I spoke to a serial divorcee some years ago and he suggested that after one bad marriage, you’re more likely to plunge headfirst into another, then another, than your average person, despite all the warning signs.
He was driven by a need to put things right in his life. Regretful of lost time, he wanted to get on with finding a secure, lasting, future relationship.
Parma were a tiny club for most of their existence, occupying the fourth tier of Italian football, but they rose inextricably to become one of the top clubs in Europe. When Rangers knocked them out of the Champions League qualifiers in the 90s, they were sixth top seed in the Uefa rankings. When the money dried up and insolvency grabbed them a few years ago it must have been hard to accept their place – a club with little substance going for it, but with fans expecting glory.
News this week that after liquidation a newco Parma would kick off at the bottom tier of the professional game in Italy is a morality tale. Just as my pal, the divorcee, was compelled to plunge into a ‘lasting and successful’ relationship at the first opportunity, few people who pick up the pieces of insolvent football clubs seem to be blessed with pragmatic expectations. A second, even more damaging liquidation, haunts in the shadows.
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DREAMS OF LISBON
Might as well chuck it and go home then.
DofLisbon- you could extend that question- why do Annan Athletic enter the Scottish Cup?
They’ll never win it [especially since wee Lionel Messi failed the medical to join the Galabank club]
Why not just award Celtic the SPL trophy for the next umpteen years, as realistically no one else is going to win it?
I accept it would take an upset of Foinavon proportions for us to win it, but one of htese years we’ll have a decent run in Europe, and in the meantime we can enjoy the dream; and the manic scapegoating of P.Lawell when it all turns sour.
Thanks for feedback everyone – looking at each post.
Re your user name/log-in for CQN. These have all been transferred over but not active yet on the new site. (When we did this last weekend the blog was offline).
We’ve updated the graphics on the site in last ten minutes and have a new logo to get added later today. Hopefully the new graphics help explain that this is where you will find Paul’s blog and comments.
The mag site isn’t on the bigger servers that CQN is on. And CQN is going onto an even better server system so the new site should cope with all eventualities – even if we sign a superstar on transfer deadline day (some hope).
Exiled Tim
I agree that the problems lies more with the midfield than the strikers ….
We bring in players who play a particular way (e.g., Scepovic who seems used to making runs and receiving passes) that dont suit the style we play, dont create chances for them, and then rubbish the players as not good enough.
The argument goes that some strikers (e.g., Leigh Griffiths, and Gary Hooper) have scored. However, that doesn’t mean that they were good and the others bad (although they were both very good strikers for us); rather, it means that they were suited to the style we were playing at the time. In a more fluid system, SS would I think look like a star.
I agree that we need more from our midfield. I though Ki was the best midfielder we have had in a few years, but we didn’t seem to get the best out of him. Partly, it was because he was looking for a pass, and no one was moving. Part of it was cultural, as well. i understand that with the Korean teams, there is very much a hierarchy based on age, and that younger players stay more in the background. I always wanted Ki to move forward, and move us up the park, but that didn’t seem to be his nature (at least at the time). From what I have seen since, he seems to be more assertive on the park.
At present, our best midfielder by a country mile is Biton. However, at the start, he seemed bit like Ki, and seemed to play in a more withdrawn role, and sprays passes from the back. I would like to see him pushed forward more, and be the link to the forwards/ the fulcrum through which most of our attacks go.
There were times last season when I thought he was moving himself and us forward, and thought we played some good football then. I hope to see more of that from him this season.
I am not sure if he was given more of a holding role (given the 4-2-3-1 system we were using, it is possible that he was told that his remit was to protect the back four first), but I would like to see him in a more advance/creative midfield role.
As is well known, I would not start SB, but I recognize that RD (and everyone else on here) disagrees with me. So, assuming that SB starts, I would have him playing more of the holding/defensive midfield role. His passing has improved the last season or two, but I think NB offers more going forward, and SB’s strengths lie mainly in stopping other teams from playing, so this would bring out the best in the two of them.
The biggest concern is that the 4-2-3-1 sometimes (depending on who the 3 and 1 are), it felt more like a 4-2-4 and it left our midfield exposed and often over run.
