Watching Argentina took me back to Fir Park, 2005

Teams can lose their competitive edge quickly.  The Celtic team of 2003-04 were imperious: 25 consecutive league wins, they beat every team in the country, home and away, on the bounce.  Larsson left, of course, but the following season’s problems were deeper than that.

Watching Argentina last night took me straight back to Fir Park, 2005.  A feted team, packed with reputation and talent, simply failed to compete.  Unable to match the industry of Iceland, or the ability of Croatia, they look like they want to return to the safety of club football immediately after the group stages.

Having great players is not enough if they are not sufficiently hungry, and keeping millionaires hungry for the SPFL is a challenge we will forever encounter.  On this front, we must do what we can.  Packed 60,000 seater stadiums help.  I’m sure open-top bus parades help even more.  These things create a sense of occasion and achievement, which is difficult to find elsewhere.

CQN Golf Annual Charity Open

This year’s CQN Open is set for Friday 29 June at the first class Aberdour Golf Club once again.  It is a day of sport, entertainment, Celtic chat and is always good fun.

After the golf, we head up the road to the CQN friendly Woodside Hotel for our evening meal. We’ve the usual round up of all things Celtic by Paul67, and our very funny after dinner speaker is Willie Allan. Then musical entertainment from Scoogz, who you may have seen if you’ve been to Celtic Park entertainment nights. Plus all the usual prizes and charity fundraising, for the Petrov Foundation this year. Cost is £40 night only and £80 all day including golf. Please contact cqnopen2018@outlook.com if you’d like to attend this fun event.