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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kitalba 12:43 on 31 December, 2013
A few years after Kano escaped that clock, in that room, in that hospital, in Perth, as new year in Perth approaches, Kano finds himself back in that room, with that clock, alone.
I hope he gets out again soon……………
Aye, me as well Kitalba. Sent Martin a message earlier on today!
Ramie………
Spoke with Paul, he is in the Maldives on holiday with Delane and young Matthew. Tried calling him again to no avail; not sure if knows that Martin is back in hospital……..
Called the hospital and also called Martin on his cell phone but both numbers ‘unattended’………..Cannot find your number on this phone Ramie! Best of the best for you sir throughout 2014 and beyond…………
Regards & Hail Hail
TBM
2013 been a year of lurking for yours truly.
However hope to make 2014 one for more posting.
Regardless, can i wish all CQNers and their Families a very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!
HAIL! HAIL!
Token
Thank you all.
May God bless you.
Morrisey the 23rd,
Are you in hibernation?
Have a great New Year mate. HH
bournesouprecipe
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.
———————————————————
I am sure Sammi don’t want some more money and a midlle class team in EPL.
I am sure Sammi want CP, titles and CL.
labis
I am sure Sammi want CP, titles and CL.
Amen CSC
Jabba set to become a dame in the new years honours list.
Pantomime CSC
Transfer window set to slam open.
SAMMI:
“Money has never been a motivating factor in my career because I could have left Celtic and signed for a team with more money. I’ve had offers, most from teams in England, who have offered me more money than I was getting at Celtic. There’s no way I’d sign for a team whose objective is to finish 10th. I want to be at a team who are the best in their league.”
Paul67.
A fine summing up of 2013,perspective is often required during
these times which are quite unique in our history.
Plenty to gripe about, but thankfully far more to be grateful for.
A happy,healthy and prosperous new year to all who contribute
to this blog.HH.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/1503852_647892715268415_1108629741_n.jpg
Happy new year to all CQNers and their families…About to do the taxi run to get everyone to my place then the cans will be opened….
PFayr,
As The Exiled Tim replied Lawwell will say SFA on the appointment of Dougie Dougie by Ogilvie and Waddell.
There is a serious effort underway to prepare the refereeing fraternity/botherhood ( or whatever they prefer these days ) for the tribute acts assault on the league next season.
We have seen in the 2 lowest leagues leagues the help provided with red cards, penalties as they blew 22m plus 2 seasons t/o on promotion. Next season will be different. Hearts will have funds and be stronger. Dundee or Hamilton will remain in div 1 ( or even worse for the tribute act another SPL club will be relegated ).
With that high level of opposition fat salary would require Messi, Ronaldo, Zlatan et al to stand a chance with his tactical nous. Even the legendary coaching skills of McDowall and Durrant would not be enough.
Yep, it will fall on the shoulders of the poor SFA referees to make up for Alistairs incompetence. It’s a burden that they will be happy to take on board. Next season will see the most ridiculous decision making in the history of Scottish Football. It will make Mike McCurry appear a neutral, impartial top class ref.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish Super Salary all the best for 2014 and that he remains he tribute clubs ( and even the Mark III version ) manager for as long as possible.
To everyone else best wishes for a peaceful and prosperous 2014 !!!
ellboy…16.25…
In principle we’re agreed.
I do think however the club’s silence on the issue of newclubs entry into SFL was entirely appropriate. There was nothing for the club to say about the attempt to parachute them into SPL since it wasn’t happening.
Its interesting CO is portrayed (correctly) as conflicted…surely Celtic as the greatest beneficiary of the demise of RFC were conflicted too? Silence sometimes is the best or most honourable stance to take.
My biggest beef with corporate Celtic was the response to the ‘shame game’. I can understand them being bounced into the JAG but once there they should have been fighting against much of what was proposed through that forum. Indeed a principled withdrawal from that body with full disclosure of why would have served us all (all football supporters) well. They rode the tiger with predictable results.
Silence on the tax results was also appropriate. It is not a football matter and in any case is still going through due process.
On league reconstruction and SFA processes I’m sure the club was very influential BUT they were and are but one voice and need to persuade others.
An issue which totally bewilders me is the acquiescence in regard to COs re-engagement! Even if they were a dissenting voice of one they should have been very vociferous and public! I worry they were and are happy with him!!!
And now we have the apparent return of Dougie Dougie. Surely on this subject the suits can not remain silent!
So overall I can find reasons to criticise and be unhappy but can also appreciate some of the positions the board decided upon.
Given that I do not find it too difficult to support the team and the club as best I can.
Discontented not disillusioned CSC
I suppose at the end of the day, we are only bitchin and moanin about off the field things in the main, a few are no happy with the fare on the park, but it all depends on what side you are on.
