The most interesting point to make about Adam Matthews is that, for another month anyway, he is still a teenager. You and I have seen enough of these games to know that the occasion has a habit of consuming inexperienced youth but Adam patrolled Celtic’s right with remarkable authority last night. All the more remarkable considering this was his first game back after injury.
Football business for 2011 is finished and new signing, Swedish international right back, Mikael Lustig (25), is now available for selection. At 6’3” Mikael has previously played in central defence but Neil Lennon insisted the player was primarily recruited as a right back but, despite the rate Celtic right backs pick up injuries, the need appears greater in central defence. It’s hard to see Adam Matthews losing the right back berth.
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Cults
“I referred to lower end EPL teams because that’s the teams that are desperate in January and likely to make daft offers in the hope a player can save their EPL status… ”
Why refer to the playing ability of our players and relate it to that level?
If your intention had been as you state, then your sentence should have read :-
“Lower Level EPL clubs are likely to be sniffing about our players in January but our players are capable of better.”
You are not an ignorant man and the above is not a very complex sentence or thought. How does it manage to go so badly wrong that you end up stating our players are only good enough for the lower levels of the EPL?
Ok home with a kebab, I left the downanout and the hooker at the train station. Last time I took a hooker/downanout home its stayed by my side for 23 years…aye that’ll be you CaltonTongues!!!!
Pleasure to meet some CQNers this evening. Not just good Tims but really decent, honest human beings.
Four green fields and Bundoran thank you it has helped and meant so much.
MWD
My friend, I think we’ll always disagree but there’s a way to conduct yourself and you do that in abundance.
TC, CRC, sanna, Lennybhoy, Kingoh and Sftb a pleasure as usual.
Cuellar – cant say that i saw much of him at rangers or villa, but i have seen enough of our players and know we require a better quality centre back. i like charlie and rogne (injuries a worry) and have not seen enough of k.wilson to judge, dan has had a handful of good games in between some awful showing (would not give new contract).
that tells me we are short of a quality centre back and if lennon thinks cuellar’s the man then so be it, so long as we have a quality centre back in our team asap then i’ll be happy.
MWD
“Although the spycho analysis was a bit much.”
I was just trying to re-assure you that your man love obsession withh Cults was not definitive proof of an unheterosexual orientation :-)
ßjmac ♥ Kano 1000 °¿° says:
30 December, 2011 at 01:02,
Ha, that’s me and thousands having nightmares about Mowbray now!
CheersCSC:-)
Saint Stivs – Spider thanks VMHAN, Coorslad and the Derry CSC says:
29 December, 2011 at 16:52
I wasnt going the to game last, agreed with Mrs H that I was helping with some family stuff, which has been the case all through the holidays, and taking up our time, so I didnt go chasing a ticket.
At 2pm Mrs H says “so your definately not going to the game tonight then, your not springing any last minute excuse on me to go”
definately not, says I.
——————————————
4pm, in the Dubbs Road Co-Op, incoming txt.
“VMHAN – you want a ticket for the game , a very special ticket, in beside me at the Green Brigade ?”
——————————————
last night was right up there with some of my favorite Celtic Supporting nights.
The Green Brigade experience is something that will live with me till I am an old old man.
Truelly outstanding. Knackered today, sore knees .
Looking at the North Stand at the giant huddle, its an unbelievable sight
120 Minutes of non stop support. These bhoys ghirls and indeed some mature ex Jungle guys, are world class ultras.
Vinny , your a magnificent host, thanks for what was a christmas present I wont forget. Thanks for thinking of me first.
COORSLAD, thanks for passing on the ticket, donation will be made to Little Sisters of the Poor.
DERRY CSC, thanks for bringing the ticket across the water.
still buzzing actually, who needs drink, that was the real special brew.
———————————
BLANTYRETIM,
you need to try it next.
share
ps.
anyone know how Grant from Perth is doing ?
Cheers SFTB.
You have put my winkle at ease.
MWD :-))
Ok home with a kebab, I left the downanout and the hooker at the train station. Last time I took a hooker/downanout home its stayed by my side for 23 years…aye that’ll be you CaltonTongues!!!!
MMMmmmm So, we’re not in love? :-)))
MWD,
you as well, get yourself along to the Green Brigade experience with Vinny.
you know it makes sense.
Lads I know someone posted it earlier but 92 mins and 50 secs in, wee Forrest flings broadfoot off him and broadfoot then goes nuts at mulgrew but mulgrew is pissing himself laughing you need to see it again bhoys what a laugh.
