I like Scott Brown and Leigh Griffiths’ reactions to our recent adversity. It says a lot about them. They both personalise responsibility for what happens next, this is an important part of recovery – and success.
A week ago I wrote that the League Cup semi against Ross County was the biggest game in the rest of our season, and that it wasn’t a game I’d bet on. It provided the toxicity cup football can generate, creating a crisis mentality which rolled into Aberdeen on Wednesday.
This psychological phenomenon has to end now. Feel free to put a date in June in the diary to get back to it. We are in a genuine league title contest, something you and I talked about as a great thing for Scottish football not so long ago. We have no God given right to be miles ahead of anyone. We are here because we’ve made mistakes and an opponent stepped up. Welcome to Celtic.
If you want to open an inquest when the patient catches a cold, knock yourself out, but I’m not up for it. If we want this title, we circle the wagons and give the manager and players the encouragement they need to get the job done (and, erm, that includes you, ‘Phyllis’). You can be sure Aberdeen fans will do nothing less.
Tomorrow the focus switches to Perth, where Aberdeen take on St Johnstone. They won their first 8 league games this season, but the wheels came off the tractor immediately after their most important victory away from home – at Tynecastle. Next up was a League Cup game against Hibs, the loss of which plunged them into a five-week chasm.
They are a team who get notoriously nervous just when they begin to think they are in with a chance. We’ll see what Tommy Wright does with them tomorrow.
Enjoy your football. Enjoy this league race, the challenge and the disappointments. Enjoy that thrill when a goal goes against Aberdeen, or the downer when they score. It will make the finale all the more rewarding, I promise you.
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THEORIGINALSADIESBHOY on 5TH FEBRUARY 2016 3:54 PM
NATKNOW
I said on here yesterday that the supporters of the other teams would get excited by Aberdeen’s challenge and want them to win. While it is annoying to us Tims we should understand that it is only natural for people to support the underdog. It is also bad for the media and their message that SPFL is doomed without the challenge of Rangers. Aberdeen are breaking from the script by providing this challenge in a supposedly moribund league. While it looks unlikely that Sevco will fail to gain promotion, in the off chance that they find themselves in the Championship for a third successive season will make it difficult for the smsm to rehash their ‘lack of a Sevco challenge is killing Scottish football” if Aberdeen can run us even closer this season.
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You would think, mate. But I’m gonna stick my neck out and say that, if the sevco are not in the top division next year, the main headlines will scream that the lack of challenge is killing Scottish football! I don;t actually mind (that much) sevconians Like-ing stuff to do with Aberdeen on social media – it just shows me how desperate they are. In The Olden Days (as my 8-y-o daughter) the hatred they showed for Aberdeen was visceral. Now they’re licking and sniffing them like dugs. Good. :-)
Allyhunters// I will leave it to the Board, think they know slightly more than me. I’m in Oil & Gas,( and I don’t know very much ) but I’m good at my job, I have six men in their forties who are millionaires,(cash in Bank) because they took my advice. Two of my Tenet’s was this Oil Boom will not go on forever, squirrel away 33% off your net salary. Bonuses should be used to reduce mortgage. 48 ‘experts’ ignored my advice. PS. I don’t suffer from modesty.
CULTSBHOY CAN NOT RELATE TO CELTIC BOARD AMBITIONS ON OR OFF THE PARK on 5TH FEBRUARY 2016 3:55 PM
Natknow
I believe there might be an underground link between Glasgow City Council Chambers and Celtic Park but that is for the convenience of City masters to get to games and after match drinks with his lordship. The Celtic Way was built to disguise the route.
Peter now uses a jet pack that he bought from Leigh Griffiths who received it from Jocky Scott as a leaving present while at Dundee (see dundeebarryleighgriffiths.blogspot.com for context)
I understand a substantial proportion of his £20k/week is spent on rocket fuel to allow he and his son to visit Lennoxtown to cast their eyes over potential investments.
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Had a good laugh at that!
