It’s good to be back. A power outage at our datacentre on Saturday caused servers to crash and subsequent database problems. Our thanks to Andrew in Belfast for his invaluable help, again…
Trying hard to ignore speculation of various players coming our way, plenty of time for that later in the month, although I will add a note of caution. The fact that a journalist gets confirmation from Neil Lennon that he is able to sign a £6m player does not constitute a promise to do so. It’s little more than bait, for those who still read such sources.
I’ve heard nothing but good things over the years about Georgios Samaras. He is a player who flourishes on confidence, and support, and does so most often at the highest level. In Europe he is Celtic’s out-ball, a player capable of bringing others into the game, turning defence into attack. It is at this rarefied atmosphere that his goal-scoring has also been most effective. Ironically his style is less effective in the SPFL, where Celtic spend far less time 80 yards from goal.
A considerable reason for the low return in the Champions League this season was that everyone knew how reliant we’d become on Georgios. He was heavily marked; by the time the ball got to his feet, three opponents triangulated around him.
It’s no surprise he has offers from Spain, and no doubt elsewhere, to consider. If he leaves I hope his lasting memories will be cheers of support, not his harsher experiences.
Definition of poor IT planning: datacentres who host their Status page at their own datacentre. “We’re down, but you can’t read this, because we’re down.”
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Irish discrimination story in today’s Evening Times
http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/mobile/news/taxi-driver-in-irish-rant-probe-147474n.23005857
for some reason cqn wants to automatically log me out on a regular basis – now I don’t think it’s Paul personally – but still it’s a bit of a pain – any solutions for a guy on an android – not that I post that much anyway but I do like to feel connected :-)
Good morning CQNers
Both of these newspaper links are within 24hrs of each other.
Scottish Justice system
A RANGERS fan who tweeted that Celtic manager Neil Lennon should be killed has been cleared of committing an offence.
Anti-bigotry groups were angry that Christopher Hay was found not guilty of causing fear and alarm because a sheriff didn’t believe there was criminal intent in his Twitter outburst.
He said he wished “someone would kill that ugly ginger” and “I should’ve planned my parcel bombs better”.
Sheriff Stuart Reid cleared Hay after finding there was not the necessary criminal intent to find him guilty.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-25641219
English justice system.
John Nimmo, 25, from South Shields, and Isabella Sorley, 23, from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, pleaded guilty on Tuesday at Westminster magistrates court to abusing Criado-Perez online. Sorley was remanded in custody and Nimmo was bailed, both until 24 January, when they will be sentenced.
In a series of tweets, writing under a pseudonym, Sorley told Criado-Perez to “f*** off and die you worthless piece of crap”, adding “go kill yourself” and “rape is the last of your worries”. Another of his messages said: “I’ve only just got out of prison and would happily do more time to see you berried!”
In a separate set of messages sent to Criado-Perez, the court heard, Nimmo said to her, “shut up bitch”, and “ya not that gd looking to rape u be fine”, followed by “I will find you [smiley face]” and then the message “rape her nice ass”.
The court heard that Nimmo also targeted the Walthamstow MP Stella Creasy with the message: “The things I cud do to u [smiley face]”, calling her “dumb blond bitch”
Defendant’s pleaded guilty.
http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/jan/07/jane-austen-banknote-abusive-tweets-criado-perez
Seemingly Neil Lennon is fair game in Scotland so never admit any guilt and you get away ‘Scot’ free.
ryecatcher
23:01 on 7 January, 2014
Very true…….we can dream, but reality must also be in the equation….
murdochbhoy
07:43 on 8 January, 2014
Good morning CQNers
Both of these newspaper links are within 24hrs of each other.Scottish Justice systemA RANGERS fan who tweeted that Celtic manager Neil Lennon should be killed has been cleared of committing an offence.Anti-bigotry groups were angry that Christopher Hay was found not guilty of causing fear and alarm because a sheriff didn’t believe there was criminal intent in his Twitter outburst.He said he wished “someone would kill that ugly ginger” and “I should’ve planned my parcel bombs better”.Sheriff Stuart Reid cleared Hay after finding there was not the necessary criminal intent to find him guilty.
