It’s two and a half years since Oscar’s dad, Stephen ‘Knoxy’ shared the news he’d just received that his three-year-old son had been diagnosed with neuroblastoma, an apparently rare form of childhood cancer. All the pains and fears of that day, and the years since, came to the fore over the last eight weeks as the disease took hold. Oscar’s battle ended yesterday.
On this day we should acknowledge the enormous work by so many people to get Oscar the treatment he needed, many of whom would never meet him. The treatment cost hundreds of thousands of pounds, a daunting figure, but one which was soon met. Without this fundraising, Oscar would have died in 2012. Instead, he lived, played and inspired many with his enthusiasm until recent weeks. His fantastic “Happy Birthday CQN” video message was recorded just two months ago; a gift to this community.
For now, there are no meaningful words for Stephen, Oscar’s mum Leona, sister Izzie and their family and friends, but we will be there for them in the months and years to come.
This disease, in all its forms, is a curse on humanity. We need more fundraising, more research, more education on its dangers.
Before Sunday’s game against Dundee United you will be able to buy a Celtic FC Foundation badge, to aid work with homelessness in the Glasgow area. Badges cost a minimum donation of £1, a price we can all afford to help our neighbours in most need.
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Everyone Enjoy their day of partaking copious amounts of alcohol
Morning all,
Godbless and RIP wee Oscar.
Finding it hard to read a lot of what is being written about that fantastic young boy – it is desparately sad but in time he will be talked about with fondness, happinness and little sadness. He is already one of the great stories and characters in Celtic’s history and a fine example to us adults.
On another note – Iwrote a few words for Celtic Journal yesterday on why I think John Collins should be Celtic No 2. It’s fairly dividied opinion – wonder if any on here have a view ? It’s a bit lengthy so apologies for clogging up space
Johan Mjallby’s departure from the assistant managers role at Celtic Park – and the subsequent speculation about who might replace him – has precipitated an interesting debate among the Celtic support.
Will the manager be content to promote from within or look externally, for the Swedes successor? Does he go for a household domestic name, another ex team mate, or will he pluck a name from leftfield that we know little about?
Will the decision be exclusively his?
Various names have already been mentioned including Pat Fenlon and Peter Houston. While both are reasonable candidates, it’s not unkind to suggest the faithful may be slightly underwhelmed should either begin the season with their initials stitched into Celtic training gear. The recruitment process is probably already underway but rest assured, many, many more candidates, real or imagined, will enter the fray before Neil Lennon decides who will become his right hand man.
In the meantime, allow me to make the case for John Collins assuming the position.
Let me begin by saying that despite the fact we share a surname, I don’t know him. I have no idea if he is on good, bad or indifferent terms with Neil Lennon. He may have obligations and commitments that preclude him from the post. Despite all of this there seems – to me at least – to be some compelling reasons why he might fit the bill as Celtic Assistant Manager, a few of which are detailed below.
Knowledge of the club
Most supporters have got beyond the notion those in charge of the team must be ‘Celtic men’ but lets not pretend it doesn’t help to identify with the management team. Collins had six years as a player at Celtic, arriving brimful with the confidence of youth from Hibs in 1990, to carve his name into the club’s history. He was Celtics first £1m player, rejecting advances from Rangers and Bordeaux to sign for Billy McNeill, describing his signing as a dream come true in an interview with the Celtic View in 2012:
“Like every other Celtic supporter growing up, my dream was to play for them. My dad was at every game I played, he was a mad Celtic supporter and it was always a special feeling looking up and catching his eye just before kick off. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end when you walk out the tunnel and hear that roar”
Collins was the principal creative force for Celtic throughout most of this era, displaying craft, composure and a keen eye for goal alongside his legendary captain Paul McStay who was sacrificing his own brilliant career to prevent the teams descent into mediocrity. Younger fans who may not recollect Collins and McStay at their peak should reflect on the Seville midfield of Lennon, Lambert, Petrov and Thompson. It could be argued with some justification that Collins, and certainly McStay, were superior players to all of them.
He went on to represent Monaco, Everton and Fulham with distinction, honing his game at an elite level with the French champions and reaching a Champions League semi final in the process. Collins played at European Championships and World Cups, gathering 58 Scotland caps and a wealth of experience of top level football in the process.