But not before I considered that you might actually be serious… :-))))
BMCUW
I thought Broto was probably the best of a bad bunch at the time. Apart from a clanger v Hibs I think, I don’t remember too many issues. I could be wrong about being cup-tied, but that’s certainly as I remember it.
Oh for a Boruc at that time……
auld bertie on 5th February 2016 4:11 pm
Allyhunters// I will leave it to the Board, think they know slightly more than me. I’m in Oil & Gas,( and I don’t know very much ) but I’m good at my job, I have six men in their forties who are millionaires,(cash in Bank) because they took my advice. Two of my Tenet’s was this Oil Boom will not go on forever, squirrel away 33% off your net salary. Bonuses should be used to reduce mortgage. 48 ‘experts’ ignored my advice. PS. I don’t suffer from modesty.
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I’d advise yer men to buy physical Gold now. Especially as it is so low in price. Talk that Silver is a better bet but when talking millionaires, it is better to get Gold. ;))
Well if you can get through to them. :))
Patrick Roberts a standout?
Magic!
Here’s my p…-stained prediction for his immediate future.
A wee cameo on Sunday,maybe.
A start against both of the Highland teams at home,where he STARS,and rips them a new one.
Out for the season when that wee animal Imrie clatters him v Hamilton in the next game.
With platitudes of-these things happen,it’s a man’s game,etc from the usual suspects.
Auld Bertie- are you perchance Paul Baxendale- Walker?
AULD BERTIE
Congratulations.
Do you know anything about football?
Auld Bertie, very good advice, although I was given similar advice myself which I also followed, left me in a good place as I get into my 50’s.
Now I’m not so sure the board do know how to pick a good manager, you see that’s the problem, Tony Mowbray, John Barnes, Ronnie ………… In my job, we hire experts in their field for roles, but we still run the candidates around the organisation for feedback, so go on humour me, if not a name, what skills should a new manager possess.
Its also unfair to ask without committing myself so here goes, Ronnie terminated, Gordon Strachan brought in to see the season out successfully (while still remaining with Scotland) and give yourself 5 months to select a candidate who has a reputation for developing youth having being successful either at European level or with a top European team. It costs money for these guys I know, but no more than a Bangura, Balde, Berget, Pukki, Cifci etc etc error.
Wan Tim Five Wan Free
Like No other
Well like Every other. ;))
Protesting was never wrong.
GLASSTWOTHIRDSFULL
He was cup-tied,bud. Good spot.
Winning Captains mentioned another one of Rab’s howlers. The 3-3 game.
Shocker.
Having said that,when we lost 4-2 at home to the huns a few years back,BORUC was to blame for all of them. Even Mendes,he went the wrong way to start with.
Glad to see the big man getting his act together again. First keeper I had faith in since,erm,Ally Hunter!
Stopped reading back and heading fir bed.
Need some help, want to change my blog name (seems to be in fashion) to
“fess 19 has stopped reading blogs from posters (maybe imposters) who appear to have an OCD about PL & the board. ” any help would be appreciated
Back in Glasgow Sunday and hope have beer with some Celtic supporters.
HH
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CTo26VKWcAA-Qpy.jpg
Tinfoil heed as a seer, old but gold.
Auld Bertie- any H&S jobs going?
Millionaires you say……:)
Bada
Did you notice the name of the owner/trainer/jockey after the horse which won the race where Third Act unseated? P J Brennan !!
Bobby Murdoch, Ally Hunter was my hero as I played in goals as a boy, he and Dennis Connachan came to our school (Lourdes secondary – Cardonald) and took part in a beat the goalie competition around 1973 I think. He had that weird stance in goals were he bent down like an American football player, but it worked for him. Was never the same after the Scotland – Czech game. I met him a few years ago in Troon while playing golf, nice man was driving a taxi by then I believe.
The Holy Goalie did have some aberrations, but very few, he was magnificent, great with the ball at his feet and had a bit of heart and desire, so sadly missing in today’s Celtic player. lots of stand out performances culminating the night of the Man Utd game with the penalty save (Saha I think?) a fantastic performance.
