I hear the modest noises which Shakhter manager Viktor Kumykov made after their win over Celtic last week have been replaced by more robust predictions. Kumykov told the most senior local apparatchik, Baurzhan Abdishev, that Shakhter will score a few goals in Glasgow and progress into the Champions League group stage.
I always like to hear confidence like this from the opposition camp. Let Celtic do their talking on the park.
Shakhter are further away from home than any team participating in Champions League history, apart from Celtic who faced the opposite journey last week. The second half on Wednesday kicks off at 01:45 Kazak time; no matter what the score at the halfway point, the latter part of the game will be when the visitors are at their most vulnerable.
Meanwhile Kazak news report that Shakhter have shipped shirts to some Glasgow-based football fans, who will be attending Celtic Park on Wednesday as newly-recruited Shakhter fans.
Did we mention practicing penalties? The entire squad should spend time today and tomorrow doing so, but Kris Commons especially. He is the one penalty taker Shakhter will prepare to face.
Memory of the day:
We lost the first leg of our European Cup, first round, tie against Partizan Tirana in 1979 1-0. It was thought important for Celtic to score first in the return but Partizan doubled their lead and scored an away goal.
Celtic went on to hit four and progress, although none of the strikers got on the score-sheet, Davie Provan played arguably his best game for the club.
Bring it on……..
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THE BATTERED BUNNET
A smashing wee debate wi no name calling.
My thanks.
PS- it will never catch on…..
Kojo
boruc has spent his entire footballing career at the top of the tree, he played for his boyhood hero’s in Poland, he moved to his adopted bhoys in Glasgow, moved to Italy to play in seria a and is currently strutting in stuff in the EPL. in the process he has earned many millions of pounds.
overall he has had a great career and will be remembered by millions as a great goalie.
HH
My dear,dear,dear,friend..The Singing Detective
Ah am speaking aboot.. While he Played for Us..
Ah know nothing ,aboot him, wance he left.
Ah don’t wanna go intae this, fur it is Auld Dirty washing..
If ye think that Ah am wrang,in this.. then Say so
Oh. Ye jist did!
Well.. That should be the End of it ,then.
Kojo
Still, Laughin
Paul67 et al
We started back training on June 20, over two months ago, but for a variety of reasons, the team, and some of the individuals in it have not yet settled down. Even so, if we get past Shakhter on Wednesday we will have played six qualifiers and only lost one. If. Neil gambled over there, and to be fair to him it nearly paid off, a goal at any time and we would not be fretting the way we are now. Then again, 1-0 is better than 2-0. Shakhter will have been watching Celtic versus Juventus on the way over, believing that if they get the first goal they will go through. A clean sheet and I am pretty sure we will be in the draw on Friday. We need to keep our eyes on that prize.
blantyretim
I thought AB was brilliant when he came to Celtic … great player and loved his ‘screw the huns’ attitude… but he did lose his way…. he let himself go, and his game suffered…. FF seems like a good pro.
You might be right about FF’s apparent lack of confidence at the moment … but, I would say that about most of our players….
I have often thought that the team has looked like it is lacking in confidence generally the last few seasons…. Most of the players play like they have little confidence …. afraid to take players on… the backwards and sideways passing….
As I said, FF is not perfect, but still one of our better players.
in my opinion, there are many other aspects of the team that need fixing before the keeper… and I think if those other issues are addressed, you will see the old more confident FF return.
As someone who played every position at some point except centre midfield, I still think that is the most important position in the team…. it is the fulcrum around which everything else operates… until we address that area, (and get someone in the middle who can be the onfield general, and make the passes to link the defence and forwards), I think all other areas of the team willl appear weaker than they really are or could be. This flows back to our defence, and perhaps even the goalkeeper.
Afternoon all
In a grumpy mood as my copy of Blonde on Blonde now jumps all over the shop. Maybe I should learn how to download.
Interesting to read comments re FF. I agree that he hasnt looked right since that injury in January and his poor kicking is new although even when he was at his best in 2012 he still wasn’t very keen to go more than 2 yards of his line in almost any circumstance. Those who suggest a settled defensive line in front of him may well be on to something.
