You and I have been through a few close seasons together, so it’s no surprise we have this uncomfortable feeling as we look ahead to (hopefully) four hugely important Champions League qualifiers while contemplating how ring-rusty Celtic have looked preseason. These games really don’t matter, of course, they are there to allow us to experiment and build fitness for the real challenges ahead, but you would rather we were turning teams over 4-0 than being on the receiving end. Evidence, perhaps, that the experiments were leading somewhere.
Lots of coverage today of the fall-out from Friday’s meeting between the SFA and Sevco, some of it informed. Huge issues clearly still remain before they will be granted permission to join the SFA but they would not be helped by their prospective manager, Ally McCoist, walking away this week. Sevco have not sold many season tickets but if McCoist goes their chances of doing to will become increasingly scarce. Friday’s comment from McCoist sounded like a scene-setter for a resignation letter.
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Did you see Wiggin’s Ovation in Paris……?
Does Sally still think he will be on £500k a year to manage a 3rd Div Club?
The Pantaloon Duck – Does butterscotch ripple go well with goose?
To be honest, I don’t care for goose, except for foie gras.
Some people say foie gras is cruel, but I’m with Ford Prefect on that one. (thumbsup)
Paul 67,
Correct.
Message – management from the Binman’s, PR handler.
Bear-faced chicanery…………….
Bradley Wiggins – a great champion, and a great pair of muttonchops.
He’s the Philvisreturns of la Tour de France. (thumbsup)
Gerrys son on 23 July, 2012 at 11:45 said:
Sorry – but that is too simplistic – and a trap many fans fall into. It is plain wrong. 6M on a centre back and striker, and then if we don’t qualify for the CL we can sell another player to recoup some of the outlay (eg: Ki). This means the team is stronger overall, helps push us on in the europa league (meaning more income) and helps us domestically, as well as selling more tickets (as let’s face it, a couple of new signings always gives fans more confidence).
if we do however qualify, we don’t need to sell the other player (Ki) and so the ‘speculation’ has paid off.
Is there any confirmation of the date and sale of tickets for the Helsinki game next week?
Nothing on the website so far. :((
The CL site has the game down as the 31st Tuesday but the website has both possible dates.
http://www.celticfc.net/newsstory?item=2818
I hope it is the Wednesday.
South Of Tunis
one of their main danger men is called Demba Savage,
a winger from Gambia, left-side i think
very fast
Just another thought on the performance of the MSM.
When Henrik was at the peak of his form, the DR was at the forefront of those criticising him for staying with Celtic. The phrase in vogue was that he” lacked ambition.”
We now have a situation where a 27 year old SPL player, probably at his peak, is being touted to sign for a new club. The club he would sign for are attempting to get a place in the fourth tier of Scottish football. Not once has it been suggested that Ian Black” lacks ambition” in considering this move, which would mean three of his best footballing years in the lower reaches of the game.
I’ll keep looking for it though!
Bada
My understanding is that under TUPE his wages must be maintained until such time as his contract expires
Good article on Bilbao.
‘Con cantera y afición, no hace falta importación.’ as they say…
“The condition of Lezama is an insult to the players and I am responsible for them … You can’t have a squad worth €300 million and not proper playing fields … To start the season in conditions such as these makes a mockery of me as a coach because I am the one responsible for the working conditions being this way.”
Marcelo Bielsa’s words during an extraordinary press conference in which he attacked the quality of workmanship during the ongoing refurbishment works at Athletic Bilbao’s Lezama training ground. That a manager would become embroiled publicly in such an issue encapsulates Bielsa perfectly, succinctly addressing why he is known as “el loco” (the madman).
And yet, even allowing for the tense days which passed following the outburst, just a few weeks earlier it would have been difficult to envisage such a scenario developing. The end of the 2011/12 season had witnessed Athletic Bilbao produce a brand of scintillating football on their way to the final of both the Europa League and the Copa del Rey final. Progress which overlooked the other periods of the season when the team had toiled. The poor performances were consigned to the past now as Athletic projected an optimistic exterior as they entered a new chapter. At least, that was the perceived wisdom until Athletic suffered demoralising 3-0 defeats in both games.
“I accept that the approach we presented was not successful. I realise that. I’m the decision-maker. I represent and am responsible for a team that today did not carry through the plan I had established. Now we will evaluate the continuity of the coaching staff with a meeting between all parties concerned. I suppose in the course of next week the subject of my continuity must be decided in one way or another.
We have a very young team. But we can now go one of two ways: we can use the experience because there is room for growth; or admit that there was an inability to cope with the high demands placed upon us this year.”
Marcelo Bielsa cut a forlorn, brutally honest figure in the aftermath of Athletic Bilbao’s defeat to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final which brought the curtain down on a season which promised so much and yet, in terms of trophies, delivered nothing. Bielsa spoke of the inability to “meet our objectives” which prevented it being a “good season”. A revealing conclusion from Bielsa given the public perception of Athletic enjoying a “successful” season and one which demonstrated his continued demand for perfection. Reaching two finals was not considered sufficient reward for their endeavours.
