If you were sitting in the Cliftonville dressing room tonight, you would fancy your chances against Celtic. They are a team reportedly playing the best football in their club’s history and are packed with professionals who are focussed on the task in hand. Celtic have vastly greater resources, but the fact that we have a list of excuses ready for a below-par performance is concerning.
The plastic pitch, the departed Wanyama and possibly departing Hooper, the tactically non-existent preseason and the fact that the deciding game will take place in Glasgow next week, are all available excuses, and teams with ready-made excuses often take them.
None of the above hold water, though. I would be surprised if Celtic players didn’t spend more time working on a plastic pitch at Lennoxtown than they spend on Celtic Park. Wanyama and Hooper were each absent from substantial Champions League victories last season and whatever gave Celtic the blues in Germany is a consequence of poor form, not a reason for it. Celtic can draw or even lose tonight and will still be favourites to proceed in the tournament but this is a game of football, and deserves to be respected as such.
The momentum for last season’s triumphs started to build after a solid win in Helsinki. A win tonight in Belfast would take the pressure of next week, allowing Neil Lennon more freedom to prepare for future challenges.
No excuses, Celtic.
To kick off the new season we’re having an Internet Bampots session on Friday at the (always excellent) Columba Club in Blantyre. Paul McConville, Phil Mac Giolla Bhain and myself will be on stage for a Question and Answer session from 19:30.
Tickets are available at the door. See you there.
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Just appended to the article above:
To kick off the new season we’re having an Internet Bampots session on Friday at the (always excellent) Columba Club in Blantyre. Paul McConville, Phil Mac Giolla Bhain and myself will be on stage for a Question and Answer session from 19:30.
Tickets are available at the door. See you there.
Celtic are complicit, along with every other Scottish club, in the corruption emanating from Hampden.
The unopposed re election of CO underlined this.
I don’t envy their position, as has been mentioned, if we spoke out unilaterally, the combined forces of the Establishment would crash down on our head.
That does not, in itself justify the apparent inaction.
However, more complicit than the club is the support.
Last year, supporters of many clubs put the foot down and stopped the hun from being placed into the SPL , SFL1.
This year the same tactic should have been applied, in light of the various decisions coming from the SFA.
STs should have been resisted. Instead, Celtic seduced their fans by cutting the cost. Bribed?
Cup Final tickets were urgently sought.
All this did was to validate the SFA and to suffer the humiliation of CO handing ot the gongs.
A golden chance to highlight the problem to a wider audience was lost because, as usual , the fix of watching Celtic was greater than striking a blow for honesty and integrity.
There are many of us who couldn’t attend the CF, for many reasons, but that doesn’t minimise or affection or attachment to the club.
Those who were in a position to expose the SFA, but didn’t, due to selfish reasons, are equally or even more complicit in ensuring thst the status quo remains in the game.
The only weapon, to enforce change, that the support of every club have, is their money and as long as that is being handed over, nothing can or will change.
Boycott the SFA.
Phone call yesterday,second letter arrived today asking me to renew season ticket.are we having problems this season re- sales.
I have told them when Celtic speak up for the support I will renew.Asked the lady yesterday to get a Director to phone me,wont hold my breath.
Brogan Rogan Trevino and Hogan supports Kano 1000
12:20 on 17 July, 2013
Willie Wallace.– The Heart of a Lion
A few weeks ago, Willie Wallace signed off his visit back to Scotland with a post on CQN which Paul later followed up on in his main article the following day.
Unfortunately, I was a bit under the weather at the time, could not make the Lions roar again event, and so missed meeting Willie before he went back home to Australia.
Thereafter, I took my dreaded cold/flu/ dreaded lergi to France where it finally disappeared.
Accordingly, this is the first chance I have really had to express my views on the whole “Willie” experience.
First of all I would like to thank both Paul and Winning Captain for asking me to contribute to the book.
As a Celtic fan it was a real thrill simply to be asked to contribute in some small way to an epilogue to the Lisbon story all these years later, and for that chance I am deeply thankful and indeed honoured.
However, nothing– and I mean absolutely nothing– could have pre – warned me, or prepared me for the tour de force that is Willie Wallace himself.
I have no idea how you explain such things, and I do not mean to be either too personal or sentimentally intense in attempting any explanation,— but from our first meeting Willie and I got on like a house on fire, had many an interesting discussion about all sorts of things and most importantly had many a good laugh with an instant recognition that we were comfortable taking the extreme Michael out of one another — eventually on an almost perpetual basis.
