I’ve been to a few non-Celtic games over the years and always found is striking the different reaction mid-table teams have to a defeat compared to how we react. There is simply not the expectation that every game has to be won. For most of the last 40-odd years Celtic have been nip-and-tuck with a direct opponent at the top of the league, so a single defeat can have a significant bearing on league title prospects.
Even when we were not involved in a close league race, the desire to win by an astonishing number of points provided an edge, whereas, back in the 90s, the chasm between Celtic and the top was made increasingly unbearable by each passing defeat.
This season is different. We’ve dropped 10 points in 10 games but substantial evidence exists that the team is making solid progress, a fact not disputed by the support, even as they left Celtic Park on Saturday. For most, the distress of defeat has tempered.
We’re two points ahead of three teams at the top of the league, with a game in hand, which makes this the most competitive SPL ever. The gap between second and second last is just six points, St Mirren who sit second bottom, would be level on points with joint-second St Johnstone had they won the game between these two earlier this month.
All this honest competition has resulted in a rise in average attendances for most clubs during “Armageddon”. It’s too easy to poke fun at the miscalculations of the SPL and SFA chief executives who believed the game needed a fatally flawed giant in the top flight. Instead, what it needed was genuine competition, which we have, to a degree.
Hibs, Aberdeen and St Johnstone are all two points from the top of the table while Inverness and Killie are only one win below them. Can you imagine how good a league this would be without the last remaining over-sized behemoth?
The SPL didn’t need Rangers, in fact, it is a better, more competitive league without them. The same goes for Celtic. We are not good for the league and do nothing for Aberdeen, United, Hibs or clubs who want nothing but a sporting chance in the game. Many of these clubs seem to have Stockholm Syndrome; locked into the belief that they need to be with their tormentors.
If I was writing a blog about any of these clubs I’d tell Celtic to go find themselves some fantasy football league and let the rest of the country get back to a proper sporting endeavour. They have nothing to lose but their loser labels.
The next issue of CQN Magazine is due out shortly, let me know if you would like to advertise, advert@cqnmagazine.co.uk.
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Congratulations to BBC Reporting Scotland on your headlining gleeful coverage of SPL football for a change, * when Celtic lose *
You just made two of us buy tickets for a game we we’re going to miss.
Stupid Stupid Zombies CSC
As well as working in 1 of the Lanarkshire councils and also hold a position with Glasgow Council I thought the Licensing section did require an FRA with their applications I certainly have someone inquire with me about what they should cover.
I was at an IOSH branch meeting and Brian Sweeney gave a talk about the FAI on Rosepark and when he said what qualifications were deemed competent then only a few of us in the whole room would be OK, he was talking of an approved register of competent professionals.
I am furious about whats happenning to the GB.
Not about the police – I expected that and this SNP government has made it clear it was trying to criminalise the Celtic support and catholicism where they could.
But at our club – who are clearly helping this process happen.
I am going to write to the club……
Not sure it will do any good – but if the GB go, I go.
asonofdan, Miku deserves patience AND a partner.
SffS
Have to confess I didn’t write the statement I copied it from the GB website.
Felt it needed the attention of all supporters.
I believe the GB provide a great atmosphere at the ground and a lot of the guys spend a great amount of time, money and effort in doing this.
I believe this should be encouraged by the club not demonised
NegAnon2
I was hoping that the board would be responding to this but once again they are complicit imo
Starry plough.
Happy birthday.
ye missed out city limits .hh
BREAKING: Mark Clattenburg is set to be sacked by the F.A, as video evidence reveals the referee called Fernando Torres a ‘striker’.
blantyretim
20:06 on 29 October, 2012
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Can you imagine what the atmosphere would be like if we did not have the GB.
Awe naw , BT
Many thanks
Shocking but not surprising …
The polis should be questioned about the substantial costs involved in this harassment and required to explain the necessity of it
As for CFC. ….in these days of falling attendances …they need to do more for their loyal fans
St.John.Doyle
I said earlier that this should be asked at the AGM,
I cant go but my pass is available…
….PFayr
20:11 on 29 October, 2012
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I have passed the allegations on to the Chair of the Police Board and he acknowledged my email a short while ago he is a good lad even if he is a lawyer te he he he
How’s the under 20’s getting on
Starry Plough – Happy Birthday
Re the Green Brigade – we should all be doing what we can to support these bhoys and ghirls without them there is no atmosphere they are a very welcome addition to Celtic Park
Torontony – Well done on raising the funds for Wee Oscar
Still No Score
St John Doyle
Thank you!!!!!
