Yesterday’s win over Motherwell came 29 days after the defeat in Gibraltar but for all intents and purposes there was a lifetime between the performances. Celtic have been transformed in that time. It’s still early days but you can see the week-on-week improvement in Celtic.
We look like a proper team, one which will be difficult to play against and will carry a threat. Although we went home raving about the flowing, attacking, football, Celtic were patient early in the game; it took them 11 minutes to craft a chance. I think this is going to be a feature of our play this season. Getting our systems organised and feeling our way into games before stretching opponents.
Scott Sinclair probably did more last night than on his marquee performance at Tynecastle to show what he will bring to the team. He often played between the forward and midfield lines and always had an eye open for the defence-splitting pass.
It was another solid performance from Moussa Dembele, who looks increasingly comfortable in a Celtic shirt. Goals help, of course. Top performer was Tom Rogic. Twice he scored by perfectly timing a run into the box, the first of which was an exquisite piece of work between Rogic and Callum McGregor.
You will have again noticed Rogic’s fondness for ‘having a pop’. He’d developing that antenna for goal which we like so much in Kris Commons, a good number of Motherwell keeper Craig Samson’s saves came from the Aussie.
In the next round it’s ‘Same old Alloa……..’ This game comes in the midweek between the first and second European group stage games, so a home tie against lower league opponents will probably be a welcome change of pace for Brendan and the players. And us.
The Road to Lisbon
As many of your know, our own Mouldy67 will undertake an enormous effort in May to commemorate the 50th anniversary of something or other. He and others will cycle from Celtic Park to the Estadio Nacional in Lisbon to raise funds for the Celtic Foundation.
They will leave Celtic Park on 6 May 2017 (50 years to the day since we won the league across the city), arriving at Estadio Nacional on 25 May, the 50th anniversary of the Lisbon Lions becoming the first team to break the Spain-Italy-Portugal stranglehold on the European Cup.
This is a stunning project. At the moment, opportunities exist for you to join Mouldy and the others in the cycle, you can also become a project sponsor, or simply donate to the fundraising effort. For more information, visit theroadtolisbon.com
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North stand cantilever would have overhung the cemetery/ We were refused permission for this. So pillars required. I stood for nearly 20years in jungle with restricted view of one of the corners… not a great problem to lean to side!
BMCUWP
Might not be accurate so its up to you whether you take it as gospel!
Ive missed out semis and finals as they are nuetral albeit a team can be drawn out 1st.
Celtics Cup Draws
12/13-15/16
H 9 A 9
Sevco
H 18 A 8
They have played a bit more due to entering the cups in earlier rounds.
Paul67…
I am more than willing to do the Lisbon cycle trip if someone will give me a backy…
Mouldy67…over to you…
Good article, Paul. Things look like they are coming along nicely, although the bed-wetting on here after the Gibraltar game was ridiculous!
A wee shout for Callum and Izzy for last night. Both did a good job without getting much plaudits.
BIGGEORGESFANCLUB
I’d also like to add my congratulations to your daughter. Obtaining 5 A passes in her Highers is a wonderful achievement. Well done to her!
Btw those are just the Scottish and League Cups.
For Tom Rogic to shine, he needs a playing surface like last night’s and players who play with their heads up, to give and receive a pass.
The latter is in BR’s hands, the former is in the hands of the SPFL.
Whatever the make up of our midfield eventually becomes, Calum Mc.Gregor is essential. as he is constantly on the move, with quick feet and links up well to left and right of himself.
His 1-2s with Roberts/Forrest is the key to open up defences.
Wonderful performance last night, the improvement has been so much quicker than I imagined/hoped it would be. Players I was beginning to think were done, playing some of their best stuff in years. Just makes me more sad that I can’t be there but great watching the turnaround from anywhere.
Hrvatski Jim on 11th August 2016 12:43 pm You guys been following things these past 4 years?, draw fixing would be no biggie when you know whats went on. As for Dallas you really think he’s above all that?,lol.
BIG-CUP-WINNERS on 11th August 2016 1:05 pm
I totally agree keep the club out of your own politics- club open to all etc. But to call people huns and intolerant for wanting to support people who are treated no better than animals, is disgraceful(in their own country-ring, any bells?). I’ll always take the side of the downtrodden people, just as I did in Ireland and in South Africa….,.. even when Thatcher and her tory friends were calling us intolerant and terrorist lovers for our views. But again in todays world, keep it for organised demonstrations, blogs or at least outside the ground.
Sneaky Pete’s have opened up the online tickets early, I’m already in a queue. So if you are looking for spares for the playoff, then get on now.
HH
TimBhoy
The pillars you refer to in the main stand are lifted to the roof during a match and returned to normal position after the match has finished, main stand occupants have no restrictions to their view.
Really great that the fans were so patient with the team last night ….helped them to settle, and then destroy poor Murderwell….
