I wasn’t engaged in Celtic politics 20 years ago, never attended the Celts for Change meetings and I wasn’t there to hear ‘The rebels have won!’ in person, but it was clear the Celtic Movement had achieved a remarkable revolution.
The old board’s biggest failing was its lack of strategy. 20 years on Fergus McCann rightly receives the plaudits for putting his money where his mouth was but until that very week he was merely one cog in the machine. Celts for Change were the advance party, others, such as McCann and John Keane were the generals, playing a critical role in the revolution, while the circa 30,000 fans who came forward to buy season tickets and shares were the foot soldiers who did the heavy lifting.
It cost £620 to participate in the subsequent share issue. People borrowed money in order to do their bit – in order to help Celtic, while others clubbed together to raise the target amount. This was an era when credit was even less pervasive as it has been in recent years. Thousands ‘did without’ to make this happen, and no one knew this more than Fergus.
The Revolution came 20 years after Jock Stein’s world record nine-in-a-row, but the intervening period brought obscurity in Europe, only once did we progress beyond Christmas and that was after overcoming Dundalk and Partizan Tirana. Six league titles were won.
The 20 years since have produced nine titles, with another in the oven, while former directors of former clubs are talking about the prospect of Celtic winning 10-in-a-row. We’ve had Seville, and lots of genuinely great achievements in the Champions League. It has been a fantastic two decades.
The one thing Fergus drove most thoroughly was his vision of the club’s social mission. Bhoys against Bigotry and Celtic Charity were launched and put squarely in the middle of who we are as a club. The renamed Celtic Foundation has grown and now engages thousands of fans each year in outstanding feats of generosity. If we are not ‘just another club’ this is the reason. If you’re not involved, get involved.
Over the years I’ve heard talk about a monument to Fergus, which would be entirely inappropriate, the man is a low-profile pragmatist, but we’re overlooking the biggest monument in sport. When he took over as managing director, Celtic Park was a magnificent football arena but fit only for our memories. We needed a safe, all-seater stadium. He raised £14m at a share issue, built the biggest football stadium in Britain apart from the decrepit Wembley, and left five years later with the club around £2.5m in debt.
It was an economic miracle which still beggars belief. I cannot explain how on earth this was achieved.
So Fergus, take a bow, you were years ahead of your time; ruthlessly uncompromising, just when we needed the same, but to those who only wanted to do their bit, without a wish for credit or glory, treat yourself this Pancake Tuesday, you deserve it. Every goal since is down to you.
Congratulations to Peter Lawwell on his appointment to the executive board of the European Club Association (ECA), alongside Bayern’s Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Milan’s Umberto Gandini, Ajax’ van der Sar and Ivan Gazidis of Arsenal; a heavy-hitting team. The appointment reflects not only on Peter Lawwell but on the fans and everyone who makes the club what it is.
Celtic are the club who more than any other in Europe have been disenfranchised by the drift of football success away from meritocracy to TV markets. Denied access to the TV markets neighbours enjoy, their status will inevitably decline further compared to those in other territories.
Do the ECA care? They will now. If football is to continue its 150 year tradition as a meritocratic sport, structural change must come. Celtic have been promoting this message consistently for years, so the ECA know who they have invited into the room. Let’s get on with it.
Seville, The Celtic Movement, launches this month.
“The long walk home from the game was memorable for the incredible reaction we got from the locals. They applauded each of us as we walked past their homes in recognition of what took place in their city throughout the day. Things like this don’t happen but that day was different. Seville, like Lisbon, will always remember Celtic.”
Order yours below:
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embramike supporting wee Oscar and Res 12
22:30 on
5 March, 2014
NatKnow – Supporting Wee Oscar @ 21:57
Chaps – sorry if already covered but any idea what time CQTen is likely to finish? Thinking of trains back to Edinburgh…
There’s a bus from Buchanan at 1:30 and 3:00. I got the 1:30 back after Oscar’s night and the polis lifted 3 guys before we eventually left! Why I’m staying over (Babbity Bowsters no less).
————————————
Hmmm….food for thought indeed.
I’m tempted to stay over, but got to get the wean to judo club the next morning.
minx1888 praying for Wee Oscar.
Hope you give him a foot up the???.
hamiltontim is praying for oscar
22:37 on 5 March, 2014
BRTH/WC
Does jeans with shoes count as smart casual???
Or do you mean an intelligent football hooligan?
I think it’s the opposite , he’s a hooligan just with smart gear on.
Smart casual, not for me. Just people to lazy to get a loan of the family funeral/wedding/christening/court suit.