Hamiltontim
I onced conducted. But found electricity burnt too much.
MWD Yoda is a Christian.
Saint Stivs
I’d love too. Waiting on my invite.
MWD
Hamilton Tim
Only met you tonight but you have left a lasting impression
Thoughts are with you and yours , we are one , we are Celtic
Night bhoys
Thanks for tonight BHOYS
HH
CT
You should have come tonight….I would have given you fags :-)
MWD
Maybe but he’s way too ugly to be a Tim :-)
Hamilton Tim
HAIL HAIL BROTHER
fergus slayed the blues says:
29 December, 2011 at 12:28
cabbageandbacon says:
29 December, 2011 at 11:51
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b018cg10/Your_Call_with_Jim_Traynor_28_12_2011/
41 – 45 mins! Grant fae Perth bursts out greeting!
share
Bundoran
God bless ye big fella.
SFTB
that was my intention..
However, I believe jump from SPL to upper half of EPL is MASSIVE.
Most need an intermediate step – even Charlie Adams – only Sammi would comfortably make the step straight off IMO
Given Maloney tried and failed and Aiden didn’t even get the chance- any of our Bhoys taken to a top half team would be lucky to get the chance. Newcastle keep getting linked but I think they are a lower half team in a temporary upper half position. Big jump between Denver Ba and Hooper.
But that is only my opinion..
FGF
Likewise mate we’ll need to do it again :-)
toilets wrecked at CP
http://yfrog.com/kg49356284j
SFTB
Just re read your post…
Don’t really feel that I need your approval or guidance on how to express myself on CQN. I wouldn’t dream of telling you how to format your sentences… But then again I’m not an ingnorant man…
Wind your neck in … ?
Cuellar?
Never.
The new rules would show him up for what he really is.
Average at best.
With the Huns he got the benefit afforded all hun defenders which is why on a level playing field with Villa he’s never held a regular place.
He couldn’t pull and trip with impunity anymore and ploughing into opponents from behind also became a foul.
He would be penalised with us for all things he was lauded for in a hun jersey.
All hun defenders look better in spl than anywhere else with the help of their brethren in black.
Remember watching Wilson getting roasted in European tie and couldn’t believe Liverpool were signing him.He has really set the heather on fire since joining them.
Enjoyed the (result) match last night, and good to see a packed CP for a change. Just made it home to watch the extended highlights on SS1 at 1am after a wee lock in at the club.
Very disappointed that they airbrushed the two tackles from the NI huns, and showed the Stokes yellow. Heard that the beeb highlights also omitted it, shocking IMO.
100% concentration now needed for the Dunfermline game, no slip ups.
On Cuellar, naw naw naw, thats aw.
HH
Cults Bhoy
“Don’t really feel that I need your approval or guidance on how to express myself on CQN. I wouldn’t dream of telling you how to format your sentences… But then again I’m not an ingnorant man…
Wind your neck in … ? “
You were not told how to format your sentences.
You were given an example that would make your supposed intent clearer.
I expressed surprise that you constantly find ways to belittle our players by muddled wording when you obviously have little difficulty in formatting sentences which praise Rangers.
It was not your grammar that was being highlighted; more your allegiances.
As for “I don’t need your approval” ??
Pulleez?? Not the old passive-aggressive act- “youz are all getting at me.”
Truly the loudest yelps for liberty come from the drivers of slaves.
I’m off to bed now- neck firmly wound in.
Strathclyde Police Praise Celtic Support
By Mark Cameron | Published: December 30, 2011
A meeting was held on Thursday 29th December between Affiliation and Strathclyde Police as a follow up to recent discussions on policing issues at Celtic Park.
The minutes of this meeting are below…
Strathclyde Police Praise Celtic Support
Update meeting with Campbell Corrigan (Assistant Chief Constable, Strathclyde Police)
Thursday 29th December 2011
Present
Strathclyde Police – Campbell Corrigan and Simon Wright
Affiliation of Registered C.S.C.’s – Mark Cameron and Alan Horne
Campbell Corrigan (CC) opened meeting by praising Celtic support for exemplary behaviour at last night’s game. In comparison to “shame game” it was a much quieter event for police, it was later confirmed that only 12 arrests were made (compared with 34 at March 2011 game) and none were for sectarian offences.
