Since Dinamo Kiev inflected Celtic’s first home defeat in European competition, on what was our first European game after winning the European Cup four months earlier, last night’s shocker to Sparta Prague was our 36th and worst home reversal in Europe.
Three years ago PSG scored five, but, unlike Sparta, they did not hit the woodwork on two other occasions, and they are PSG. Last season Cluj also scored four, winning by a single goal, but by any measure, across 58 years of home European ties, that is without shadow of a doubt, the low point. We are now the team fans all over Europe point to and laugh, all the money, yet Cluj, Copenhagen, Ferenvcaros, Sparta.
What has gone wrong?
It is not the formation. Without changing to three at the back, I don’t think we would have won the league last season. This season, we tried four, then three, then four, then both defensive lines at different times of games, but the formation is not the problem. It is possible to defend, control games and create chances with either line-up. And as we have seen, a change in formation does not make a slow or clumsy defender fast and assured. If only it were as simple as Scott Brown’s advancing years, or injuries and absentees; they are red herrings, this malaise is more serious.
Post-match, Callum McGregor and Neil Lennon spoke well. The player admitted to humiliation, the manager walked that fine line of showing contained anger, but he was clear: a lack of application from the players was to blame. What a thought to ponder.
I am fond of many in our squad; they have delivered success beyond my wildest imagination. I am fond of the manager too, for the same reason – results are all, and his filled the well some time ago. If I thought sacking the manager would safely resolve matters, I would tell you so.
It is Neil’s responsibility to put the players on the field in the correct frame of mind to compete at their best every time. He is failing in this, his criticism last night is self-directed, but sacking him right now would be a Gambler’s Play. It might work, it might result in carnage, anyone convinced they know how it would play out, underestimates the complexity of the question.
What I know for sure is that we stand at an historic precipice and no one is coping. We need to reframe the challenge ahead, if we do not, the season will play out as you now fear. Together, we have a great opportunity to record magnificent achievements, a fourth consecutive treble, 10 and all the glory that comes with it, but all you see are demands weighing everyone down.
This responsibility lies on Neil Lennon and the players because they are winners. They have the Scottish Government hammering them while punching for Newco, they have 10,000 critics weighing-in online (which they read and are not helped by). These are the wages of success, lesser mortals have six critics, let this fuel their engine.
After the game, Chris Sutton insisted Europe was still important to Celtic. Chris, you don’t live in the towns of Lanarkshire. Europe has gone this season; we need to reframe this too. Our three remaining Europa weeks are an opportunity to develop the squad and rest weary legs, while Newco will have at least five competitive Europa games. We must now think of this as an advantage; make the most of it.
We know how to win leagues and trophies. We were on our knees at New Year but while others “bottled it” and we got on with the business of winning. There are no white, saltire or union flags here, only green league title flags. To the manager, coaches and players, what a privilege this challenge is.
Relive some of the better days that took us here in Celtic: Treble Treble, by Alex Gordon, a 100 page full colour booklet on how the Invincible, Double and Treble Trebles were won. Our stock is available here for £5 each (retail £9.95).
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That’s a page 16 and 17 podium for me today.
It’s sign a tell ye!
Wit kinda sign av nay idea.
Philbhoy 7.42pm
That’s a maybe… in fact maybe that’s what’s wrong.., obviously we have had it easy … reading all the stories of yesteryear maybe only happy when unhappy :-)
By the way since I have left school many moons ago not one iota of discrimination of my catholic upbringing … although when my father went to register my birth he added in Hugh (his brother) who he went for a beer with on the way to register the birth … my mum said he “won’t get a job now with that name” .. Gerard Patrick … not sure”Gerard Hugh Patrick” was much of a difference (ma godfather was called Hugh) …
Neil Francis CSC
The players need to realise what and who they are playing for 🍀
Congratulations to Joe Biden, President elect of the USA. Originally from Scranton PA but spiritually and politically he is from the ‘First State’ Delaware. First elected Senator 48 years to the day. Never got the chance to meet Joe but did meet and get to know some his Wilmington based Staff whose job in part was to liase with the State Capital, of what was then and is now the Corporate Capital of the USA. And to some extent beyond. Be a big boost to all in the State and no mistake. And will bring some comfort and support to all in Ireland, timely given that Great Britain is in the process of leaving the European Union. Probably have to come up with a new code for the Secret Service, but he or they wont come up with a better one than ‘Celtic’.