CQTENnewshirtCSC
Ps
£5 on Broonie to score at anytime tonight 8/1
Marspapa
good grief and Jeezo as well. You have sorry thoughts indeed regarding Bhoys playing for Scotland.
VerysadCSC and well done Broonie & WGS
I got lifted for nowt when I was a lad. I was leaving a pary in the West End of Glasgow a bit peeved because I was bored and sober. We were going for a taxi when for some reason I was singled out and stopped by a mini bus full of the lovely protectors of our society. They pulled me aside- away from my friends- and started asking me straight forward questions to which l respnded in a straight forward manner. Suddenly one defender of democracy and all things right interjected in an accusatory tone whether I had questioned his fatherhood. I was a little taken aback to say the least. My looks of bewilderment caused the wonderful mainstays of our community to hustle me into the back of the minibus and a night at one of Betty’s less salubrious civil social clubs. Next morning I was sent away having learned a lesson of sorts.
Still not sure what it was though.
ernie lynch
20:15 on 5 March, 2014
The Battered Bunnet
18:21 on 5 March, 2014
‘it’s offence at law dates back to S74 of the CJS Act 2003.’
####
I would question whether that section applies to the Orange Order.
#####
Ernie,
There have been in excess of 1000 convictions for it since S74 was introduced 10 years ago. The legislation is unambiguous. The courts clear and consistent. It’s unquestionable in anything other than a moot setting.
HT@Minx
He will be absolutely fine, (hopefully). Going up right now to check the ewes. Brilliant time of the year, but dead tiring. Oh well, thats how the ole cookie crumbles. The futures bright, late nights and early mornings. Whit more could you ask for?? Thank feck I’m retired. AYE RIGHT. :-)))
Weefra HH supporting Wee Oscar.
Weefra,
Sorry to hear that news, Hope you dont mind but I wont tell Lily about it,
lilys
Spain win 1-0 over Italy with Pedro 2nd half strike.
Spain ‘s 23 will be the strongest in Brazil – incredible bench. Italy don’t like pace and Spain have it in abundance, but they should handle Woy’s mob in Brazil easily.
Who is going to this?
St Patricks Day Celebration
When……Monday 17th March From Midday
Where…..Boutique,142b St Vincent Street.
Who……. Billy No’Well,Claymore,Martin Hutchison plus others.
Cost……£10
Tickets on sale at:
Boutique
Ticket Scotland.
Via @billynowell
I can bring some tickets to CQteN if anybody would like me to?
Ipaddy , oldtim fair enough comments lads , my point being PL gets slated for not been seen to do enough for Celtic and on the other hand we have two organisations who would like nothing better than wipe their feet on us , as i said its just my feeling , CO , Alec Salmond and the rest of the rogues make me sick and to think our players help give them credability with results
cake and eat it comes to mind…
No Excuses
I think I can and others have answered some of that.
Re CO — he put himself forward for re-election and the rest of the clubs could not come up with an alternative candidate who would agree to take the position.
There was a candidate favoured by many who would have defeated CO as I understand it but the party concerned refused to accept the position for personal reasons and some, at least, then counselled on leaving CO in a completely neutered office so that he was there and accountable in the event of circumstances dictating that he had to face the music– as opposed to being an ex official blah blah blah.
Accordingly CO effectively won by default.
On Lawell joining the board, I don’t know for sure, but better to be on the board and able to influence things and be party to things — than not and finding that decisions are made without your input etc.
The last point I would make is this.
For years — there was a perception that Rangers and to an extent Celtic were two big dinosaurs within the SFA with both hooked to dual commercial contracts and having joint interests. This was a bad mistake on the part of Celtic Football Club in my opinion although it is easy to say that with great justification in hindsight.
In particular, Rangers Football Club and its owner in particular, could and did perhaps influence things and indeed drove Scottish Football down a certain road which was always in the interests of Rangers Football Club– not Scottish Football as a whole.
Now, there is no Murray and no massive power base at Rangers which commands any respect within Scottish Football — in the past Murray was given too much respect.
Now, no one knows who owns anything at Ibrox or what they will do next or even who will turn up at the next meeting. No one can rely on the corporate management at Rangers. No one– not even their own fans or even the players.
Celtic are very keen not to follow in the big dinosaur bully role and while they will support their own interests, they are keen to show that they will treat all clubs with respect and emphasise that whilst they are undoubtedly the biggest club they are only one club with one vote– with all the rest having a say.
Listen to the statements from Lawell– he always says he will act in the interests of Celtic but is mindful of the interest of Scottish Football as a whole and acknowledges that Celtic have a duty to the league and the Scottish Game.
Try and recall the last Rangers incumbent who made such utterances — or did they always act just in the interest of Rangers only showing largesse to only those clubs whom they chose to or with whom they had some connection— Masterton’s Dunfermline come to mind and of course they were run the same way as Rangers and went bust.
