Defining Cruyff is not easy but there are some objective facts to assist: three times European Champion, three times Ballon d’Or winner, voted Europe’s Player of the Century in 1999, and third place in the World’s Player of the Century at the same time.
On the field, the most damming criticism of him is that he wasn’t Pele or Maradona, both of whom won World Cups, but neither changed the direction of travel in the game as Cruyff did. Pele’s Brazil seemed out of sight as they strutted their stuff at the 1970 World Cup. By 1974 the Dutch, with Cruyff pulling all the strings, had tactically moved the game on a generation. It would be decades before Brazil won the tournament again.
The Dutch know all this and, rightly, place Johan at the pinnacle of the game, but there was more going on in the Netherlands at the time. Feyenoord beat Cruyff and Ajax to the European Cup by 12 months as a generation of players matured together.
While the Netherlands took hosts Argentina to extra time in the 1978 World Cup final, Cruyff was watching on TV. Of course they would have won had he played, but that they came so close without him is a testament to the rest of his Dutch generation, forever in his shadow, but great nonetheless.
So would the Dutch revolution have happened without him? Something would have happened, Luxemburg would not have beaten the Netherlands in the 1970s, as they did in the 60s, but it would have been a revolution you might not have noticed. Ajax’ European Cup adventures may have ended with the 1-3 home defeat to Benfica in the 1969 quarter final. Feyenoord may not have edged extra time in the final the following season.
Allied to his skill, speed and strength, Cruyff opened the eyes of all who played with and against him. After Cruyff, opponents knew the old rules didn’t apply anymore.
Yesterday’s story in the Guardian, citing “sources at a major Premier League club” would signal the end of the last pretence of meritocracy in football, where the most wealthy will only play each other in European competition.
Resist of wither like Miss Havisham.
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Auldheid
Huge admirer of you as I remember the early days when you first tried to bring this to all our attentions . We all owe you a huge debt of thanks. Hate to see you getting a hard time of it at the moment but I think this is just sheer frustration and desperation on our part as fans who can see that all your hard work possibly sabotaged by the very people who should be shouting the loudest . Us fans and possibly you have been too trusting of our board and we should have taken the kid gloves off long ago. I feel urgent action is long overdue to leave the club in no doubt that no action on their part will not be tolerated from the fans . Have we now reached this point in your opinion and is our only hope now some form of organised protests etc against the board ? Genuine question
Dallas Dallas, kind words my friend
Anne Byrne
Rest in peace,
God bless her
Is anyone going to direct anything towards Paul 67 ? Peter Lawwell’s PR man ?
Winds in the east, mist coming in, like something is brewing and bout to begin. Can’t put me finger on what lies in store, but I fear what’s to happen all happened before.
Jungle VIP
I would respectfully suggest that the numbers who will definitely not renew SBs next year will be in the hundreds whilst I suspect the numbers who will obtain a SB for the first time or after an absence without one, will be in the thousands.
Our fans will, unfortunately, give vindication to the argument that we will be better off financially with an Ibrox team in the top flight.
I have no problem with any currently attending Celtic fan who chooses to continue attending despite the lack of a Board response to the cheating, as most of them will do so to support the team. I do have an issue with those that will flock back to scratch their Sevco itch.
None of the reasons that were being led for fans staying away- turgid football, Board complacency, the lack of big money signings, cold pies or managers with ginger hair, will have changed – but they will be back because there is an Ibrox team and, like the Sevco fans, we can pretend they are Rangers too and nothing has changed.
http://www.philmacgiollabhain.ie/the-irish-aer-corps-and-the-admirable-warburton/#more-7389
Auldheid
The CT have withdrawn a few resolutions but this was done on the basis of evidence.
JP had already confirmed prior to the AGM that his role was being reviewed. Not his capabilities, I hasten to add, but our belief that he requires additional support.
The Trust also withdrew the resolution for safe standing. Again this was because assurances were given that this was being addressed.
Subsequently, these assurances have come to fruition.
I must say that I’m disappointed that you’ve brought the Trust into this when I was merely giving my opinion as a poster and Celtic supporter.