————————————————
Morning, looks bad and is, but it is the start of the offensive behaviour act being tested in court and failing…
Ayrshire is Green and White
HH
fourgreenfields
07:34 on 8 January, 2014
The outcome of that case will tell us much about the level of cultural bigotry in Scottish Society……it is incredible, and disgusting, that ANYONE would have that reaction to someone speaking their own first language……
awe_naw_no_annoni_oan_anaw_noo
23:04 on 7 January, 2014
e-Tims have The Doc, CQN has Doc.
Two different Tims, I didn’t pen that article, it was very good though, has had more mention than anything I’ve written.
TBJ, CRC, aye very good:-)
67heaven … i am neil lennon, supporting wee oscar..!!.. ibrox belongs to the creditors
Not only the taxi drivers attitude but the response from the company is incredible .
Well could the sharks Arsenal and Man,City really be circling big Virgil with 10 million in there jaws ready to pounce ? The big guy is a class act but it would be nice to see him at Celtic for another 18 months or so but if we are offered 10 million I cant see Celtic turning it down.H.H.
Good Morning,
and a belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.
I sit here resplendent in just one pair of new boots — although I have to admit that Santa delivered more than one pair on Christmas Morning.
As many will know by now there has been forward movement re the legacy of resolution twelve and some considerable work has been carried out in the background and that work is ongoing.
We sit at the top of the league with an unbeaten run to protect and I have no doubt Neil Lennon will be keen to protect that record with a wee eye on creating a nice wee end of year statistic if at all possible. Besides winning as a matter of routine creates confidence.
Who knows where we will be by the end of the transfer window but a big lead in the league makes it easier to promise incomers substantial European Football– hopefully champions league football.
Amidst all sorts of writing about Celtic fans on blogs and whatever, we at CQN are finalising the stories that will make it into the forthcoming book surrounding events in Seville. Some of these stories draw the breath away– they make you laugh, cry, wonder and much more, but most of all they leave you amazed and proud of Celtic fans and their ingenuity and generosity of spirit.
One of the last people to get in touch with me on this subject was the administrator of Seville airport who is quite clear that May 2003 was a fantastic experience — something that has clearly lived long in the memory.
So– as we set out on this miserable January morning, remember that — even those who were worked off their feet by the massed arrival of Celtc fans remember the occasion and us with great affection.
However for me the rest of the day contains but one thought — this year cowboy boots — next year—- New Boxers!
murdochbhoy
A big difference is that in the second case, the tweets were directed immediately to the subject. I Hay`s case, he was tweeting ABOUT Neil Lennon.
Even so,from the little I`ve read, I still dont understand why Hay was not convicted under the “reckless” aspect of the Bill.
JJ
Jj.
But the comments in both cases were made on a public forum, twitter.
I could understand if the comments were made privately via email to his selected friends but he broadcast these messages to the world.
jimtim.
you have mail.
That’s one app I’ll be removing from my phone (Hampden Cars)
Sorry to hear that Ford Kiernans 12 year old son was found dead I cant imagine how he must feel.May his son R.I.P. and may perpetual light shine upon him.
JFH-Tragic story.
Alert Alert scum newspaper open with caution.
David McCarthy: Bending rules to show Hearts kids compassion would be act of kindness not weakness http://t.co/ZG5SUrmrBf
And why would Mcarthy want rules bent ? It’s when his beloved Sevco go t**s up they get exactly the sane leniency.
Does this tool think we’re all buttoned up the back.
Bada Bing. Yes tragic indeed. H.H.
Is the game on TV tomorrow night?
Totally agree with NL yesterday saying that Callum McGregor should be the benchmark for younger players.
There are a lot of young players at Celtic at the moment who could do with getting out on loan and playing games. Off the top of my head there is George, Herron, Rogic and McGeough. I would also send Balde out on loan. He’s a long way off the first team IMO. I know he hasn’t had much game time but I watched him closely in every game he’s played and his touch is shocking. He’s still young, he might improve…..surely games are the best way for him to improve!!
Also, anyone know how good is McGregor potentially?? I know he’s not a complete superstar or he wouldn’t be going back out on loan. But if you compare him to Kris Commons at the same age (a similar player with League One experience). Callum at 20 has 12 goals in 27 appearances in League One. Kris played 3 seasons in League One with Notts Forest at ages 22, 23 and 24. His games to goals was 38 games 8 goals, 40 games 13 goals and 45 games 10 goals.
