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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Doc on 28th March 2016 10:46 pm
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!
– See more at: http://www.celticquicknews.co.uk/resist-of-wither-like-miss-havisham/comment-page-47/#comments
=====================
One of the barriers to transparency has been the source of the info that led to an adjournment.
Unfortunately (or maybe even fortunately as it is a forum where the truth should out) , some named are on a court on indictment.
The next appearance is later in April and my hope is that that hearing might help clear the fog. No guarantees but it is a factor that has held things back since the AGM.
The Celtic board are cowards , end of story ! The cheating will continue , until we as true supporters stand up to the corruption of the SFA and SPFL !!
Maggie
It is hard to phrase this without being sen to be implictly or inferentially demeaning to Paul but…
Paul is the blog host. Like you and me he is, on occasions, worth reading closely and in detail.
On other occasions, he is, like you and I, full of wind and pish too.
Res. 12 is important and it is important that posters on here speak out about it. It is not, especially important that Paul himself is forced to give a view if he chooses not to.
As I said, many others on here have never commented on it. Why are we not calling them out on it?
As far as I am concerned, you say your own piece in your own voice on here and it does not get lent any more credence if Paul backs you up or any less if he disagrees with you. And it alters nothing in terms of import, if he keeps shtum on a topic.
Auldheid, cheers, I will hope to hear positive news then.
Staying patient for 28 months isn’t always easy for us standing on the sidelines.
It must have been hellish from all of your point of view.
Right, bed time.
Mags
If the 31st is the cut off date for Res 12, we might see a post from our host, we might not, but I agree we need to hear something from someone, be it from Paul or a release from the club, the uncertainty, the indecision doesn’t bode well, unless the suits are gambling on an uptake and I think they are, they will ride it out and we will either have to accept it or walk.
At the end of the day a few will walk, maybes a thousand or two, that will be well within the collateral damage the club are willing to take the hit from.
I have said for years, money will out at the end of te day, it’s only about the money, always has been, always will be.
HH
Brilliant Jamesgang.
Thank you for that wee bit of knowledge.
A scholar and a gent as always, Thunder Road as well.
Dublin was just pure class it was.
TCR – Roy C and G64 suggested hitting that Derry place for the next hootanney – I said that we should have the one pint in Derry, then make a bolt for the border over to Donegal.
:)
HH.
Auldheid
Definitely my last post for the evening. (SFTB , I promise I will reply tomorrow!)
The Resolutions put forward by the Trust were:-
1) the review of the SLO position
2) safe standing
Both issues have reached a conclusion.
1) JP has stated that he’s happy with his abilities to carry out his workload.
2) Safe standing is imminent.
The Trust had concrete evidence that these issues were being addressed prior to their withdrawal and the points raised support this.
There were no secret deals and no duplicity.
As always, the Trust acted with absolute integrity.
Opposition is inevitable but our honesty cannot and should not be called into question.
Night all and Hail Hail.
SFTB 11.05
Totally agree.
Hen1rik
I thought you were Tommy in Glasgow.
It’s taken me a while to weigh up the rights and wrongs of a trampoline of opinions.
Many will disagree with me, but a few days ago I took the first step in opening up what I believe is the most positive avenue to re-establishing the heart, soul and future of Celtic.
I have joined the Celtic Trust.
I believe that ALL clubs could claim to be ‘A club like no other’ but I also believe that….ach that’s for later…
I ask only that Celtic, the trust, the supporters listen to each other and even if we disagree, let it be rationally and respectfully. None of us are wrong, we have just arrived at the same point in time having navigated so many different roads. Every path is unique, every lesson learned is invaluable, every disappointment, triumph is our own curriculum.
What is it that we really want?
For me joining the trust is only a starting point. It matters to me as much as the word ‘trust’ means to everyone .
This is the response I received.
