On practically all measures the club has had a less successful 2013 than 2012 but I’m going to give you a positive State of the Club Report today. 2013 gave us one critical achievement, qualification for the group stage of the Champions League. Winning the league title is, of course, critical for most ambitious clubs, but at Celtic it has become a bit like putting your socks on; it’s something we do as a matter of course.
Overcoming Elfsborg and Shakhter Karagandy was a lot more difficult than it should have been. They are to us what we are to teams at the top of La Liga or Serie A, but our superior resources eventually held good. You get a sense from recent comments by Neil Lennon and Johan Mjallby that the realisation we need to shop at least one transfer window in advance of the period we need players to be effective has dawned.
Next season’s qualifiers will, in all probability, be more challenging, so the hard work necessary to ensure a high probability of a successful outcome should already be underway.
Performance at this season’s group stage was ultimately disappointing after a promising start. We held our own for 80 minutes away to Milan, looking as comfortably as we have been away to a top Spanish or Italian club in 30 years. Conceding two late goals felt harsh. Defeat at home to Barcelona was frustrating. The plan worked perfectly while the game was 11 v 11 and even when we were reduced to 10 men we still had a chance to take the lead, but Barca were hot favourites from the moment Scott Brown flicked out at Neymar. We missed Brown’s influence hugely over the next three CL games.
A tactically impeccable performance at home to Ajax but some points on the board but the three remaining games, away to Ajax and Barcelona, and home to Milan, were abject. It was like all our accumulated wisdom of how to compete in this tournament was lost. The Milan game at Celtic Park was particularly disappointing as it mirrored the manner and score of the defeat to Juventus earlier this year. No lessons were learned.
When Teemu Pukki cheerfully told us he would bring pace and strength to the Celtic attack, but not a bundle of goals, there was a ripple of concern across the support. In Europe, we can often only afford one striker, so he needs to be the type of will look away but have the ball bounce off his bum and into the net.
Recruiting a player who possesses this talent and can successfully deploy it on the Champions League, while he does his weekend business in the SPFL, has proven to be the key challenge for the football department. It’s not easy, but it’s certainly not impossible. We know the issue, we have time and money in the bank, so I don’t see why we can’t find a solution.
2013 was not a time of harmony for the Celtic support. Amid vandalism, flares and multiple Uefa fines Celtic banned fans and donated seats in section 111 to charity. We are 10 years after the Fifa and Uefa Fair Play awards. The road back to those times will not be easy but there is a road back.
In early 2012 I appeared on Radio Scotland, where James Traynor insisted that Celtic were doomed if the SPL clubs refused to allow Newco Rangers elevated access to top flight football. I told him the overwhelming consensus on Celtic Quick News was that we were prepared to pay the price to ensure new clubs start at the bottom of the league pyramid. If it meant more youth players, fewer fans, less effective European competition, so be it.
The predictions of doom were largely misplaced. Celtic have not only been able to reach the Champions League group stage, twice in succession. My money is on them qualifying again next year, while season ticket sales in excess of 40,000 is exceptionally robust in the circumstances.
It was almost exactly nine years ago that I suggested the start of the Martin O’Neill era would herald a Generation of Domination, as Sir David Murray’s financial recklessness would lead to Rangers collapse. Now the only questions is, how many generations are we talking about? None of what has happened since is a surprise. Our progress on the field will not be linear, it never was, but it is assured.
Have a great New Year, you deserve it.
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kojo
Shame on you, ye forgoat ma ducks, wit ur ye like. Lol. Nice to be back on board kiddo.
Weefra supporting Wee Oscar.
Allez Les Vertes…
The last time supporting Celtic was easy, without responsibility or consequence, that was the last time I got lifted over. And man walked on the moon.
corkcelt- supporting the dam 5,
On and off she has been going to see Celtic since she was four, she knows her football.
Good to see you posting again. Hail Hail
BMCUW
I miss them soooo much at CP, surely some compromise came be made to get them back on board. I live in hope. :) The main message must be, though, no one is bigger than the Club.
Weefra HH supporting Wee Oscar.
“It’s everybody’s dream. At the start of the season, you look to see when we are playing Celtic at Parkhead.”
Aaron Muirhead – Partick Thistle defender
Interesting to read the Bolton stuff today.
Back in the last days of deidco there was some chatter about why HMRC had aimed at them first.