I’d like once again to add my thanks to the Dublin Bhoys who made our stay so special.
HT. I’ve no definite Irish ancestry that I know of, but both the National Anthem and Danny Boy brought a tear to my eye.
I thought the events showed real dignity and class as a nation. And the parade’s composition struck me less about the past than the present and the future. It seemed devoid of jingoism or militatistic bombast.
Those young Irish men and women of today in uniform were in contemporary vehicles that were as often white as camouflaged. And bore the markings of the UN.
What a refreshing change to see a parade by a military with neither the size nor inclination to invade far off nations.
I remember the respectful treatment afforded to the English national anthem at a rugby match at Croke Park a few years back. This demonstrated to me the maturity Ireland possessed in its relationship with a former occupier. This weekend showed me a nation that at times quietly oozes class.
I’m hugely admiring of my Celtic brothers and sisters. Never more so than now.
HH jamesgang
Praecepta
If you are about, any thoughts on a re run of the mid 90s ?
HH
Bbc4 now.
1916 the rebellion
Hen1Rik
I believe you have already asked the question.
It is you that wants to hear Paul’s voice on these matters.
Personally, I am always happy to hear Paul’s views but I have never treated Paul’s opinions as any more reliable an insight into PL’s thinking than any other posters are. I tend to believe that posters are on here to put their own views. I don’t need to hear Paul’s before I know where I stand.
If you want to provoke a debate – do it in your own voice- you do not need Paul to advance it for you. Apart from personal abuse, he has never censored any point of view on here and is willing to let plenty anti-Board viewpoints shape their own views on here.
So, go ahead and ask your own question. If it resonates with others. it should get many replies.
SFTB
Aye: you might well be right.
Only time will tell.
From a selfish perspective I hope you’re wrong, since otherwise I’ll be ending my love affair with the Hoops.
As I say, I hope you’re wrong…
VIP
Roddybhoy on 28th March 2016 10:08 pm
Thanks and yes it is understandable that anger at the Board spills over.
It’s not so much that I’m too trusting but that I am prepared to trust. How else do we ever find out whom not to trust but in betrayal?
I’m also by nature a good finder and I usually find what I’m looking for.
I think most folk tend naturally towards “good or “right”, but we sometimes do wrong or make mistakes by justifying a wrong as right.
Right has a tendency to reassert itself eventually and in that rightness I do trust , even if it takes a while to assert itself.
SFTB
A fair response but I must return to corrections before bed. I will reply tomorrow.
Ps. The Living Wage issue is very much alive. We are, where we were, prior to the LW increase which Celtic refused to sign up to.
My god.
170000 Irish nationalists joined the British army in1914
Im with Hen1rick on this. Why does Paul67 have very little to say on res 12 . My own opinion ( maybe wrong) is that Paul67 knows we are gonna get screwed by the board …but doesnt want to rock the boat
HT
I took your question of consulting the signatories as coming from some protocol that might have been missed by us.
Seems like we and CST both operated on the same evidence basis.
But you can clarify now what you meant.
Jamesgang: ‘What a refreshing change to see a parade by a military with neither the size nor inclination to invade far off nations.’
James: That is one of the most observant comments I have read on CQN with regard to Ireland. I’m with Corkcelt and others who are sickened by the Irish government’s promotion of the 1916 centenary commemorations but who have, by their actions, sullied the aspirations and intentions of the 1916 leaders.
Hope you enjoyed your weekend here.
RoddyBhoy
Why would it rock the boat if Paul said something?
Any more than the many critical words that are said on this blog that he provides?
I’m not sure if I have heard an opinion on Res. 12 from over 100 regular contributors to the blog. Are they all scared of rocking a boat too? Or are they just following their own interests.
James: That is one of the most observant comments I have read on CQN with regard to Ireland. I’m with Corkcelt and others who are sickened by the Irish government’s promotion of the 1916 centenary commemorations but who have, by their actions, sullied the aspirations and intentions of the 1916 leaders.
– See more at: http://www.celticquicknews.co.uk/resist-of-wither-like-miss-havisham/comment-page-47/#comments
Just your opinion of course
My inside source of all things Phil tells me that his Follow up to Downfall will be called “Brownfall” on how the Lawwell House of shit came tumbling down about our ears in time for the ascendancy. You couldnae make this shit up.