That chemistry is for me the most valuable thing about the whole experience.
However, what is not covered in the book ( by me at least ) is the absolute feeling you get from Willie that — having been at Stenhousemuir, Raith Rovers and Hearts — he realised very quickly that Celtic was the place for him and that things would happen for him at Celtic Park — or to put it in his words ” This is the place for me!”.
Despite later playing for Crystal Palace, Dumbarton, Partick Thistle, Ross County and in Australia he retains that ” This is the place for me” feeling– long long after he has hung up the boots.
Clearly, Australia is in fact the “place” for Willie and his family but it is and always will be Celtic that is his “football place”.
I have written on these pages before that I had heard a story concerning Henrik Larsson where, after winning the league but prior to the departure of Wim Jansen, Henrik said something similar– he could not explain it but he just “felt” that there was something special about Celtic and that things would happen for him here.
In other words he felt that ” This is the place for me!”.
This morning, we read comments from Georgios Samaras — where he says he wants a new contract here. In explaining why, he doesn’t talk about the money, the length of contract, the standard of football or any of that. He talks about his homeland, about what is important to him personally, his relationship with the manager, the club and its fans — something that has not always been easy— and more or less says ” This is the place for me”.
Each of the three men concerned were at the club in very different times, with different people, from different backgrounds and so on, yet all three express the same point of view– the same feeling if you like — and the same desire and belief that this is a good place to ply your trade– as a person and as a footballer.
There must be something to that– it cannot be coincidence even if you think you are an impenetrable footballing cynic.
Returning to Willie, what also came across was his desire and passion to continue the Celtic connection when there is absolutely no need to. By that, I mean a connection where he ( completely voluntarily ) seeks out, gets involved with and talks to the best of young Australian talent and tries to get them to come to Celtic Park and consider Celtic as a possible career move as opposed to any of the other big names in football and who may have more money and perhaps even glamour to offer.
In that vein, a young 18 year old will shortly be arriving in Glasgow to take up a few weeks experience with Celtic. He will come on trial, train at Lennoxtoun, be mentored and assessed by the Celtic coaching staff — all at the recommendation of Willie Wallace.
I should add that the young man concerned will be housed, fed, watered and looked after by the Winning Captain– and so in some small way CQN itself continues to play a small but potentially significant role in the development of Celtic itself.
A long time ago, I wrote a wee story on here and ended by saying that there is something noble about those who train and encourage those who are much younger than themselves and so help them to perhaps get on in life and shape their future. They pass on life experiences, knowledge, wisdom and offer advice, a friendly face, a warm handshake and where necessary a needed shoulder to cry on.
Willie Wallace continues to do that from the other side of the world and does it in his own inimitable style– a style which I hope many of you who met him or heard him speak have come to recognise and appreciate.
There is no fuss, no banging drums, no shouting from the rooftops or desire to advance his own reputation or standing.
There is just a former footballer who could play a bit, learned and listened to some great coaches, doing his own thing, helping some kids along for the sake of doing it and always with a down to earth laugh and a joke– and an oh so easy manner.
For me, the lesson from Willie’s visit is finding the truth in an oft repeated old adage which is often adapted and adopted to suit circumstances:
Form– and even age– is temporary — class– real class– is permanent.
And Willie epitomises that in every way.
Lastly, can I express my personal thanks to all who have now read the book and who have sent messages saying how much they enjoyed it.
It was a pleasure to be involved and I just hope that those who pick it up in the future get as much enjoyment out of reading it as I did from just contributing.
Hail Hail
BRTH
Sydney Tim
You still drinking in the Mercantile?
Jimbo
Paul welcome home
TBJ
Another podium, we really are not worthy.
I’m hearing West Beal Feirste is already awash with Celtic Supporters,
Whilst East Beal Feirste really just needs a wash.
Do your jobs tonight Bhoys on and off the Park, those evil eyes are watching.
YNWA
Just had a little tinker with the country coefficients and worked out that going on the current trend Scotland will stay exactly where we are for next season, meaning the same qualifiers again for Celtic next year.
It’s a bit of a joke but without the other teams performing what chance do we have?
Anyone that has connections with the club can you mention that Marcelo Bielsa looks to be available (just left Bilbao). Not sure he would accept a coaching role but his experience and tactical awareness is exactly what Lennon and his team need around the place….Guardiola ranks him as the best manager around.
