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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Syd Negakev
10:35 on
6 March, 2014
I’m confused. Do we vote for independence then ask another party to run the country – a party that didn’t want independence in the first place? How does that work?
===
LOL, you are right and what is to stop that said party holding another vote to rejoin the UK. This could go on and on and on and on as Mrs Doyle would say.
Just wanted to say before I go and do some work…………….
Pretty sure I’ll be voting yes in the Autumn.
Post-independence I imagine I’ll be voting Tory. Depends.
ER 1? Don’t give a toss. I tend towards republicanism.
Likes: Scottish and Irish traditional music.
Religion: Christian – don’t see a big difference between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism as practiced by Christians.
Support internationally: Scotland first, followed by our Celtic cousins.
Motto: It’s not all bad……just get on wi’ it….and stop wingeing.
Oh aye, and…..Strachan for First Minister after the Euros…..
Alasdair MacLean
10:42 on 6 March, 2014
‘Pretty sure I’ll be voting yes in the Autumn.
Post-independence I imagine I’ll be voting Tory.’
#####
Do you mind me asking if you currently vote Tory?
Seem to remember ‘Fat Bhoys Slim’ or some similar initiatives in the past on the site.
Not religious now but I’ve decided to use Lent as a convenient time frame to get fitter by giving up the BBC, Bread, Booze & Chocolate.
Lent’s convenient in that we’ll be coming back up to Ayrshire then Glasgow for my much older, (sorry Joe but it’s true), brother in law’s 60th on 20th April and no doubt will be in for some abuse as since retiring I’ve put on 3 stones :(
I live on a boat on the Thames and I’m immersing myself in the boat culture, learning navigation, maintenance etc before setting sail for Crete to our house in a couple of years, except it’s got no sails it’s a Dutch motor cruiser…. I’ll figure it out :)
It’s a great life but not healthy as eating out and boozing have become the norm, my wine bill’s bigger than my grocery bill used to be.
I’ll join a gym when I’m in better shape …. I know !!!, but for now I’m on a porridge detox for a couple of weeks and I’m looking to buy a fold up exercise bike as room on a boat is a problem.
Any suggestions from some of you successful fat bhoy slimmers would be welcome. Hoping to be swabbing the decks in my speedos again soon.
Out in the open – 15 st 13.2 lbs now, target ‘a lot less’ I hope.
I’m always delighted to see someone come out of the closet. It can’t be easy living a lie,trying to conform to a norm which just doesn’t suit you personally.
Live and let live,I say.
So congratulations to ALASDAIR MACLEAN on being our first openly-Tory voter on the site.
I hope you won’t take offence when I add that unlike most minorities,I hope you don’t start a trend!
Ernie,
No, of course I don’t mind your asking. Perfectly reasonable enquiry.
No. I have never voted for any party other than SNP.
I have abstained a few times – due to disillusionment and lack of enthusiasm for anything on offer.
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS ………FC not PLC
10:48 on 6 March, 2014
I rather though Phyllis was an out of the closet Tory voter.
ernie lynch
10:38 on
6 March, 2014
You forgot Westminster. You know the one that rules us and imposes laws despite the fact that we voted en mass against the parties with power.
ERNIE LYNCH
Moot point-sorry,had to!-as he no longer posts.
Plus,he loathed the Tories as they are. Longed for Maggie.
Matron was unavailable,and Widdicombe just would not do as a substitute!
Alasdair MacLean
10:50 on 6 March, 2014
As I suspected.
I take it you didn’t mind the economic side of Thatcherism?
Are you not concerned though that a separate Scotland will be a socialist enclave?
Or do you perhaps agree with Jim Mather that ‘any notion that an independent Scotland would be a left wing country is delusional nonsense’?
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS ………FC not PLC
10:48 on
6 March, 2014
I’m always delighted to see someone come out of the closet. It can’t be easy living a lie,trying to conform to a norm which just doesn’t suit you personally.
Live and let live,I say.
So congratulations to ALASDAIR MACLEAN on being our first openly-Tory voter on the site.
I hope you won’t take offence when I add that unlike most minorities,I hope you don’t start a trend
___________________________________________________
Aye,boaby.
Wrong again,pal.