Roof raising pillars not required next Wednesday so no restricted views I’m told :)
POG
and Fanni
itswelcomedCSC
H.H.
Could listen to Brendan all day, Great talker of the game.
We are in a good place and the Blog is a lot better to read, No moon howlers at night and not so many negative posters. Which makes you think if they actually do have the Clubs best interests at heart, Why do they disappear when we are doing well? and the board have backed their manager? Surely those passionate posters would be the first to comment when we are doing well?
Anyway that’s just my opinion.
I am more positive than I have been for a long time on all aspects of the club.
I have a Liverpool fan pal who had doubts over Brendan and even now he is starting to smile at our form changing so quickly.
As has been covered most players form has got better by a good bit since Brendan has taken over. Confidence is a big big part of it. Belief is a great tool and the best managers give players that.
“In Brendan we trust”. (James Forrest 2016)
I have one though. “Brendan’s flying machine”
KLV
Pillars in main stand were installed as a safety feature I am sure that on occassion the have been lowered when the wind is particularly strong during games
ThomTheThim
Agree about Callum. Always makes himself available for a pass. Always looking around to see where to play it to BEFORE he gets it, so the ball is getting circulated more quickly.
The Mouldy67 initiative is a great example of the lengths Celtic supporters will go to in the pursuit of helping others.
This is a massive undertaking, both physically and financially for those doing the full trip, so hats off to them all.
I’m hoping to do the initial 30 odd mile from CP on day 1, and then meet up with the guys in Spain/Portugal for the final 4 days into Lisbon. It would be great to see as many Celts as possible gather at the Estadio Nacional on the 25th.
Last night I got soaked heading home from work, and had that internal argument with myself, about whether to watch on TV and dry out, or head up to Paradise. I’m so glad I went along, It truly was like watching Celtic of old, and a really enjoyable night.
Sitting in 113 you get a great atmosphere generated by the fab GB, and the football has rejuvenated the supporters.
Roll on next Weds, I for one, can’t wait.
HH
WBC,
half cut Lee Wallace….was lol….;-))
FTSFA
H.H.
I remember the last time we played an Israeli club in Europe there was a concerted effort outside the ground by persons not even going to the game to supply supporters wih a wee paper Palestinian flag
A polite no thanks and I’m not interested was all that was required
Even by UK standatds, 20,165 was a decent attendance for a grey and wet midweek non-season ticket League Cup tie live on TV and sandwiched between a couple of massive CL qualifiers.
Mouldy 67
thats a stunning endevour, and a brilliant website. Very good planning and info.
Google maps tells me its 1581 walking miles distance from celtic park to estadio national.
I guess that would be your safe cycling route.
anyone would think your into logistics.
AULD TAM on 11TH AUGUST 2016 2:07 PM
Even by UK standatds, 20,165 was a decent attendance for a grey and wet midweek non-season ticket League Cup tie live on TV and sandwiched between a couple of massive CL qualifiers.
yes it is.
comparing with comparative fixtures last year, ever home game so far has had a higher attendance.
well done to those who could make it.
Although we can all have a good laugh at the idea of Sevco being part of a world super league, Magic Hat does raise some valid points about the financial clout down south and the ability of any clubs up here, or in other European countries, to compete… with the trickle down effect now seeing fees of 10m in the Championship becoming the norm and League One clubs looking for value in Scotland.
Together with the proposed changes to the CL from 2018/2019 we may face yet more testing times, not of our own making, at a time when the club is thriving. What should we do, or what can we do?
HH
MICKBHOY1888 on 11TH AUGUST 2016 2:06 PM
I remember the last time we played an Israeli club in Europe there was a concerted effort outside the ground by persons not even going to the game to supply supporters wih a wee paper Palestinian flag
A polite no thanks and I’m not interested was all that was required.
Aye, they’re at it again on Facebook. Whilst I support and sympathise with the Palestinian cause, flying Palestinian flags next Wednesday will bring a whole heap of trouble from UEFA Partial or full stadium closure for 1 game would be my best guess.
They have no real idea or concern of how it will affect us as a club. They’ve been telt on Facebook!
Enjoyable read and pretty much 100% spot on analysis from VFR800 in his latest piece for CQN:
http://www.celticquicknews.co.uk/after-beating-hearts-motherwell-where-are-we-now-part-2/
Do you think Waghorn (pen) will get judged on his “goals from open play” much like Big Moussa is.
If thats BR’s influence already on the team, just wait till we’re up to speed with his tactics and how he wants us to play.
Our attacks were fast and varied, pretty much making it a stick or twist situation for opposing defences
A few of us have wondered about that lapel pin Brendan wears, the “purple and red five leafed clover” as I saw it described by someone.
Brendan is an official Ambassador for the Northern Ireland Childrens Hospice which provides specialist care for children with life limiting illnesses.
Here is their JustGiving link in case anyone wanted to help.
https://www.justgiving.com/nichildrenshospice/raisemoney
Here’s a link to Brendan being appointed as Ambassador.
