For decades, some of us have wondered why we have been unable to develop a striker capable of regularly holding down a place in the team. While this remains so, we appear to have the magic formula for developing full backs.
Two months after Kieran Tierney left his 20s behind, Calvin Miller (19) and Anthony Ralston (18) look to have been hued from the same tree as the much-celebrated Tierney. And by the look for the three of them, that tree is oak. There is a physicality to them, which sets them apart from years of scrawny, but skilful, hopefuls.
I know the opposition was only Kilmarnock on Saturday, but Tierney came through a similar school only two years ago, marking his progress at the same staging posts.
Part of this apparent success may be explained by the fact that Miller (and Tierney, for that matter), was not always a full back. Calvin first emerged as a striker, but instead of burning out waiting for his chance there, was reprogrammed as a defender.
Celtic, and much of the world, had a vacancy at left back for years; we were always on the lookout. We targeted this position through the development system, which explains where the success has come from.
We might never be able to produce a top striker, but we have tolerate that if we are able to produce top talents elsewhere on the field.
LATEST @CQNMagazine PODCAST JUST UPLOADED
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Special guest: PAT STANTONhttps://t.co/jHRIYP0423 pic.twitter.com/NZWacQT4Kf— Paul John Dykes (@PaulDykes) August 19, 2017
NEW CQN PODCAST JUST RELEASED PAUL DYKES PRESENTS WITH FORMER CELTIC CAPTAIN ANDY LYNCH AND SPECIAL GUEST PAT STANTON
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UEFA has revealed its latest annual club rankings and it definitely makes for interesting reading as far as Scottish clubs are concerned.
European football’s governing body release the annual ratings of the continent’s top clubs based on coefficient points won in the previous five years, with domestic and European results taken into account when calculating the placings.
Following a domestic treble and a decent showing in the Champions League group stages, Celtic find themselves 64th in the list, just behind Everton in 63rd and Inter Milan in 59th.
Aberdeen are up one place on last year’s showing and currently sit in 174th position, around the likes of Slovan Bratislava, Maritimo, Sturm Graz and Bursaspor.
Motherwell are 247th; Hibs are 270th; Hearts come in at 294th and Rangers are 308th.
Of course, given UEFA’s calculation is based on not only the last 12 months but the last five seasons, Rangers, Hearts and Hibs are all handicapped by the fact they’ve spent time in Scotland’s lower divisions.
That’ll be they “reallist” Celtic fans…..
that pay £49 to watch Celtic….
playing a team that’s six feet under ?
time tae crowdfund a “statement”….
intae anither hun news paper….
that’s read wi two guys n a dug ?
Seen ye comin CSC
……oot.
http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/we-are-never-complacent-at-celtic-insists-hoops-boss-rodgers-36055951.html
http://www.thenational.scot/news/15486886.Bigot_row_councillors_back_in_Tory_Party_after_suspension_for_racist_and_sectarian_social_media_posts/
It’s not often we get to watch a Celtic CL game in the morning over here.
So after the excrement of the eclipse which was seen by millions across the USA, this household’s attention switches eastwards to the steppes.
There Scott Brown will lead us on the step to CL riches.
With Peter in Manchester tonight finalizing Paddy’s return, ( I hope he stuck him in the boot and drove him up the M6 to Celtic park, his spiritual home), a new Centre back signed to replace Erik and a striker in mind, the downriver Espanyol like side are totally eclipsed.
Despite the fawning media, their weaknesses on and off the park, are there for all to see. They are nervous about the trio to Dingwall this weekend while we will be ruminating on the draw and may will be finalizing their trips to exotic football stadia.
For us who experienced the 50s and early 60s, endured the 80s and wondered how the money was being sourced in the 00s, these are heady days.
The memories and pain of Fir Park and Rugby Park are fading into the darkest recesses of my failing mind, to be replaced by the Invisible Rodgers Dawn.
And a wee note for our CEO
You’re going to need a bigger biscuit tin.
I presume you mean excitement .
:-)
Even earlier in Oz.
1.30 am.
Interesting from Brendan.
E.T.
Even with Patrick Roberts on the way, Rodgers sees Forrest as one of his go-to guys when it comes to European matches. He just wishes ‘wee Jamsie’ got a bit more love.