Mark Cameron (MC) asked why all coaches were stopped en-route to match and searched for alcohol when it had previously been stated that match would be policed as per any other Celtic v Rangers match. Alan Horne (AH) stated that most coaches were delayed for up to 30 minutes by being escorted from motorway and then taken to Broadwood Stadium for coach search and then back to motorway. CC replied that the police were concerned that many supporters groups were having events in the afternoon of the match and were concerned that there was a ”higher than normal risk” of alcohol making its way onto coaches. CC stated that a similar exercise had happened recently on the day of a Scotland international fixture and it would be something that we may see more off in the future. Simon Wright (SW) agreed to look at options to reduce inconvenience to travelling public when similar exercises were to be held in future. This would also be reviewed at forces out with Strathclyde. CC stated that police would be very careful about repeating this exercise at any midweek fixtures in future. CC confirmed that future searches for alcohol on coaches would be based around “high risk fixtures” as well as manning issues for police. MC asked if supporters groups could be advised in advance of future searches in order that supporters clubs could plan travel with expected delay in mind. CC and SW agreed to look into this and report back.
MC asked for comments from CC regarding the perception that it was police who decided on date of last night’s fixture. CC totally refuted the notion that it was police who decided on this date. He suggested that question should be re-directed to SPL. CC stated that police presented data to Joint Action Group (JAG – Government, SPL, Police, Celtic, Rangers etc.) which showed impact (arrests etc.) and cost of police resources when Celtic v Rangers games are played. CC stated that Sunday lunchtime and midweek fixtures were most suitable. Saturdays were less suitable and the Police wanted to avoid 1st and 2nd January as this they believed was worst possible date for the fixture. CC asked Neil Doncaster if there could be a mixture of Sunday and midweek dates for these fixtures. It was agreed with JAG that police would be consulted over fixture dates.
MC asked if it was protocol for match commander to brief SPL / UEFA delegate without a representative from home club present. CC stated that these discussions are usually informal and that they take place in Police Control Room. CC agreed that moving forward and it had already been communicated to match commanders to ensure that club representatives were present during these discussions. MC stated that he found it unusual that Match Commander would be working in close proximity to clubs operations team for up to 6 hours on match day and that Eddie Smith had not raised any issues with club at Hibs or Rennes games. CC confirmed that de-brief had taken place last night with representatives of both clubs present.
MC then asked why the police had changed recently from arresting supporters post match to going into crowd and making arrests there during the game. CC stated that it was the Match Commander’s decision and that the preference would be to ask those involved to come to the end of the row or to make the arrest in the concourse post match. When asked why the match commander would use either option CC stated that the primary concern would be the immediate safety of spectators and the Match Commander would look at likelihood to destabilise spectators as well as the continual conduct of the individual.
CC stated that it would normally be the case that people would be warned first before an officer would make an arrest for breach of the peace but it doesn’t happen on all occasions. He further pointed out that anyone singing Celtic Symphony with add on’s would be arrested for breach of peace.
The issue of the 17 year old who was arrested on a Friday morning and then held in custody for several days was discussed. CC stated that the police did not break down doors as had been reported and that now that he had taken the opportunity to review the details confirmed that police made the arrest on the first available day and not on a Friday “as punishment.”
On the subject of relations between large elements of Celtic support and the police CC accepted that there had been a breakdown in trust following a series of anti-Celtic briefings given by the Communications Officer at Strathclyde Police. It was pointed out and accepted that the journalist and the tabloid concerned were known to have an anti-Celtic agenda. CC confirmed that future briefings from police would need a different approach and that Communications Officer would no longer be doing that function and that Celtic PR Dept. would be involved. CC accepted that these events had been damaging to police.
MC then asked CC about the source of a recent Sunday newspaper report that had claimed that the police “wanted to smash the Green Brigade”. CC stated the police had no interest in doing this and his opinion was that 99% of what they (GB) do is great for the atmosphere. MC stated that on top of previous anti Celtic media stories that this was more damaging. CC agreed and he stated that he did not believe the story had any credibility as to the attitude of police and that journalist must having been talking with someone who was not representing the police.
CC stated that police officers had already commenced training on the new legislation relating to Offensive Behaviour and he confirmed that training would be based around those officers who were at grass roots level (Police who would be at football grounds). CC suggested that it may be beneficial to have fans present or take part in future training sessions.
AH asked about the proposed introduction of safe standing areas. CC stated that the Taylor report had indicated safest method was all seater stadium but he had no indication prior to Neil Doncaster’s announcement that the stance of the SPL had changed. CC stated that police would need to review before agreeing to any change.