This means that the 3 will have to do a lot of work getting forward to support the striker, but also dropping back into midfielld when we lose the ball. SA seems to be okay at this, and with better fitness this season, I think he can do the job. SJ can motor (although, I hope to god he has been working on his finishing!!!!!)… the question for me is whether JF can pick it up and be a great two way player. Too often in the past, when he was fouled (or thought he was fouled), instead of getting on with it, and tracking back, he would sit on the ground, and throw his arms in the air. Hopefully, along with improved fittness under RD, there is an increased maturity this year. If so, he could be a star for us this year.
And for the record, I know RD likes the 4-2-3-1, but sometimes I would lke to see us go with 2 up front. I think Ss with LG and/or Hooper would be a terrific combination, once they get familiar with each other.
And we need to be able to swtich systems for days when the 4-2-31 just isnt working.
Bmcuw
Very difficult to talk about football with the carnage in Tunisia and France.
Although the details are sketchy, I fear that our whole way of life must change .
HH.
I’m likin’ 4-2-31.
That is really goin’ for it ;/)
Poor Parma, hamstrung.
Nice town if you have the chance to visit
..it might be difficult for all 31 to remain onside..
Stefan Sysmanski was the Soccernomics guy speaking. Did not catch title of his new book.
‘
Clicked on the latest article from Paul, it loads the page then I get an error message saying it needs to reload. Which it does, in a never ending loop’
– nothin’ wrong with the ole modren iPad- it’s just the ole songs debate you’re readin’.
dontbrattbakkinanger
—
Thanks buddy, looking forward to it..hoping the heat doesn’t affect us too much, living in Perth Australia last 4yrs and gets 40plus here at times.
Boat trip would be good so will look into that.
Turkeybhoy
Aye mate 4night stay only, breaking trip up on way to Ireland . I’ll be sure to pop into the dubliner at some stage, read that everything is pretty close together in Dubai.
Auldheid- his new book is ‘Money and Football; the sequel to the influential and best-selling’ Scottish Football needs a Strong Rang#rs’
GREENPINATA
Outrage after outrage. I dunno the answer. I dunno how the question even came about.
The Iraq war is too simplistic a reason for what is happening now-problems were there before. Clearing embedded dictators because they didn’t meet our lofty-or greedy-ideals and replacing order with chaos wasn’t a great plan.
Simplistically,there are too many means of death on the planet,too many lunatics willing to use them for whatever reason.
And lunatics don’t really need much of a reason.
leftclicktic
12:56 on
26 June, 2015
Celtic FC Tickets @CelticFCTickets · 54m54 minutes ago
Tix for match v. Den Bosch available online and via booking line until 2pm today,2pm only available from TO. http://www.celticfc.net/tickets
———————————————————————————————-
Got my three match package almost a fortnight ago, and I am amazed that there are still tickets available.
The Ferguslie Park Community Sports Centre – sorry St Mirren Park, has only 10k capacity – where are all our fans?
On signings, we have to get used to our place in the football world – with the model we have, the dictum is ‘hold your head up’ (above water) and be the 34th ‘richest’ club in Europe, however, any profligacy by the board would see us’drowning in a river of tears’, without the ‘superlungs’ afforded by the like of the EPL.
It’s all about ‘argent’ and not wishing to sign every player we ‘clap’ eyes on – wonder if anyone who ‘reids’ this would agree?
Anyone, hear of this lad before?, seems like he might fit the bill of bringing in young and future value
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/33288684
HH
gsu
BMCUW
Agreed. I don’t believe there is an answer now and that is so sad.
HH.
Greensideup
Never seen him play, but given that we have ML (who is world class when healthy), AM and DF (who I like), bringing in another right sided defender suggests to me that the rumours about AM leaving may have some truth to them.
However, and more to the point, we have 3 or 4 guys (including Effy) who can play RB…. we desperately need a proper LB (or at the least, cover as CM has shown that is not his favourite position).
No more RB’s until we get a LB. PLEASE!!!!!!
At Hyde Park to see The Who. Big African guy walks past with the hoops on.
HH
Robert Treswell
Re Kodi. Tonight I’ll be finding the answer to that question using You Tube tutorials.
Basically what you have is a framework (Kodi) to which you add components ( some of which themselves need sub components ) to build an easy to use interface that links via those components to servers that carry the content you are looking for.
