Scottish football on solid ground

1313

Any away win by a Scottish club in the Netherlands is noteworthy but Aberdeen’s win last night is even more significant. It is a sign that a recovery is underway in one of Scottish football’s perennial underachievers. St Johnstone’s result is more of the same after last year’s achievements. Motherwell’s sorry exit is a lesson on being unprepared….

If Celtic can reach the Champions League group stage for the third successive season, there’s reason to believe our game is on solid ground after the years of excess and abandon.

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  1. corkcelt

     

     

    This time it’s the Gaza situation, before that Ukraine, Sudan, Balkans etc and after Gaza it will be something else unfortunately. Those with a perverse political streak will use that excuse to infiltrate this particular thread/blog.

     

     

    This is not like a pub or a social gathering when you can walk away – anyway you tend to have the obnoxious commenter removed. Easier if it’s not here in the first place.

     

     

    Don’t mind a bit of banter about music, movies, best sausage design / recipe or who fell over most at the last CQN gathering, but gratuitous discussion about politics and / or religion just pollutes the blog and creates an unpleasant atmosphere usually resulting in puerile name calling.

     

     

    But a ban on political / religious comment, particularity by our extremists should, in my opinion be considered or at least removed to a separate darker and optional thread.

  2. Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo on

    If Celtic dont qualify for the CL is it fair to say, bearing in mind Paul67 leading article that operation old firm is on track,

     

     

    His eminence Peter Lawwell has already pontificated that we can only expect 3 seasons in every 5. I fully expect a fee excited involuntarily spurts of urine on here if his gospel is proven.

     

     

    I would expect an exodus ir that were to happen. From domestically as it is, deliberate down sizing and wage reduction even the most stupid of footballers will detect. Performance rewards another Lawwell lie. Ask Sammi, Kris, Gary, Joe, Dolph, Lenny etc. Meanwhile the share holders and vested interested in the profits punters rub their hands in glee.

     

     

    H H

  3. I agree that there are some real positives to take right now. Scottish clubs (with a couple of exceptions) are beginning to run their clubs with some level of professionalism and young players are getting their chances at most clubs.

     

     

    However, the young players we produce are not getting better. The SFA is still not fit for purpose and is failing against every milestone.

     

     

    It’s not easy to fix our youth development but a bit of investment is a starting point.

  4. GuyFawkesaforeverhero on

    RWE

     

    15.20

     

     

    Another thing you can do is remove extensions that have sneaked onto your machine. It took me a while to catch on to them.

     

     

    On Chrome, hit the three horizontal lines at the end of the browser bar. Then Tools, extensions.

     

     

    I blitz anything that appears in there and my machine still works fine (I think).

  5. Big Wavy..

     

     

    Pal.. In Answer tae Yer Enquiry..

     

     

    Who Hiv we Goat . in the Wings. who wull Replace.. Virgil.

     

     

     

    Well.

     

     

    Fur Starters..

     

     

    We Hiv..

     

     

    DARLIN’ CHARLIE MULGREW..

     

     

    Charlie,is a GREAT C.B…. He wull Mak us soon Furget.. The Big Dutchman..

     

     

    He is A Steady as Virgil..

     

     

    IN THE CENTER BACK POSITION..

     

     

     

     

    but, We also hiv..

     

     

    a Kid Called..

     

     

    Fraser.. who is loaded wi Talent..n..of.. Course.. the Young Irishman.. O’Connell.. who is Good..but he is Still Raw..

     

     

    Fraser, wid be Charlie’s Understudy.. fur a Wee While..

     

     

    Noo.. tae Turn the Spotlight oan..

     

     

     

    Oor Goal Keepers ,in Waiting..

     

     

     

    Well..

     

     

    Actually, we Hiv..

     

     

     

    THREE. no Two.. as AH Previously said..

     

     

     

    Gordon, is a First Class.. Replacement..

     

     

    He is a Great Goalie..

     

     

    n..of Course… Young Leonardo Fasan.. is a Very Talented kid..

