Anthony Stokes is in the best form of his Celtic career at the moment, arguably the best form of his life if you overlook his stunning cameo at Falkirk. It’s hard to know if this is related to no longer being in the shadow of a more favoured son, or if Anthony has just got his ‘stuff’ together, but his intervention was absolutely crucial in our only Champions League win so far. He had all the wisdom necessary to bate an opponent into a clumsy foul.
The psychology of a three year contract, worth more money, before performance bonuses, than the player will be able to spend is not always a good thing for a footballer, but the competition for a starting berth up front for Celtic is acute. On the back of his winning goal on Sunday Amido Balde has been talking about his ambitions to secure a regular place, Teemu Pukki is guaranteed nothing while Georgios Samaras has been used regularly as a striker. Anthony will remain under pressure to perform.
All of this competition will come into sharp focus in Amsterdam next week. Celtic will come under pressure for most of the game, but this is something they are comfortable with. We will need someone to exploit the openings Ajax will leave in their defence. Put your money on Anthony for the George McCluskey role.
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auldheid
10:23 on 31 October, 2013
As ever, master of the short phrase which says it all…..!!!
64 year old tv and radio star arrested as part of the saville scandal.
Authorities have denied publication of his name.
Well, excuse me, but giving us his age is almost the same as naming him!
Mind you I don’t deal in tittle tattle.
Cowiebhoy
Sorry for the loss of your friend.
You and his family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Take care.
I will say a prayer for Fernando Ricksen too.
Horrible disease.
CELTIC fans have been warned to expect heavy-handed treatment when they play Ajax next week. The Amsterdam club will host the Hoops in a Uefa Champions League clash in Holland. But visiting fans won’t enjoy the experience, according to Dutch League side Go Ahead Eagles. The club’s president has taken the unusual step of writing to Ajax to complain about the treatment their fans received on a visit to the Amsterdam Arena earlier this month. Erwin Lugt said: “After the game, we were inundated with complains from our supporters about their reception at the Arena. “Both our supporters and our stewards did not feel welcomed. “The feeling was a hostile atmosphere from both the police and Ajax fans.”
Somebody not updated him yet :
They have only one league title :) :)
He said in an SFA statement: “The Scottish FA’s decision to play these ties at the home of Scotland’s most successful club underlines the fact that Ibrox remains one of European football’s elite arenas.
Sevco have an advert in Financial Times looking for a Chief Executive. I thought King & co had their board all in place?
And Lawwell has vowed to abstain from any “fit and proper person” vote on prospective Rangers director Dave King if he feels there is a conflict of interest. (Various)
If he is not fit and proper then Lawwell must vote against his appointment or resign. No point in him being on the SFA board if he doesn’t.
LB
DBBIA
I am just popping out for a bit but I have to say your short description of racial politics and party allegiance in the USA ran the risk of being a wee bit simplistic.
Firstly, the anti-Rome tendencies were present in the US from its inception. The colonies were formed by protestant sects. Lincoln was far from unique in having to negotiate this demographic but he was not facing the peak period of anti-Rome sentiment which had waned somewhat by the 1860 election. The Democrats attracted the Northern immigrant vote, including the Irish, as well as the South.
The Democrats garnered votes from the immigrant communities but were split as a regional party by the events preceding and following the Civil War just as much as the Republicans were.
The Republicans were a party of big business and liberal economics which attracted the (largely protestant) anti-slavery movement. They were a free labour party rather than an anti-slavery one and Lincoln was not one of the strong anti-slavery proponents within that party. They were also a new force having been founded only a short time before.
The resentment felt by the South towards Lincoln’s party prevented them from voting Republican in any large numbers for almost a century but the equation of protestantism with free markets and free labour has remained as a tendency and now favours the Republicans. The Democrats remain the party favoured by immigrants and non-elites.
It is a complex picture and I do not do it justice in these few paragraphs.
Lincoln was a great orator and a great man fro bridging gaps but he remains a deeply flawed character, like all of us.