As I understand it, Celtic want a change in the way the people in the Scottish game think altogether rather than just replace the personnel at the top or in any one position.
That means no tub thumping by a big club demanding this or that while others jockey for power and some kind of blazer. Instead it means backing people with integrity like Turnbull Hutton, and getting clubs like Aberdeen and Dundee United, who can improve the overall standing of the Scottish game in Europe, into a situation where they are financially secure and capable of progressing — rather than ensuring that they are absolutely kept in their financial place by the kind of mentality which just buys up any reasonable opposition and effectively shows no regard for fair competition with such teams by breaking the financial and ethical rules at every opportunity.
Scottish Football has been brainwahsed for 20 years and it has taken many a long long time to see that the Emperor had no clothes– some still don’t want to believe it and are ingrained in the notion that if the emperor can’t return then what is needed is a new emperor dressed the way everyone thought the old one was dressed.
When in actual fact what is called for is a Republic.
a light insanity
22:46 on 5 March, 2014,
I had a similar experience years ago…I’m sure to this day as soon as I gave my name my number was up. Not due to it being known with the huns in blue…just because it is Irish sounding and not a double dunting surname.
lillyegradpa
Thanks for that, but, ye cannie beat nature. It is wonderful at times and can be harsh at others. Fermin sees the best and harshest together. Thankfully the best is always worth the effort. Brilliant. :-)))
Weefra HH supporting Wee Oscar.
For those who still buy into the myth that Celtic didn’t know about the OB Bill as they were only informed of it at a late stage as stated in their submission of 28 August to the Justice Commmittee consider this:
The JAG met on June 22nd (6 days after the Draft OB Bill was introduced to the Scottish Parliament by Kenny MacAskill and posted online, and 67 days before Celtic FC made their submission to the Justice Committee claiming they had only been informed of the terms of the Bill at a late stage) at which meeting, the OB Bill was discussed as follows: “Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Bill 2011
2.1 Members were provided with an overview of the provisions of the Bill and the intentions behind it.”
The attendees for Celtic on 22 June were Ronnie Hawthorn (apologies for Peter Lawwell) and Robert Howatt, Company Secretary.
Then on 11 July 2011, (48 days before Celtic FC made their submission to the Justice Committee claiming they had only been informed of the terms of the Bill at a late stage) all JAG members agreed: “To consider and inform the further development of the Offensive Behaviour at Football and Threatening Communications (Scotland) Bill.”
The attendees for Celtic on 11 July were Peter Lawwell, and Robert Howatt, Company Secretary.
We didnae ken disnae wash!
brogan rogan trevino and hogan supports oscar knox, mackenzie furniss and anyone else who fights neuroblastoma
22:59 on 5 March, 2014
“Celtic are very keen not to follow in the big dinosaur bully role”.
I’ve said this before.
I want Celtic to sign Dundee United’s Andrew Robertson.
How do we do that at a fair price without being portrayed as the bully? We need to be able to buy good Scottish talent. Inevitably this will mean weakening our main opponents.
Are we bullies when we do that?
Marspapa 22:23
Definately a contender for one of the worst posts ever made on here.
EC67
theweefrathe tim…..not many from the farming side are fans of celtic……mostly the fermers prefer the dark side…….where are you based……weather is hellish for any new borns….take care
Big Nan
I do not think anyone believes Celtic were not informed about the bill, Celtic have stated that they did receive some information but that they did not feel they had been given enough to unequivocally back the bill.
In the passage you quoted one section stands out for me
“2.1 Members were provided with an overview of the provisions of the Bill and the intentions behind it.”
Note the term “overview” not “draft copy”, not “Final draft”. To me an overview is an abridged version covering the headlines without going into line by line detail.
I could be wrong, and frequently am, but there does not seem to be a smoking gun here showing Celtic as the driving force behind this bill.
topkat
You may be surprised how many are Celtic Supporters. Well, i am one. :-) . I’m in ML area and only close friends know where I abide, and all Celtic Supporters one and all. Thanks for your interest. :-)))
Weefra HH supporting Wee Oscar.
Sipsini I never even got the chance to say my name. I am not even against them that much as I wouldn’t do their job: with regards to dealing with some of the really violent idiots about. However I did nothing to be treated as I was. Waste of time and money.
topkat
Our ewes are all inside for lambing. The big problem is foxes and magpies. They are the biggest threat to our lambs. Apart from nature, obviously. Thank you for your interest, will keep you updated. :-)))
Weefra HH supporting Wee Oscar.
Well night all.
eurochamps 67 he,s only peeved cause the republic lost tonight sad man.