     

     

    some may say that He wull Become oor Number Wan..if he sticks aroon, in a Few Years..

     

     

    Although,, Ah am Jist Crazy aboot The Kid .. Who is Oor Number Three Goalie,in waiting..

     

     

     

    He is an Irish.. Giant.. n. forgie me but AH never found oot his First Name..

     

     

    Ah call Him

     

     

    KID MCCABE.. so.. from noo oan..he wull alwiz be..

     

     

    That KID. McCabe, tae Me..

     

     

    He is a SUPERLATIVE ‘KEEPER.. n…. he Maist Readily Earns that ..well. Superlative…!

     

     

    He is THAT GOOD.

     

     

    Wait Till Ye See Him..

     

     

    Then ..Ye wull Agree..

     

     

    So. That aboot wraps it up..

     

     

     

    Yes. Let’s Free those Two Guys who wanna Increase The Contents of thur Wallets..

     

     

    in Stead o’ Increasing thur Luv fur the Club..

     

     

    Ah don’t blame ’em.. fur Doing That..

     

    Fur Ah Luv Money..masel…

     

     

    So Set ’em Free.. Like Ah hiv said..

     

     

    Because.. N .. Ah hiv saved this wee bita..

     

     

    well.. Knowledge.. tae the End…

     

     

     

    Folk,oan Here.. Maist.. Perhaps,even…. A Loata..

     

     

    Dinna Realize that…

     

     

    If Celtic, Bring in a Guy..

     

     

     

    a Guy who hiz bin Plyin his Trade in the Boonies..

     

     

    Such as Wanyama.. as an Example…

     

     

    N. . Nurtures the Guy.. n Gies Him a Chance tae Show his Stuff tae the World.

     

     

    Fur ,Celtic, Play in the Sunshine.. n…the World watches..

     

     

    then..that Unknown.. such as Wanyama..n Noo.. Virgil…

     

     

    Has the Best Possible Shoap Windae.. in order tae strut his Stuff…

     

     

    n.. well. If he is Good..

     

     

    It WULLNAE GO UNOTICED.. in fact..it wull enable him tae Further His Career..

     

     

    n INCREASE his Bank Balance.. well.. Aloater

     

     

    Hiving said all of that..

     

     

    Then.. If ye Hiv bin Reading this stuff… wi interest..

     

     

     

    Then.. You.. Dear Reader..

     

     

    Must readily See WHY..

     

     

    Kojo.. Disnae Mind in the Least that we should Cash in oan oor New Found Assets..

     

     

    Fur..

     

     

    The fact that

     

     

    us selling these guys.. Forward.. tae further FAME n GLORY..in the E.P.L. etc..

     

     

    Wull ENCOURAGE..

     

     

    ITHER.. young .Up n Coming ..well.. Youngsters,,who hiv loata Potential.. but..hiv not The Notoriety.. Yet.. which, wull enable them tae Cash in oan thur .. Nascent, Fitb’a

     

    Talen.t

     

     

    Because of their Provincial n UNFASHIONABLE… Location ,in the Fitba’ Arena..’

     

     

    Wull..

     

     

    Burst THUR BUTTONS.. tae Sign Fur The MIGHTY CELTIC…

     

     

    AS SOON AS CELTIC, COMES. .ANOSIN’ ROON THUR DOOR..

     

     

    fur.. they know that if they Dae ,Dae that..

     

     

    well

     

     

    They wull Hae a Platform .. which wull introduce them tae .. the Chance tae Go oan.. tae Even .. Greater n Bigger Things..

     

     

     

    Yes.. If we sell Virgil n Forster..

     

     

     

    It wull Only Help us Mightily..in the Long Run..

     

     

    as Ah noo Explained.

     

     

    Noo Ye Know..

     

     

    Kojo

     

    Still,Laughin

  6. BOBBY MURDOCH'S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS on

    Hoofing the loungers should read hogging the loungers.

     

     

    Unless of course someone tried to get there before him!