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has issued a thinly veiled warning to Rangers ahead of the taxman’s appeal against the oldco company’s ‘big tax case’ win after a Scottish firm settled a £7 million bill for tax avoidance. Aberdeen Asset Management has lost a lengthy court battle over a scheme used a decade ago which paid £31m of bonuses to seven senior employees, including its founder and chief executive Martin Gilbert. In a statement, HMRC said: “This decision will be a big help when we come to argue other cases that are currently in the courts.” The oldco Rangers, which was liquidated last year, won a £36m avoidance case on a 2-1 majority verdict in the first tier tax tribunal in November last year. The appeal is due to go to an upper tax tribunal in the new year. However, Aberdeen Asset Management has had to settle a bill for tax avoidance in a case with similarities to the oldco Rangers’ legal battle. A tax expert said: “It can be inferred from the judges’ comments they strongly concur with the dissenting opinion in the Rangers case. I think they have half an eye on the Rangers case.” The Herald revealed in 2011 that the lower tax tribunal had ruled against Aberdeen’s “discounted options scheme”, a variant of the employee benefits trust used by Rangers and other employers until new legislation forced their closure. Aberdeen had avoided £7m of tax and national insurance due on bonuses, including £1.2m in respect of Mr Gilbert, by setting up what the judges called “money-box companies.” HMRC has now proved that bonuses should be treated as cash payments liable for PAYE and National Insurance paid by the company. In a statement, Aberdeen Asset Management said: “We are disappointed the court’s decision has gone against us, but we welcome the fact that we can now draw a line under this issue. All amounts assessed by HMRC have previously been paid and the decision has no further financial impact on the group.”
I don’t think Lawwell has “vowed” anything. His quote on King said it would be a “complex” issue.
That’s all.
MSM perhaps fearing that Dave might not be about to “swoop” in after all, and now trying to bully SFA into acceptance of him.
Also, by presenting this as a potential “conflict of interest”, they are trying to re-establish the Old Firm dynamic, ie that the team from Ibrox are the ying to our yang.
The ‘glib and shameless liar’ bit we all know about. The whole of paragraph [20] of Southwood J’s judgement is worth a gander:
“[20] Mr. [Dave King] is a tall, slim man in his 50s. He appeared to be very confident and not in the slightest uncomfortable about giving evidence and being cross-examined. He is intelligent and articulate and appears to be well-versed in the intricacies of the financial world and the purchasing and selling of shares on the JSE. Notwithstanding these advantages he made a very poor impression as a witness. He is extremely arrogant and obviously thinks that whatever he says is so. It was demonstrated that he deliberately misrepresented the facts of the case to his legal representatives, to SARS in correspondence and at the section 74C enquiry and to the representatives and solicitors of the Y Trust. As his evidence progressed it became clear that he has no respect for the truth and does not hesitate to lie or at least misrepresent the facts if he thinks it will be to his advantage. There can be little doubt that on most occasions Mr. [Dave King] lied as he knew the correct facts and obviously decided to misrepresent these facts. In cross-examination Mr. [Dave King] often avoided giving a proper answer to the questions. Sometimes he simply ignored the point of the question and gave a long rambling answer. On other occasions he resorted to bluster or to attacking the integrity of the cross-examiner, accusing him of misrepresenting the facts to the court. He also attacked the integrity of the Commissioner’s attorney, accusing him of presenting facts to the court knowing them to be untrue. It is significant that the appellant’s counsel have not attempted to make anything of these allegations. They clearly consider that there is no merit in these allegations. We saw Mr. [Dave King] testify in chief and in cross-examination for four days and are unanimous in finding that he is a mendacious witness whose evidence should not be accepted on any issue unless it is supported by documents or other objective evidence. It was remarkable that Mr. [Dave King] showed no sign of embarrassment or any emotion when he conceded that he had lied to the Commissioner in a number of his income tax returns. In our assessment he is a glib and shameless liar.”
King can do absolutely He-haw unless he buys shares:))
He wants the new club on the cheap and I for one dont think the spivs are thinking like that.
If he is at the new club in any shape or form it will be working for the spivs.
spin,spin, spin
My guess is sale and lease back, King says no and tries to start 3rd rankers with his ever dwindling gang of zombies.
spivs dont do giving away :))
Till later all
Some people just do not know how the system works, be rest assured PL does and as always keeps people waiting and wondering what he means, and what he does, in some cases lots of guys do not like how Celtic are being run, fine and you are entitled to your opinion, same as I am entitled to mine, I really don’t see the need to get on there high horses just because someone has a different opinion than they have, if a person has made his mind up about what he thinks, why do people try and change what he thinks? Board haters have been here before PL and they will be here after PL, it’s the way it goes, right now I am happy the way Celtic are conducting there business on and off the park, people like Marakesh and Masty will always be moaners and board haters, it’s what they think and good for them, as I said I have no beef with anyone’s opinion, but I do, if they have a beef about mine, looking forward to the AGM.