EC67
Thats how low i feel right now , my wife and went to all the home internationals looked forward to the Scotland games but what has been unearthed the last few years has got to me big time , my uncle told me bow bent the game was when i was a kid ( paranoia ) well he did’nt live long enough to see how bent the game is , my utterings were not to shock anyone merely to get it off my chest , no harm on the players .
Weefra
Did you get ma post to you today back of 1? Just in fae work. Sorry to hear bout the lamb.
Question fae a Glesga toonie. Does she end up on the table?
Evening Bhoys & Ghirls
Scott Brown midfield goal scorer extraordinaire, but is he in your CQteN dream team?
4 days left to submit your entries! So how many last minute Larry’s will we have?
HH
CRC
ps Well done WGS again!
BRTH
I stress this is only an opinion as to why I’m disillusioned with part of the leadership being provided by the club.
On Ogilvie and the SFA board, I’m sorry I think that is wishful thinking. I don’t see the grand plan . I’d rather be right and be seen as the bad guy than play nice while the game in this country lurches from farce to disaster and back again.
I would likely bore you and everyone else by delving into my thoughts on it so will bid you all a goodnight.
Brogan. I am sorry i do not buy this we will not be the bully nonsense. This is simply an excuse for us not to act. Celtic betray all the symptoms of a lost boy looking for his twin. I find this pathetic in the extreme.
delaneys dunky what a sad pathetic question to ask.
WEEFRATHETIM
Being of ferming stock although now a toonser, I love to hear your farm tales particularly at lambing time. Lots of memories of long days and nights but incredibly rewarding – although not financially for many.
Good luck with the rest of the ladies, hopefully the rain stops and the wee lambs can get some sun on their backs.
owen
You mentioned a story early, where you were over staffed and were asked to help another department? Why would that be an issue, provided that there was no loss to the employees concerned?
Surely, in any business it is about team work and flexibility?
HH
CRC
Tom Molach
No — we offer a fair price and that gets accepted or rejected— just as happened years ago.
That is different to offering a price which might just be trigger an arrangement which meant that the Bank of Scotland could dictate whether it had to be accepted or rejected!
Perhaps why Fergus took us away from BOS
Think Hearts 1998/99 when they beat Rangers at Celtic Park to win the Scottish Cup.
They then defeated Wee Dick’s Gers in the first league game of the season — with the result that Wee Dick suddenly bought the Hearts Left Winger and Left Back– Neil McCann and David Robertson — paying both fabulous wages.
Oh and by sheer coincidence the new manager of Everton managed to pay exactly the right money for their centre half David Weir and Gary Naismith.
Finally, the press reported that Hearts Paul Ritchie ( centre half ) was also Ibrox bound, but by the time reports say that Chris Robinson had had enough and told Ritchie he would never go to Ibrox ( he had made 133 appearances for Hearts and was a stalwart ).
Ritchie refused to play for the Jambo’s ( not that he was tapped up or anything ) and so he went to Bolton on loan where he made two appearances at Wembley and was a real star.
he ran down his career and despite great offer from England he opted for……….. Wee Dick’s Rangers.
Apparently he was paid a very handsome signing on fee and some very handsome wages.
He was a star player for Hearts in Scotland and a glittering career beckoned at Ibrox — only he made precisely ZERO appearances for the first team– barely kicked a ball for the reserves and after only 10 WEEKS he was suddenly sold to Manchester City!
Who got the signing on fee, transfer fee and what happened to his wages we will never know– all we know is that we Dick didn’t want him at all and it has always been suspected that the only reason he signed for Rangers was because there had been an earlier agreement which promised him a position at Ibrox at great money.
So— Hearts lost the spine of their team– 5 players– all signed by Rangers or the immediate past Rangers manager.
Over the years, there has been a consistent rumour about why that happened, how it happened, who was involved in making it happen and so on.
Look at the FTT EBT list and see how many players were bought from other Scottish teams only to sit on their arse doing nothing at Ibrox in return for great EBT wages?
For example, Theo Snelders– 227 appearances for Aberdeen– moves to Rangers and over 3 years plays — 13 times!!!!!
Big Packy
Why? We farm for the food chain.
weefrathetim
23:31 on 5 March, 2014
Do you listen to The Archers?
I used to get all my “farming knowledge” from them. So not a lot.
Now I can say I get it from the archers and cqn.
Have a great spring.
leftclicktic We are all Neil Lennon
22:43 on
5 March, 2014
Ps
£5 on Broonie to score at anytime tonight 8/1
===========================
Fantastic!
HH
CRC
the guy just lost a lamb which he might have been up all night with the mother gies peace.