Wasn’t there some talk of EPL clubs being next in line, with some bampots suggesting that clubs such as Boro, Bolton and Spurs were rumoured to have used EBTs.
Bolton and Boro in particular used to specialise in jazzing up yeoman sides with the odd pricey import or three.
Great read from EC67 earlier, looking forward to seeing the ole slalom sprint and phantom header tomorrow :)
came=can frigggin ipad.
Weefra HH supporting Wee Oscar.
67Heaven:
I take it you are human, and I take it that not only are you human, you know humanity.
Anybody still sober?!
HH!!
sevco end of 2013
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0YxjH09TDU
and putting on socks is no matter of course in this pad ya bam
bournesouprecipe :
Those Morton players sure took it seriously.
Wull Watt Be back?
Ah hope he wull.
We need a Shake ..Up Front..In the Middle o the Park.. n a young fellow me lad,such as Tony Watt..is the very Wan, tae Provide it.
But,,
If he diz, return..
Let me Tell Neil,this,
‘
“Play the Laudie.. Up Front..n … CENTER… Nain of that Playing Him oota Position.. Way oot West..oanthe Left…or East…oan the Right..
Watt,is whit is Known in the Trade..as…a
Bustlin’. Hustlin’.. Auld Fashioned.. Center Forward..
And.. Neil…
Don’t ye evah Forget it!
He is Great Leader..n.. if is up tae you n He… tae Smoke the Peace Pipe…
Throw yer differences oot the windae… n Ah Am Talkin’
Tae the … Baith o’ ye .. Forget Everything that hiz Happened ..before.
And
Start awe over Again.
We need the Kid.. He has Great Potential..
Kojo
Still,Laughin
Happy New Year to Paul67 and everyone on CQN hope yas all have a great one
Hail Hail
Tallybhoy –
Sober? Still at work sadly. Phone the folks at 7pm and then the games commence.
WeeFraTim
Apologies, tae yer Ducks..Pal. frum Me..
Ah didnae Know that you hid any Ducks..
Ye know that Ah hiv a Duck..doncha?
Ma wee Pal..Cyril..
He is jist a Baby Duck.. of course..
But, He keeps Hopin that He is really .. a Swan.
Ah hate tae tell im..
Na.. Ye ur jist a Baby Duck..
But, Ah wullnae.
Fur, Everybuddy , should be able tae Hope that Someday the wull
Be ..Somebuddy.
Right?
Kojo
Still,Laughin
Should auld aquaintance be forgot…..
We’re going into a new year.
Let’s forget all the inhuman things that have been posted on this site.
Let’s forget the racism, the Fascism, the intolerance of those who are struggling to cope, the bigotry against other religions, particularly those nasty Muslims, & let;s remember that the Palestinian people brought their abuse & torture on THEMSELVES.
Jist enjoy yersel’s.
Happy New Year, when & if it comes.
kitalba
I was at that game it was a fluke, with a fluked penalty, not another shot on goal and 28 corners to Celtic – that’s football.
kojo
Never understood that song “the ugly duckling” by Danny Kaye. How can a duckling turn intae a swan??? The mind boggles. You aff tae the jiggin the night? :)
Weefra HH supporting Wee Oscar.
Forgoat tae say,
Gottae go, Joe.
See ya.
weefrathetim
18:11 on 31 December, 2013,
As you say… They are a loss to Celtic park, I hope common sense will prevail from both sides.
Have a good time tonight and a great new year. Hail Hail
The SFA realise their is only one way to help the tribute act starting next season as Hearts, Hamilton , etc will offer a stiff challenge that Super Salary will not be able to Deal with.
Ogilvie and Andrew Waddell both on the SFA board must be racking their brains how to help the tribute act. It’s simple referees as they can decide outcome of matches
– fast track Dallas JNr Already he has awarded a dodgy penalty and failed to report a sevconians booking from the Stranraer game
– bring back confirmed liar and cheat Dougie Dougie to the key role of Refereeing Development Offier ( identical to the role of Dallas JNr at UEFA )
– filter out referees with Tim sounding names in a clever way ( needs a development officer who can be trusted )
– make it clear to the Callum Murrays, Euan Norris , Bobby Maddens to be themselves and support the tribute act
The SFA lost all credibility with the various shenanigans over the years with Farry, Dallas, Dougie Dougie, etc As such they revert to type with the approach they now take. They are preparing to help the tribute act next season.