Dunno if I agree with Clashcitybhoy about Brown being our worst keeper. I saw Ian Andrews and Carl Muggleton. And still have nightmares in which they feature.
Best keepers I’ve seen in order. Ronnie Simpson, Pre Italia 90 Pat Bonner and Artur Boruc. The original holy goalie always did fine when I saw him , Ally Hunter was terrific for a while and for a time I liked Jonny Gould ( tin hat). Most of the rest had their moments and I think only Hedman, Andrews, Muggleton and Brown were actualy as bad as the reputation Celtic keepers have acquired over the decades
Now reduced to listening to Gerry Mulligan
Jimbo67 supporting Oscar Knox
I hope Peter Lawwell isn’t feeling to sheepish before Wednesdays game.
desertbhoy
Likewise the wording of my original post – it had nothing to do with FF commanding his box – it related to the collective number/ changes of back 4 defenders in front of him!
Ah, the Man United game, what memories. Tucking it right up Fergie and their arrogant fans was truly wonderful
Agreed Mike.
As I said I want FF to stay and improve..
Bada, 25 is young for a keeper imo..
Of all keepers I’ve seen playing for Celtic since Ronnie Simpson, Artur Boruc in his first three seasons has been the best by a considerable distance.
Been on the hols so have not been near a PC for a while but now it’s big Fraser who could be leaving Celtic Park and that comes as another bit of a shock – when is this hemmorage of our best players going to stop. Surprised at some of the bad press Fraser is getting on the blog. He was probably the star goalkeeper in last season’s Champions Lge and if he goes it has to be for big bucks. There are lots of good goalkeepers around and i don’t think it’s a position that will not be too difficult to fill. The guy who filled Shay Givens boots On the ROI international team looks World class and currently plays for Milwall , proff that here are a lot of good keepers around.
Surprised Neil went for an untried central defensive pairing last week and initially I thought Virgil was very poor for Shakhtar’s second goal but seemingly there was a deflection.
Could we not have settled for a 1-0 defeat and just sat tight for the reamainder of the game as these guys were not prepared to leave their own half of the pitch?
I expect Celtic will win a lot of corners and free kicks on Wednesday night and maybe a penalty or even two and let’s hope we can take advantage. Their tactics worked to perfection last week packed defence with their two strikers doing the business.
JIMBO67
No…..
Disaster!
E-bay,bud. Only answer.
I have the CD as back-up,but the real thing is jooooost a treat now and again
(Not too often,don’t want it jumping all over the place!)
blantyretim.
I was offered a ticket for the Dundee Utd away game,as you know I don’t go to away games,should I reject it, or take it and give it to someone else.
jimbo67
If you are ‘reduced’ to listening to Gerry Mulligan…. you are still listening to something that is better than 99.9999999999% of the crap on the radio todayl Loved his work with Chet Baker.
Given GM, I am assuming that you are a jazz fan. I saw Gregory Porter in concert a few weeks ago. If he ever comes your way, do yourself a favour and go see him…. puts on a really good show! A lot of fun!
Reject it odtim.
If you give it to HT or someone of his ilk and they get ejected it will come back to haunt you.. o))
Ma Team fur Wednesday….
Ah am getting ma Licks in Early..
Forster
Lustig and Izzy
Van Dyke, Charlie
Matthews ,Broonie, Rogic, Commons, Sammi
Watt.
That wid be Ma Team.
Neil’s Team.wid be..
Well..
Who Knows?
Kojo
Still,Laughin’
He may be safer though and not get battered by a ball…
praecepta
17:25 on 26 August, 2013
Very easy to single-our Forster for his performances so far this season – tactics aside it should be noted that;
The back 4 has comprised 8-9 different players in 8 competitive games and that doesn’t include change of position by the personnel deployed due to substitutions.
e.g. Lustig replaced by Mathews – Mathews by Lustig – Efe to midfield – Chico from midfield to CB – Wilson gone and 2 new CBs deployed .v. SK.
I’ve lost count of the changes – big FF should be given set of photo I.Ds to pin to his goal posts before KO as a guide!
