My friends in Celtic, pause for a few moments and peruse your domain. On the field of play your favourites matured into accomplished football players. 2011 ended with an acclaimed Joe Ledley header confirming what we already knew, Celtic were the best team in the land.
Despite ‘losing’ the previous three league titles Celtic held firm in the January transfer window; a difficult decision. We needed to win the league – at any credible cost – but without jeopardising the financial stability of the club. More than sporting form was under debate on these pages at the turn of the year, continents were shifting.
Since 2004 readers of Celtic Quick News have read the gospel of financial responsibility. Bills need to be paid, debt cannot be allowed to rise year after year without enormous consequences. Back then we asserted that Rangers would crash and burn. By 2008 we predicted they were on course to go out of business. This message was not always welcome among our own. It was mocked by some, who demanded ever-higher spending to match the Murray Millions, but on 1 January 2012 there was scarcely a Celtic fan alive who didn’t think Rangers were going out of business. It was only a question of when.
When the crash was confirmed, on St Valentine’s Day, Scottish football embarked on a remarkable period of soul-searching. Rangers last owner, Craig Whyte, had a plan, which we explained in some detail in 2011. Whyte subsequently revealed he met with SPL directors, Neil Doncaster and Ralph Topping in October 2011, told them the likelihood that Rangers would go into liquidation, and asked them to back a plan to catapult a Newco-Rangers into the SPL.
The plan was nonsense. Whyte should have been sent away with told to pay his bills but Doncaster was oceans out of his depth. A fait-accompli would be presented to the SPL clubs, vote to change the rules and elect a Newco into the top flight, or deal with “Armageddon”.
Football eventually did the right thing, as many, perhaps most, Rangers fans wanted all along, but hundreds of scribes attached themselves to Whyte’s Cunning Plan, which was presented as a bastion of responsibility, not the work of deception it was. The fight-back started on these pages. Soon it encompassed fans of every club in Scotland and the SPL clubs have no choice but to stick with the established rules.
Rangers creditors voted against a CVA and liquidators were appointed. Pop, and they were gone! Football fans of every colour, who has endured defeat to Rangers but still asserted that expenditure must be limited to income, enjoyed three seconds of glory as they turned to the bling-addicts beside them and said, “Told you”.
A man from Yorkshire with a group of partially-known investors nipped in ahead of various groups of Rangers fans to secure the assets of the club. Evidence suggests he believed the club would achieve a CVA (the assertion that “the history, the tradition, everything that’s great about this club is swept aside” if they were to be liquidated confirms this), but he bid more than any group of Rangers fans for the liquidated assets so ended up with an opportunity to issue himself with 5 million shares worth 70p each a few months later. Beautiful.
We’re on our own.
Celtic began as the solitary voice at SPL meetings speaking against Whyte’s plan. They were not responsible for the demise of Rangers, but let the record show, when the moment of reckoning arrived, the Celtic board liquidated the Old Firm.
On the field of play we were a well-oiled machine. Our first league title in four seasons arrived with consummate ease. Kilmarnock showed what a well-drilled team could do in the League Cup final, with a little help from a last minute blind-spot when Anthony Stokes had his legs whipped from him in the box, but let’s be generous, you know it, I know it, we would have missed the penalty anyway.
Last minute Hampden penalty decisions would crop up again in the Scottish Cup, when the whole Deliberate Handball rule was cast asunder, but refereeing is always been an emerging art in these parts.
The new season, our first ever as the only superpower in the Scottish game, held one major challenge – qualify for the Champions League. Four wins in four qualifying games was better than expected, so the team who were slapped by Sion, attacked by Atletico and usurped by Udinese a year earlier, were in the Champions League.
Be generous to those who dismissed our chances. One poor guy writing the ITVFootball tweets wrote “Bye bye Celtic” on the day we were drawn against Spartak Moscow, Benfica and Barcelona. Based on the evidence available, it was a fair call.
It is nothing short of fantastic, in the literal sense, that we qualified out of that group. Even now, halfway through the season, Barcelona have lost only one competitive game, when Victor Wanyama, Tony Watt and their pals ripped up the form book. It took Barca until the 93rd minute to secure a win over Celtic in the Camp Nou, or they would have three competitive draws on their record for this season, one to Real Madrid in the league, and a meaningless draw against Benfica being the only two.