CC stated the Strathclyde Police have been working with Celtic to overcome recent issues and hoped that recent improvement in relationships would continue and that he would be available to discuss issues with fan groups.
All agreed that meeting was worthwhile exercise and CC thanked AH and MC for taking the time to attend.
link here
.
Happy Hunskelping Boxing Day..( The iPhone recognize Hunskelp )..
Lennonism is Alive in the East End of Glasgow..Glasgow shops Report of a Shortage of Towels since the Sales/Gales..
Talking of Sales.. Jellylegs 7 Goals (from open play) in what 21 Games.. He is a Prolific Misser.. Sammi has Better Stats.. Probably worse @ Penalty’s Tho..#SeeWhatIDidThere..
Summa ft NewLiverInstalledCSC
Wow. Can’t believe the time.
Just poppin by to say howdy :))
15 to -2 does not create any good chance to share Rachel Riley photos. Lenny, ffs. Nine letters, nine nil !?! That’s all we asked for !
Anyway.
I hope THIS time is enough to stop a-holes jumping on meedja bandwagons and attacking oor Lenny. Also hope it’s a slap in the face to those who sat back and watched that shameful hunfest happen, ie. the attack on Lenny within 2 months of this season. Disgusting. And he shamed you all. Stand up for our main mhan.
In the meantime, beware of the MIBbery reaching extra-ordinary levels between now and end of season. Dallas still has a say, no matter what they tell us. So does our own PL. The next few months are important to our Club, not just in results, but in seeing where we stand with things in general. It seems the polis and politicians are calming themselves down either because they’ve nothing to go on (ahem ahem, heard quite a few songs from the usual hun repertiore btw myself) or because they’ve gotten what they wanted. And at whose expense??
We are a karma driven crowd in general, but sometimes, you need to remember the immediate past to carve out a purification of the future.
Come March, after enough MIBery, I hope all remember this, before turning on our manager, who is also aware of these exact concerns. Eyes open, ya muppets.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90IyXO1Xwmc
The Herald Friday 30 December 2011
With an average age of 22, league leaders suggest Celtic’s transfer policy will pay off
Hugh Macdonald Chief Sports Writer
THERE is mild exasperation every time Neil Lennon is asked about whether he has received a bid for one of his players.
”I am trying to build a team here,” he says pointedly, ”not dismantle one.” The reality of modern football, though, is that Celtic have become a ”selling club”.
There is no shame in this. It is a role that is fulfilled by an increasing number of clubs as the money flows to the biggest teams in the biggest leagues. The satisfaction that Celtic have in assembling a group of young, talented players is in no way lessened by the reality that many of the best performers are destined for another league, perhaps one just across the border.
The average age of the starting XI against Rangers on Wednesday night was 22.8. The oldest players, at 26, are Scott Brown and Georgios Samaras. Emilio Izaguirre, the best player in Scotland last season and who is on his way back from injury, is a ripe old 25.
It is not difficult to discern that there is a strategy at Parkhead. Celtic want to buy or nurture young, promising talent and then utilise it before selling on at a profit. This initiative is not without difficulties. The club must search markets, such as Honduras in the case of Izaguirre, that have escaped the attention of the top clubs in the world. They must also take a chance on what Peter Lawwell, the chief executive, calls ”undiscovered gems”. These jewels have to be worked on before they can be of any value. The risk of failure should be high, yet Celtic have undoubtedly uncovered players who will comfortably play in more lucrative leagues.
Izaguirre may have to work on the defensive side of his game, but he has the pace and technique to excel anywhere. Ki Sung-Yueng, at 22, is already a young Asian player of the year and the South Korean player of last season. He did not start in the victory over Rangers, but is a midfielder who will relish a role in a good passing side. His forte is to move the ball quickly and with assurance, particularly out wide. He is strong, has a powerful shot and his delivery at set-pieces is wonderfully accurate.
Biram Kayal, 23, has signed an improved contract at the club, but if he makes improvements in his game, particularly to his passing in the final third, then he will also find more lucrative pastures. Victor Wanyama, at 20, was strong and influential on Wednesday night and he could be important to Celtic as both an auxiliary centre-back and, more relevantly, as a holding, protective midfield player.
The jewel in the crown of all these gems is James Forrest, the 20-year-old from Prestwick. ”He is a special talent and one we need to look after,” said Lennon ahead of the Old Firm match. ”The way he has progressed this season has not surprised us, because we see what he can do in training. His football appreciation has got a lot better. James is essential to our attacking style of play.”