In the days following the Copa del Rey defeat, it appeared as if the Bielsa project at Athletic would be curtailed in it’s infancy, halted after just one season. Would Bielsa really commit for another term at San Mames after such a crushing end to the season?
The confirmation that el loco would extend his stay with the renewal of his contract in June 2012 ensures that the project would continue, the architect in charge of the project continues.
For Athletic Club, this season represents a major challenge. Can the foundations which Bielsa helped construct last season be built upon? Or will keys sections of the project be demolished only for rebuilding work to commence again?
If the project is to continue, there are several key building blocks which must be fixed firmly in position.
Relationships
“I can accept their [the board’s] removal of my authority, but… they indicated that my statements lacked truth. What has happened has modified our relationship.”
The idiosyncrasies of Marcelo Bielsa are well known; his attention to the small details both on and off the pitch in order to prepare his team for the challenges ahead. From pacing out the length and width of opponents pitches in advance of delivering his final tactical instructions to his team, to soaking training pitches heavily prior to a session commencing due to weather forecasts suggesting heavy rain on the day of a game.
And yet this quality which Bielsa exhibits can also be problematic. The recent dispute at the training ground threatens to undermine the work thus far. Bielsa signed a new contract with enhanced improvements to the club’s training facilities believed to be one of his demands prior to putting pen to paper on the extension. Refurbishment work was already proposed. Bielsa demanded more.
Lezama was opened in 1971, allowing the players of Athletic to train in a more serene environment than the industrial Bilbao, as it was then. The present refurbishment work was authorised following a period of consideration, focussed upon the current and future needs of Athletic.
Unhappy at the perceived slow progress and poor quality workmanship of the contractor undertaking the refurbishment works at Lezama, Bielsa personally intervened and a physical confrontation ensued with the site foreman. The physical side of the dispute was easily resolved however the matter continues to fester within the club, eroding the trust that has been built. Athletic publicly rebuffed Bielsa’s claims the following day and, amid the confusion and speculation that followed, a working truce amounting to two weeks has been called.
“It is not my subjective opinion with respect to the quality of work, the stage of its development, the control and fulfilment of the works at Lezama … I can show that every one of the things I said corresponds to concrete and verifiable facts … If no one has been at fault, then why were the facilities not available for the first team for the start of pre-season?”
Yet Bielsa maintains his position in this argument, unwilling to back down, to compromise. An important glimpse into the desire which propels him forward but which somewhat inevitably reveals a stubborn streak which is most apparent in his tactical philosophy.
And if tensions are fraught at boardroom level, what of the situation with the players? The Athletic dressing room is widely considered one of the most harmonious and easily controlled dressing rooms in the Spanish game. But how much of the high intensity training regimes (which the methods of Bielsa dictate) can the players tolerate? Will the players continue to willingly accept his methods if league form begins to stutter once more or will questions begin to arise?
Are we witnessing the first hairline cracks developing within the Athletic foundations this season?
Gene’s a Bhoys name-mmmmmm interesting,thanks for reply.
petec
Motherwell confirmed on UEFA site as the 31st, so we will play the next night.
Does embdy know if it is a requirement for 3rd division teams to have ticket-only fixtures?
Long time since I’ve been to watch low league fixtures, but I’d be surprised if cash was not allowed. I’m sure once dodgy dave gets a few dodgy turnstiles installed for, ahem, cash only customers it’ll be like operating with EBT’s once again.
Apparently for 2.5m clicks you can buy a private jet ;-)
Cant afford the fuel mind you…
The Waddler would be welcomed with open arms at the BBC or Clyde but that annoying Sky panel on a Saturday would suit him fine. Sally and Charlie a match made in linguistic hell.
Commercially Greggs and Irn Bru with their new campaign seem perfect bed fellows for him.
philvisreturns on 23 July, 2012 at 12:45 said:
So, does butterscotch ripple go well with foie gras?
bournesouprecipe (12:32), but according to them, they have been punished enough already. They’ve had to:
(a) change their name from Glasgow Rangers Football Club to The Rangers Football Club
(b) they have no money
(c) they’ve lost most of their decent players
(d) they will have to play in tier 4 of the Scottish League next season (if they get a SFA licence)
Surely all that is punishment enough?
What they don’t seem to realise is that (a) isn’t a punishment in any sense of the word; (b) is a result of their own financial mismanagement, and not a punishment bestowed upon them by enyone else; (c) is a result of (b); and (d) is a consequence of Glasgow Rangers Football Club (imminently) going out of business, which is a result of (b), which, as stated previously, is a result of their own financial mismanagement.
They have as yet had absolutely NO punishment in relation to any breaking of the regulatory bodies’ rules. And if rules have been deliberately broken then there must be a suitably severe punishment.
Let’s see if the relevant authorities have the courage to stand up to the bully and apply their own rules without fear or favour.
Dubaibhoy – the Police have insisted Sevco games are to be ticket only to try and control crowds at these small venues
BRTH
Judging by your comments, it seems the wheels of justice grind slow but fine. I have come across similar types who seem to take forever to make a decision, but when they do it is usually a very considered and fair one.
If there is criminality revealed by the FTT, would there be an announcement from Crown Office first or will we just have to await arrests?
philvisreturns @ 12 45 ——
Typical heartless Tory .