Fazza
SOAL @ 12:30 – haha brilliant!
The Token Tim has managed to wangle a pass and I’m meeting him for a beer in Glasgow tomorrow evening, if anyone is interested and not currently in Lanzarote!! :-)
T4
Last day of Cyprus holiday. Heading home in evening but will miss game live but my son’s set it to record for me so I’ll try to avoid result.
Thanks to everyone on here for keeping me up to date with what’s going on in the world of Celtic. Thanks also to those who responded to my rants about Peter Lawell and Gary Hooper and Lenny apologising to fans. I was half way through a reply to you when the battery on my iPad packed up on me and ALS the moment was lost. What I was trying to say in my frustration was that we needed a goal threat as web certainly didn’t have one in Germany. I think we could have used some of the Victor money to try and retain Hooper (we know what he is capable of and we know his faults). On the other hand we don’t know what a new striker will bring us – gamble.
I still think Lenny sold the fans short. If we are treating games as a loosening up exercise, then play them behind closed doors. Don’t allow fans to pay money to watch them and don’t play them on TV to embarrass us before a wider audience. The most successful manager in our history never played friendlies. He won the European Cup. Maybe there’s a lesson to be learned there somewhere.
Good luck to the Bhoys tonight and I hope that everyone attending the game has a great night and returns home safely.
Got to go and chuck my grandson around the swimming pool for the next hour.
Hail! Hail!
T4.
Im meeting oldtim at 2.30.
Malone Bhoy
Disappointing, but better than having to play Arsenal.
I think Celtic have struck the right tone in the pre-match comments, especially Lenny. He has been professional, respectful and complimentary of our opponents without patronising anybody. He has been highly complimentary of the environment in which we are to play. You could not have scripted it better.
Roll on kick-off.
Come on the Hoops.
T4
I’m hearing Jim Goldie is sweet on the chances of Hawdyerwheesht going in again tomorrow.
HH
Back to the footi…brilliant..
Tonight is like the tennis just passed. We are Andy Murray. Cville, a player ranked in the 100’s.. They will make life awkward at times but we need to employ professional ruthlessness
And sort them out..
COYBIG
Champions League qualifier day! Or if you’re a Sevco fan, Wednesday.
Square Slice – if that’s the one on the corner at the back of the shopping centre, I watched a couple of the games there last year. It’s fine.
Owner is a Geordie I think.
BT – got stuff on in the afternoon and T3 playing 5’s from 6 to 7pm, so not meeting until half seven earliest! :-(
Is the auld yin staying in town Thursday night?
Hope you’re busy with the physio! Keep at it mucker.
TTTT
Hi Paul67,
Someone pointed out t’uther day about the Europa League games as well as the CL games played last season.
Lenny’s teams have considerable European Experience.
As you say, No Excuses!
Looking for a Sammi masterclass tonight.
Hail! Hail!
Che – cheers or is that just your way of telling me to shut it?! :-)
Will you see the game before heading off on yet another holiday tonight?
T4
T4.
Knowing oldtim he might still be around when you turn up. Not a chance of me though as im still on the sticks..o))
Cliftonville won’t be sitting anywhere fancying there chances they know exactly who there playing they know it will be defeat tonight defeat next week there out we’re in, certain Celtic supporters need to forget the preseason results they mean nothing they won’t have an effect on tonight or the rest of the season. 2/3-0 tonight 5/6-0 next week time to back the team and forget the negativity. Mon the hoops HH
twists n turns
09:27 on 17 July, 2013
BTW – for fun (and to hopefully raise some money for TKF) I am going to place a bet for TKF on every matchday this season. Maybe on a nag, maybe on the footy. I’ll keep a running balance for the season and see where it takes me. Hopefully I will have a few quid to hand over.
—————
I bet a couple of quid on Efe to score anytime in 90 mins most games (I know I know) but I think he will do well this season.
Soooooooooo anything I get back will go into a jar for TKF at the end of the season.
montheEfebhoycsc :))
.
.
The Georgious Samaras Story..Part 1888..”Its The Final Contract..Doo Doo Doo Doo..Doo Doo Doo Doo..It’s The Final……………..”
Georgios Samaras Happy to Sign New Celtic Contract
Celtic striker Georgios Samaras wishes to undergo talks with the Scottish champions, as the Greek international tells reporters “I’d never say no to a new contract” according to Sky Sports.