Hail hail
Looking for some advice Bhoys. Our supporters bus is not running a bus to the game tomorrow night, so I am thinking about taking the car. Not to keen to leave it in any of the backstreets, so whats the craic with the main car park? Is it a first come first served basis?
I have also noticed another car park at the top bus park at the corner of the ‘jungle and Celtic end at the cemetery, is this for staff only.
Any help appreciated
HH
St. John Doyle
For anything substantial to change CFC will need to support the GB
Re the number of failed prosecutions …one would think that even the automatons in the PF office would be taking note
The Laddy McGeary
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I asked for a breakdown on the cost of this operation for the last 3 years, how many Police hours spent on it, type of charges reported to PF and what other grounds do they do this type of operation.
joe_joe_john_bobby_teddy
20:15 on 29 October, 2012
How’s the under 20′s getting on
Still nil-nil.
Re Strathclydes finest.
Not sure any of he ghuys who post or lurk are employed in the police force.
A long time ago when I was in second year in school you had to indicate what your preferred career choice was at the time ( to support what subjects you take into 3rd year ). I chose policeman because it was a profession, at the age of 13, that I respected and I wanted to serve and support the people of my city.
Some 30 odd years later and my view of the police force ( who serve us apparently ) has been totally transformed. Why is this?
I consider myself a law abiding and reasonable citizen but why has my perception of the force changed so considerably in that space of time? Talking to other law abiding citizens I am not alone in this view, in fact I very rarely hear a good word from anyone about the way we are now served by our police officers.
As I said, perhaps if there are ghuys on this blog who are in that profession they can give their opinion on why the public have developed this perception.
For me I can’t for the life of me understand what job satisfaction an individual can get in the police force as it stands just now.
PS I eventually went down a different career path s you may have gathered ( and an honest one :))
Palacio
I think you need to have a ticket to get into these car parks
I park around London Rd police station…never any trouble there
blantyretim.
You have yahoo mail.
Palacio67 – There is a car park at the other end of the North Stand closes about an hour before kick off first come first served – there is one that backs right onto the wall which is for lounge passes
The club really need to take a long hard look at themselves over the treatment of the Green Brigade. Do they want some more empty areas in the stadium? They bring noise and colour and have lifted the place from the funereal on occasion.
They bring so much to the atmosphere home and away. Dear God we used to allow 7,500 to enter our stadium and belt out their bigotry twice a season. They also smashed up the toilets and wrecked seats for good measure.
Time to stand up for the Celtic fans.
I can’t imagine how bad the experience at CP would have been on Saturday without the GB
Palacio67,
As long as your rotweilers can pit fires out you can park anywhere :o)
Wherever you park it’ll cost you at least £2 to watch her motor mister :o)))
Canamalar
Often the best £2 you’ll ever spend
I really hope the police surveillance unit were busy filming the anti-Irish racists at Clyde yesterday. Nice of Ally to wear the ‘Kick it Out’ badge.
Celtic score- Kirwan
1 nil jk’s team
U20’s 1-0 up
Roy Croppie
Kick out racism but bigotry is alright
roy croppie “Time to stand up for the Celtic fans”.
Agree 100% perhaps a letter to Mr Peter Lawwell would be one tactic; publicity another.
The club are a shambles when it comes to their treatment ofCeltic supporters/customers.
I remember one Saturday back in the sixties,at East End Park. There was a bit of crowd disturbance.Two of our finest lifted a young lad out of the crowd.
It went to court and the two constables corroberated each others evidence that he had cursed and swore and sung sectarian songs.
The defence council got up and said, “you’re honour. My client has been deaf and dumb since birth.
PFayr
they have a real cheek taking part in these campaigns when they condone the bigotry and racism weekly.
1-0 to Celtic
BIG-CUP-WINNERS
I’m writing to him, this has got my blood boiling.