Spivs keeping the lawyers in cigars:
“It saddens me to notify you that until proper legal advise can be obtained then the [Descendants of the Drowner] facebook page will shortly be taken down for an undisclosed amount of time.
This is solely due to the amount of correspondence received from Levy McRae regarding their clients [the Bookend Chuckle Brothers] and the claims made within these emails.”
Raspberry-nothing so far on TV schedules mate.
itn news on the flare(s) at sunderland-man u
the man u fans “celebtrated in continental style”
no greetin, no fish-wives, no over the top condemnations, no hanging of their ultras
;-)))
FEW OF THE MENTAL; MOB CROWING ABOUT THIS AT TEA BREAK THERE .
doesn’t mean much to me ……..
Celtic representatives have been in Brussels as part of a preliminary investigation by the European Commission into land deals between Celtic and Glasgow City Council. The probe relates to question marks over the purchase of various plots of land, including their Lennoxtown training complex, which it has been alleged constitute State Aid.
In recent months, the European Commission Directorate General for Competition State Aid has announced several formal investigations into allegations of State Aid involving Spanish and Dutch clubs – including Barcelona, Real Madrid and PSV Eindhoven. The latest club to become embroiled in an investigation, over an arrangement with their local council regarding the Liberty Stadium, is Swansea City.
The situation with Celtic is not yet at the same stage as the Spanish and Dutch investigations, but preliminary meetings have been held and information has been requested by the European Commission. When contacted by the Rangers Standard, an EC spokesperson said:
“We have indeed received complaints about alleged aid in land deals between Glasgow and Celtic and we have requested and received detailed information from the UK authorities, lastly in December 2013.”
“There is no legal deadline to conclude a State aid investigation; the duration depends on a number of factors, including the complexity of the case”.
It is understood that both Celtic and Glasgow City Council are extremely concerned at the possibility of the preliminary investigation leading to the type of full investigation which has been initiated in respect of Spanish and Dutch clubs.
Celtic have purchased several plots of land from State organisations, which have historically been Labour controlled, at low prices. These include the purchase for only, £497,000, of the land their Lennoxtown training ground was built on. It is believed that the recent sale of London Road Primary School may also now fall under examination.
If you are interested in more forensic detail on the various purchases and valuations then you should visit the excellent http://footballtaxhavens.wordpress.com/2014/01/01/state-aid-assembling-the-case-for-the-eu/
The European Commission has wide ranging powers if there is found to have been a breach of the regulations. The Commission can require the Member State to recover the aid with interest from the beneficiary (in this case Celtic). This could lead to a potential bill of over £30m for Celtic, which would have to be repaid over a maximum period of ten years. Any finding of guilt would put pressure on the SFA to probe ianyadvantage that any sporting advantage that discounted deals brought. It may also fall foul of new UEFA Financial Fair Play regulations.
This news comes only a day after the announcement that the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) are to examine the conduct of Co-Op Bank officials over allegations of tie ins with the Labour Party.
Celtic, who can count former Labour Minister, John Reid and former Labour MP, Brian Wilson amongst their former and current directors, were the recipients of extremely favourable loan deals from the Co-Op Bank and those are almost certain to be examined as part of the investigation. It is believed that the State-owned land obtained by Celtic was used as security for these loans.
http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/markets/article-2514682/Co-op-Bank-slammed-cheap-loans-Celtic-Football-Club.html
The European Commission probe is separate to this however and Celtic will potentially have to fight on two fronts to show that they have not been the beneficiaries of either State Aid or politically motivated, favourable loans secured against the land purchased. Last year Celtic employed a lawyer with litigation experience as their Company Secretary.
If anyone has any information regarding these allegations then please contact The Rangers Standard in confidence and we will incorporate it into any further enquiries. Anyone with detailed information or any specific complaints relating to State Aid on this matter should contact the European Commission at Stateaidgreffe@ec.europa.eu . Also if you have any relevant details on the Co-Op investigation you can contact the PRA at PRAwhistleblowing@bankofengland.co.uk .