The ex-Manchester City forward joined the Hoops back in 2008 (initially on loan) and since then he has managed 63 goals in his 218 appearances for the club. With their star striker Gary Hooper poised to leave the club, it seems unlikely that Celtic would want to let the 28 year-old leave any time soon.
Samaras only has one year remaining at his current contract with the Glasgow based club, which is why he is desperate for crunch talks.
“I enjoy my football here, I’m at a club where I feel well,” the Greek star told reporters.
“It was important to me to find an environment where I feel good because I’m away from my country [Greece], my family and friends. I need an environment that suits me and here I am. I’m not surprised how long I’ve been here. I always felt I’d be here a long time. I feel great at this club and that means everything to a footballer.”
The 28 year-old’s relationship with long-term serving manager Neil Lennon is also part of the reason he wishes to stay at Celtic Park for years to come.
“I have a great relationship with the manager and, if he wants me, I want him as well. I’m still young at 28 and I can see myself here for a few more years,” Georgios claimed.
Summa
Read and Weep Deserters..
Chairbhoy, yes we have had 20-22 games in Europe if my addition is right in the past 2 seasons not adding in our “successful” (cough) tours of Netherlands & Germany. Its not new to us now so we don’t really have any excuses, but neither did Barcelona!!!
fanadpatriot
12:43 on 17 July, 2013
Phone call yesterday,second letter arrived today asking me to renew season ticket.are we having problems this season re- sales.
I have told them when Celtic speak up for the support I will renew.Asked the lady yesterday to get a Director to phone me,wont hold my breath.
Don’t renew you won’t be missed
hope all fans are safe tonight-
the thought of being over there at this time terrifies me-
seems a bit irresponsible hosting it there at all
also hope im worrying bout nothing
leftclicktic
Good luck. Maybe we can persuade a few other CQN ers to add a wee pound extra to their matchday bets for TKF?
greendreamz
12:18 on 17 July, 2013
need to know what channels are broadcasting the game…I’m in Moscow rat the moment
Closest I’ve been to Podium LOL
Greendreamz, i am visiting Moscow in 2 weeks time, long weekend, wife & 11yr old. Any tips on do’s & dont’s. staying in holiday inn, leznsky, my wifes birthday pressie. I am a tad nervous about it all, need reassurance. Any help appreciated.
The Spirit of Arthur Lee 12:55 on 17 July, 2013
Champions League qualifier day! Or if you’re a Sevco fan, Wednesday.
SOAL –
Brilliant!
Lyruc
hun skelper
Have said on many occasions on this blog is disappointing that some people put caveats on their “support” for Celtic. Stance on the SFA or whatever.
This is “our” club and “we” support then through and through, to do otherwise weakens our club, not the SFA.
NopreconditionsCSC
By the way the season ticket sales are up on last year.
RobinBhoy
tomtheleedstim
12:57 on 17 July, 2013
Square Slice – if that’s the one on the corner at the back of the shopping centre, I watched a couple of the games there last year. It’s fine.
Owner is a Geordie I think.
————
Thanks for the reply. That is the one at the back of El Zoco.
There’s another possible venue I’m going to check out this afternoon. The George Bar in Riviera. Any info on that?
tomtheleedstim- LennonnMcmjallby’s not been on for a while.
Do you know if he’s well or just found something better to do?
Being fairly good wi figures,this one has me flummoxed.
A quote from Sally in their house rag,the hun,sorry,Sun.
“McCoist discussed targets with chief executive Craig Mather and chairman Walter Smith after they jetted to the club’s German training base last night.
He added: “We’ve lost six from last season and brought seven in. I said we needed four or five so we still need another three”
Now that is roughly correct,arithmetically. But ffs,there’s a signing embargo and everyone seems happy to ignore it!
Celtic_First
I think NL is doing all he can to try to get the players fired up for what he fears they will see as an easy match. Hopefully pre-season has shocked them into a performance.
Hun skelper
Diddums
robinbhoy
Some celtic fans look for excuses not to support Celtic, sad really but as long as there’s a Celtic team playing I’ll be going nothing would stop me HH
BTW
16 ROADS has finally surfaced.
Seems some of the gentlemen in his company last night did him some damage.
Which he thoroughly appreciated,btw,and thank you.
A coupla pints and he should be fine.
But,please,no more than that-he’s joooost a boay,remember….
Any bar in Santa Ponsa NOT showing tonight’s game?
I think we should be told, and let’s name and shame them!
‘mon the hoops!
HH