You will not hear supporters or staff at an opposing club with a bad word to say about Graeme Murty. He took over a shambles of a football club and for several months matched results with anyone in the league. Twice he took Newco to Celtic Park and left with a point, but the man is a football coach, not a miracle worker. The disparity in resources would eventually tell.
Against the might of Brendan Rodger’s Celtic for a third, fourth and fifth time he experienced increasingly worse defeats. No one was surprised by this, the Newco board even tried to sell these results as “ahead of the curve”, but there was a fundamental issue that made it difficult for Murty to remain in position – he was sabotaged.
The evening before a game at Celtic Park, news leaked (and was not contradicted by the club) that Steven Gerrard agreed terms to become Newco manager. This came a day after Murty spoke about his chances of keeping the job if he won the four remaining league games. It was degrading and prioritised the position of the board over results on the field.
Dave King made a similar comment about the future Newco manager just days before his team faced Celtic in the Scottish Cup semi-final two weeks ago. That statement coincided with season ticket renewal letters.
What could Murty say after losing 5-0 at Celtic Park? We did our best but last night someone, who travelled with us on the team bus today, leaked that I was soon to be removed from my position? Whatever exchanges took place between the manager and his employers, a common purpose was difficult to imagine.
Inevitably, there has been some pullback on the Gerrard ‘news’. It seems matter is not as clear-cut as was believed on Sunday morning. I spoke to Peter Lawwell before the appointment of Brendan Rodgers. Brendan wanted to come and the Celtic board were equally keen, but Peter was clear: until a deal was signed, no one really knew what would happen. He had not committed to deliver anyone in particular, but he was nervous.
Promising a new manager the evening before you visit Celtic Park might take the edge of the inevitable pain for some, even at the cost of undermining your manager, but you had better deliver on that leak. Otherwise, you will look like pathetic opportunists who are exploiting the trust of your fans and are miles behind the curve.
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GREENPINATA,DAVID66
I’m certainly not a fan of the SNP,and I agree with you that this tax has been poorly thought through.
It is aimed primarily at high-content,low cost “drink-by-the-bucket” stuff. Super-strength 9% lagers will cost around £2.25 a can,7.5% ‘cider’ will be around £7 per 2litre bottle. Wreck the house juice just got more expensive.
The minimum price of a standard bottle of 12.5% wine is now around £4.70 and whisky about £14. These are not a huge rise,and more expensive drinks-malts,etc-are unaffected.
The collateral damage on it,the bit which hurts the average punter who is not a problem drinker,is at the dozen cans for the weekend level. Tesco in Swindon is £10 for 18 Carling. In Scotland,it is £16.
And why do you think it was the Scotch Whisky Association-largely unaffected by this-which has fought it hardest? I reckon it is because they expect the MUP to be increased sharply over time. It could be their “smoking ban” moment,the one where the voters tell govt to GTF
BMCUWP, thanks for the response, and you have educated me a wee bit. I do realise the need to do something, but is this the correct thing? I don’t know, I certainly do not think so.
I know MPs and the NHS are saying there is spikes of drink related violence. Why not just make lagers, beers and ciders with a normal level of alcohol content??? Instead of super strength. And price it as now, a reasonable affordable price.. Perhaps that is the end game to get manufacturers to stop making super strength alcohol . When Sipsini said about Strongbow, I was shocked because that is a common drink and I don’t think that is super strength.
I just think their must have been a better way to do something to help the health of our nation and the burden on the NHS.
D. :)
I’ve been having difficulty trying to work out the defensive conundrum for Celtic, particularly the centre backs (let’s put aside the right back issue for now).
It’s been widely stated that Celtic need to sign two new CBs in the summer to make progress in Europe. Recent history has indicated that signing even a single CB of real quality has been challenging at our level of the market (We were lucky to get VVD and even then, he was young and had a good few mistakes in him). So signing TWO will be quite hard.
My question is this; can Boyata be coached into a better CB? What I mean is, can the mistakes and concentration lapses be coached out of him?