Forrest, a player who just months ago might have been considered too callow for the big occasion, is now a certain starter for Lennon. His development is the manager’s great personal achievement. Lennon worked with the youngster in the under-19 squad and when he took over as caretaker manager he immediately promoted the winger to train with the first team.
The progress has been astonishing. Forrest can now be used anywhere across a front three, or behind a striker. He is quick, can score and is clever in his awareness of space, especially when he plays centrally.
Forrest is perhaps the best example of Lennon giving youth a chance. The manager, though, made two bold choices with young players on Wednesday. Adam Matthews, at 19, was preferred to Cha Du Ri, the robust Korean who had been playing well. Thomas Rogne, 21, was given the central defensive role over the vastly more experienced Kelvin Wilson. Both excelled.
The Welshman is quick to recover and his long throw could become a potent weapon. Rogne has long been the hope to fill a position that has been a problem for Celtic. He gave an indication, against an admittedly lacklustre Nikica Jelavic, that he has the strength and will to prosper in central defence.
Lennon was right to caution against premature celebrations. Celtic have been in much better positions than this in recent seasons and not won the league. ”Rangers have a great mentality,” he said. ”We have to be very wary.”
However, Celtic have to be bold, confident and resolute. These characteristics are usually enhanced by experience. The joys of youth have been expressed loudly in Celtic’s run to the top of the league. The question is whether the young Bhoys can stay there.
The future is undoubtedly bright for several individuals in the Celtic team. They must ensure it is similarly successful for the team over the next five months.
Tomorrow
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2ZKQfp7D6U
Yon huns, coming to terms with the words of their Daddy Hun.
“Are you talking just like us?”
“No, we Smurf, its much less fuss.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=kWbMikrZ91U
Mmm. Smurf away, ya huns. Smurf away.
Good morning fellow celts from a mild sooside
Dushanbe ya dancer
Yep Lenny was in mickey joe’s for an interview with Allan Brazil
Someone posted a link with foto..usual guesses were tennant’s on byres road…but it was Anna’s bar and bistro
He stayed on a wee while and made the day special for regulars.
Great to see him looking so relaxed
Have a great new year over there in tajaland ;-)
HH
M
FFS
Maybe best to re-phrase yon video.
Jack Irvine, having a wee smurfing chat with Hugh Keenins, Dawyll, and which ever other diddies you want to include.
This is the beauty of our situation.
We might be putting up with obscene bias, but at least we have the chance to show the diddies up for what they are.
Radio Snyde hunfest below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=kWbMikrZ91U
Petec,
Ref above video: 1:14:00. Plus others. Eyes open amigo. :(
What a great post by FoggyDew in the dr this morning…..
The progress of this young Celtic side has been startling this season. Their early form was very erratic and the injuries sustained meant that we never had a settled side. However Neil Lennon never lost faith in his young protégés and he has been repaid in spades with their dedication to him and with their continued commitment and improvement. Lenny even kept selecting Sammy, which to me and many other Celtic fans was misplaced loyalty to an ordinary player but Lenny was right and we were all wrong, big Sammy has done his part both here and on the European front. I have so much admiration for Neil Lennon, he epitomises the spirit of Celtic Football Club and the more the other lot hate him only serves to intensify my love for him. No manager in the history of European football has had to endure the hostility that Neil has, and his unflinching reaction to it all had galvanized the players and fans alike. Celtic are in good hands as long as Neil is around, he is strong, resolute, dedicated and knowledgeable and all that matters to him is the success of our great Club. He is young for a manager, which is good for Celtic, and it will hopefully mean he will be at the helm for a very long time to come. There have been a few exceptions, but generally the players he has bought have been very good acquisitions, they are all blossoming together and they will get better as they gain more experience playing together. The European foray in the Europa League certainly helped that learning process and the team played much better than any of us (or them) expected. I’m excited by the present Celtic squad but I’m still looking forward to the new additions in the transfer window, to strengthen when you are already in a position of strength is the positive approach. I’m also looking forward to every single game we play, not something I could have said earlier in the season and I hope all the empty seats can be filled again in appreciation of the Lennon revolution.
You brought back the thunder Neil, you put joy in our hearts once again.
Happy New Year to Neil Lennon, the players and everyone at Celtic Park.
Petec,
Smokey hole….need I say more.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_343sa_c3f8
Fortunes favour mibbies……….fantastic video………seen it before, but special after that fantastic win, which has landed them in the poo……