FESS19
If that’s still your blog name, get in touch with the bold TD on Sunday, you can maybe both watch it on the telly in the Brazen Head.
HH
The idea that the sheep will implode,is at best wishful thinking,with the league so close,all the other teams will put no effort into beating them,that,s why they go on long unbeaten runs,they are a very moderate team no better than the one we took 9 off a while ago,when we had a proper manager,just look how Ross county played against them when they were down to 10 men,compared to how they played against us.Gordon Strachan stopped watching other spl games,as he said there is no point,totally different teams turn up against us. We will probably have to win every game left to be absolutely sure of winning the league,and given our manager total lack of ability,that is a big ask,As for brown shouting his mouth off,he should shut up,cannot play just fouls and runs about like a dog chasing a poke in the wind,our poorest captain in modern history.
ALLYHUNTERSGLOVES
Those two stood out for me in the 70’s as well, but between them won few honours. I would take any one of them just now
HH
From Celticfc.net
SPFL Development League
Cappielow Stadium, Greenock
Friday, February 5, 2016
CELTIC…4
(Hendry 10, 51; Hastie og; Roberts 89)
MOTHERWELL…0
BIRTHDAY Bhoy Patrick Roberts enjoyed a perfect 19th birthday as he played a pivotal role in Celtic’s 4-0 victory over Motherwell in the SPFL Development League at Cappielow today.
The highly-rated winger, who signed for the Hoops on an 18-month loan from Manchester City on transfer deadline day at the start of this week, had a hand in three of Celtic’s goals before completing the scoring in the final minute with an excellent finish.
The result maintains Celtic’s unbeaten record in the league this season and Tommy McIntyre’s side remain top of the table and with games in hand over their nearest rivals.
Nineteen-year-old Roberts was joined in the starting line-up by Carlton Cole, and the Hoops took control of the game straight from kick-off, pinning Motherwell back in their own half.
And it was no surprise when they got a goal as a reward from their early dominance. Roberts cut inside from the right wing and delivered a precise pass to Regan Hendry who fired a powerful shot low to the keeper’s left-hand corner.
Having taken the lead, Celtic continued to press forward, with Paul McMullan, who has returned to the Hoops following a loan spell at St Mirren in the first half of the season, firing just over from 20 yards out after 20 minutes.
Indeed, it took Motherwell until the 35th minute before they really tested the Hoops defence, but Conor Hazard in the Celtic goal did well to cut out a cross into the box from the right wing.
McMillan and Roberts were continuing to cause problems down the flanks, but Tommy McIntyre was forced to make a change just before half-time when captain, Fiacre Kelleher, had to come off after taking a knock, to be replaced by Mark Hill.
Four minutes after the break, Hazard produced a superb save to deny Motherwell an equaliser and just two minutes later, Celtic doubled their lead.
Once again, Roberts was involved, combining well with Hendry before the latter fired home for his second of the afternoon.
And when Celtic made it 3-0 on 65 minutes, the points were secure for the league leaders. This time it was the unfortunate Hastie for Motherwell who turned a Roberts cross into his own net.
Aidan McIlduff had the ball in the net on 72 minutes following a great passing move but the goal was ruled out for offside. And McIlduff went close again inside the last couple of minutes, chipping the ball over from just inside the box.
However, in the last minute Celtic scored their fourth and it was Patrick Roberts, celebrating his 19th birthday today (Friday), who capped an impressive first run-out in the Hoops with a goal.
The winger turned sharply inside the box and fired a shot beyond the Motherwell goalkeeper to set the seal on another strong league performance from Tommy McIntyre’s side.
CELTIC: Hazard, Wardrop, McCart, Kelleher (Hill 44), McIlduff, Roberts, Thomson, O’Connell, Hendry, Cole (Archibald 60), McMullan (Aitchison 76).
Subs: McCabe, Miller, Murray, Higgins.
Gary67 on 5th February 2016 3:57 pm Dev team win 4-0. Roberts scores and sets up three
———
Is it too early to start the “who signed him” debate? :-)
Well theres 19 men a missing and they didn’t use the door……..
