A week ago you and I discussed how Newco fans were more confident ahead of a Celtic game than they had ever been, while we, chastened by a lacklustre Celtic performance against them last month, thought we had a game on our hands at Hampden.
Five days after a very one-sided Scottish Cup semi-final and sentiment in both camps has shifted. Newco were awful on a level that it is hard to do justice on the page. Celtic were imperious in possession and attacked with a swagger.
Don’t let what happened a week ago cloud your judgement. I’ve been going to Ibrox for over 30 years, and many on here have been going twice as long, but no matter how poor old Rangers were in that time, we seldom had it easy. On my first visit there we scored four second half goals against a truly awful outfit, but 45 minutes into the game we were two down and struggling.
If you win at Ibrox, you have played well. Celtic will need to be unscrupulously faithful to their tactical system. Brendan will know how to prepare the players for this. They will need the concentration and energy to deliver the performance.
I have some worries for Pedro (apologies, but I’m not sure if he’s going to be around long enough to make it worthwhile learning how to spell his surname). His 10-second principle is a case in point.
In the interview Chris Davies gave to a few Celtic bloggers, including myself, he explained that when Celtic lose possession, the players are told to spend up to six seconds pressing directly for the ball. If they fail to win possession back in this period, they are to drop back into defensive positions.
They have been trained to do this since preseason. It’s risky, and you will note that they do it every week in domestic football, but the technique was used sparingly in the Champions League group stage. The risk of a Barcelona-type team passing through the press is dangerous, as when players are pressing, they are out of position.
This is how modern football is played, but Pedro should be cautious. You cannot reeducate players overnight. If you attempt to and fail, it’s the manager’s responsibility. In fact, this quote from Pedro is exactly what you should expect when you try to force a new system onto a team midseason:
“When we analysed the game in some moments of the game some players were acting in one direction, which was the right direction and other players were not doing the same thing at the same time.”
This was clearly not the outcome Pedro expected, but his explanation suggests he has a lot to learn about how to tactically change football teams.
What’s worse, instead of shielding his players by taking ownership of the blame, he put the players in the dock. It is no surprise that you can detect grumblings of discontent emanating from loyal Ibrox sources.
Taking about “in the dock”, Sir David Murray is currently in the witness box at Craig Whyte’s trial. Proceedings are enthralling, but we’ll catch up with that later. A point worth reiterating:
It is acceptable to report on what was said at court, but unacceptable to prejudice a witness or defendant with your view on that individual, or on evidence presented. So stick to what was said – that’s fascinating enough.
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http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/teams/alloa-athletic/jim-goodwin-from-midfield-hardman-to-sweetie-salesman-1-4432724
Dallas- sorry for not getting back during the week. The crew arrive back from Donegal tonight after the wedding last Friday…should be a few stories ☺
I never enjoyed going to the cesspit. Walking to the train station getting fortified with LD and Merrydown (gold top) was like walking intae battle.
Still got the scars.
Hopefully passes without incident for our bhoys today and a good natured Rogering of 3-0
Tell your bhoy to keep his friends close.
Good mornign friends from a sry, cloudy and lightly-breezy East Kilbride.
Stopped work for a week’s holiday yesterday and had some old friends round for food, drink and song till the wee sma’ hours so apologies for the lateness of this weekend’s report. No ParkRun today ;-)
Off to check whether the last few entries for Goals For Shay are in…
Morning All.
First of all, if you have e-mailed me re Lisbon and have not received a reply then my apologies but I have been run off my feet this week but I will get back to you hopefully over the weekend.
Second, re dress code for the dinner – I am pretty sure that shorts will be fine but I am checking with the venue and will confirm the position as soon as possible.
Third – Some people, who have written independently, have been told by the Estadio Nacional management that there will be no public access to the stadium AFTER the 25th of May. As I understand it, the reason for that is to allow the management to prepare for the Portuguese Cup Final and to allow the finalists, Benfica and Guimares, to train on the pitch.