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/video-news/video-northern-ireland-hospice-welcomes-new-ambassador-brendan-rodgers-34518672.html
Brendan donated the sale of his parents home to the charity, link here.
http://www.irishnews.com/news/2016/04/21/news/former-liverpool-manager-brendan-rodgers-donates-sale-of-parents-home-to-ni-hospice-493266/
HH
There seems to be a fair bit of misunderstanding with regard to support pillars in the South (main) Stand.
The problem is, the existing stand was built in isolation, ie long before the Jock Stein and Lisbon Lions stands which now join onto it.
The 2 pillars, 1 at either side, were obviously part of the original structure and are therefore still in place. Before the stadium was rebuilt, the stand view was obstruction-free with no pillars. However, when the rebuilding began, the walls at either end of the roof were demolished to allow the main stand to be joined to the 2 new stands, which meant leaving the 2 pillars in place to support the roof.
THAT is where the restricted view comes in. Some supporters in the lower corners of the Jock Stein and Lisbon Lions (away section) have their view obstructed by these necessary pillars.
The answer is to completely tebuild the South Stand to the same specification as the other 3 stands. It is long overdue as far as I am concerned as the facilities in the South Stand are dire.
Auld Tam,
Is that the official crowd?
If so it’s up a bunch on what our ‘normal’ league cup attendance has been for a good few years.
The games against Morton (Yikes) and Raith (just weeks before THAT Barca game) were both attended by fewer than 13,000 Celtic fans.
HH
2015/16
cl L 15 July 2015 Second Qualifying Celtic Scotland 2 – 0 Starajan 48,185
CL 29 July 2015 Third Qualifying Celtic Scotland 1 – 0 Qarabağ 43,011
LC 23 Sep 2015 3rd Celtic 2 – 0 Raith Rovers 13,591
————————————————————————————————-
2016/17
20 July 2016 Second Qualifying Celtic Scotland 3 – 0 Red Imps 55,632 (+ 7447)
3 August 2016Third Qualifying Celtic Scotland 2 – 1 Astana 52,952 (+ 9941)
10 August 2016Second Round Celtic 5 – 0 Motherwell 20.165 (+ 6574)
3 games – increased attendances by 23,962.
the season looks bright. the season looks green and white
Geordie Munro –
Yes 20,165 was the official attendance.
Thanks Sunnyjim, Good read. Top man we have at the helm.
KLV
SAINT STIVS SAYS SACK THE BOARD on 11TH AUGUST 2016 2:32 PM
2015/16
cl L 15 July 2015 Second Qualifying Celtic Scotland 2 – 0 Starajan 48,185
CL 29 July 2015 Third Qualifying Celtic Scotland 1 – 0 Qarabağ 43,011
LC 23 Sep 2015 3rd Celtic 2 – 0 Raith Rovers 13,591
————————————————————————————————-
2016/17
20 July 2016 Second Qualifying Celtic Scotland 3 – 0 Red Imps 55,632 (+ 7447)
3 August 2016Third Qualifying Celtic Scotland 2 – 1 Astana 52,952 (+ 9941)
10 August 2016Second Round Celtic 5 – 0 Motherwell 20.165 (+ 6574)
3 games – increased attendances by 23,962.
the season looks bright. the season looks green and white
———————————————————————————————-
Great to see that – a direct impact of the Brendan Rodgers Effect!
I wonder what the average match-day spend per supporter is?
a complete rebuild of the south stand, just using same footprint as now, and not going any higher would in my reasonable estimate cost £18m minimum.
replacing the roof structure and the seating arrangements, would be easier, while linking front stand concourse to the facilities in the corners (beyond the emergency tunnels), meaning changing the away allocation – £8m ish.
cost to bring the main stand side , complete rebuild and a 2nd tier – £40m ish.
the reason there are pillars in the north stand was both we couldnt overhang the “air-space” above the cemetary, or put steelwork support in there for the back of the new stand.
i would like us to redevelop the south stand, but lots of the original structures exist behind the 1986 facade.
the steel and roof structure is now 42 years old
Auld tam,
Cheers neebs.
It was actually one less. Some part time supporter from Fife bought a ticket and didn’t go. ;p
HH
Davidopoulos on 11th August 2016 2:16 pm
Sausages?
Paul67…serious hat on this time…Next year is a massive anniversary for the Celtic family…I’m sure there will be special events to celebrate it, Mouldy67 and the cyclists is one of them and I understand BRTH is looking into the possibility of chartering a plane (wow) to take fans over…Can you imagine the scenes in Lisbon and at the Estadio Nacional? There are thousands of fans all around the globe who would love to participate in this but for obvious reasons it would not be possible…So, somehow, a documentary record must be made to commemorate this very special occasion.
http://videocelts.com/2016/08/blogs/latest-news/mcghee-warns-there-will-be-more-carnage-fro
KLV