A few players have definitely went missing. Have we too many players?
Get a tight knit squad together.
I like the ages of the squad. And I look forward to another KT type breaking into the first team in the next 18 months, and younger than KT.
Come On Ronny Bhoy.
Thats Roberts future sealed.
Ronny will use him as very late sub and play him as the defensive mid we badly need.
It’s Friday………………. its five to five it’s ……………………………
Next year we could be millionaires:-)))))))))
Ronny Deila has spent approx £14m in three windows over two seasons.
One of the ~Alfie~etc
I agree we will prob have to win all our remaining games, as you say the rest will lie down to the sheep and they will get all the help they need from the cheats with the whistles.
If I were a betting man !!!
HH
Bobby Murdoch/// Do I know anything a bout football.?I’m a Celtic supporter, my sons and I (season ticket and shareholders) travelled from North Of Aberdeen in the 1990s, train mobbed with Huns, that was real despair, My sons were really down at some of the performances of Celtic, I told them that the Huns
wsere running
unsustainable debt, and the creditors would wake up one day, then I explained that Murray MUST have someone he in the Bank that overides corporate governance. And do you know what, my sons always remind me of this, both married and suc
cessfull Tims.
Laters, getting dragged to the shops, oh the joy.
HH
Looks a good start for Patrick Joseph,but bear in mind Motherwell would ,going with past teams,have a very young squad.
Celtic brought on a fifteen year old player as a sub.,and the whisper is that he is the real deal,and I mean the RealDeal!!!
Bobby Murdoch, sorry for the askew reply.Forgot to ask which football Club do you manage. ?Misyterknowitall
Assuming Patrick Roberts is the Real Deal. Man City showed trust in our current management team.
Would they trust future valuable young talent to Alan Stubbs, John Hughes, Owen Coyle, Michael O, Neil Et al. ?
Don’t really know the answer, but more to the point nobody on here does.
HH.
‘GG @ 4:41 PM,
Sounds like the bhoys played well maybe have Roberts playing Sunday, could give O’Connell a subs appearance as holding midfield if that’s where he played today.
BTW: How’s Master Heron Doing?
Seen your post re: Park Street last night, had some Cousins lived there around the time. They went to St Andrews, think Ann and Christopher would have been around your vintage:)
Christopher was Dux of the School – May he R.I.P.
Hail Hail
Bada Bing. Oil industry is in terminal decline. That is why I gave my gratis advice . The texes I still get from the MMs make me blush. All of them Laddies from the scheme Glasgow, Edinburgh, Lenzie and Dundee. So proud of them all. My hunch is to buy nearly new plant, store it, then when Oil price hits $41 send out closers to subcontractors. Oh, and buy Gold as Petec said. 2008 will come around next year. I used to know guy in Norwegian sector who preferred UK H&S reps. But he left Oil industry. Check out online Norwegian Oil and Gas sites. North Sea H&S handshakes galore.Best of Luck.
fanadpatriot on 5th February 2016 4:53 pm
Looks a good start for Patrick Joseph,but bear in mind Motherwell would ,going with past teams,have a very young squad.
Celtic brought on a fifteen year old player as a sub.,and the whisper is that he is the real deal,and I mean the RealDeal!!!
………………………………………..
The 2000 age group won’t have went unnoticed by the Hun Scum that run this Country. Another reason they are so scared of Ronny/Lenny Dee.
The fruits are coming. It just takes a wee bit of Time and an even smaller bit of Patience, all of course is My opinion.
Chairbhoy
I always have been impressed with O’Connell whenever he has played.
But i think he should play at centre back and Erik played as the holding midfielder.
He has more experience at this point to be the spine of the team.
This is the way the Lord Almighty Rolls with his Awesome story
Oscar.CsC
FAN-A-TIC @ 5:14 PM,
Good point, the little I’ve seen, Erik seems to have the build and technique for that role.
From the Development team line-up today, it seemed O’Connell was in midfield, which led me to think they are trying him in a holding role.
Maybe we’ll have to see Simo come back before we start experimenting.
Hail Hail