I will hopefully have the details for the visit on the 25th in the early part of the week.
As many will know, the stadium itself unveiled a plaque to the Lisbon Lions this week with John Clark representing Celtic.
Fourth – We are hoping to have the commemorative Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady and The Martyrs on the Rua Garrett in the Chiado area of Lisbon. Quite a few of you are staying on the same street and the church is handy for the Baixo Chiado Metro station which is one stop away from the train station which takes us out to the stadium.
Connaire 12 and I will sort out the Holy Red Tape and Malorbhoy has offered to do a reading.
If anyone else wants to participate then let me know.
Fifth — we will have a raffle and maybe a small (and I mean only two or three items) auction at the dinner in Lisbon. If anyone wants to donate at prize then get in touch.
Sixth — an application has been made to the appropriate authorities in Lisbon to allow us to have a street party in the Via do Rosso on the night of the 25th of May. This is an area with bars and restaurants and it hosts street parties on a regular basis. Mick Ward (sometime flute player with Charlie and the Bhoys) is liasing with those who submitted the application for us — more details to follow.
Seventh — STV have been in touch and they are intent in sending out a film crew to record the celebrations of the Celtic fans in Lisbon. They also want to film the dinner.
Eighth — There will be a pre Lisbon party downstairs in the Admiral Bar on the 18th of May where any larger items which can’t be taken out to Lisbon can be reffled or auctioned for charity. I would hope to have the big Cup there for photographs, some music from members of the band coming to Lisbon and a right old sing song. More details in the coming week.
Ninth — for any golfers who are interested, I have also been helping to organise the annual Celtic Charity Foundation Golf Day on 16th June at Renfrew Golf Club. There are some spaces left for teams of four or individuals who would be willing to make up a fourball.
The cost of a welcome breakfast, round of golf, three-course meal and playing with a team of legends and a Q&A and some entertainment is £100/round.
The legends team this year will be led by our own Willie Wallace and if you have never heard the double act that is Willie and Bertie then those two are worth the money in their own!
If you require further details then drop me a line.
Tenth — throughout the next twelve months I hope to raise a significant some of money for Mary’s Meals, The British Heart Foundation in the name of Jock Stein and the Celtic Charity Foundation.
So this is by way of an advance apology. I don’t want to appear to be constantly asking for dough from a group of people whom I know are forever donating to charity and who have supported many many campaigns on these pages, especially those which have involved myself in some way.
I will try and restrict the begging bowl mentality to the minimum and will instead try to concentrate on offering things that will genuinely interest people by way of raffle prizes, events, and opportunities and I will try and restrict auctions to the minimum so that as many people as possible can participate.
The goal for the entire year, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the year when Celtic were champions of Europe, is to feed 1967 kids through Mary’s Meals, fund 67 CPR kits and distribute them in the name of Jock Stein, and to give the balance of the money to the Celtic Charity Foundation with the specific purpose of feeding and helping the homeless and the underprivileged as part of their ongoing work.
There may well be some bits and pieces which are done in conjunction with others who have their own charity projects and goals as these should also be supported if possible.
I have no idea if we will be able to meet these targets but all I can do is give it a bloody good shot. If anyone has any good fund raising ideas then give me a shout. All ideas, especially daft ones, are welcome.
As always, no matter what, all of the above will hopefully be done wth a smile and a laugh — smiling and laughing are compulsory!!
Lastly, I am looking forward to us dominating again today and taking all three points — C’mon the Griff!
Hail Hail
BRTH
jjoe88@hotmail.co.uk
GREENPINATA
I’d have thought a park bench would be the ideal venue for you today,wi that litany of alcoholic poison you mentioned.
Or Greenock…
Ffs,even I’ve not tried all of that lot. Deprived childhood,obviously.
Depraved adulthood,mind(!)
Sore heid this morning.
Who are we playing today?