  7. Have celtic bought anyone yet?

     

     

     

     

     

    GAAAAAAAAFWWWWWWAAAAAAGHHHHHHHHHHH

     

     

    :)

  8. thomthethim for oscar ok

     

     

    15:43 on 25 July, 2014

     

     

    Will do, although that description doesn’t narrow it down enough.

     

    Is he wearing budgie smugglers and a Celtic top, like me?

  9. derbyshirebhoy on

    Dangerous I know but I feel very relaxed about our prospects re Legia whilst acknowledging that they were possibly the toughest draw we could have had at this stage.

     

     

    I feel relaxed for several reasons.

     

     

    1. I believe we have a more settled squad than at this time last year, media rumours notwithstanding and would be astonished if any bids were considered before the outcome of this round is known.

     

     

    2. I have watched all of our matches to date – on Celtic TV granted and have been very encouraged by what I’ve seen . At this stage the squad already look fitter than they did last year and whilst displays have been patchy from time to time there also has been lots of positive energy and great tempo with periods of constant pressure on the opposition causing them to surrender possession. Not perfect performances by any means but I certainly prefer this version of getting up to match fitness than being on the wrong end of heavy defeats watching players whose mindset always seemed to me to be accepting of the games being only a way to gain fitness and their performances often reflecting that. Difficult then to adjust that mindset to the onset of real competition.

     

     

    3.Bearing in mind the number of youngsters looking more than comfortable in pre-season I am more than confident that the negatives about our Academy and what it produces will be put to bed firmly in the next few years under this management team who it appears to me have re-ignited desire in several players.

     

     

    4. The boss and JC. Each of Ronny’s post match interviews reveal much about his desire for continuous improvement. Whilst praising the player’s attitude there is a steely focus on what needs to be done to get to where he wants us to be. Slackers will not be tolerated it seems.

     

     

     

    Noticeable though perhaps not surprising that at times there is a marked difference in pace and application from younger players performances. It will take time perhaps for old dogs to adjust to new tricks? Whatever it may be this cannot be anything other than positive for a club that will increasing need to develop youngsters to their maximum potential whilst the club remains rooted to the SPFL.

     

     

    Whatever may happen in these qualifiers I am sure that long term we’ll all enjoy what we see.so maybe that leads me to be more relaxed than normal.

     

     

    Ask me again around 7 on Wednesday:>))

  10. Rwe. Mm. Norton and these other mobs like Mcfee struggle to stop spyware getting in. It sneaks in when you go to websites that you think are free. Eg free tv etc

     

    I found that you have to contact norten etc, who will come in your pc online and get rid of it. It’s quick and it works but costs you about 30 bucks or pounds. It’s the only way to do it unless you have an expert friend

     

    Try and try and get frustrated

     

    Best to let online experts do it :(

  11. The strength of this blog for me is that there are few rules. Too many and it becomes a series of debates about whether a particular subject, post or comment falls within the parameters set.

     

     

    Football only? What if a footballer makes a political statement, can we discuss that? Or if a political issue involves a country we are about to visit?

  12. Somehow I have a blue white and red stripey short sleeved shirt which was a gift I think. Never wear it.

     

     

    Put it on today and who do I bump into?

     

     

    Neil Lennon says hi to all on CQN!

     

     

    In Merchant City now at the live stage in Brunswick Street – Has Glasgow ever been this good?

     

     

    Receiving lots of emails re the changes to the blog. All will be considered and we’ve had some pretty good suggestions

     

     

    If you want to suggest anything please email david@cqnmagazine.com

     

     

    One idea I like is an IGNORE button. You press and can select to ignore for instance my latest post or all my future posts. If like minded people don’t engage with me I will be left talking to myself… Or these two pretty girls next to me at the bar. Need to go…

  13. BOBBY MURDOCH'S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS on

    KOJO

     

     

    Fair enough,in a particularly specialised position of goalkeeper,we may have adequate though poorer replacements.