I believe Lenny’s hands are tied to a great extent, I don’t believe he has had his first choice players in, he has had to do with 3rd and 4th choice, so to lay all the blame at his door is wrong imo.
We are top of the league, undefeated going into a new year, never thought I would see it , but we are, that is a massive positive to take into the new year.
Plenty of negative stuff that will carry into the new year, mostly off the park, and imo, if we as a club don’t deal with some of them, we will be taking one step forward and two steps backwards.
There has to be a concerted effort from all clubs to combat the cheating and corruption, otherwise we will be back to what is was a year or so ago, only ten times worse, cos they can and will do whatever it takes to achieve their goals.
The honest mistakes are getting so feckin blatant now, it’s beyond a joke, they are laughing at the game, they have no shame.
But one thing that consoles me, is that we are a club in reasonable rude health, we pay our dues, we don’t cheat, we don’t lie, we do have a support second to none, and whatever happens in the future, I will die happy knowing that my club did not cheat or lie, or have the establishment in their pocket, just so they could lord it over their rivals.
All the best for the new year.
HH
KTF
Happy New Year to Paul and his family , eternal thanks for providing this home where we can discuss our love of Celtic, have a good one everyone c u at the game tomorrow
COYBIG. UTLR
Just popping in to wish all Paul67, Martin42 and CQN’rs
A very Hoopy, prosperous and Champion 2014.
All the best ghuys
Martin Kane – thoughts and prayers are with you – get home soon.
Subterranean,
Well said again.
Perspective required.
Cheers.
HH.
Just in to wish Paul67, and all posters and lurkers on here a very Happy New Year.
HH
Have a great New Year.That’s for all–even the posters I would disagree with.
Wishing everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year for 2014 and to our great Club as well May it be prosperous & successful year on and of the park as well Hail Hail
Just in to say…
I hope ‘everyone’ on here has the best of times when it comes to you.
Hopefully the Cellic won’t be the punchbags of the hun establishment in 2014 ?
Anyway – YNWA – Off oot.
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy 2014.
Feeling more confident going to the Ne’erday Glasgow Derby tomorrow, than any of the previous ones in my lifetime. :)
Wish Paul & all a Happy New Year just now as heading off to a pub in Partick so I’ll do it while soberish.
Actually staying with the out-laws tonight so it’s only a short walk to pub! :-D
For DBBIA it’s 182.34527989654383462170568 metres away. Hurrah!!!!
Delaneys Dunky
Aye and we will not have the vile & poisonous singing we have had to endure
Happy 2014 All
& say no to OF
justafan
19:45 on 31 December, 2013
Absolutely SPOT ON with regard to the ‘shame game’ ……… I was also raging that our Board didn’t defend the truth of what really happened that day……..to this day, I am still gobsmacked at what happened, and how Neil was targetted by the LL ……. AN OFFICIAL COMPLAINT SHOULD HAVE GONE INTO THE SFA AND TO THE POLICE…however, it all only strenghthened my support for Celtic, and my resistence…… our Board need to understand that knowing the demise of oldco / sevco was / and is inevitable does not mean they ignore the establishment trying to paint Celtic as black as those creatures ….and try to drag us into their gutter……actually, I was proud of the restraint shown by our fans and players on that day…….our Board did not cover themselves in glory in the days after that ‘game’……..
Just popped in to say Happy New Year when it comes, glad to be part of the CQN community, happier than I can say to be a Celtic supporter, and until tomorrow when we all convene once again at 3pm in that very special place.
Can’t stop singing ‘The Holy Ground’ for.some reason!
DD- before I go, I will be toasting your father at the bells….along with the other guid fholk we have lost this year.
God bless ’em all!
AoW
kevjungle
20:02 on 31 December, 2013
Is that you off oot to first – foot a Board member…?
AoW
My son just phoned me from The Smiddy. Look out for him.
DD-haha 1/4 Gill tonight mate. Mite pop in though….
AoW
Thank you bud.
fieldofdrams
20:14 on 31 December, 2013
I’ve got the same (happy) problem with ‘The Foggy Dew’……..
Happy New Year to Paul all CQNers and their families.
Hail Hail.
Has anyone ever seen this fabled transfer window or is it a bit like Santa Claus or the tooth fairy?
Is it single, double or triple glazed?
UPVC or widden frame?
manky or sparklin’ clean wi’ the ole windolene?
Or is it the figment of many imaginations like a certain team’s unbroken history?
Adi D
And less fear of ending up in a cell, casualty unit or the morgue.
No more OF anymore!
But the Angelus Bells o’er the Liffey swells …………..
TBM
67 heaven
How can you square your resistance with our boards compliance