MWD
My first game at Ibrox was in the mid 70s when we got beat 3-0. I think it was a night game, Derek Parlane scored for them. Best ever experience there was also in the 70s when we beat them 1-0 – definitely a night game, when Joe Craig scored a screamer from about 20 yards straight into the top corner – happy days.
I have no fears about today, even if we play in 3rd gear, like on Hogmanay, we’ll draw.
To all who are going to the game – stay sober, stay safe, get back to your bus straight after the game, then party like it’s 1979. Come on You Boys in Green.
I think that we are only waiting on just 5 picks for this round of GFS2 and I’m sure these will be with me by mid morning ;-)
So a wee shout out to the following and feel free to ublickly abuse and shame me if you’ve already emailed and I’ve missed it again!
TheCelt45
Thoms Sellick
Red Den
Cowiebhoy
pogmathonyahun
CQN Saturday Naps Competition
Lads, for those in the CQN Naps Competition, please post your selection here :
http://www.celticquicknews.co.uk/the-opportunity-to-get-players-we-otherwise-couldnt-afford/comment-page-10/#comments
All the best, fleagle1888
–NZ Auckland CSC–
Sorry Typos and bad spelling abound on the above post!
Also, I meant to post the following link to the Basilica
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_of_Our_Lady_of_the_Martyrs%2C_Lisboa
To get one in the mood…
https://youtu.be/J-fX0UbpZls
For clarification, that link was more about the music and not the rather dark and sad lyric so nae offence and all that…
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS on 29TH APRIL 2017 8:49 AM
Ha, it’s no coincidence that Glasgow has over 90 parks. ( A lot of benches there )
Don’t know if it was always like that.if he gets interviewed today, It would be a good question to ask Kenny Miller what the parks were like in the 50′ and 60’s.
HH.
Ps : Hope you’re well and looking forward to another hunscelping.
Good luck and safe travel to all entering the Den of Iniquity.
My first game there was the 1959, Berti missed penalty game.
The poor lad hardly had the strength to kick the ( cannon) ball.
Dreadful day, sodden pitch.
There is still some Unfinished Monkey business to attend to.
Light up the dark place Celtic.
All Good Bhoys.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRgtzZ-mOQo
Over the years I can’t remember the number of occasions when there was huge hype ahead of matches or demonstrations or marches when all Hell was predicted to break loose and dozens were going to end up in Hospital or worse etc and more often than not, f**k all happened,
Today is a game of football, the crowds can sing & roar but it’s what happens between the white lines that count.
There may well be a few tasty challenges but for the most part footballers respect each other and on a professional basis none of them want either to get or give serious injuries. I know there are plenty of exceptions that can be recalled, most recently Halliday flying in on Roberts but the Ref & his team will be on high alert and personally I believe whilst there may be a frenetic opening the game will settle & it will not be as mad as some are fearing.
Delaneys Dunky
Johnny Rotten took the milky way to Ann R Kay in the yoo k. Spread the word!
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2008/oct/01/advertising.television
Hi fholks, on the bus to fort William with my son as Charlie and the bhoys playing there tonight, can anyone recommend a Celtic friendly bar
Thanks in advance
Voguepunter, that 2 nil game in 1981 , we had about a quarter if not more of the Govan Stand that day,
We escaped the half bricks but going along Dumbreck Road towards Nithsdale Road , let’s just say the huns did not show any unsurpassed dignity after the match.
Tommy were never be replaced , most importantly by his family and by us.
Get into it……. and get intae thum.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcn4UG6Jd0s
Prestonpans Bhoy, the same happened in the league cup final the following season when Big Shuggy equalised in front of the West Terracing when they were singing that uda all the way mince.
Art of War , I hope your family all had a great time and you enjoy their stories from the wedding.
I havent been back to Ibrox for a game against the old or new club since August 1988. I’m still traumatised from that game.
I’m just about to give junior his pre match dont do anything stupid , beware the polis and avoid the brethren chat .
He is going on a local supporters bus which is leaving at half ten.
Yes, there is a real rumble at Wembeeeleee tonight.