You should care about everything —– don’t you know
I’d welcome wee davie’s thoughts on both “title” debates………………
I’m guessing he’s more than a tad concerned…………..
Just waiting for someone in the meeja to find him and ask him……
Sircumcision CSC
Asonofdan. And the aberdeen game ko? Any ideas
Just have to arrange it
congrats to the young hoops u15
2 victories today
http://www.manchesterunitedpremiercup.com/world-finals-2012/day-2
sadly not enough to help them qualify from Group B
http://www.manchesterunitedpremiercup.com/world-finals-2012/group-tables
well done to all involved, safe home
The Pantaloon Duck – So, does butterscotch ripple go well with foie gras?
Smeato will look into that and get back to you. (thumbsup)
South Of Tunis – Gooses, geeses. I want my geese to lay gold eggs for Easter. At least a hundred a day. (thumbsup)
SydneyTim
rangers confirmed as Sunday for League Cup so we will be Saturday. No idea if it will be a lunch time kick off. I expect Paul67 might do an article on the fact that SKY today totally removed Scottish Football from their schedule…
BRTH
Thanks once again for such insightful comment. I’ve been of the opinion the longer this takes the better as no stone will be left unturned or file unopened. I don’t believe in the establishment conspiracy as HMRC will be looking to move beyond this case for the much bigger fish using this scheme.
It will be interesting to see if the result is published especially in relation to future criminal proceedings, if this is what the FTT see fit.
Tom McLaughlin
Tom – why dont you continue to post as normal but completely blank any abusive or threatening replies – choosing only to respond to who you deem to be polite and rationale? Its inevitable on an internet blog where everyone is posting anonymously that you will get someone throwing mud at you, what you dont do is join in, you ignore, completely bank, they dont exist.
BigChipsUK
Indeed, we shall see I think it’ll go to FIFA, with the SFA dipping out.
I see that Sevco 5088 Media appear to have announced season ticket
prices this morning.
And sash at the turnstiles for the Brechin extravaganza
Sonofdan. They done whit????
Setanta oz has got the program starting at 8:55pm. They get their info from sky uk
But no confirmation
Noticed the folowing comments over on RTC which made for interesting reading.-
All this talk of Sevco being paid for some of the players who did NOT TUPE across is a law suit waiting to happen.
Any money paid in respect of the transfer of an employee from RFC (IA) must go into the bucket for the creditors. There is nothing Sevco or indeed D&P can do about it and if they try, all it will take is one creditor to challenge it.
Drop to the Third Division to watch a youth team and your season ticket only reduces by 33%. I can’t seem them shifting many of them…
IN response to numerous calls from Rangers supporters requesting season ticket prices, the club would like to provide information regarding pricing for season 2012/2013 – subject to SFA membership.
The decision has been taken to reduce season ticket prices significantly – full Adult and concession season ticket prices will be reduced by ONE THIRD and Juveniles will be reduced by 50%.
Season tickets in the Broomloan Road Stand that did not include Old Firm games last season will be reduced by 15% for Adults and ONE THIRD for juveniles and Season tickets in Bar 72 will be reduced by 40%.
Prices for season tickets, which now include all 18 league games, start from £258 for Adults, £65 for Kids and £179 for Concessions.
We hope to provide further details on the timing of season ticket renewal distribution and payment methods later in the week once the position becomes clearer.
As ever, the club appreciates this is a difficult time for supporters and we thank you for your patience and loyalty.
SydneyTim
So I have just been told, maybe ESPN is going to cover it.
Brechin (Scottish Gaelic: Breichinn) is a former royal burgh in Angus, Scotland. Traditionally Brechin is often described as a city because of its cathedral and its status as the seat of a pre-Reformation Roman Catholic diocese (which continues today as an episcopal seat of the Scottish Episcopal Church), but that status has not been officially recognised in the modern era.Nevertheless the designation is widely used, with examples being the City of Brechin and District Community Council, City of Brechin and Area Partnership, City of Brechin Civic Trust and Brechin City Football Club.
oh oh Huns to sack Brechin.
philvisreturns.
A Veruca Saltist like you has no place on a Celtic blog.
South Of Tunis – A Veruca Saltist like you has no place on a Celtic blog.
Nuts! (thumbsup)
ASonOfDan
The UEFA site has both Celtic and Motherwell down for that provisional date or am I not reading it right.
I hope you are right anyway as we can’t go on the Tuesday night. :(
BRTH
Excellent analysis of where we are, if this does lead to where you suggest perhaps AT was jumping the gun yesterday or maybe just like the rest of us getting frustrated at the time being taken to announce the decision.
Still doesn’t explain why the dual contract investigation into the former club has been stopped, they dont need to wait on the tribunals decison just act on the evidence of dual contracts that they have. Again the SFA/SPL are unwilling to do so.
http://rangerstaxcase.wordpress.com/2012/07/12/the-last-drink-in-the-last-chance-saloon/#comments
SEE – Brogan Rogan Trevino and Hogan says:
23/07/2012 at 12:36 pm
Some interesting background info on Mr Ken Mure QC for anyone who’s interested.