You`re starting to make a habit of it.
Counselling?
Ernie @ 1038
And what is the snp’s problem with Tillicoultry based furniture stores likes?
MACJAY
Sorry,bud.
You are an ex-pat. No vote over here,Tory or otherwise.
Alisdair
You abstained!
But.. but… but… but… Alisdair, didn’t you know people fought and died to afford you the right to be forced to vote. lollol
MWD loves the ole people fought and died so you could vote line
tonydonnelly67
10:35 on 6 March, 2014
Changed days indeed, first time I’ve seen a Scotland goalie in an all green kit on, if fact I think it’s the first time I’ve seen a Scotland goalie with ANYTHING GREEN ON, I could be wrong mind yi?
_______________
It’s all down to the mind-games of big Mark McGhee…
…..and – Off oot.
Who’s tellin’ the FFin’ truth?:
“King said: ‘I subsequently spoke with Sandy (yesterday) and he has confirmed he intended his comment to be construed as meaning I had never offered loan finance to the club.
He is correct. I have only offered equity finance. I do not believe the club can afford debt at this time.
I accept his statement was a misunderstanding and he was not intending to impugn my integrity.’ ” [Your what?!!!]
——
“I thought he was letting us know that he had called Easdale out and Easdale has had to apologise.
Rather like someone with great power who pardons a minion when they have done wrong.”
——
“I firmly now believe King will get the job done.
Back the man, he is our last hope”
——
“Reads to me as if Easdale was trying to put DK down as lying where in actual fact DK has come back with the truth about how Easdale tried to lie to the public and twist things.”
——
“King said he was correct
what more do you need?”
[“he is a mendacious witness whose evidence should not be accepted on any issue unless it is supported by documents or other objective evidence.”]
——
” Easdale has been economical with the truth.”
——
“So, without having read Easdale’s original statement, would I be correct in guessing it was released by his retarded pet rottweiler who, to push his own agenda of discrediting DK decided to misquote his boss?”
[Setting out to discredit King is like setting out to raze Dresden to the ground in July 1945.]
——
“We will know more next week after dave meets the investers he has meetings with and the fans groups.Then we will have our battle plans”
MACJAY
Besides,you’re making the mistake of taking me seriously!
Never let the facts get in the way of a light-hearted wind-up. That’s what I say.
Anyway,offski.
Duty calls,just as the pubs are opening. Which is most unfair….
Boaby
So congratulations to ALASDAIR MACLEAN on being our first openly-Tory voter on the site.
____________________________________________________________
No geographical restrictions?
The SNP talks about the UK in exactly the same way as UKIP talks about the EU – as if it were some external body that rules as an occupying dictator.
The Westminster parliament doesn’t impose laws on Scotland any more than the Scottish Parliament imposes laws on Glasgow. In both cases a government with minority support in a certain area has an overall parliamentary majority due to results elsewhere.
The notion that everyone can get the government they vote for simply doesn’t stand up to any rational analysis – it can only happen if you are in a one party state and that party gets 100% of the vote.
No, you’ve both got it wrong. The closet from which I have emerged is that of having a secret fantasy about Annabel Goldie.
There. I’ve said it.
Actually, what I did write was….
“Post-independence I imagine I’ll be voting Tory. Depends.”
Ernie, I think you’re going down the old route of clinging to minute detail and seeing things in the old black and white. One off the cuff remark is taken as the out and out gospel.
Off course I’m concerned about blind socialism.
Salmond’s biggest failure for me is his and the SNP’s irrational aversion to nuclear power – as opposed to controlled nuclear energy development. France is full of them, yet we have a perfect location in Dounreay to set up a state-of-the art nuclear facility, where there is a decommissioning exercise ongoing on the original site and a skilled workforce available who actually want it.
I just don’t go down the route of simplistic prejudice. You can pick holes in anything, and go round in futile circles arguing all day.
Not got the time.
You always have a valid and knowlegeable argument Ernie though.
I reckon you will get to keep your perfect UK though. History tells us that the vote will be 60 – 40 ish against independence.
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS ………FC not PLC
11:00 on
6 March, 2014
MACJAY
Besides,you’re making the mistake of taking me seriously!