………………………………
Suggest you read your first line!
Regarding Wednesday’s game, it’s hard to resist taking a “let’s absolutely pound them from the first whistle” stance but I think WGS called it spot on when he said we should focus on getting to 2-0 and take it from there. The worst thing that could happen would be to concede an away goal by leaving gaps at the back in our eagerness to reduce the deficit at an early point in the game. By all means attack but we must keep the back door firmly shut. Patience will be key to progression I think. Wear them down without taking undue risks.
Team for Wednesday
————Forster————
Lustig Ambrose Mulgrew Matthews
———Brown Ledley———-
Boerrigter—Commons—-Samaras
————-Watt————–
Blantyretim.
I think you may be right, it’s more trouble than it’s worth trying to get shot off it, If you don’t go to away games you get hell from H/T, I may get back into his good books If I go to the game?.He doesn’t seem to like people who don’t attend away games.
hankray
Not seen the guy at millwall. What’s his name and how old is he?
For the 2nd Karagandy goal there was a massive deflection. The guy was shooting and the ball came off a heel and flew into their strikers path.
the forecast is decent for weds – 15 deg celcius, little or no rain
Man utd have a similiar business plan to us albeit on greater scale They lost there league title and decided that as a one off the player they needed did not fit there business model but decided to vear from there model and sign 29yo Van Persie Result 30 goals and Title back
Maybe with all the transfer monies in we could have done what Man utd did temporarly deviate from business model and get 1 or 2 real quality in and maybe Finnaboggson would give us a greater chance of getting into CL year on year
Oldtim
Aye, your a part time tim…. o))
I blame all those Internet bampots for not following through with their pledges of support
Date:
12 December 2012 09:24:39 GMT
To:
Imran Ahmad
Subject:
Re: Share Issue – confidential
Imran,Yes, that is a poor response so far. But it seems to me, still looking in from the outside, that any kind of hardsell to the supporters has been missing. This is exactly what is now required. Knowing it, however, andpresenting it correctly are two are two different things.Perhaps it’s time to introduce some sparkle and drive, which will mean using your top people, those who canconnect with the fans and those who have appeal.Walter smith is on board, Ally is also there but you saw some others on Saturday, those introduced as legends,and perhaps more can be done with them.If people like John Greig, for instance, Willie Henderson and others like Brian Laudrup could be persuaded toappeal to the supporters more might buy in. If WS, AMcC and others big names speak the papers andbroadcasters will listen.Any presentations could be done with style and class using footage such as the film Shown on the stadiumscreens before Saturday’s match. Current players should be encouraged to mention the shares and why it isimportant to invest at every opportunity. It would help if these players actually owned some or said they werebuying for friends and family and a contrast could be run between them and former players, who are allowingthe SPFA to launch an action against the club.It might also help if we were to present any appeal in an open and passionate manner. For instance, tell thesupporters that this is essential for the club’s future wellbeing and that while institutions bought in, muchmore is still required. The fans now have the power to make this cub great again.The pitch to them should be about the history, the loyalty, the dignity, the belief and the strength in standingtogether. This is their moment in time. This is their cause. They have packed into Ibrox to effect a remarkablerevival But they are needed now more than ever.They have stood up to everything thrown at them and their club but the fight goes on. There is this one finalstep to be taken: Having come so far will they stop now, with the summit in sight?Mind them they are the heart and soul of the club, that they truly ‘are the people.’They and only they can complete the task.We might want to think about incentives, such as promising fan representation on the board through electionsamong the various supporter groups. This should be opened up to the new breed of fan, the ones whocommunicate on Twitter, Facebook, email etc. The word must be spread to Rangers fans in Canada, America,Australia and everywhere else.Talk about a new era for supporters and promise that there will be a commitment to bring them all alltogether – this would need to be done through a subscription based scheme, so best not to elaborate at thispoint – to make Rangers bigger and better.It might be worth considering some kind of pitch which offers a glorious opportunity for fans to become the21st century Gallant Pioneers.Supporter group leaders should be doing more to get the message across but how about asking the Media andPR departments to come up with as many celebrity fans as possible and then find out if any of them would bewilling help?