Well respected, qualified coach
He obtained his UEFA Pro License in 2003 and took charge of Hibernian in 2006, leading them to the Scottish League Cup the following year, their first trophy in fifteen years. His methods met with some resistance in the dressing room, but he had Hibs playing an excellent passing game for the majority of his 15 months in charge. Collins, was also instrumental in the development of current Celtic captain Scott Brown.
In 2009 he helped Belgian club Charleroi secure their top flight status in his brief tenure, returning to the UK to continue his media career and take up posts with Livingston FC and the SFA.
As a player, his move to Monaco under the newly introduced Bosman ruling, was a transformative experience for Collins and greatly influenced his views on how the game should be played and how professionals should prepare. A gifted technical player with an almost unparalleled determination and focus, Collins has spoken publicly about the retrogressive attitudes that threaten to damage the Scottish game. He is a committed, teetotal fitness fanatic whose football philosophy can be summarised concisely in a few points –
1. attack is the best form of defence, 2. skill and flair must always be properly incorporated into any system 3. preparation and recovery is vital.
As a coach and pundit he is a strong advocate for possession football. Given Celtic’s problems retaining the ball in last seasons Champions League, he would bring new ideas in addition to a different voice on the training pitch.
Media skills
Collins has carefully and successfully manufactured a media image for public consumption oozing presentability as the modern pundit, sharp suited and insightful. He is an ever present on BBC and Sky.
Those of us not privy to the assistant managers job description might realistically assume it will contain a healthy portion of media duties, which would pose few problems for Collins. While his recent pronouncements about the return of Celtic’s old rivals did not go down well in some quarters, he is still held in high regard by the support and would be assured of a warm welcome in the dugout.
In this global age, the Celtic management team must project an image of confidence and assurance at home and abroad. Some fans understandably feel uneasy about the manner in which the club courts the media and engages with supporters – the recent BecauseCeltic campaign feels especially contrived – but in Collins there is a coach in waiting, savvy enough to fulfil his media duties, and for the most part in tune with the feelings of the fans.
While Mjallby has done a superb job for Neil Lennon and for the club as a whole, in every walk of life fresh blood is necessary at times. While Lennon himself appears committed to self improvement and is far from a standstill manager, a fresh perspective is probably required in order to evolve a tactical framework to compete seriously at Champions League level.
Since Collins’ time as a player, the club seem to have rediscovered their sense of ambition, it would complete the circle were he to return and contribute to the fulfilment of loftier aspirations than those of the dreary mid 1990’s.
Article written by Chris Collins (@chriscoll10)
TJ
Sannabhoy and 2000 kids say Hail Hail to Pablo’s family
11:56 on 10 May, 2014
Brth. I’ve got an inflator I can bring today of you want .
No COMMENT !!!! :)))
ryecatcher
love the big mhan.
McChuills is very Tim Friendly…
HH
Roy Croppie, it will certainly be full of friendly Tims today:-)
Sunday morning kick about in heaven … The famous Glasgow Celtic ( plus honourable guests ) v the rest of the world
Jinky and tommy burns about to kick off for Celtic when wee oscar runs on and blooters the ball into the crowd where it hits Guido Fawkes in the coupon just as he’s sparking up a big green flare
Morning all, more love to Oscar’s parents, sister and all their family.
Ross McColl has organized through the Celtic FC Foundation for club strips for the bhoys at an orphanage in Mexico.
http://www.celticfc.net/news/5859
Seems an appropriate story today of all days.
HH The Celtic Family which is still all inclusive
Sannabhoy
You’re attending?
My little Bhoy ( Age 42/ Weight 16.5 Stone) is competing in The Iron Man event in Mallorca at the moment, trying to track his progress in event tracker. Mrs. corkcelt was relieved when he finished the 1.4 km swim, “At least he didn’t drown” was her response.
HT
is being given the run around by the young HTs so just reminded me that if anyone wants him to pass on mass cards he will collect them today or try and collect tomorrow before game.
heisnotabadlhad.
IS IT TIME YET!!!!!
McChuills about 5pm…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=pOXq_vLCjco
HH
Is Vicky Pryce not just Chris Huhne in drag?
Tyre sorted— runner fitted —- bloody great nail in brand new tyre!!
Sannabhoy I will show you what you can do with your inflator later!!!