———————————————————————————————–
I don`t take you seriously.
AND——————————————————————————————————-
I don`t make mistakes.
Correct me if I`m wrong.
Hail Hail.fellow Tim,well met.
marspapa
00:29 on
6 March, 2014
E=mc2
i’ve tried to explain as best i can , the bigger picture , the SFA hate us
In years gone bye late registrations , the treatment of our manager the referee shambles , Dallas even the anti – catholic views they hold
——–
Ach I know what you are saying, and I apologise for being rude, it’s just that this is Scotland, the team Big Jock died in the dugout for, that Paul MaStay captained.
If you have ever been to world cup with scotland or been with the tartan army abroad, these guys are just genuine football fans.
Most of them support a tiny club that will never ever win anything. I mean, how much dedication does it take to support East Fife or Albion Rovers every week? This is their only chance of supporting ‘big time’ football.
I think everyone should leave any political agenda out of it when it comes to Scotland – the SFA aren’t Scotland – we the people of Scotland are. The tartan army leave internal politics firmly at the door. When politics does enter- its quite strange. Lots of Rangers fans booing God save The Queen etc.
One Gordon Strachan. Jimmy Hill isn’t manly
Isn’t it refreshing to have a good Scotland manager?
For probably the first time since Jock Stein was national boss Scotland have a proper football man in charge. Gordon Strachan has the experience the character and the know how to be a good national boss.
This is great news for the Celtic players involved in the national set up. No longer are we entrusting our players with a Craig Levein, George Burley or the anti football gods like Walter Smith or Alex McLeish. The national manager is a former Celtic boss. He has experience of the highest level in both playing and management. His experience in the Champions League is crucial to his role in the national side. Gordon has a plan and a way his team sets up. They are a danger. They may not win every game and play scintilating football but the players know their role and they are getting results.
This can only improve the players at his disposal.
What does this mean for Celtic? Scott Brown looks a cracking player for Scotland. Possibly better than he is at Celtic? Maybe. He revels in playing for the national side. He is a patriotic Scot. It helps his development and adds vital experience at the top level against other national players. We should see this improvement in his CL performances. It is of a similar standard. Going away with Scotland under previous managers resulted in defeats sometimes heavy sole destroying defeats. Scotland are now a nation in a positive territory. This can only mean that our players come back in a positive frame of mind. Charlie Mulgrew is another player that has flourished under the new Scotland boss.
A player that Strachan famously discarded when Celtic manager. I heard a tale as to why he was emptied whether it is true or not it proves that WGS does not hold grudges.
Alledgedly Charlie Mulgrew had a following out with WGS enroute to our infamous pumping in Bratisalva. He was wearing the wrong attire for the journey I believe. After a bit of verbals Strachan told him he was fined £1,000. I was told another player namely Alan Thompson spotted him the cash and he handed it to Strachan who then instructed Charlie to go home. Whether that is true or not Charlie was emptied out of Celtic. Strachan was putting down a marker.
Did he hold a grudge? No. Did Charlie? No. They both know a job is to be done and they are doing their bit for their country. It may have been the making of Charlie Mulgrew if it did indeed happen as I have been told.
It must be comforting to Neil Lennon to know that his players are in good hands. Good players will learn more from good managers. They learn new things and get a different insight into their role and the variety of training methods will help them. It is benfitting Celtic and the longer our players and working with two top managers in Gordon Strachan and Neil Lennon it can only benefit them and in turn benefit the club.
Hopefully Leigh Griffiths, James Forrest and others in our squad can make the national team and play under good managers which will help them at club level where it matters most to us the Champions League!
Stokes may feel the same impact at ROI under MON and Roy Keane. I have never been a huge fan of international football. I had fallen out of love with Scotland at a young age at Hampden after hearing our players roundly booed whilst being announced over the tannoy. I asked my dad not to take me back. I don’t feel part of that whole Tartan Army charade. It doesn’t represent me. I don’t feel it matches my Scottish identity. I have been back to Hampden twice since I was a child to support my nation and didn’t feel part of it. I may take LB junior but that is a long way off. I have never stopped supporting Scotland though and I want our players to do well. I want our players to do well in all their national teams. If Forster starts for England in Brazil I want them to keep clean sheets.