I like Ajer and I think he can grow to be an excellent player but I would have concerns about him at this early stage of his development in the UCL group stages.
I can see the fleets of transit vans heading to Asda and Tesco stores in Carlisle and Berwick now.
Stupid, stupid legislation, which will see regular booze runs across the border, and hurt the Scottish Economy.
I understand the reasons for it, but it’s legislation which is as bad as OBAF was.
I am sure I was warned that “The Rangers are Coming” when Mike Ashley took them over because he wanted European experiences that he would not get with Newcastle.
How much “Dark Money” do you think they will need? How would the DUP even get away with sneaking oney to them even if they could afford it?
The more likely truth is that Dave King is flannelling Stevie Gee Whizz, telling him how he backed Pedro with big bucks and bought Alves and the like. He’ll be telling him the gap is easily bridged with a few good EPL fringe players and youngsters and Stevie’s ego will believe him.
Sevco are in a dire place financially. To misquote Jaws- “They are gonna need a bigger fantasy” than just Stevie Gee plus Dark Money.
The only way this makes sense is
a) Stevie G is very gullible – believable- but I don’t think his advisers are.
or b) There is some legitimate money coming their way from an egotistical rich backer who imagines money cn be made from a basket case in Scottish football- I cannot think of anyone so uninformed.
Bateen Bhoy on 2nd May 2018 8:57 am
I can see the fleets of transit vans heading to Asda and Tesco stores in Carlisle and Berwick now.
Stupid, stupid legislation, which will see regular booze runs across the border, and hurt the Scottish Economy.
I understand the reasons for it, but it’s legislation which is as bad as OBAF was.
____
Do you really think the money saved on booze will offset the petrol money and the waste of time driving there?
Maybe if you live in Dumfries.
No tax is perfect but this is simply going to effect those who drink frosty jacks etc. The will just move on to Bucky.
Pubs won’t be effected and neither will people like me who are prepared to pay a bit extra for something that tastes good.
Bateen Bhoy Del Bhoy will be back and this time next year he could be a millionaire.. Crazy from Scottish Government.
D. :)
Looks good,
but tastes rotten………………………
Bobbio
There is no ‘smoking ban’. There is a ban on smoking in confined spaces.
Because just as I’ll defend your right to smoke, I’ll claim my rights not to have to breathe it in while I’m having a pint or a meal with my kids. Why? Cos it damages us too and kills many who never smile.
Just like I’d defend your right to piss in your bath if you choose to do so, but don’t think it’s fair do’s for folk to piss in the swimming pool.
Smiley thing good to see you’re better bro
HH jamesgang
Smile!!!
Smoke!
Timaloy29, I actually do think their is a saving to be made by going down south. (Not me some Del Bhoy) If you save £6 on 18 cans of lager 10 cases pay the petrol. The rest is profit.
I think it’s an absolute scandal.
Do we make people more responsible and make them pay for their own healthcare, I would not want to go down that route, but where does this bill end. Bigger price rises for all alcohol in future. Nah not for me.
D. :)
One thing has been puzzling me about Odsonne’s situation.
It was heavily trailed that his loan signing contained an agreed sale price when he came here. Yet, in recent weeks, when there has been more encouragement to meet this hefty (for Celtic) fee, we have been told that negotiations will be required.
Are these to see if we can reduce the agreed fee or was there never an agreed fee to begin with? If so, why were we told there was- it just raised needless expectations and makes the Board look like glib liars?
Are the negotiations on Odsonne’s side? Is the player not bound by a deal that includes an agreed trigger fee? If not, what use are such clauses?
I’m heading out now but does anyone know the answer to these questions?
DAVID66
Indeed,banning the super-strength wreck the hoose juice was the way ahead,IMO. But very probably illegal. How can the govt justify banning a 9% lager while happily promoting their 40%+ whisky industry?