Dear Matt
Welcome to the Celtic Trust. We are delighted that you have decided to join us and I have added your name to our membership list. I will keep in touch with you by email if this is all right with you.
I can also confirm that I have received notice from Paypal of the payment of your membership fee.
This year we have set our annual fee at just £1 but are very grateful for any member who pays the usual £10 as we will use £9 of this to go into a fund which will be used to buy more shares in Celtic for the Trust. Kenny our treasurer is working on this at the moment and we will keep members informed of progress.
We do not have any meeting planned at the moment and it is not likely that there will be a general meeting before the end of the season. However I notice you live in central Glasgow and as we hold our Board meetings in St Mary’s Abercromby St and you will be very welcome to come to one of these.
Please do let me know if there is anything further you would like to know.
Once again welcome to the Celtic Trust.
Yours sincerely
Marie
Marie McCusker
Secretary
I don’t know what I do next, but I have listened to a wide constellation of people.
I think the Trust is the best way of taking concerns, ambitions and keeping the smile that the word ‘Celtic’ forever on my lips.
Can I also say that I love Scotland, Scottish football, and Scottish people. Mind you there are some dickheads.
I also love Burma, Burmese football and Burmese folk. I met dickheads in Yangon as well.
I believe that at the heart of every human lies the eponymous humanity…that means we have to listen a bit more….but I hope the ‘Trust’ also listens to me…they don’t have to agree, just listen.
Most of all I hope for two things
Hail hail
Matt
SFTB 10.14
It really is quite sad that, for no other reason but money, truth and justice is being swept under the carpet and a club who drove themselves to liquidation by cheating and corruption is being allowed to continue to exist by the Guillermo of the SFA, ably assisted by our Celtic Board……. I live in hope, and pray that the current court cases result in the ‘lie’ being exposed and, like other liquidated clubs, oldco is again officially declared deed….. HH
SETTING FREE THE BEARS FOR RES. 12 & OSCAR KNOX on 28TH MARCH 2016 11:07 PM
Nothing wrong with Tommy at least he called this board out what have you done apart from defend Peter Lawwell’s PR puppet ?
Guillermo = guile
oops hit the wrong key there…
it should have said four things
– hit the right key
– do everything we can to get fans, players and plc working as one
– see the ‘trust’ achieving what I think they can
– and not regretting sending me that letter
Hail hail
Matt
I don’t think it’s about opinion at all regarding the imposters at the GPO yesterday.
The likes of Enda Kenny abhor Republicanism.
They would have burned the likes of Pearse and Connolly.
They are frightened of the rise of Sinn Fein.
Tiocfaidh ar la.
Matt
I’m in the process of taking over Marie’s role as secretary after her many, many years doing a phenomenal job I’ll be in touch.
Matt
I am saving up for a visit to Mandalay, next year hopefully, the Jade market is pulling me, doubt I will take in a game off footy mind you :-)
HH
Hamilton Tim
I was not questioning the Trusts behavior. You asked if I consulted signatories to Res12. I said I didn’t. I explained what role I played and asked if CST consulted signatories not because I doubted something you mistakenly think you have to defend but to establish if consulting signatories was the protocol.
I thought that is why you asked. If it wasn’t that then why the question?
We are obviously at cross purposes here.
What was it in Kill Ultras post did you find interesting?
TET
You will fall in love with Mandalay and Burma… I have never had a place anywhere in the world that was the best I ever visited. And then I went to Burma. I would return there tomorrow.
HT
If what passes for a brain in me holds out, I will be in touch with you too and look forward to adding my two bob’s worth of nonsense.