“I think we get players that are undervalued and underrated a wee bit,” said Rodgers and he also referenced Callum McGregor. “You look at James Forrest, I know he is in the Scotland squad but he’s a player who I haven’t heard a song for yet, you know.
Just watched the ten minute YouTube clip of Rivaldo
Wow,looks like we’ve signed a quarterback. Wi pace and an eye for a tackle.
Just arrived back from Italy last night. Off to work soon but I’m thinking I’ll need to finish early today. I’m thinking a 3pm finish?
Now: Do I opt for:
– sorry folks I need to go, jet lag has kicked in and hope no one questions ‘ jet lag from a 2 hour flight with 1 hour time difference
– food poisoning from a dodgy pizza ? I was sure the salami tasted odd but ate it anyway?
– my luggage got lost and I need to go buy some toiletries until they find it?
– I’ve came home to a burst pipe and need to deal with cleaning up the mess?
Any more plausible suggestions welcomed!
(Or I could off course just tell the truth and say there is something important I really need to do which will take me about 2 hours)
Ha. Actually I’ve got it:
” ok folks gather round. I’m having to head out early today and though I can’t say too much just now this is really important. Upwards of £30m depends on the outcome of this. If all goes to plan this will be extremely good news for a lot of people and could be the catalyst for a very successful few years going forward”
Yep that should do it
I see Wayne Rooney done a Lenny \°☆°/ last night and cupped his ears.
He must have hauns like Charlie Green to cover they lugs eh.
Wonder if the English police will want a wee word with him?
Thought not.
H.H
I posted last night about Celtic signing Rivaldo fitba player.
I also WRONGLY stated that the huns had signed Rivaldo…USA chat show host ?
That is wrong I now believe, as the chat show guy was called Geraldo ?
Lesson no.1….don’t post Jimmy when you are hawf pissed…and doubled up laughing at the huns !
I am a silly Tim.
HH
TALLYBHOY on 21ST AUGUST 2017 6:10 PM
Bliddy impossible to pick the best photo of wee Claudia Cardinale in her prime. There’s too many.
Incidentally I share the same initials as her!
HH!!
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
TALLYBHOY….is your name Charlie Chuckles then ?
Only joking mate.
HH
Now Clauadia was wan sexy sultry burd….me always in love with her….and so many others..
Happy Matchday everybody!
Celtic CL qualification
Herald – good news Scottish football & Aberdeen
Record – good news Scottish football BAD for Aberdeen
Good morning CQN from a muggy and mist shrouded East Devon.
C’mon the Hoops.
http://celticbynumberscom.ipage.com/killie-carpeted/
A sound Killie game plan, Rogic, Miller, Ajer and Brown. Promising youth but don’t underestimate the auld yins.
HH
What is going on with the adverts on this site, I am typing the first 5 or 6 words blind as there are banner adverts running up and down the sides of the page that I can’t close. Come on Paul sort this out, it’s getting worse and worse for adverts plastered across the pages..
Celtic by numbers
Again I’d like to say thanks for your exceptional work. Extremely interesting stuff. You deserve a sit down with Brendan and his assistant manager one day to show him your work. I’m sure he’d be fascinated by the analysis.
Keep up the incredible work. Don’t know how you find the time!!
SOZ
I gave up on the PC a long time ago. Impossible to access site without wanting to throw something or someone out the top floor window.
iPhone with ad blocker never an issue. No ads at all, but desktop? Forget it.
Twists and Turns
Many thanks
It is time consuming but it is studying Celtic so all good. I’m getting quicker but in any case a Bhoy should have a hobby. HH
Wee bit nervous today, I’m a fat lady sings type of a ghuy…
But in Brendan and the bhoys we trust.
HAMILTONTIM @ 9:50 PM,
“Yes the guy beside Lawwell is Michael Nicholson, company secretary.
Paddy is coming back I’d suggest.
Interesting but wouldn’t read too much into it…
Campbell Ogilvie was Rangers Company Secretary when they went from the DOS to EBT payments, they were drafting up side letters that weren’t getting registered with the SPL nor SFA.