The road to hell is paved with good intentions,this is another one. The simplest way to get round it would have been to exempt all drinks with a,say,5% or less ABV. But then,I’m not a politician. Maybe the collateral damage wasn’t accidental…
Setting free the Bears, I don’t think there is anyone in their right mind would put cash into Sevco as they are just now. From grassroots level to everything / everyone at the top it needs cleared out, because as a business model it does not work. The only way a savvy investor would put cash in is if there was no debt, therefore I think this new entity will have to do the same as the old one and dump debt.
Or the other option, which I think is happening right now is the old Laundrette is getting used.
D. :)
BMCUW I get what you mean with the tax on Whiskey now..
I am not the sharpest tool in the shed. :)
It probably won’t affect me, unless they say in 1-2 years “oh this is not working let’s put all drinks up”. I am mainly a pub drinker and if that is not affected then great. But I do not trust one single politician, terrible I know. I just feel that they are dipping thier toe in the water with super strength alcohol then run it across the board.
D. :)
JAMESGANG
Correct,to the point of pedantry. Ask the vast majority of people why smoking is not allowed in enclosed public spaces,etc,and they will reply
“The Smoking Ban” with little or no need for elaboration.
Of course,neither of these things affect me. First,England has not-yet-introduced MUP,and second,my recent travails have seen me bin the fags.
(Oh,get me!)
Although I’m still sorely tempted,and when I’m back on the beer,I can see me nipping out for a smoke-breathing in the fumes in the smoking area!
DAVIDOPOULOS
I think big Dedryck will always make mistakes. When we signed him someone posted a link to a Man City fan blog and he said that he was one of those players that will look great then produce a howler or two.
I like him , I know he infuriates many, but can we realistically afford anyone better?
SFTB, regarding Odsonne, I am speculating here but: I believe the fee has been agreed and Celtic have first option. However I would think there will be negotiations around sell on clauses, PSG getting first dibs should he leave Celtic, potential add-ons (Champions League progress, full international caps etc.).
These may increase the gross transfer value long term; there are also likely to be the players demands to be finalised as well.
It looks easily doable but just need to get it finally agreed.
KTF
Anybody got a link to this man’s Managerial Stats ?
Sheer class v a pub team –
https://youtu.be/hvLJFoEEm-c
BMCUW Well done on giving up the fags. Never been a smoker, when growing up I was the only one that never smoked in my house (wanted to be a footballer) and none of my children or wife smoke. But I know it can be hard, so well done.
Right as I am not back to work until Friday ( a 1 day week as my doc messed up my fit note) I have been instructed to get some shopping in, so I might just drive Over the border and pick up some cheap drink for the morning Garden gang in my area. ( guys who stand in the street and drink strong beers /ciders or used to)
D. :)
? or motorbike. That was the nearest emoji I had sorry
You said last night that there might be a statue to TB in the Calton.
Any more info?
D. :)
SFTB
Odsonne is a PSG player, therefore first base is agreeing a deal with PSG. That might well have been agreed in principle when the loan was completed, plus or minus the odd dotted i and crossed t. For PSG the decision is a fairly straightforward economic one, the parameters of which might already have been defined in the loan agreement.
Thereafter, the player is free to do what he wants. Does he want to return to PSG, likely loaned out for another year to another club? Does he want to sign for Celtic? Is the package acceptable? What other options are out there?
On balance, I’d think the negotiations with Odsonne’s people will be considerably more challenging than with PSG.
How many case of cheap beer or cider could you get in the back of a transit ?
Although there will be enterprising Del Boy types, there will also be groups of people who will get together and split costs.
Doesn’t really affect me, as i seldom drink at home, and if i do, the hike in price won’t stop me buying what I usually buy.
There’s a reason why Scotland has more deaths through alcohol abuse per capita than anywhere else in Europe, and it’s got little to do with the price of a bottle of cheap cider.
Am confused now,,,,
Has my Budweiser went up in price or not ???
If it has it means I’m going to have to save harder when its time to part with my £49 to see the Celtic at ipox….