I honestly thing we have overachieved in Europe this season. Neil Lennon and his players got everything right. The corner and free kicks from Charlie were immense. No one in Europe does better (some supporting evidence here). Forget the more fancied thoroughbreds, Charlie Mulgrew is our Moneyball player, a team full of them and we’ll win the Big Cup.
Victor’s leap and Tony’s finish will be replayed in our minds for years. Despite leaving ample hints, the DVD didn’t materialise at Christmas. Georgios has scored in all of our five European away games, a record.
Expectations will rise as a result of these achievements but we got so many things absolutely right in this Champions League campaign the odds against doing so again next season are high. Celtic will need to start preparing for next season’s Champions League now if they are to have any chance of remaining in the tournament next Hogmanay. If we were operating at 90% capacity we would have finished bottom with one or two points. As for Juventus, bring them on.
These end-of-year reports are often a lot less encouraging. 2010 was far from easy reading, the distance we have travelled since 2010’s is incredible. Celtic end 2012 as one of the most admired clubs in the European game. We develop great players, compete against the best better than anyone else, and have a sense of purpose which will never be extinguished.
Take care and may 2013 bring you all that you hope for.
Have you ordered your CQN Annual yet? Get it here!
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Minx 1888
Thank you for your kind reply (as always) I will now put that thought to the back of my mind and enjoy the impending food and drink that will be starting around 1900 till way into the wee small hours of the New Year (and hopefuly beyond)
stevebhoy
15:32 on
31 December, 2012
Matthew Lindsay, Evening Times tweet…
Just spoke to a former associate of Charles Green. Requested anonymity. Told me: “Don’t let that man anywhere near Rangers or football.”
=================================================
Where`s the tweet? methinks its a wind-up. Lindsays (apparently) a big sevconian, he wouldn`t be spreading bad propoganda about Sir King Lord Earl Green with the oversized prehensile parts of the upper limbs now, would he?
Kayal33, good to see Celtic kill the OF tag for permanent now.
Excellent news.
Full April review.
CELTIC bounced back from two consecutive defeats to beat St Johnstone 2-0 on April Fool’s Day, though it took two second-half goals to sink the Saints. The significance of the victory, however, was that it meant Celtic travelled to Rugby Park the following weekend, knowing that a victory would deliver the SPL title back to Paradise. It was the same ground where, back in October 2011, Celtic had trailed 3-0 at half-time and their title challenge seemed on the verge of collapse. A second-half comeback rescued a point that day, and now Neil Lennon’s side were intent on sealing the title. It was another six-goal thriller against Kilmarnock, but this time all the goals were scored by Celtic. Neil Lennon’s side were now the champions, and deservedly so, and the three stands at Rugby park which were packed with Celtic fans celebrated the triumph. Any hope of a double was ended the following week, with a 2-1 defeat in the Scottish Cup semi-final to Hearts, but Celtic followed that up with consecutive 3-0 victories – against Motherwell at Fir Park and in the last ever derby against Rangers at Paradise.
My Cat died by SonsofUlster
My cat died earlier this year. It fell in the blender and got liquidated, but never properly died till Halloween.
But we still have a birthday party for it. I know it seems silly, but we are doing it for sentimental reasons.
We got a new cat. Gave it a similar name and it sleeps in the same basket and even wears the same collar.
We kid on it’s the same cat but we know it’s not really.
It just hurts too much to admit the cat has gone.
(shamelessly nicked from a comment in todays Scotsman by SonsofUlster 9:40 AM)
Happy New Year Hoopies and spare a thought for all those moggies/football clubs who are no longer with us
bobbyrussell,
Sorry, don’t know how to copy the link on ipad, but Phil MG retweeted it about an hour ago…
Hail Hail!