He was in that position when the Club were setting up EBTs for payments to ex-Rangers managers who were mangers at English Clubs involved in transfer business with Rangers.
He was CS when Huge Adam’s resigned, claiming Rangers were cheating and going to go bust.
He of course was ignorant of any of this or any wrong doing and had no responsibility for any of it any way.
So my guess is a Company Secretary knows little and does nothing of importance;))))
Maybe he was carrying the bags and presents for the prodigal and baby shower.
Just~a~guess
Hail Hail
:)))))
……………………………
SETTING FREE THE BEARS FOR RES. 12 & OSCAR KNOX on 21ST AUGUST 2017 11:02 PM
I’m not racist but………
See the Klu Klux Klan…..
They all look alike to me
TWISTS N TURNS on 22ND AUGUST 2017 5:40 AM –
Just say “Family reasons” – you will not be telling a fib!!
Well spoken Alan Burrows, Motherwell’s general manager. He is one of football’s good guys…
Says Celtic qualifying for CL is good for Scottish football…you won’t hear too many others openly say that…
Gordon Strachan has defended his squad selection by saying:
“I picked the regular bunch because you can trust them.”
Trust them to do what exactly???
Mon the hoops. Hoping for a professional and disciplined performance.
Celtic’s Calvin Miller: Named best young player in the world
0 Posted by Joseph Ruddy – 16/10/2013 – The Journal
Earlier this week we seen an article released which contained the details of the best youth players from around the world. It then developed that Calvin Miller was one of the names in this, a youth player at Celtic. He was announced the best player in the world of his age. What a remarkable achievement for any young player. This is also something that Neymar won, so to be compared with Neymar must make everyone who knows him very proud. Here is the link to the article mentioned above, link. I’ve taken the time to ask Calvin’s father a few questions, which you can read below.
1. You’ll no doubt be aware that Calvin has been named the worlds best player of his age. How proud does this make you feel?
My pride for Calvin is indescribable considering what the past 12months has provided us with, but when my phone was going crazy when it was know that Calvin was named as “The WORLDS Best Young Footballer born in 1998″ I couldn’t speak for hours as I was fighting to hold back the emotions (thank god for social media sites lol). I had messages from Calvins family members and friends alike as they where all ecstatic and also from my Partner who had found this out before me (as I was working) and they too felt on top of the world. I was in my friend Tony’s car coming home from work and we where discussing the days events and as I turned on my phone I went silent for the full journey home because of the enormity of it all!
2. Could you tell me about Calvin? How did he get into football? When did Celtic come calling? Where does he play?
I used to take him to his Primary School games at St Bartholomew’s in Castlemilk, he probably had about 70% of possession in these games himself. After this he was asked to join local team called Castleglen which was a year above his age group and he was a stand out yet again. That’s probably when I started to take notice of his talent.
The coach from Castleglen was given a job with Rangers Supporters Association Boys Club about 2 months at end of season, and asked for Calvin who was 11 to go with him but it was U14s so coming off bench almost each game in 8 weeks didn’t sit well with us, so we left at end of season. We ended up joining same team except U13s while he was still only 11 until the following year. He was instalments in winning the League Cup, Regional Cup, Blackpool Tournament Cup and also achieving Managers Player of the year Award. He was outstanding. With this the trial for Rangers pro youth came, we went to Murray Park a few times but I pulled him out as I didn’t think it was in his benefit as Rangers had him playing 7 aside games because of his age, but he was at the time an out and out winger who could out run anyone and had a deadly strike so it was doing him no favours. Along with that he was training with boys 3/4 years his senior and there was about 30 at a training session, so I said NO thanks. Then after that Celtic came a-calling. His debut game for Celtic was against Rangers at Murray Park, we where getting beat one nil at half time. Calvin came on, scored a wonder goal from our own half scored and then scored the winner. All the mid week training sessions, weekend games (sometimes on a sat and sun) are paying off. As I don’t drive and it was very difficult to get Calvin to games and training and had to rely on others generosity to get us there but Calvin is definitely paying us off with his performances of late!
Calvin plays anywhere across the front line, centre forward, left or right wing and scored 86 goals in his first season with Celtic. Not too bad eh?