???
borgo67
I think that’s where I am with him too – can we really get better? And if we do can we really get 2 new CB that are better?
I think Boyata will still feature next season. Who know, maybe with a quality partner he will be much more consistent. Or alternatively, with a quality partner Ajer will come on leaps and bounds…
Ole BMCUWP makin’ the most of the ole moment.
Jozo seems to be out of the picture now so him and Erik S will need to be offloaded, then there’s the strange case of Marvin C, a guy yet to kick a ball in anger for us, there’s a lot of work to be done before Brendan thinks about bringing in new centre halves.
I would imagine he’ll be looking at one to bring in on the proviso that he can offload the other three. Erik S shouldn’t be too difficult let’s see about the other two.
Scott Allen and Ryan Christie will also likely move on in search of game time at new clubs. Morgan may well come back as back up in which case we might see Johnny Hayes also moving on.
There’s a lot of talk about the financial gap in Scottish football and how “unfair” it is etc but how much has Brendan really spent on players, not huge amounts Scotty and Olivier aside.
New contracts for existing stars plus one or two additions is what I would imagine over the summer. I can’t no matter how opTIMisitc I am see us doing huge business.
With stories about another young striker coming in on loan perhaps we’re preparing the ground for Moussa’s departure, let’s hope not, one of my favourite players in the team but chest la vie as those Franchise are known to say!
HH
Beware the Dark Money Hunny Monster he’s on the prowl again:))
DAVIDOPOULOS
I’m at the stage now where I’m happy to defer to Brendan’s judgement. Dedryck has been number one pick for a while. As for big Kris and Jack Hendry, yes they both have a rawness about them but it’s not hard to see what Brendan means when he says there’s a lot to work on. Both seem confident and intelligent and look first team players . Not sure how good they’ll be but I’m sure we’ll see huge improvements in the next couple of years.
Look Out There’s a Monster Coming –
https://youtu.be/FcRGNUjlbxQ
SOUTH OF TUNIS
:))
I can see four current CHs moving on in the summer, Jozo, Erik, Dedryck and Marvin, leaving us with Kris Ajer, Jack Hendry and Nir Bitton. I would expect us to sign two CHs, one experienced, one left sided, to add to the remaining three. We’ll need 5 if we continue to play three at the back, especially in Europe. Lustig and KT can also fill in if required (unless KT becomes our first pick left sided CH)
Give Booze A Chance –
https://youtu.be/rRFo_-QsmR8
Paul 67,I For one , don’t think you should feel sorry Murty,he knew like all folks in there working environment,knew what he was getting into,I bet if Sevco beat us on Sunday,you or Brendan Rodgers, wouldn’t have felt sorry for him,Paul67 I think it would fit you better if you gave our board a good bit of Stick now and again,on the way our fans are treated ,when standing cold and wet,in long Queues, outside the Ticket Office, absolutely Terrible,so instead of having a go at Certain Football Clubs as another fan said the other day,stick the boot into Celtic now and again,
OLDBHOY
You no got an umbrella???
HH
One thing I cant understand as always with this BIG investment coming
into Zombies.
Would Dave King not be hoovering up all the shares possible
and say he was ordered by takeover panel.
Now see these 20p shares they made me buy you can have them for 40p
DAVID66 on 2ND MAY 2018 9:46 AM
There are discussions underway for a permanent memorial to Tommy Burns in The Calton.
There is a Mass ins St Mary’s in The Calton on the 15th of may to celebrate Tommy’s life and mark the 10th anniversary of his death.
Full details will be given at the Mass. In the meantime, I am working on other info which can be released (hopefully) in the next day or so.
KTF
GARY67
Losing four CHs in the summer would worry me . Jozo and Eric look certain to leave , for me either Dedryck or Marvin would need to stay. Maybe big Marvin has been hitting the late night gym to impress the manager.
Maybe we’ll get a proper look at him now and see where he’s at, it’s hard to make an opinion on an invisible man.
VFR thanks sounds great.
D. :)