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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the comfortable collective @ 21:48
Mourinho?
The RWE – I was behind the goals that George scored into in the 1970 game.
Think that end was called ‘The Paddock’ at that time. Whit a night that wis.
gordybhoy64
Daughter went back to scotland last month with 1 day left on the passport, not a bother.
It’s at the discresion of the airlines in reality, they can please themselfs.
HH
Neustadt
You only get an ooooh with typhoo
https://vine.co/v/hnEpZ9lqTaH
who the feck writes these lies .I mean more decorated all that sevco have ever won was div3
praecepta
I took Roma @ 9/2 half time, unfortunatly doubled it with Lpool <{
HH
I doubt anybody’s football knowledge that thinks Shelvey is a donkey.
Kirkhill Bar – Carrigans surely, nothing better than watching Phil, “I don’t bother” face when Celtic win.
TET,
Cheers pal,just noticed I only have 4 months on my passport and I go next month,flying with TC so will pop into a travel agent just to check
I like the look of that big centre half signed from psg.
Will only improve once he gets to know his teammates better imo.
2-2 means I am likely bounced out the CQN predictor.
My opponent has 43 and I have 27.
Heart ruling my head when predicting.
Confuse what I want to happen with what I think will actually happen.
Is there a Europa League?
Gordybhoy,
If you have the time get it renewed bud.
Ye won’t lose any time on it doing it early.
TET
Teams settling down now – pre-season/ internationals etc out the way.
Form picks/ need to win results/ post European games should (?) be easier to predict (ha! ha!) – least that’s what I’m telling myself.
:-)
g64
You should be fine with 3 months left.
HH
RWE,
don’t suppose I am your opponent,might be the only chance I have of staying in :-))
Geordie Munro,
got 3 weeks before I go,i remember it used to be ridiculous length of time to get a new passport,dont know if its still the same
RWE, there will be a Europa League, but if you go out in this round, I’m afraid that’s it as far as Europe is concerned, you would have to concentrate on the League.
I’ll put up the standings after the first leg tomorrow or Wednesday.
tim in the chamber
21:58 on
16 September, 2013
The RWE – I was behind the goals that George scored into in the 1970 game.
Think that end was called ‘The Paddock’ at that time. Whit a night that wis.
…………………
Great second goal from George that I had forgotten about. Mystery offside against Jimmy given. Some finish.
Mrs RWE’s dad jumped on a supporters bus that day and didn’t tell anyone at home.
He was covered though as he worked in the taxis in Glasgow at the time, they just thought he was on a stretcher (long journey).
Later I joined him on the cabs. South Radio Taxis was our system out of Polmadie Rd in those days. Chippies, Frank Jacksons, Bells – a lifetime away now.
HH
praecepta
That is the theory, and in general it goes that way, but like always, tis a funny old game.
I like the CL for betting, tend to do Ok, in saying that, I will most likely lose my shirt >}
HH
Off to Kefalos in Kos tomorrow.
Anyone know if it has an Irish bar?
Suggestions on negotiating tactics also greatfully received…
Gordybhoy64
If you are dim sam (nae offence btw) then you’re in.
Doc
I may get liquidated – I need the money from a run in Europe. I have debts ye ken.
I will have to a Karagandy in the home leg.
HH
EK. CALDERGLEN 2001s.
We are looking for players in the 2001 age group for the coming season, we train tue and thursday at calderglen high ek, our games are on a sunday[11s] and we play in the LFDA league, we are looking for players in all positions,if intrested contact michael at
mihndandmark@gmail.com or just come along to our training sessions and have a look.
Cheers 50 shades.
RWE,
not me mucker,i am afraid someone else has been lucky to come up against CQNs sevco
Ayr United @Ayrunitedfans
Tickets for Rangers home game go on sale tomorrow to season ticket holders. Secure a ticket for our 1st game against this new club
#sevco
Anyone know what happened to OG Rafferty ? Chap was always on the money with certain stories but I’ve not noticed him posting for a while.
gordybhoy64
22:10 on 16 September, 2013
TET,
Cheers pal,just noticed I only have 4 months on my passport and I go next month,flying with TC so will pop into a travel agent just to check
****
I’m going out next month too .TC ex Belfast.
gordybhoy64
Passport – just renewed mine through the Post Office and got it back in 10 days (via normal process service).
You can pay extra and get it renewed via P.O. by their ‘express service’ within 7 days.
RWE, you can do it, a last minute goal might well do it for you, good luck.
I’m going to check my scores now, playing against Pogmathonyahun.
Gratefully even…
gordybhoy64
Prefer to see as an aberrational flukey wan off for the other mob.
I’ll have 60,000 fans as my 12th man.
I am truly rubbish at this prediction lark.
I actually managed to get 11 (yes eleven points) in week two.
I demand the prize for the worst weekly score on the CQN predictor.
Anyone better that score.
I’m 44-32 up after the first game, woohoo!
thomthetim,
flying out on the 11th for a fortnight,staying in the Royal Tenerife Country Club in the golf du sur area,if theres a chance you are in the area it would be good to catch up for a beer or 6
It’s only half time though.
When I say better – I mean lower of course.
praecepta,
cheers pal,will go down and renew on Wednesday using the 7 day system,better safe than sorry I guess
Gordybhoy,
It’s all changed now. I think you need an appointment for the 7 day service.
I used the same day service for mini munro earlier this year but Im sure both services need prebooked appointments.
gordybhoy64
22:29 on 16 September, 2013
thomthetim,
flying out on the 11th for a fortnight,staying in the Royal Tenerife Country Club in the golf du sur area,if theres a chance you are in the area it would be good to catch up for a beer or 6
******
Irish Fiddler, first Ajax game. Will be sitting beside the boss.
Evening from a cold windy platform six of Manchester Victoria station
Astounding evening of first class entertainment courtesy of mr roger waters tonight
TBJ sorry to here you missed out on this show but your mate should be excommunicated for his tardy offer IMHO lol seriously though anyone who can make it to any off the last few shows of this tour …. Don’t hesitate old roge is 70 yrs young and I’m not sure there will be another opportunity to do so
Hail hail
NME CSC