As much as any club fan I want our players to come back injury free. After the horror of John Kennedy and the end of a promising career in a nothing match for Scotland I have the fear that one of our players may end up with something similar but we can;t stop our players playing for their nation. Unfortunately Biton has got a bad injury just when he was building up a good bit of form at Celtic and that is very unfortunate.
I think that with WGS at the helm though Scotland are in a good place. I’m happy for the man. A great Celtic manager. He produces the goods. I’m also happy our players are in good hands in the Scotland set up. I hope he is there for a long time and helps our players develop into top class players at European level. I’m sure Neil Lennon is happy one of his mentors is there too.
LB
Johnny Clash
Billy Bhoy 05
I wish Aiden McGeady and James McCarthy were both available to play for Scotland.
However, I would respectfully suggest that your admission that you feel physically sick when they play for Ireland takes away from the credibility of the rest of the case you put forward….Or alternatively indicates that you are perhaps actually ill generally, in which case apologies.
This was my response to Marsapa being physically sick at Celtic players turning out for Scotland.
Obviously my tongue in cheek didn’t work but I still think it’s wrong for any player who is born and brought up in Scotland to play for another country regardless of who that country is. However if Scotland doesn’t want them well that is different.
I believe Scots are a bundle of big fearties with no gonads and a craving for being ruled by English aristocracy.
You see – it is just not in our gene’s to make political decisions.
MWD Bang The Drum ya barmy Republican Unionists.
This should put a smile on your face for the rest of the day.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/worldcup2014/article-2574147/Brazil-stars-lift-young-South-African-pitch-invader-heartwarming-scenes-win.html
Alasdair MacLean
11:04 on 6 March, 2014
‘History tells us that the vote will be 60 – 40 ish against independence.’
###
I don’t know if history is telling us that, though it’s certainly what the bookies are saying.
What will be quite funny after the vote is to watch Salmond trying to perform a reverse ferret manoeuvre over his ‘you can only have a referendum once in a generation’ dictum.
Gordon_J backing Neil Lennon
11:03 on
6 March, 2014
That would be fine if it was an occasional thing, and relatively close run but I think it’s reached the stage where it’s ridiculous that we’re governed by a party with 1 of 59 seats (or 12 if you accept the Lib Dems have an important role in the coalition, I don’t).
weeminger
11:13 on 6 March, 2014
The reason the Tories have so few MPs in Scotland is that their voters have switched to the SNP.
If Scotland leaves the UK they’ll switch back to voting Tory.
Billy Bhoy 05
Aiden McGeady would not have got a game for Scotland under previous managers.
Aiden and James both chose to represent Ireland. That is their choice. They have family ties there.
Players all over the world play for nations that they were not born in. Should Shaun Maloney have not played for Malaysia?
Once a player has made his choice to play for a particular nation it should be respected.
LB
soukous
11:11 on 6 March, 2014
‘This should put a smile on your face for the rest of the day.’
###
If that doesn’t, this might
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/matt/
Salmond is the MP who, through his campaign in the house of commons, stopped the North Sea Britannia field – situated north east of Aberdeen – production being pipelined to north east England.
Instead, St Fergus was upgraded to receive it via a much shorter pipeline.
Lucky Banff and Buchan. Bet they were glad they voted the way they did.
Whatever you think or say about him, I wish TF he had been the MP for Ross and Cromarty rather than that fool Kennedy when the Easter Ross fabrication industry needed help.
ernie lynch
11:15 on
6 March, 2014
weeminger
11:13 on 6 March, 2014
The reason the Tories have so few MPs in Scotland is that their voters have switched to the SNP.
If Scotland leaves the UK they’ll switch back to voting Tory.
——-
Or even worse…….Labour
BMCUW
How’s LORNA’s hangover this morning?
HH!!
Ernie! Ernie! Ernie!
Spouting Sesame Street political opinion there I see.
Tory vote all switched to SNP. that’ll be the Tory vote who are all pretty much unionist. No?!
FFS!
MWD thinks you are a Doh!nut
Steakbake on SSN. He’s obviously been silenced by Reggie & Ronnie as he’s only wanting to talk about football. Won’t discuss off field matters.