Paul67,
All the best to you and yours for 2013,
Hope its as good as the last one
HH.
reilly1926
15:34 on
31 December, 2012
Kayal33
15:20 on 31 December, 2012
from the official website review of the year
but Celtic followed that up with consecutive 3-0 victories – against Motherwell at Fir Park and in the last ever derby against Rangers at Paradise
The first time i’ve seen anything official from us that they are dead. About time
===========
I see one of the more prominent Hun’s that goes on Twitter Andrew Dickson (Rangers TV presenter) is wanting an apology in the same manner in which Montrose did.
That’s potentially great news, it could bring the charade to a head.
Here’s hoping the fools pursue their flat-earth society appeals and Celtic tell them the truth !
BobbyRussell
15:46 on 31 December, 2012
==============
The Tweet from bitter, bitter Hun Matt Lindsay was originally made in about April time. It was retweeted today by one of us as a reminder to Matty.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
Hail Hail to all in Celtic.
May this new year exceed last year’s happiness, joy & well being for you & yours.
tbdJ
Katanga my friends
All the best for 2013
LOve
.
Strange But True..
If Dixie Deans has Trimmed his Nasal Hail.. The Ball would have Hit the Underside of the Bar Against Inter..
Summa of SideBurns&TacheCSC
PLEASE CELTIC ,NO BACKTRACKING /APOLOGIES TO THE INEVITABLE PROTESTS THAT ARE SURE TO APPEAR FROM NEW DIV 3 CLUB AND FANS!
IT WAS THE LAST EVER DERBY,WE KNOW IT AND SO DO THEY !
HH
Big Cup Winner
Re that nitwit from Zombie TV- can he tell us when Celtic have met Rangers ( or any if their act-alikes) since April 2012?
H x 2
Fantastic news about the official site recognising the last ever Celtic -Rangers game.
Hopefully just the opening salvo from us designed to get a reaction from them.
PL will eat them alive when Sevco respond!
Please God
bournesouprecipe
14:31 on
31 December, 2012
You look more like a wee plucker to me ;-))
south of tunis
As did Zidane. He wore no 10 because of Lubo.
The gloves are now off.
No way would that be on our official web site without sanction from PL.
Ya beauty, canny wait for Sevco’s reply.
We will destroy them
Paul67
More power to your quill in 2013.
Predictions for the New Year:
– A double for the tic , as we will be cheated out of one of the cups, collective term should now be Euaned
– A stubborn fight against Juve , extra time needed to separate the teams ……
– LNS finds them guilty but falls short of stripping titles but rather imposes massive fines, penalty points, and bans all directors of old club from holding shares and entering a football ground.
– CO has to resign due to the above.
– BDO mess about for a year , nothing much happens
– Dundee Utd fluff their lines and get taken back to Ipox , where they lose to an outrageous penalty kick decision from Collum.
– We stuff them 8-0 in the cup which is played behind close doors on the orders of Strathclyde Police
– Walter is appointed National Manager but keeps his directors role at them
– World economy continues to be dragged down by stupid conservative thinking
HappyNewYearcfc
Hopefully they’ll boycott us when we eventually meet their new team in some competition or other.
Happy new year to my brother Lymmbhoy and all the other Aussie Tims.
Hail Hail
Anthony Stokes @stoksey10
Wednesdays game should be the last game I miss for those asking!!
Afternoon bhoys and ghirls from a sunny hun free mountain.
Paul67, quality post, along with quite a few other quality posts today, long may it continue.
Unlike many others, I don’t think 2013 will a good year for scottish football, I can’t see any kind of justice being meated out to the cheats who are a blight on our game and society, I hope I am wrong, but I can\t see it.
If LNS does what I expect, and the sfa and uefa do nothing, which I expect, it will finally kill the game in scotland.
HH
Sheik Yerbouti
16:18 on 31 December, 2012
Anthony Stokes @stoksey10
Wednesdays game should be the last game I miss for those asking!!
Good news. Hopefully our poor SPL scoring rate will increase.
Kayal33
16:20 on
31 December, 2012
Sheik Yerbouti
16:18 on 31 December, 2012
Anthony Stokes @stoksey10
Wednesdays game should be the last game I miss for those asking!!
Good news. Hopefully our poor SPL scoring rate will increase.
———————————-
agreed
he is a class act
clever player
.
Happy New (Club) Year..