     

     

    In centre-half,you suggest Charlie and a coupla untried raw recruits.

     

     

    You then mention Big Vic.

     

     

    So who adequately replaced him last season?

     

     

    Or Hooper,our penalty box striker?

     

     

    Had Kris Commons had a similar season to his first full one,I dread to think what might have happened.

     

     

    Or possibly might yet.

     

     

    Do you remember the fantastic Dundee team of the early 60s?

     

     

    Sold their finest,never recovered. History is full of that.

     

     

    Build from strength. The record books are full of that.

  14. thomthethim for Oscar OK on

    bobby murdoch’s curled-up winklepickers

     

     

    15:51 on 25 July, 2014

     

    Hoofing the loungers should read hogging the loungers.

     

     

    Unless of course someone tried to get there before him!

     

     

    *****

     

    Not unless they put their towels out before 4a.m.

  15. An dun

     

     

    With the greatest of respect, Yorkbhoy, I have never seen politics discussed during the live feeds. I don’t log on for every game, but I’ve never experienced politics discussed at any length during a live feed.

     

     

    Towards the end of last season there were 2 matches in particular that the independence debate continued through live updates. I think one was Dundee Utd.

  16. thomthethim for Oscar OK on

    southside

     

     

    15:54 on 25 July.

     

     

    What a shocking mental image!

     

     

    I think he wears green flip flops, though.

  17. BOBBY MURDOCH'S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS on

    YORKBHOY

     

     

    That disnae count and fine you know it.

     

     

    We ALL scroll mo by them!!!

  18. bobby murdoch’s curled-up winklepickers

     

     

    15:50 on 25 July, 2014

     

     

    Haven’t seen her yet, although she might find me first.

     

    I’m wearing an almost identical outfit to her but with Celtic socks and sandals.

  19. Twists and Turns,

     

    Thanks. I got 4/1. I notice its going over shorter and based on its last run, this should suit better.

     

    Yogi

  20. Mon The Hoops! on

    RWE

     

     

    15:20 on 25 July, 2014

     

     

    Need some PC advice (no not that kind).

     

    I have something call “Browsers App” that keeps sticking up adverts all over my screen.

     

    I have tried to uninstall but so far without success.

     

    I have the Norton Internet Security.

     

    Any advice would be appreciated.

     

    ( Sigh – Pause for an advert now)

     

    Thanks in advance.

     

     

    It is probably Malware and won’t be removed by system recovery if its malignant.

     

     

    I highly recommend downloading Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. You’ll find it here:

     

    http://www.filehippo.com/download_malwarebytes_anti_malware

     

     

    It is freeware with a paid-for pro option. Just run it once a week and it will keep you clean…

  21. Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo on

    It was John Park a few years back. More recently Craig Leveins non entity of a bitch, his name escapes me. We sniffed after Jim too such is our global networking grip. We have a national manager who is not a 100% souptaker. The football is garbage. The profits increase….fantasically

     

     

    HH

  22. Yogi

     

    Jockey blames himself for last defeat. Reckons it needed a stronger pace. Up in grade today, he will get that for certain. If not, he will attempt to make all himself.

  23. Good afternoon friends.

     

     

    17 days off work started about an hour ago.And the sun is still shining (for now). Woo-hoo!

  24. Billy Bhoy 05 on

    Sftb

     

     

    There is no shame in being an SNP supporter really but I am surprised at how many claim to be Independence men but not SNP voters and how few have the honesty to state that they are

     

     

    Maybe it’s because it’s the truth.

     

    Or does that stick in your craw?

  25. Gordon_J

     

     

    There are already rules and posts are deleted and posters warned when the subject matter / language is unacceptable. Why not ask the posters what they find acceptable?

     

     

    Then if anyone isn’t happy with that, then they can post elsewhere, just as you choose your friends and what company you keep in other walks of life.

     

     

    To me the political situation in a country is irrelevant to the football match and if a player makes a political statement, let the media respond to that. Why should it appear here and become the subject of tedious debate?