3. What do you think the future holds for Calvin? Do you believe there’s a successful career in football ahead for him?
I really hope there is and at the end of the day he is in the perfect position to pave a future for him self. Celtic have been amazing for his development, its like an extended family and they all are looking out for Calvins future. When Chris McCart gave Calvin his celtic top with name on it when he signed his 3 year pre contract in the Celtic Board Room a few months ago I almost cried with joy! Great day, but it just goes to show you the level of detail that Celtic go to to ensure the Celtic experience is unrivalled. Calvin would not have been named The Worlds Best Young Footballer if it had not been Celtic. It was mentioned about 2 years ago. In a parents meeting in celtic park that he may change positions from striker to a Gareth Bale type player, and that was before he became the worlds most expensive player, so I’m hoping Celtics vision comes true. On a serious note, I just hope that Calvin can make a great living doing what he loves best and if he can do that at a club we both love then I am sure he will become a legend!
4. Have Celtic helped in relation to his development and all-round play? Does training fit in well with an education?
Celtic’s youth development programme at Lennoxtown has been inspirational in Calvins progress. He gets picked up and dropped off daily and wants for nothing. He gets all the support physically and mentally he needs. Celtic have became a part of his life and it doesn’t stop at his team coach, its every age group coach, physio, scout …. The list goes on. Calvin now goes to school once a week (on a Wednesday)as he is full time with Celtic which Celtic are insistent of to ensure Calvin gets an education on the back of being a full time footballer. When he was at school full time we could not ask for more from St. Ninian’s in kirkie as they enhanced his expected exam results!
5. What about the rest of the family, are they as proud as you are of Calvin?
Calvin could not get a prouder family, every single one of us far and wide are such big fans! There’s a few of Calvins family who are not here, in particular, Calvins Granddad “Charlie” and his Nana “Betty” will be beaming with joy up above and I’m certain they both are guiding Calvin in the right direction.
I speak constantly about his progression with my friends and in my work so he was a massive following from people he doesn’t even know!
6. How often do you get to go along and watch Calvin playing for Celtic?
I try and got to all home games in Lennoxtown, although as I don’t drive that seems like an away game for me. If Calvin kicks off at 3pm on a Sunday then I need to leave about 12:15 to get a connecting bus to Lennoxtown as are every hour. When Calvin was younger I took Calvin to every training session and every game but that was when it was in Glasgow. Changing shifts at work was possible then but as its so far away its difficult. My weekends do consist of going to Calvins games on a Sunday and his younger brother Kyle’s games on a Saturday. Then I have the occasional midweek game with Calvin in the Glasgow Cup. I also follow Calvin to every Scotland game, I went all of last years Victory Shields games, Italy game and a few more. I am off tomorrow with Calvin’s brothers Kyle and Oliver and my partner to N.Ireland to watch Calvin again in the Victory Shield this year.
If I could, I would go to every single one of my bhoys football games. I make it a point to go as often as possible as my father didnt get along to many of my games so I wanted to make sure my bhoys didn’t feel as I did. I have sacrificed so many weekends and long lays in bed to ensure they see me supporting them play the beautiful game and I wouldn’t change one single minute of it!
7. What would be the best thing to happen to Calvin in terms of his football career, in your own opinion?
I honestly think Calvin just needs to continue with his development, take heed from his coaches, soak up everything that ALL the staff at Celtic provide and be level headed. After that Calvins future will be in his own hands! No matter what I will still be the proudest dad on earth!
8. You see Calvin’s name on the Celtic first team starting line-up. How does this make you feel?
As my own father was a Celtic fan and as I am to see my own flesh and blood pull on the hoops top on paradise would be THE biggest moment in my life. I would die a very happy man! Its amazing to think that myself and Calvin used to watch Celtic games on TV and one day I would be watching him at Parkhead would be like winning the lottery, totally life changing stuff! Am emotional even thinking about that, but I honestly believe that will become a reality.
I also put two questions to Paul Docherty, who is a coach and has found his team coming up against Calvin on a number of occasions. The below is Paul’s answers.
1. As a coach you’ve came up against Calvin Miller a few times. Tell me a bit about him from an ‘opposition’ point of view. Just how good is he? Where is he best at? How does he play?