Hail Hail
Matt
setting the bears free
I mean is oor Paul afraid to upset board members by hypothetically writing a scathing article about our boards inaction . I stated earlier that Paul has a large loyal ( am I allowed to say that word on here ;@) ) following on here and he could unite the whole blog in action to put real pressure on the board if he chose to do so . I am genuinely surprised that Paul has been very quiet about an issue that is of huge importance to us . Maybe he thinks we should just move on and welcome them next season . I honestly dont think he is that kinda guy ……..so why the silence …..Im sure there are a lot of people on here who are of the same opinion. I would genuinely love to hear his TRUE thoughts on what is ( or what aint ) going on
Tricoloured ribbon @ 11.14
Have you a good view up there on your lofty perch of certitude
Matt, as a Marx once said ‘i wouldn’t join a club that would have me as a member’
Almore/ Cloghercelt (perhaps WITS :-)
Looks like ye did your country proud. Take a bow….
Sorry for my slow correspondence… apologies Alan.
I don’t know Auldheid but I do believe he is taking the fight forward as best he can. It is oh so easy to criticise or bitch but see when you do, ask yourself…
“Am I doing any better to push this issue myself? ”
If not… why not? Leave it to others… not an excuse. The information is out there.
Finally. Dallas.. have experience and it was painful. My thoughts are with her family and friends.
Matt
I prob won’t want to leave, it’s the reason I am in the mountains here :-)
It can’t come quick enough.
HH
P.s.. I have met Canamalar and his bull shit radar is impressive. I can’t see wool being pulled over his eyes by PL or anyone anytime soon.
Thank you Margaret Mcgill
AOW
I am a keen follower of Groucho as the king of the sound bite , but I always thought that Harpo talked a bit more sense. :)
Hail Hail
Matt
Sleep well Timland
HH
AoW
Yip, his BS radar is off the scale :-)
HH
Hen1rik
“Nothing wrong with Tommy at least he called this board out what have you done apart from defend Peter Lawwell’s PR puppet ? ”
I never said there was anything wrong with Tommy. I actually thought he dug out some valuable information when he was operating.
And I made no “defence” of any individual. I said that Paul, like every other poster on here, has the right to comment on a topic or keep quiet. That is a defence of everyone.
Matt- I’m speechless; -)
K- hope you good buddy!
After a very poignant weekend.
I fondly recall our family memories of my great grand father who took up arms in the 1958 campaign.
Mise Eire.
Bendigo – Chill out.
People are only posting their opinions, it’s no big deal.
Politicians are politicians.
Greedy and corrupt extortionate whom exploit the poor and the downtrodden in society.
No time for any of them – and I include Sinn Fein as well.
They can all gtf as far as I’m concerned.
Just my pittance worth on the subject.
No dis-respect to anybody.
HH.
AOW
“Night at the opera”…..still gets me…laugh, cry and dream that I could play music like that.
Got all their films on video…just don’t have a video player…they would be proud of me!! :)
Hail Hail
Matt
Bendigo,
Oh yes.
What ? Are you frightened of the rise of the Sinn Fein in the 32 counties?
It’s not my opinion.
It’s a hard fact.
Collectively they have a bigger vote than any party in Ireland.
Stop your frothing at the mouth and face reality.
SFTB- I concur. Are we demanding Paul’s opinion now? Would I demand it of any other poster.? I might ask politely, but demand??? Are we sheep that require some messiah-like proclamation from our leader? LOB springs to mind.
Roddybhoy @ 11.25
There’s a more conciliatory tone to that.
You are of course, entitled to ask Paul what his opinions are about Res. 12.
That is a long way off from being critical of his decision not to air them.
Paul has the right to be silent on some issues and to address others. You can read into that whatever you may but it will not have any accuracy or truth. You cannot read guilt from someone’s silence. Otherwise, there are hundreds of guilty posters on here who have never expressed an opinion on this matter.
I’m aff to ma kip now.
SETTING FREE THE BEARS FOR RES. 12 & OSCAR KNOX on 28TH MARCH 2016
Ok point taken I apologise I misunderstood the post.
16 Roads
I agree completely – agree with most of your political stuff tbh
That’s just the way it is…
https://youtu.be/cOeKidp-iWo
Slan.
KTF.