray on BBC Radio Scotland over the weekend. I know books have been written on the downfall of that club but I could write one on his own contribution. As a non-executive director, Murray’s job was to be the eyes and ears of other shareholders, to ensure the business of the club was in order and carried out properly. He was in a position to ask awkward questions, in fact, it was his job to ask awkward questions and to ensure threats to the club were uncovered and addressed.
In this instance he failed absolutely. Despite this, he trumpeted the 50% decline in the club’s debt during his tenure as a badge of honour, he told us his namesake, Sir David, was exclusively responsible for the sale to Craig Whyte and for the consequences of the EBT debacle. We were informed that Rangers won their EBT case, despite the fact that during the First Tier Tribunal the club accepted they operated an illegal tax scheme for five players, and the remaining issues are a matter of appeal.
Most bizarrely of all he rejected Lord Nimmo Smith’s findings on the conduct of his board before telling us he is absolutely certain he would be judged fit and proper to be a director of a football club. No remorse, not even a hint of self awareness.
Well done to the Tyneside No. 1 Celtic Supporters’ Club who walked from Newcastle to Celtic Park in aid of 1254125 and the Sam Bradley Care Fund. You can support their magnificent effort here.
The new issue of CQN Magazine is out! Click here for a proper read (don’t try to read the graphic below). It’s another great issue, thanks to all who helped.
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weeminger
16:43 on
16 September, 2013
hen1rik
16:38 on
16 September, 2013
His primary role with C4 is in foreign affairs, and he’s been covering Syria. He’s not exactly been silenced.
———————–
if the sevco shareholders’ dosh was siphoned off to… say ….Monte Carlo or a vineyard somewhere
would that count?
;-}
plenty of goals
1 nil already
I have seen discussions around team selection and formations for Wednesday but haven’t seen anyone mention the referee so far.
Here’s hoping Milan don’t attempt the Juventus defence from last season and if they do then we have a strong referee who can sort it.
saltires en sevilla supporting wee oscar
20:01 on 16 September, 2013
LoL.
Jobo.. 23 mins in 1-1 already
1-1
3mins not 23!!
Tiger tim.. He’s a German
Some start jonjo
Ha. ha – just tidied up and stuck the TV on to see I’ve missed 2 goals already!
Bound to finish 1-1 now… ;-)
May have missed it , is biton not in contention for a place at milan .
Rwe
The American approach to gun ownership mystifies me ….particularly in the face if such regular atrocities
Civilised society…..makes you wonder
tbj praying for oscar knox
19:50 on 16 September, 2013
Was the blackbull on the main st busy on Saturday ? HH
thomthethim, Just saw messages of sympathy & goodwill & scrolled back. Must have missed it earlier, but be assured the young man will be prayed for in Tipperary as well. Hopefully he will make a full recovery.
Jimtim.. No, that would be worse than playin efe after acn
Hi green latern don’t know about denia but bombers bar in javea port will show it. Tell them Mark sent you or ask paul67 for denia bhoys email as he stays there !
USA?
4,5 % whole world population.
USA prison population at the end of 2011 close to 2 300 000 which is 25 % of whole world prison population. 4,5 % against 25 %,hmmm.
Desert boy – a hun you say, drat, Gott In Himmell
Micktt . I work in the trade as a warranty administrator all dealers/manufactors have a goodwill policy sound like your girlfriend just got offered a 90% goodwill contribution ! Dealers wont offer goodwill until you kick up f##k.
I guess Shelvy is doing a Black
shelvey scores one
gives away two
1-2
Desertboy, corkcelt,
Thanks, lads.
It will all be needed, a young lad of 18, returning from work.
hen1rik
I’m watching…keep at them mate!!
canamalar- can you send me friendly broker addy (you have my email)
HH
Desertbhoy. Thanks for your reply . But can i ask is he registered to play at some point in the CL.
Hunskelper
I went into the ritz .. ordered a beer… then landlord tells me no BT sports
Left my pint on the bar. .. walked out …into a freakin orange walk.
Walked through the zombies … with my green celtic cap on my napper.. past the bull where all the 5star zombies stood.
Went into findlays to watch the match
Scousers singing our songs???
Evening Timland, warm and hun free in the mountain valley.
StarryP
Good to see you back.
YNWA
HH
…………………………..
ttt
Thoughts with the young fella.
HH
Shelvey is a donkey …£6m …..EPL has gone mad
….pfayr supports weeoscar
20:42 on 16 September, 2013
Shelvey is a donkey …£6m …..EPL has gone mad
Agree with that .
But long may it be so .
We got £12m for Victor
Googybhoy
Victor proved himself against the best in the CL last season …
Shelvey is poor …..Rogers clearly saw that …I’d imagine he was delighted to get £6m for him tho
Bada “he was unaware of any betting rules as his employers have no record of giving him and the other inmates any instruction.”
I’m not so sure about yer theory.
It’s not a club rule. It’s a sfa rule.
We got £6m for Ki.
Googy
Worse in the nationwide championship. .. robin hoods local team splashed out £2.5m for an ass called kelvin
Good evening cqn
Listened to RC tonight (I know I Know )Current Bun comes on,bringing Anthony Stokes into the argument about Black and his little problem,not a lover of shug,but to his credit ,he told the caller,what had A S to do with I B.?
Another CB with the now famous Scottish Football needs cleansed,I know what needs cleansed,and it would take some about of Persil washing powder to clean it.
H H
Is Martin O’Neil the only manager in the history of the English Premier League to resign to go and work in another league?
In other breaking news, Liverpool aren’t crap any more.
Alastair Burnett
News at Ten
Swansea.
geordie munro-thanks for reply,who would tell players about rules?Do they get a rulebook with a contract,HR?serious question.I seen Wishart’s No 2 saying last week the PFA hadn’t been to Poundland this season……not in an official capacity anyway…HH