Let’s be honest with each other, there’s a bit of a leap between our European performances in recent seasons and the standards of Champions League football. My expectations for this season’s tournament hasn’t seen me check out accommodation options in Cardiff in May.
With that in mind, if we’re going to fall short, let’s do it against genuine quality opposition, some of the best players and tactically organised teams in the business. Barcelona, Manchester City (think Pep, but with more money) and Borussia Monchengladbach will bring this to Glasgow over the next few months.
Over our 15 year Champions League lifespan, Celtic surprise on the upside more often against better teams than against relative minnows. The biggest disappointments came in Scandinavia, not Iberia.
When the group stage finishes in December, we will faced enormous challenges. Players will have stretched themselves to lengths they didn’t know existed. What we know for sure, is that none of the other three teams in our group will have wanted Celtic from Pot 4. This is a hard draw for everyone.
Huge game tomorrow. Anything less than 100% and we’ll drop points. Enjoy it.
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BIGCHIPSUK – 10 IN A ROW (2001-2010) on 26TH AUGUST 2016 1:17 PM
If CG hadn’t saved that penalty we’d be looking forward to Internazionale, Sparta Prague and my wife’s home town team… and perhaps a decent opportunity of progressing to the next round.
BIGCHIPSUK, we wouldn’t have replaced HBS in Pot 4 – our coefficient would have had us up in Pot 2. Would have fancied our chances in EL draw in most groups. We’ll just meet up with them after Xmas if no CL !
PRESTONPANSBHOY
FFS,you need a new A-Z anaw!!!!!
THE EXILED TIM@1-36
Fair point above.
There are a lot of good youngsters at Celtic but supplementing them with some seasoned pros is a must.
We have record income this season so we can afford to spend more than previous seasons and still remain within our means.
I f the board do not invest then contrary to some i think our clubs long term future in the evolving football landscape will be in peril.
Israel told us that the squad is not balanced and lacking in certain vital areas.
A few decent additions could improve the team substantially.
Will the board put the footballing side as a priority?The past suggests no but hopeful they have realised the strategy was a failure.
I am excited about the draw and will be happy for us to compete in this financially doped landscape.
You can only develop by playing against the highest calibre opposition.
But realistically unless additions to the squad are made we face a real uphill struggle.
Big weekend — on and off the park.
Perfect timing for the Sheep — hopefully the squad want to put Tuesday behind them.
However bigger long term issue is getting the squad knocked into shape.
To put a Star Trek flavour into the proceedings …
… we have too many Klingons sitting in the main stand.
Looking at the way things are shaping up Deadwood 4 is starting slowly.
We seem to have a bigger issue with freeing up wages than funding transfer fees.
We desperately need new blood for the CL matches.
Struggling big time at RB as I don’t think we can last the season with the current talent.
We lack a bit of height at CB — no real ball winner in that position.
Scary that 6′ 1″ does not cut it in the air at CB anymore.
LB — We have EI waiting in the wings.
Not sure if we could get better value regarding wages if he was to go?
Definately needing some energy and some tackling power in the MF.
SB — probably has 20 good games left in him this season.
NB — has a bit of growing up to do — interesting to see if BR can coach him to the next level?
KA — might be the improvement we need — better in the seniors than the U20’s at the moment.
However it might be Jan before he is ready for a run of games.
TR — looking like the talent is there, just needing some work on appetite and energy levels.
SA — might need a bit of confidence building and coaching but we need him to deliver PDQ.
BR and his team have a big challenge with him — he has it but he doesn’t know it.
We are probably closest to the final product squad wise in the top / attacking third.
LG — improving every month.
MD — improving every game.
ScS — can play through the middle.
PR / JF — can keep the wings productive.
CM / U20’s — looks like a real prospect if the “Twins” get stale.
JA / PJC — hopefully they make their move this season.
Two great prospects that need to be pushed to deliver.
Consequently we need players in.
And we need a lot of players out.
ROBERT TRESSEL@2-18
Can i second that.
I cringe when i see his name on team sheet.
Tony
Firstly, I read the blog just for your “OPINIONS” just to remind myself that there are others worse off than me.
Secondly. I’d advise the use of toilet facilities rather than soiling your underwear in future. Far more hygienic. Although, I understand you may have difficulty with that given your current obsession.
MWD
Bmcw
Just to repeat myself I never use the word “grooming” on its own, try as you all may to let others think I Ido, I’ll leave that up to the others and P67, as in grooming a dog, or grooming a horse, or as in grooming children to be young gentlemen or ladies, now I know you and a few others in here are tight with the CT and I know this is where it’s coming from it’s a Wee clique trying to pin actual not nice things about me and where I’m coming from.
Let the cards fall where they lay, if in my opinion I think these groups are grooming kids to wave flags, hold up political banners, and generally all round causing it then I will post that, but I won’t leave the grooming word on its own open for people to make out that I’m meaning something else, it’s you and you mates who brought this up, and I’ll repeat, show me where I’v used the word on its own apart from following it up with what they are being groomed for, and apart from me answering you in this post.