     

     

    I believe in the adage of ‘not mixing politics and sport’. The football authorities (FIFA, UEFA etc.) don’t allow it either.

  26. bournesouprecipe on

    “As for Facebook,if you ever see me on there,shoot me. Or the person pretending to be me”

     

     

    bmcuw

  27. Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo on

    Embramike

     

     

    I agree WWF mins numbing numpties only please

     

     

    HH

  28. BOBBY MURDOCH'S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS on

    AWE NAW

     

     

    Don’t take offence,mate. But I recall our first joust was a spectacular display of pedantry over spielink arrurs.

     

     

    Oh,happy days. Or daze,or whatever.

     

     

    Of course,someone then invented spellcheck to give us all a get-out clause!

  29. Boabby Murdoch

     

     

    Pal. Ah wull Nevah Convince You..or Many ither oan Here..

     

     

    That..

     

     

     

    Peter..n Celtic’s.. Policy of Selling oor PRIZE Assets, when they ur Ripe.. Nae

     

    Matter ..which YOU think of it..

     

     

    Is

     

     

    A VERY SUCCESSFUL POLICY..

     

     

    Pal..

     

     

    Think aboot it..

     

     

    Hiv we not PROGRESSED??..

     

     

    Hiv we No Went frum Strength tae Strength.. Even Under a No Very Brilliant Manager..Neil..

     

     

    since..

     

     

    Martin’s Team.. Broke Up?

     

     

    We hiv managed tae Bury oor Rivals. Maintained oor Lead in the Scottish Scene..

     

     

    Hiv .. Noo..

     

     

    At this Time..

     

     

    Managed tae Assemble a Covey of Excellent Fitba Players..

     

     

    Who .. are Getting

     

     

    BETTAH n BETTAH.. oor Youth System is Making Great Headway..

     

     

    The Kids are Lining Up.. n..there ur a Loat Mair of these Great Potential Stars

     

     

    among them…than Ye Know.. but.. Ah happen tae..

     

     

    Na..

     

     

    On the Contrary tae YOUR way of Thinking

     

     

     

    Celtic, are Going Like GANG BUSTERS..

     

     

    We are daeing Jist ..

     

     

    Fine n Dandy..

     

     

     

    using the Policies, noo in Place.. that Peter n the Celtic Board are Pursuing..

     

     

    We are oan the March… Kid..

     

     

     

    Celtic, Are going Places..

     

     

    God..when wull ye no Realize..

     

     

     

    This Policy that we hiv..

     

     

    Of SELLING oor Best Assets.. But.. Still, Managing tea KEEP

     

     

    IMPROVING AS A FORCE tae be Reckoned..

     

     

    is the Correct, n..

     

     

    ONLY ONE. fur Celtic, tae Harbor..???

     

     

     

    Fur..

     

     

    Owing ,tae us being Tied. tae This… Cockamamie League..

     

     

    There is NAE MONEY tae be Earned .. in Scotland..

     

     

    Get That?

     

     

    Let is Sink…in

     

     

    The Only way , that we Kin Get Mair Gelt..

     

     

    is tae be a SELLING CLUB..

     

     

    n.. That is whit we Ur..

     

     

    N.. Thank God that Celtic Hiv a Guy Like Peter..

     

     

    Running oor Policies..

     

     

    Fur..

     

     

    If folk like You. who ,obviously .. Dinnae

     

     

    Get it…

     

     

     

    were in charge..

     

     

    Celtic, wid Be in Very BIG TROUBLE..

     

     

     

    NOO, YE KNOW.

     

     

    Kojo

     

     

    Still,Laughin’

  30. Mon The Hoops! on

    Just another tim

     

     

    16:14 on 25 July, 2014

     

     

    RWE

     

     

    You can also install a program called Rkill along with Malwarebytes for extra protection.

     

    Cheers for that new info ‘Just another tim’ I’m going to try that out now. Can’t have enough protection and it only takes five minutes every now and again to run them.

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