Exclusive: European Commission seek explanation on Celtic land deals | The Rangers Standard http://t.co/0fXq2AL4hY
Wee Cwissy Gwaham must do bwetter.
This boy is the laughing stock of all fans.
I wonder who the loser is backing this time at ibrox.
Makes up Lee Rigby stories & Celtic fans with knifes although an MP put him in his place with that made up knifes story he he he.
Take a collection of unrelated facts (rumours can substitute, failing which, some made up guff will do), throw in a modicum of idiocy, and voila! Your very own conspiracy theory.
For example:
It hasn’t rained in Glasgow since Peter Lawwell left with the Celtic squad for the mid-season tourney in Turkey.
It has though rained in Turkey since the Celtic party arrived.
It follows, naturally, that Peter Lawwell controls the weather.
I have sent a complaint to the Met Office.
More to follow on this sinister development.
nctim
17:35 on 7 January, 2014
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS ………FC not PLC
12:12 on 7 January, 2014
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waldo
Anyone heard from RALPH WALDO ELLISON recently?
Just had an email from him. He was up visiting family over the holiday period.
______~~~~~~______
Thanks for the info,bud.
Good to know he’s fine and dandy. I hope you are too,bloody cold out!
TBB
I suspect it was you whom WC was referring to yesterday when he spoke about the ‘very positive’ article written in the next edition of the CQN magazine about our beloved Pedro?! :-)
the battered bunnet
10:24 on 8 January, 2014
It rained in Manchester yesterday just as the Celtic flight passed over head.
Do you have a template for your complaint to the Met Office??????
:>{}
Morning all.
SSN reporting that VVD ‘is on the verge of leaving’!!!!!
Bollox!
HH!!
Sorry if already posted
@Brainwashfree: Taxi driver in Irish ‘rant’ probe | Evening Times http://t.co/qOkubFbew2 via @TheEveningTimes
This buy to sell on policy is all very well but surely we have to keep key players like VVD for at least a few seasons if we want to do anything in Europe.
TALLYBHOY
My suspicions were aroused when someone mentioned that Celtic wanted £15m but Arsenal were only willing to pay around half of that.
End of last week,IIRC.
If the story was true,the most likely target would be VVD.
At that price,the only one!
BOB
10:17 on 8 January, 2014
Lennoxtown isn’t within the boundaries of Glasgow City Council, its in East Dunbartonshire.
Tallybhoy @10:40 on 8 January, 2014
SSN reporting that VVD ‘is on the verge of leaving’!!!!!
Bollox!
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Is that “bollox” as in the story is “bollox” or “bollox” as in there might be something in the story. If it’s the latter and he leaves we could see our first sub 10k crowd for a league match since the Kilmarnock boycott match.
glendalystonsils
10:52 on
8 January, 2014
What makes you think we want to do anything more than qualify for the CL group?
Not that I advocate selling VVD but if somebody genuinely offered £10M it would be hard to refuse. Given how often we see players have a great 1st season then dwindling.
Kayal33
10:56 on
8 January, 2014
That is a very valid point.
HT
Funny enough, no.
I tend to take the middle ground on PL. There’s no doubt that he’s found his groove with Celtic, and in the past 3 or 4 years he has transformed the way the club goes about its business. From every business angle, Celtic is an exemplar. Prior to that, I was a fairly outspoken critic, inc one AGM rant of note.
Equally, I am uneasy at the club’s policy on football governance. What’s said privately and what’s said publicly are notably different, but I have no grounding in the constraints the club faces in terms of PR and quieter influence.
I think that the whole GB shebawz is hugely regrettable. There are shortcomings on both sides, more on the GB’s than the club’s in my view, but there you are.
I do find the reflexive blaming of PL for every problem (perceived or real) to be all too easy and rather tiresome. Some of the problems we face are neither of our making nor in our gift to remedy, OBAFTC and its policing being top of the list.
Some of our problems can only be solved by dialogue, and some parties are unprepared to talk, or having talked, follow up agreement with action.
And some problems are within the gift of the leadership to address, but they elect not to.
A mixed bag for me, but on the whole, I’d give a good pass mark, but not a glowing reference. (yet)