Conflict of interest? Surely not. If PL has any problem in that department he can always consult CO. A real expert in the field.
tonydonnelly67
11:05 on
31 October, 2013
So we’d be as well keeping our opinions to ourselves then? That would be a great forum.
Debates on here do change opinion, they also clarify situations for people where they maybe don’t have the knowledge that other posters have.
Good morning fellow Celts -grey and dry in Renfrewshire
Thanks to Twists & Turns (moonhowler?) for posting a transcript of the recent Peter Lawwell interview.
Overall, I feel PL does a decent job, certainly better than he is given credit for.
He has a few blind spots tho’.
When he makes statements about succession planning it sounds superb…on the face of it he gets a big tick for forward thinking; endorsing a Strategic Resource Management Programme. Every executive should have significant diary time allocated to that activity.
A top notch CEO ensuring an enduring (and improving) resource structure -existing /bench/Talent/External Rock Stars etc., etc.
It is reassuring our club is in such capable hands.
Or, was it a subtle shot across the bows of the senior team?:
“Our people are courted and the most high profile guy, the most prominent guy in that success has been Neil Lennon.
“Neil has done a fantastic job here and if he continues to progress I’m sure he will be courted at some point.
“I don’t think fearful is the right word but we need to be realistic and accept that.
“I actually take a lot of pleasure in that, for him and for us, and plan for the succession.
“No matter who you are talking about, commerical (sic) director or marketing director or finance director, as chief executive you have to be looking within the organisation for people to take over.
“There is nothing specific. We are not looking for a manager.
“We hope Neil will be here for many years but it’s just in a general sense you have to think about his successor.
“You can’t bury your head in the sand. Hopefully, though, Neil is here for the rest of his career.”
(quotes: CQN twists n turns 04:34 on 31 October, 2013 )
If Peter is serious, and he fully understands the adverse impacts of ‘risk of flight’ and requirement for effective Talent Management…
How does he explain his shocking failure fill ‘open slots’ for strikers with effective replacements -season after season after season?
Go figure…
Meanwhile, at CQN we can get on with the serious business of bemoaning SFA allocation of Scottish Cup venues and a perhaps a few scraps/groats to the ipox coffers; as if that will rescue thems ?! :-)
IncongruentCSC
Maybe Sally has been told to get as many points on the board in case they get docked points if Admin Part 2 happens,might also be King’s best way of getting back in if the Easdales don’t play ball.
SFTB- it’s a very long book and iI was just trying to pick out one or two of the features that I had been unaware of.
I would argue your point that Lincoln was not strongly anti -slavery.
terrible news about fernando ricksen
my thoughts are with him and his family
If I still had the ability to pray, I would concentrate today’s pleading on the tragically stricken Fernando Ricksen.
My every thought is with him & his family.
Jimmy QuinnsBits,
Thanks for sharing your lovely gift to your wean with us.
I enjoyed it thoroughly.
That Maya Angelou offering is no’ bad either. :¬))
saltires en sevilla supporting wee oscar
I have no problem with the job Peter Lawwell does at Celtic.If he joins the board of the SPFL and the SFA and doesn;t take a stand for what is right in the game then he would be better serving the club by resigning and concentrating on working for Celtic.
If he is talking about a successor from within for the managers job I would expect John Kennedy to be a future manager of Celtic but I would suggest that is at least 10 years away. Who else could step into Neil Lennon’s shoes tomorrow?
I think Celtic need to at all costs try and keep the manager. I think Celtic should also look at Neil’s wages or at least put him on some kind of bonus related pay for achievements. We are making it easy for another club to entice him away for cash.
There is a bit of me suspects that Neil may seek another job before the horrible mob enter the top league. Does he need the hassle which will no doubt come with the Zombies in the top league? he is a much bigger and stronger man than me though and maybe he will relish the challenge but the stuff off the pitch he has to deal with would test anyone’s resolve. Neil has had to deal with more grief than any manager in the history of the game and that is Scotland’s shame.