Am no a dafty, a know what’s going on, it’s a set up and a stitch up on my name, the good I get out of this redicules claim is that people who know me know better, and what’s even better is the ones who are making these allegations including yourself are taking it to a place it should not be going but to blacken my name then like they did at Celtic Park two weeks ago, they you and the others do not care who or what gets in the way of your agenda, as long as you get a result.
I’m a big boy AV been threatened many many times, and others have tried the bully tactics too, YOU, YOUR C T AND YER G B continue the road your going down, and continue to get CFC in trouble with the people who make the rules and run the game, go ahead fill your boots, stand up after 15 mins? Aye in a tinkers f… I will.
Leave the kids alone, let them wave Celtic flags and Celtic banners, and Celtic scarfs, grooming kids to break any laws is not a good thing IMO.
Time to put away all thoughts of CL nights.
We have a game on our hands tomorrow.
Aberdeen won’t want to fall off the pace.
They will believe that the travel, heat and euphoria can take a toll on us.
That we will be distracted and suffer a normal post CL come down.
So we can’t take the game for granted.
I think we will win, but I always do.
Some young bhoys are trying to stake their claims for places against some the richest teams in Europe.
Gordon. Minus the horrible blue keeper’s / clown’s outfit.
Lustig, Toure, Sviatchenko and the effervescent Tierney.
Roberts, Brown, Armstrong and Sinclair. Yes Armstrong unless McArthy signs and passes his medical in time to give Bryson some overtime.
Dembele, Griffiths.
4-0. So this week I’m cautiously optimistic.
BigChipsUK – 10 in a row (2001-2010) on 26th August 2016 1:55 pm
How about “The B Team”:
Fasan
Efe O’Connell Ajer
Mackay-Steven Commons Henderson Armstrong Izzy
Aitchison Ciftci
Most of them would walk into any other SPL team.
_____________________________
I wish that GMS, Commons, Armstrong and Ciftci would.
KTF
( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
MOONBEAMSWD ‘STAND UP ON 15 FOR THE GB’ on 26TH AUGUST 2016 2:39 PM
Tony
Firstly, I read the blog just for your “OPINIONS” just to remind myself that there are others worse off than me.
Secondly. I’d advise the use of toilet facilities rather than soiling your underwear in future. Far more hygienic. Although, I understand you may have difficulty with that given your current obsession.
MWD
You must try harder I owned you in that one AGAIN, anything original?
‘GG on 26TH AUGUST 2016 2:42 PM
‘Time to put away all thoughts of CL nights.
We have a game on our hands tomorrow.’
##
Might be an idea to rest Gordon.
Areas i would look to improve
1] Goalkeeper, need CG to improve his decison making/ use of the ball, competition will be a good thing for him, need to see if DDV is the answer.
2] Right back / right side of three we are weak, we need a pacy tackler neither ML or SJ look capable to me.
3] A composed midfielder who can win a tackle and use the ball well.We do not function with NB in there in that role
4] Another goal scorer to help LG and MD
We need to clear the decks with Efe Stuart Armstrong Nadir Ciftci GMS moving on .
BMCUWP
Prestonpans is in Ayrshire?!
Every day is a school day on here!
:-)
TONYDONNELLY
Using it at all with its connotations is deeply divisive. I genuinely wish that you wouldn’t use it. It is upsetting to see its use in ANY context.
This isn’t a case of right and wrong,oneupmanship,GIRUY,or anything else. It’s the use of a wrong term. I’d rather you didn’t,and I’d be grateful if you didn’t.
HH. Your heart’s in the right place,Tony. Same as mine. We take different routes to get there.
If SB and his — admittedly dwindling — band of acolytes that putting out productive passes to SA then he will be halfway there..
Without doubt the player with the most spatial awareness / football intelligence in the team.
However he takes his comfort blanket on the park and he runs like a big farmers daughter with a poorly engineered undergarments.
That is too much up and down in the top half of his body and not enough acceleration from the bottom half. He is not the only one but he is the worst.
DESSYBHOY on 26TH AUGUST 2016 2:44 PM
“We need to clear the decks with Efe Stuart Armstrong Nadir Ciftci GMS moving on .”
======
Is that a Brazilian player and we’ve to guess what nickname he goes by? ;))
BABASONICOS71 on 26TH AUGUST 2016 2:49 PM
DESSYBHOY on 26TH AUGUST 2016 2:44 PM
“We need to clear the decks with Efe Stuart Armstrong Nadir Ciftci GMS moving on .”
======
Is that a Brazilian player and we’ve to guess what nickname he goes by? ;))
______________________________________
Comma gain? ………………
KTF
PHILBHOY
Aye. When I used to visit my mate in nearby Port Seton,it was in Ayrshire too.
Same as when I visit him in Maldon,though Ayrshire might be easier!