To All the H*nterlopers..;-(
Summa of TheNeoRangersCSC
“Good news. Hopefully our poor SPL scoring rate will increase.”
I hope you mean “hopefully our poor scoring rate will end?” 0:-)
JJ
HH,,
At last …. Last ever R match… About time…MSM in full propaganda mode.
Any doubt, Record today- Jackson, Herald Sunday- Wilson and Times-Lindsay ..
Three main Glasgow papers all spinning a fairy tale and spouting ignorant facts,.
Great to see a real journalist Phil Mac Giolla Bhain calling them out again..
Well done
HH
Paul67
Happy new year to you when it comes.
A really big thank you for your efforts throughout this momentous year in exposing the truths and slashing through the spin. Your articles are insightful, prophetic and artfully succinct. You were also a fine ambassador for ‘internet bampots’ whenever called on by the MSM for a view (don’t expect to be called on too often by the way…nor do you need them).
More power to your keyboard!
KDC
There’s not a team like the GLASGOW Rangers
No not one and there never will be one
Sevco know all about their troubles
We will fight till the day is done
(repeat ad infinitum)
For Sevco followers still in denial, Hail Hail the Emperor’s new clothes: –
http://deoxy.org/emperors.htm
Happy New Year to Celts everywhere.
We stand alone but we shall never Walk Alone.
To Paul all the 67 family and all my celtic brothers and sisters.
Wish you all heath & happiness and may only good things come your way in2013.
“Lang may yer lum reek”
Hero of the year 2012
a Neil Francis Lennon
b Wee Oscar
c craig whyte Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Highlight of the year……celebrating ADMINISTRATION day up Ra club wi smashingmilkbottles and MattE. Like 3 school boys we stood at the bar, whispering, sniggering then guffawing at regular intervals. for the first time in 13 years Sky Sports News WASN’T on the telly…come dine with me instead…..’twas magic. As the night unfolded….MattE produced 3 Chinese lanterns…….we were to let them go as per Internet bampot instructions that were on every Celtic website that day. We set down our celebration pints and ventured outside……into gale force winds and rain……pah…..that wasn’t going to stop us.
First lantern…..rose 8′ then stuck on the plastic gutter….thank god the rain put it out……we could have burnt the club down……2nd lantern…….got as high as 4′, blew across the rugby park and set fire to the hedges…again…thank god for the rain…..3rd and final lantern basically went up in flames before reaching the giddy height of 10′. Did we care? ….naw….it’s the thought that counts. Repaired to the bar and enjoyed the soon to be Zombie/Sevconians obvious ever increasing discomfort…….happy, happy, happy day
Let the hostilities commence!
Please Celtic put the Sevconians firmly in their place once their inevitable demand for an apology comes in!!!!!
2 corners for Hibs brings the tally of zonal marking perfection to 332 and no one able to remember when the system last failed.
Happy New Year to all.
SuperSutton
16:34 on 31 December, 2012
? Haven’t seen this before, are you suggesting it’s 332 corners since celtic lost a goal at one???
Jaysus, I hope the message has sunk home with the Board. Green has been rabble rousing for months, OK he is talking Pish but he has stoked up some fire in the Sevconians bellies and he has put bums on seats. Our lot have been saying zilch, lads have been getting worried that we are in collusion with this massive fraud, add that to the persecution of The Green Brigade and look at the drop in our crowds. I believe if our Board stand up for the Club and the Supporters, Nail the Big Lie, re-iterate our right to give expression to our History and our Heritage, then the Supporters will respond. Onwards & Upwards Celtic Forever. Hail Hail.
Know that way when your on a transamerican train dressed as an afirican prince and sharing the compartment with a Bavarian girl and a gorilla.
I wouldn’t trade places with a zombie on a bike in a big oose.
Did last year really happen.
Surreal Csc .
Appy New ear.
Lanterns night. My fault. Total disaster.
Changing my catch phrase to try andget them lit.
Not so optimistic
I hope this is Celtic starting to show some staunch fighting spirit.
A spirit that will smite Sevco and the bullyboy that is Charlie Green.
Let’s get our titles and our prize money.
A67