I hope that Neil is a success for a evry long time to come becausde no other manager in our history deserves it for what he has endured at the hands of complete vermin.
LB
From Celtic Website-Thoughts with Fernando Ricksen
By: Newsroom Staff on 31 Oct, 2013 10:51
THE thoughts of everyone at Celtic are with Fernando Ricksen and his family following the news that he has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.
The former Rangers player, who is just 37, revealed the shocking news on Dutch TV earlier this week.
Fernando Ricksen played with Rangers from 2000-06, and was also capped by his country.
Everyone at Celtic passes on our best wishes to Fernando at this very difficult time.
Td67
Come on Tony. Leave out the board hater bit and your viewpoint comes across better, in script anyway.
I admire a lot of work PL has done but I’m still a concerned fan and have a criticised him on various issues. I’ve called PL a gambler in the transfer market, with the 2009 Willo Flood deal costing the club imo. I understand his silence on matters Sevco as we know the guy wants to sleep easy.
I could go on but its going over old ground. PL and board hater I aint though.
LiviBhoy – God bless wee Oscar
11:26 on
31 October, 2013
I agree on Lenny he should be made a huge offer to keep him for as long as possible. He is a fantastic manager and will only get better- we will see that if he gets the resources to do the job. I feel that might be the stumbling block -not cash reward.
Fairly sure he would love to be around to wipe the floor with any new incarnation of the team formerly know as Rankers….the man thrives on that kind of pressure!
On SFA role for Peter:I sense he will do more good for us inside than out, although we may have to be patient for his influence to work into the… ahem!… ‘fabric’ of that institution.
HH
Weeminger
Where in my post does it say keep your opinion to yourself, I suggest you read it again, I have NO problem with other peoples opinion, it’s the slagging off people getting on there high horse, make your opinion as I said, but no one should slag any one else’s, debate it, or discuss it by all means, personally I am not big on debates and discussion on here one typo! And your dead, I’m better live, easier for me.
monaghan1900
10:59 on 31 October, 2013
He would fit in well at ipox….(pardon the pun)…
That’s the first time I’ve read the Judge’s statement…… There is NO WAY he will be deemed a fit & proper person….no way at all, end of story…
“Impeach Grimmond McCrummoch”
Marakesh
So it’s all down to willow flood? And your ok with PL AND THE BOARD, aye ok right I get it, I think?
Don’t we all just love opinions?
Most of them are unfounded but aren’t they just great all the same?
MWD rhetorical
By and large I enjoy the debate on here re the board and PL. It can be tiresome though and some contributors can be a pain in the arse to read ( from both camps ) I therefore use this method for labeling said contributors.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_UGD7AazMI
Please take offence as you see fit.
tonydonnelly67
11:40 on
31 October, 2013
It’s the bit where you say (I paraphrase) if a persons made up their mind, why try and change it. How can you know until you question it, and debate it with them?
If you’re not that big on debates, I’d question why you’d even bother putting your opinion on the board. What’s the point? You’d be better off noting them in a personal diary. Or a blog of your own.
Of course it’s an open board, so you’re free to do as you please, and long may it continue.
Boo…….
Dontpatmadug
You wanna the good guys ? ;)
Yoda Kev!!! A nearly cacked ma kegs there. :(
MWD spooked
kevjungle
11:59 on 31 October, 2013
Boo…….
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
What a fright you gave me there …….. Thought you wur gonnae post….
Weeminger
So you want it to be like radio Clyde, if you don’t agree with panel , don’t call? As I said it gets exhausted sometimes, and your opinions no longer matter, then the slagging starts, it’s par for the course in here, if I want to type in my opinion I will, if I find I don’t want to debate it, it’s because I have made my decision by my self and with no help from any one, we all weigh up the pros and cons from a discussion even on the telly in that case we are not part of the debate or discussion but people make there mind up with things like that, some people do not need to and come to there own conclusions on it, it’s called democracy, and for me that works
Sad news on Fernando Ricksen -terrible condition
Can someone explain why sevco will go into administration -they have no line of credit hence no creditors -unless of course they are not paying their taxes