2. What do you see in the future for Calvin? Will it be a highly successful footballing career?
As a coach having a team playing against him I’ll be blatantly honest, it was terrifying! He has great strength and lightning pace!
At the time I coached a very good Kilmarnock u15 side and we tried to not overly focus on him but did have a plan to try and stop him, I’m not talking about normal/average pro youth players either, two of the centre backs where Scotland internationals.
I’ve came up against them all from my own playing and coaching, I always thought Islam Feruz was special and he is, for me this boy edges it on him, he appears to have a sensible head on his shoulders and not that cockiness you would expect from a person with such talent!
He played as a striker but would drop really deep so the players wouldn’t have a clue who would pick him up, he would then take the ball in, turn and run at you and was very difficult to stop in this circumstance! Even if we man marked him it would turn out to be a waste of a player from our point of view.
I always try and look at players constructively, I always had a viewpoint that they should work hard to get better, anyone who has watched that boy at youth level would tell you it’s very hard to pick fault.
He has a bit of size and presence about him for his age, as long as he keeps developing physically and technically I think he will have a huge future!
Calvin blatantly has a bright future ahead of him. Let’s hope that we see him playing in a few years time. A big thanks to Darren for taking the time to answer the questions. Also a thanks to Paul as well.
Interesting read, that Big Yogi article in the mag about the chairman’s instructions to the team prior to the disastrous second leg against MTK Budapest.
“There was some fairly ludicrous decision-making at Celtic in the early sixties.”
Thankfully, the decision-making improved markedly in the mid-sixties, beginning with Bob Kelly’s to offer Big Jock the job, and the latter’s to only take it if he were given full control over team selection and tactics.
BEATBHOY on 22ND AUGUST 2017 9:13 AM
Ominous timing ?
Up 3-0 from the first leg.
Lost 4-0 in the second.
Listened to the second leg on the radio.
:-(
Gordon Strachan temporarily turned me away from Celtic…and now he has turned me away from the national side…that’s not strictly true as I have not supported them for many years…however, he is a stubborn wee git. Probably won’t pick C Mc G because he is taller than him…prefers wee Bannon :-)
Song for James Forrest is easy….
One James Forrest,
There’s more than one James Forrest,
One James Foooorrrest,
There’s more than one James Forrest
Need to get the old thinking cap on for Calum…
Currently 26 degrees at 2:48 in Astana. A pleasant 20 degrees for the match and very little wind. Good conditions for good football.
Radio North Angus just did their wee sports report and the DJ ( an elderly chap so DJ does not sound right) said that, as Celtic were Scotland`s sole representatives in Europe, everyone should be behind them.
He is an English guy but I think he knows the way things are here and was having a wee dig at the bitterness co-existent with Scotia`s splendour.
JJ
On the topics of songs:
In Seville, a large contingent of us took over a wee pub in Cadiz on the night before the game. One song that was being rattled out continuously was the:
Tell all the Huns you know…. and there must have a dozen or so different endings. A couple that stuck with me:
“You’ll be down in the chip shops whilst we’re in our flip flops”
“You’ll be cashing yer giros whilst we’re on our lilo’s”
You’ll be watching the bill whilst we’re in Seville ”
Wish I could remember them all but the intake of alcohol and passage of time ……..
Tim Malone will tell.
Here goes:
There’s only One Calum McGregor
and ther is no fighter better,
And he’s gonna knock out Floyd Mayweather.
Brilliant Uh!
Macjay1
Ominous only if Bankier’s giving the team talk!
Must have been hell listening to that on the radio back in 1964, especially given that we’d only won 2 league cups (1 a belter, right enough!) since the 1953-54 Double.
What was to come soon after must have been unimaginable.
Somebody on here said Astana play on a plastic pitch.
Somebody on here said Astana play on a hybrid pitch.
I saw the team training in the stadium on Reporting Shortbread last night, and thought it looked artificial. Does anyone know for sure?
HH
Brendan Rodgers league stats:
Won 90.2%
Drawn 9.8%
Lost 0%
I think that’s correct? Surely that’s unsurpassed in Scottish football history?
https://twitter.com/officialbartin/status/899918354152140800