CQN can be an intimidating place at times for various reasons.
If attempting to express my thoughts was not hard enough, to then try to do so after a post such as Hamiltontim’s at 6.47, then seems futile, because how do you follow that?
All i can say is, so many thanks go to The Irish Bhoys for everything they did to put this all in place and especially as it was at a time that they then did not get to give their full attention to.
Many thanks as well for all your hospitality and effort over the last few days to ensure we had as memorable a time as it was.
Maggie
It could be called. . Big Peter Knew
Bendigo: Of course. Just my personal opinion.
Regarding Res. 12.
I am going to stop winding myself in knots about this and trust Auldheid, BRTH, Canamalar and Morrissey to represent our best interests, and to report back here. I will also trust that Celtic will the right thing, until they don’t.
Everything else is second guessing, making assumptions and allowing my own fears and preconceptions (mis)guide my opinions.
I would like to know a timeline of course, when are we likely to see a conclusion, or when will we know the games a bogey?
Or at least I’m going to try winding myself in knots!
Hamilton Tim @ 6-57,
Powerful post there bud.Superb.God bless.
HT, your post earlier was indeed a moving one, as many have mentioned.
I think it worthy of an article to allow a wider audience to read your experience.
Jamesgang – Interesting observation mo chara.
Not certain if this is correct, however I can vaguely remember watching a programme on television,ancient history – basically about the Celts going on the rampage throughout Europe. They even made it to Rome and sacked the entire city, apparently.
Also the Fenians attempted to invade Canada after the American Civil War.
Furthermore the Scottish invaded England under the leadership of William Wallace.
That history is fascinating.
HH.
Almore
I had an amazing time.
Thank you. So much.
Thunder Road
My problem with you is shared by all who know you! The only person who doesn’t think you’re amazing is you!!!
You have a gift of expression through art that few could dream of possessing. And a sincerity in person that adds to the company of CQNers whenever we meet up.
No behave or else I’ll set the Minx on you!!
;-)
HH jamesgang
setting free the bears for Res. 12 & Oscar Knox on 28th March 2016 10:35 pm
Thats not fair to Roddybhoy.
Paul67 set up CQN as an alternative to lazy journalism and it has been instrumental in informing many of us about all things Celtic these last many years. I cannot think of a more relevant or important Celtic issue, that the CQN host needs to address today to avoid the Lazy journalism mantra, than resolution 12. Dont you?
An Tearmann, thank you.
CorkCelt at7-05pm,
Now yer talking fella..;-)
RODDYBHOY on 28TH MARCH 2016 10:31 PM
I rest my case.
16 Roads
The William Wallace period is fascinating. It was (King) Robert the Bruce. He was married to the daughter of the Earl of Ulster. An adherent to the English King. So moral support from her or practical support from him when he finally fought Edward of England.
Edward Bruce’s post bannockburn mini invasion of Ireland was interesting. And hugely unsuccessful. Was Bruce trying to divert his ‘bull in a china shop’ wee brother somewhere else for fear he may try to usurp him? Or belong in seeking a kingdom of his own? Who knows?
But the local Irish didn’t fancy an Ayrshire incomer (he was no BMCUW!!!) so lopped off his napper at Dundalk.
Fortunately the scots invaders of last weekend came more noble intentions and were left occasionally legless but never headless!!
Grand to see you in Dublin. Hope your beer glass made it home!
HH jamesgang
Oh how everyone laughed at tommyinglasgow when he skated this board many months ago eh ? Not f*****g laughing now are we.
Too many bloggers sold their soul to the devil for empty promises from big Pedro.
Guess what hang yer head in shame the lot of you.
Goodnight.
Skated = slated
16 Roads
Apols. Missing word. ‘No’ support from Ulster for Bruce ….
Maybe Paul67 doesn’t post much on Res.12 because Auldheid, Canamalar, BRTH and Morrissey post here to update us on what is factually going on, and their informed opinions, they are the guys in contact with the club?
Anyhoos, work in the morning, laters.