GREETINGS FROM GREECE!!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!
HAPPY CELTIC YEAR!!!
WDH
That made me laugh ….very loudly
Hope you’re well mate
HH
Latchford
CFC can’t possibly allow the MacDonald employment to pass without challenge
Surely not
Aipple
Ye hiv a Point.. The G.B. are great ..tae Hiv.. at a Party.
There ur only a Few.. er.. Bad..Aipples.. ( wi all Due respect, tae YOU..pal!) in the G.B. Barrel.
Ah believe that The Rest of the Barrel is Full of a Very Healthy contingent ..o’…
Green Cheese Aipples..( Aye..there really ur.. Green Cheese Aipples!)… However.
Nice Chattin ,Pal.
Kojo
Still,Laughin
Howevahhhhhhhhhhhhh…
It is the Responsibiliy o the G.B. Leadership.. tae ..
Remove ’em.. P.D.Q. ..fur Bad Aipples,ur Contaminants..
‘
Yep.. That whit they ur..
and they His Done a great Joab in Contaminating.. Oor Reputation.
Nice Chattin ,Pal..
Kojo
Still,Laughin
sipsini
18:35 on 31 December, 2013
weefrathetim
18:11 on 31 December, 2013,
As you say… They are a loss to Celtic park, I hope common sense will prevail from both sides.
Have a good time tonight and a great new year. Hail Hail
Yes indeed, the loss is tragic. We had a wonderful atmosphere at all games. I wonder who, exactly was advising them. They should be pulled aside and told the damage they have done to CP. But, hey ho, what will be will be. You and your family have a wonderful time and a brilliant 2014. :)
Weefra HH supporting Wee Oscar.
Hull City are preparing a £1million bid for Celtic and Greece striker Georgios Samaras in the hopes of bringing the footballer back to the Premier League.
and Arsenal are preparing a £6million pound bid for Rangers star Madjid Bougherrra
MSM CSC
Goooooooooooooooooooood evening all
All the best when it comes around your way.
Tonight I will bring in the new year with the online CQNers( i have made worse choices )
So be good till I come back, tonight and tomorrow try for a wee bit of family harmony,put the huns and any disagreements aside till Thurs.
Tomorrow i get another chance to take my nephews Bhoy to the
game,Annnnnnnnnnnnnnnd I feel blessed.
Tried in vain to get(sober) family members to transport us failed miserablly :))
Were now going with friends the wee bhoy is buzzing already a chance to meet new Tims and watch the famous Glasgow celtic play on New Years day,In fact im buzzin now for sure I will have spent worse days:)).
Till later all meeting time
WeefraeTim
Aye.. Ya Betcha..
Here in Sun Valley..folk come fur the Snaw..n the Fun.
n the Fun starts..
In Ernest..
When .Night Falls..
They hiv Dancing n Boozin..and awe sorts of good Stuff.. going oan.
A Great Place tae spend..yer time..
Welcomin in the Noo Year..
A Happy Noo Year tae Awe You Good Folks oan Here.. an Many Mair tae Come.
Kojo
Still,Laughin’
Latchford,
filter out referees with Tim sounding names in a clever way.
Ha Ha, I fell for that one before… I mind Mick mc Curry got promoted to grade 1…A friend that worked in the accountants Delloite’s…pardon the spelling, told me I can assure you he is no tim a hun through to the core.
A lesson learned on my part, never judge a book by it’s cover.
labis
Happy New year
….PFayr
I bet you a bottle of the finest Rioja they say SFA.
HH
bournesouprecipe –
Hull haven’t been the same since the Housemartins split.
Kojo –
You are on occasion right, yes. One bad Aipple can ruin the pie. You still in Sin City? Will be there in April, should share a wee adult beverage.
Not tae Disappoint..
Gotta go, Joe.
See Y’all.
Kojo
Still,Laughin
Auldheid, Canamalar, Morrisey the 23rd,
Time marches on – whither Resolution 12?
Happy New Year to one and all.
HH
Labis
Ευτυχισμένο το Νέο Έτος
Tomorrow 5-0.
Neil don’t let Sammi go.
Celtic mustn’t loose him for just a million.
Hard to find a player like him.
I remerber that all coaches in CL had on their minds how to defence Sammi both this and last year. Τhis wasn’t a chance event.
Celtic will loose more than can win from this transfer.