I think it’s refreshing to see mutual respect and good manners from the gladiators before the fight.
Good manners and civility cost nothing , and it’s never a sign of weakness.
HH.
Good Morning Bhoys it is overcast here in Centeral Scotland but a good day for a game of football. I think it will be hard for our players to get up for the game as the league has been decided the Rangers fans will demand there team will be up for it after last weeks defeat I will go for a 1-1 draw I hope im wrong though and Celtic hammer them. H.H.
Greenwells Glory & Petec
Cheers.
MWD
Whichever way you look at it, their defence is poor and likely to be more exposed today than in any other match against them this season. Keep it tight, do nothing stupid and we will win.
Hello again all you young rebels.
Me and the wee mhan sitting waiting patiently for the next
hun humping, after all the talk about the auld days on last
nights blog and the favourite tipple of the time, mine was the
Lanliq so the nearest i could find was an Ozzie red and my god
it’s rough but it’s doing the trick so COYBIG lets do them again
and all you bhoys stay teamed up you know those stickies have
always taken liberties especially at their own midden.
H.H Mick
To the good guys going to the game:
Stay safe and look out for one and other. They are a hurting big time.
MWD
Just caught your post from last night about MACJAY1
i believe he’s just taking a wee break from the blog at
the moment, i’ve not heard otherwise so hopefully he’ll
be back soon.
H.H Mick
Corky
Over the years I can’t remember the number of occasions when there was huge hype ahead of matches or demonstrations or marches when all Hell was predicted to break loose and dozens were going to end up in Hospital or worse etc and more often than not, f**k all happened,
——
Think the stars for Royal Infimary A&E on the evening of these games would counter your f**k all happened view.
MWD
‘Rangers are maybe due a result.’
“Aye, due something fae five games against them…”
So went the conversation ahead of me in Tesco this morning.
Naw, remedial Huns, naw.
CELTIC are due something – to give the Huns a right good pumping.
about time we got the breaks and the chances and good saves by their keeper start dropping in.
Hoops to notch 5+ at the Hate Factory today – 22/1.
C’mon the good ghuys.
Morning all.
Want us to pump them senseless today , but would settle for 1-0 with no casualties.
HH!!
Whatever did the Gardener say to Neil Lennon ???
Happy to see my oft-repeated view that the game up here is a farce reflected by James Forrest’s latest:
“Celtic and Aberdeen can hide behind our respective successes; both clubs will sell season tickets, although on some level everyone realises that we’re buying into a farce. Other clubs will swallow this and the pain that comes from it and try to sell theirs anyway. Good luck with that.”
Meanwhile, the ridiculous SPFL website, unchallenged by its member clubs, don’t forget, was mentioned earlier in the week by John James as being evidence of the cheating that continues in the game since Rangers entered liquidation, and Sevco was formed from the assets of that club.
“For those who insist that cheating is not a factor in the Scottish game, I respectfully refer them to the SPFL website”.
The only successful challenge to the injustices visited upon the game since 2012 was the threatened non-renewal of season tickets that year by supporters, which prevented Sevco entering Scottish Football in the top tier.
If rules are ignored again on the European Licence, it’s not just a problem for the club who misses out.
However, maybe “I am the SFA” Darryl was right, after all, when he said to John Clark of the Scottish Football Monitor that the “old club/new club” debate would be decided on how many supporters decided to turn their backs on the game, if they felt so strongly about it.
Don’t touch that gauntlet!
Just get in pump them and get out again with everyone safe & sound.
A horrible place to go
Will it be a mid 3 of Kouassi, Broonie and Armstrong today?
They are going to be dirtier than usual…. and that is saying something.
GREENPINATA 1027
“Bring the Lanny,I know a guid wee park. I’d better get used to it anaw!”
Get in the mood by reviewing the last 5 derbies http://celticbynumberscom.ipage.com/the-rangers-v-celtic-preview-by-numbers/
Hope this counts for something! HH