Swindon? Ayrshire enclave. We get around without necessarily buying one!
Jobo
Two hours?
Did you pick up Felicity Kendal’ s range when The Good Life finished?
BTW ever tore your calf muscle? I’ve just done mine. I phoned NHS 24. They said I should either go to the minor injuries unit or failing that just ask on CQN.
Ernie
I’m worried about lack of game time for De Vries.
He should get a game under his belt in the development squad over the international break
Unfortunately it’s well into September before we have a mid week game against Alloa where he would be fielded / risked.
Could someone on the magazine change that RODGERS CONFIRMS IMMINENT DEPARTURE headline?
Near gave me a bleeding heart attack there :)
YORKBHOY on 26TH AUGUST 2016 1:55 PM
TET NATKNOW
2 or 3 good signings could make a massive difference to the team. Toure and Sinclair have already improved the team, another couple of experienced players would also help the youngsters coming through.
Oh well done for talking about football… it’ll never catch on
———————————————————————–
You make a very valid point about experience mate. We need more in like The Kolo Kube. This applies particularly to defenders. Hopefully see some names!
THETIMREAPER on 26TH AUGUST 2016 12:32 PM
https://twitter.com/ogujohnugo/status/769112380898996224
Worth a punt?
Yep.The guy is regarded as their main man in midfied.He was excellent against us.Looks and plays like Wanyama.Prowls around the centre circle.Solid,big,scary.At that price,what can you lose.Remember ,someone actually bought Blackett.
BTW – on the ole oven cleaning I have to say that I’m dead against it. The muck in the oven is the only thing that imparts flavour to the food. What’s in my oven stays in my oven….!
:-)
Energy for the MF — LH might be someone to look at.
However to me he is raw but energetic to the point of needing to watch him from behind the couch. At times he looks like a big fish in a small pond from his Hibbee days and unfortunately the the CL is an ocean in comparison.
However needs must.
He has the something extra that we need.
And he is not CMcG, who really is a Wee boy in a man’s world when up against quality.
He is the PMcG figure of his generation, possibly better but still Dundee or similar class.
But not worth the effort as he is currently wasting a jersey.
BILLY BHOY on 26TH AUGUST 2016 2:53 PM
Jobo
Two hours?
Did you pick up Felicity Kendal’ s range when The Good Life finished?
BTW ever tore your calf muscle? I’ve just done mine. I phoned NHS 24. They said I should either go to the minor injuries unit or failing that just ask on CQN.
——————————————————————————–
Aye – if it’s a 2nd opinion you’re after you’ll get one on here. As well as a 3rd, 4th..etc…
Happy Birthday to WEEFRATHETIM…. I think I read a post early doors today!
NATKNOW
Auld joke.
Guy went to the doc. Wasn’t happy with the prognosis.
“I’d like a second opinion,please”
“Well,yer bliddy ugly anaw”
Kinda asked for that,bud…
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS on 26TH AUGUST 2016 3:04 PM
NATKNOW
Auld joke.
Guy went to the doc. Wasn’t happy with the prognosis.
“I’d like a second opinion,please”
“Well,yer bliddy ugly anaw”
Kinda asked for that,bud…
——————————————————-
:-))))))))))
More humour required on this site (old or new) to offset the crabbit aul buggers…!
As things stand with the current ins and outs BR must have a KPI of no net spend for this transfer window. Looking like things are going to balance out with SJ moving on for real money although little or capital appreciation after his 30 month stay.
Then you have the cash instalments coming in from previous big money transfers out.
Looking very good in the bank if slightly threadbare on the park.
TD67
Did yae aye?
:-))))
MWD
TONYDONNELLY67 on 26TH AUGUST 2016 2:40 PM
Bmcw
Great post Tony.I dont always agree with you but,no way will I not back you up on this matter.They know fine well the meaning of what you are writing,just some trying to be “Snides”,you know who you are and should be ashamed,as I informed them the other night.Despicable.
MOONBEAMSWD ‘STAND UP ON 15 FOR THE GB’ on 26TH AUGUST 2016 3:08 PM
TD67
Did yae aye?
:-))))
MWD
The utterances of a knob.
Is he,Aye.
Bmcw
“These young Celtic kids are being groomed the Celtic way to play first team football for CFC to play the Celtic way”
That’s a no no? Away an geez piece, you know an a know where yer going with this, on Yi go fill yer boots, I’m not going there.
In fact am off for a swally.
HH
Stop grooming our kids to break rules, let them support Celtic.
TURKEYBHOY
Fair enough. You want to keep the animosity going.
I tried to spread some oil on troubled waters,you want to pour it on the flames.
Magic.
Singing…….am no a daftie am a Tim
Singing…….am no a daftie am a Tim
TONYDONNELLY
My reply to TURKEYBHOY applies.
Saddened by both of them,tbh.
Enjoy your pint.
Turkeybhoy
he didnt set the world on fire at Celtic Park, totally anonymous, we’ve got enough of those already