To all those attending BMCUW’s soiree….
Have a grand time and enjoy the trophy game tomorrow.
HH
Just renewed our season tickets this morning.
Season ticket sales going well according to girl that served me .
Only restricted view seats left for tomorrow.
Doc
Looking forward to it; I hope Nicky is behind the bar.
CharacterCSC
Che
Are you the man of the house or what ?
Just wait until mrs Che is surfing the inter web for the holiday after the holiday after next and do a runner
Regards an inflator for the burst tyre … Ive always had lips like Micky jagger bomb ( or Steven Tyler ) and am full of hot air
Need to head out and see some flowers ( daughters wedding arrangements )
Then head along to meet fellow CQN’rs and celebrate what Oscar Knox has given us, thanks wee fighter Oscar.
& belated birthday wishes, to Snecker, Christian, ( seen it mentioned yesterday) and my own daughter Jenna
Hail Hail
Ps – BRTH, Ghirls said your guide is brilliant, and get it published ! In the CQN magazine :-)
WOW!!!!!
#FEARLESS Oscar Knox@Wee_Oscar·19 hrs
Anyone wishing to make a donation in lieu of flowers can do so at http://www.justgiving.com/oscarknox
Thank you everyone for all your support xxx
Rye
McChuills is my usual post match boozer. Very Celtic and Pogues/Clash friendly. HT’s uncle knows a good tune to spin. Heading up soon.
leftclicktic we are all neil lennon
12:03 on 10 May, 2014
Just having breakfast made for me and then off via the shop next to the office will text you when enroute.
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!
TBJ
in answer to your question Im the “or what” in this house and im under no illusions about that.
oh and the lappytop will be hidden when I leave here today….
Cowie
if your bringing Doc in could you make sure he stops and uses an ATM
Aff oot as they say:o)
Eldiegobhoy. Yes.
Leftclicktic, brth. Dinnae puncture my ego. You’ll leave me feeling tyred and deflated. I’m full of (hot) air as it is
Coat on.
Tommy Joad…..
I think John Collins will be our next manager.
He’s waiting for a big opportunity.
Think we could do far worse to be honest.
He’s worth a shout when Lenny decides to move on.
Corkcelt
Best of luck to your wee bhoy.
Some test that he is competing in.
I’m 44 and struggle to keep up on even a drinks marathon these days!!!
Hail Hail
Che, I’m at the train station in Stirling, cash machine is broken, what can I do!!!!!?
:-)
sannabhoy,
Catch up with you in McChuills mate, meeting up with acgr at oldtims haunt first.HH
For anyone who would like a badge and to contribute to CQN’s memorial for Oscar and isn’t going today email us at…..
cqnbadges@gmail.com
Tom Joad….
Interesting piece…. Could do a lot worse. My only concern would be that of Collins’ playing assistant to anyone. No facts (I admit), just a gut feeling.
Aff oot for a pie,a pint,and a punt eventually.
Crazy mug’s bet for the weekend?
Liverpool to win EPL…..Having a wee fifty on.
My mates laughed when I had a score on us at Love Street in 1986……
DontstopbelievingLFC
YNWA
Doc
get aff at Lenzie, theres one there my Mrs is never away from the bleeding thing!
At George Best airport, just about to board the plane to Glasgow.
Plenty of Celtic supporters about the place today.
HH.
In the Blaine valley enjoying a pint of bud
new article posted.
ryecathcher, archdeaconsbench – quite a lot of people have reservations, by all accounts JC has a fairly healthy self regard ! (and why not), so maybe doesn’t see himself as an assistant. In my heart of hearts I don’t think he will be approached Celtic or NL but I think he would make an excellent appointment – and maybe take the reigns should the manager move on in the next year or so.
TJ
..
Apologies my Last Post was from Jinkys Daughter Re; Motor Neuron fundraiser run round Strathclyde park..
Summa
HH
HERALDS Michael Grant, shamelessly promoted “rejuvenated” liquidated business as being our ( CELTIC) biggest challengers..in today’s Herald..
Comical that such myths are freely churned out..
HH
CANNAE wait to party tomorrow..
Remembering Oscar (& Elena Baltacha)this weekend.. I recall seeing the young lady playing tennis locally and being struck by( how hard she hit the ball) her drive..
They WILL never walk alone.