JT.Sent from my iPadOn 12 Dec 2012, at 06:38, “Imran Ahmad” wrote: Dear All,Only £775k from fans so far which is a very poor showing after first 3 days of offer.In contrast during pre registration we had £9m after first 2 days.This represents less than 2%. If the full £10m were subscribed for it would represent 20% and the fans wouldbe the largest single group at 20% with the next largest group being myself and Charles at circa 10%. Clubneeds as much cash as possible to buy quality players for return to top flight football. £17m from institutionsisn’t enough.I know its Christmas but still a bit disappointed at the subscriptions. Any ideas / help appreciated.Best wishes,ImranSent from my iPhone
Jackie mac..
Maybe thunder then…
there’s far to much analysis going into this game tomorrow,get 11 men on the park and win by 3 goals enough said.
Paul67 reckons that Shakhter will tire in the second half on Wednesday.
However they have scored in the 2nd half of each of their previous away ties, albeit travel to Belorussia and Albania is less distance and less of a time gap from Kazakhstan.
The Albanians scored 3 goals in the first 30 minutes and Shakhter looked poor for the first twenty minutes of the home tie. I will not be confident if we are 0:0 at halftime on Wednesday.
Mike in Toronto
I do like jazz a lot- Mulligan was kind of sneered at in our house because my Uncle Graham ( actually a splendid fellow) liked him but saw him on Jazz on A Summer’s Day and really liked him ( and my dad at least conceded Graham had a point). I’ve heard Porter on the radio – liked him.
BMCUWP
E-bay ? Sounds a bit complex for a guy like me. But has to be investigated.
Jimbo67 supporting Oscar Knox
B/T.
I thought you just meant that I was a bit odd.
FEED THE BEAR!
Ah, the memories………………………. 3-1 to the hoops v’s humdrum huns: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VgqQLc71yM
My Dear Kojo….
The Tabloid Stories….
Related To His Time AT CELTIC….
Not His Spell In Italy…
~~~~
Well…WhadyaKnow…
Another Model Train Enthusiast…!
You Should Make Yourself Know To ‘D’Ya Think Ah’m Sexy’……
Since You Share This Imperialist Hobby..
And He Does Spend A Lot Of Time In L.A. And Vegas….
And You Could Possibly Wangle A Spare Seat On His Executive Jet……
When He Travels Over Tae Paradise-Oan-The-Clyde….
http://m.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-12238537
Do They Hiv A Date For The Grand Opening…..
Of Airdrie International Airport..?
Still….Laughin’
“@DutchftLeague: Finnbogason started negotiations with Cardiff City #cardiff”
Maybe the glamour of the SPFL is not all that it’s made out to be after all.
Any Celtic supporter who doesn’t have a ticket but is in a position to get one, please don’t watch the game on TV! We need to create an extremely hostile and intimidating environment for the Kazakh players -it’s the one thing we the fans can do to help the team. I don’t think too many of them will have experienced an atmosphere like Celtic Park packed to the rafters on a European night. A wall of noise to greet them as they come out and intense whistling when they’re in possession in the early stages. I genuinely believe the fans can play a big part in unsettling them.
as_i_thought
16:41 on
26 August, 2013
I’ve found it very strange reading back just now the number of posters who actively want rid of Big FF. I’ve not been watching Celtic for as long as some on here but I think he is the best goalkeeper we’ve had in my time. But that’s just my opinion.
Must be the 1st post from a 3 year old!!!!!.
My dear,dear,dear,friend… The Singing Detective.
This is a Remarkable Video.. Truly Amazing!
Mark Levin,whom Ah know you Know..
Had a Book Signing..in Long Island, N.Y. .. Today.
For his book..”The Liberty Amendments.”
Ah hiv never seen such an Enormous Crowd , at any Book signing, as This Video Depicts.. It is Quite. Unbelievable.. but.. Have a Look..
VIDEO: THOUSANDS LINE UP FOR MARK LEVIN BOOK SIGNING; CROWD CIRCLES TOWN…
It is oan Drudge.
Kojo
Still,Laughin’