Once you have the interface built then the problem is narrowing down the multitude of sources where the desired content can be found.
proudbhoy
the hotel has a dress code, you must have a collared shirt no t-shirts though polo shirts are fine
I expect it’s hoopslegend Dianbobo Balde.
He invested the residue of his controversial Celtic contract in a trout farm he owns with wee Roger Daltrey.
Maybe the follow-up to Soccernonics is Walternomics – just spend money even if you don’t have it.
BMCUWP
And thank God for the You Tube videos to keep memories alive.
As an old nun once said to me ” you can try to carpet the world or wear slippers”
I’ve only listened through the filter of the Serenity Prayer mind you.
Modren framework (Kodi) to which you add components ( some of which themselves need sub components ) to build an easy to use interface that links via those components to servers that carry the content you are looking for is rubbish.
Charliebhoy
No hoops then :-(
Cheers for heads up.
Pop out for a bit of fishing …………………………………….and come back to a mad mad world?
The follow up to Soccernomics is Urinomics, for when you don’t have a pot to p1ss in.
MIKEINTORONTO
I spoke to Darnell Fisher’s youth coach in April.
Says he’s a terrible trainer but a fitness fanatic! Aye,strange one.
But he also said that his future is the Makalele role. In his opinion.
Bearing in mind the size of the fella,I agreed.
Hahahahahaha!
mike in Toronto, it seems an odd one, but as you say, might be some truth to the Adam Mathews leaving rumours. Lustig is frustrating given the amount of time he spends on the treatment table and Darnell is definitely a good one but maybe this kid is game ready
HH
gsu
She tied you to a kitchen chair
She broke your throne, and she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah
The Kano Foundation Bucket Collection 2015
Volunteers wanted
Yep , it’s the time again – flag day ! As with the last 2 years , we are holding our only public (sort of)fund-raising activity with a bucket collection prior to kick-off on Sat 1st August.
We’re looking for as many people as possible to help out with the collection. Please , if you can , come along to the ground a wee bit earlier than normal and give us an hour of your time – that’s as important as making donation and will help us keep going.
We’ve increased our seats again (up to 101 in total) which means that we can hopefully break through the 5000 mark this year .
If you/friends/family can help , please go to http://www.thekanofoundation.com/?p=2153
and register and we’ll be in touch with the details .
Basically , 1/8/15 @ 11:00 behind Lisbon Lions stand.
Thanks and HH
Sanna
The ole CQN server doesn’t shrink to fit inferior strikers.
….P67
…….jus’ you wait till the Parma-Ragers read that wan!
There is no shortage of good places to eat; in cooler weather the Walk at the beach would be very pleasant. The hotels do a ‘brunch ‘ on a Saturday, buy a ticket and you can eat [and drink ] as much as you like..
The ‘brunch’ is on a Friday and well worth a visit if you want your moneys worth, I’ve yet to taste the food :-)
Dubliners near the airport is where most Celtic supporters meet to watch the games etc.
There is nowhere that isn’t good tbh and the service is excellent. Taxis are cheap but the drinks can be expensive.
It is Ramadan just now so it will seem a lot quieter than normal. Also it is veeeeery warm, I was over a couple of weeks ago and hit 50.5 one particular day..HOT!
JBR, Marina, Palm all worth a visit.
Proudbhoy…
Not the best time to visit……
Only a third of the way through Ramadan.. sunrise to sundown,, no drinking ,eating or smoking in public places.
Eateries and coffee shops etc will not open up en masse till sundown. All shopping centres will be open.
Don’t know where you’re residing but if down bottom of Sheikh Zayed Road (Marina/JLT area0 the pub for Celtic supporters is McGettigans in the Bonnington at JLT.
If in Deira area the Celtic pub is Dubliners in the Meridien Hotel (close to Irish Village where the Dubai Tennis is played and 5 mins from the airport).
Lived in Dubai (many years) until September last… moved on but not far.. any info you need will respond if I can be of help
bournesouprecipe
15:17 on 26 June, 2015
She tied you to a kitchen chair
She broke your throne, and she cut your hair
And from your lips she drew the Hallelujah
___________
Are you in the company of Petec and DD at the moment…the Cheech & Chong of the olde CQN :)
Just logged on and no adverts!
Are they gone?