GFTB
Don’t know if you read back, but your sparring partner, FAIRHILL BHOY, lost his Dad on Thursday.
https://twitter.com/bonn1egreer/status/1325087834773065730?s=24
Joe Biden on apartheid in South Africa….
Philbhoy 8.16pm
Heartbreaking stuff … me and Fairhill Bhoy have had our “daft” ups and downs on a “daft” Celtic blog … I loved the fact the fact Fairhill Bhoy was still going to games with his dad …
The fools who talk this stuff down are fools .,
Philbhoy .. cheers for the heads up I stayed off the blog because of Sparta Sprague … your post just proves football/Celtic means nothing
Hail Hail
GFTB
In normal times today would have been BMCUWP’S annual HOOT.
The much missed BMCUWP and the much missed HOOT.
The HOOT is the cure all for all Blog disagreements.
Hope it’s not too long…………………………….
@GFTB Nice post my fellow tim..
But don’t in any way negatate the way the tic affects people’s lives.
We live and breathe Celtic ..And our nearest and dearest do..
To say celtic means nothing is in effect cancelling out a whole love of a life of a loved one?
i
H.H
Philbhoy 8.32pm
My wee yin loves lockdown … she says at least you can’t go out … I am very rarely “out” even though she is a wee super spreader at a High School that has positive cases … he live in a poor area and will never leave this poor area … me & her mum are both key workers so .. not much change since March … life is a bit shoite just now so I will stand by Neil Francis Lennon still I fall down … Philbhoy we have shared a lager tops I will stand by my man
Neil Lennon CSC
Until Neil stops winning trophies 🏆
@ fairhill..Always a candle lit for CQN faithful
god bless..
H.H
I said it on here a few year back
Celtic went to America and played in Spnnsors tournaments ,they went and came back with nothing but sponsors money
There are 50 million Irish Americans and we didn’t know how to lock into that market
Our directors are too parochial or lacking in business actument
We are globally one of sports biggest assets but are failing miserably
Cmon Joetell them to get the finger out
GFTB
Indeed!
I look forward to our next pint!
(I’m pretty sure it’s your round!)
Haha!
PHILBHOY, was on the phone to mick/bobby, the other night for an hour, he is in fine fettle, when i came off the phone wee joan said your drunk, i had opened 4 cans of scrumpy cider while i was talking to him, another true story.👍
BIG PACKY1
He’s one of the very best!
Philbhoy 8.45pm
I actually did forget my cashline card that day … even though you and the sadly missed Hunderbirds are gone would have paid for every pint… at times like this when 3 eijits who dint know each other get flung together .. CQN & Paul Brennan (Boris to his haters) … it’s. Celtic blog like no other people actually meet in real life …
Hunderbirds … will never be gone 💚
@PHIL..That bhoy..wae the curly up toe’s?
Top man
H.H
I said it on here a few year back
Celtic went to America and played in Spnnsors tournaments ,they went and came back with nothing but sponsors money
There are 50 million Irish Americans and we didn’t know how to lock into that market
Our directors are too parochial or lacking in business actument
We are globally one of sports biggest assets but are failing miserably
Cmon Joetell them to get the finger out
—
at the moment we dont have much to offer them because we are so pish
remember a few years ago when ireland played new zealand in chicago (at rugby) and it was incredible?
and ireland italy in new york in the 94 world cup
we dont have that level to offer
SFTB,
Do you think it was possible for someone to make their mind up about the two incidents before the Scottish Government made any comment?
Or do you think some people waited to see what was said before coming to a decision, possibly even changing their mind to agree with the government?
GFTB
Agree, some of the abuse PAUL67 gets on here is beyond the pale.
Lots of us do appreciate the platform PAUL has provided and in these difficult times it is more than a Godsend to many.
HUNDERBIRDS ARE GONE was a gentleman in every respect and is much missed by many on here.
Still hard to believe he’s gone.
Rest in peace Stevie.
Long way back in the blog but I feel I need to add worth ‘ regarding Ernie’s summary of the Ibrox two.
Anyone who knows me will know SNP and me are like oil and water and though not ‘ a daughter of Ayrshire ‘ , I am a son thereof!
For Ernie to suggest that NS is pandering to the Govan Works X1 followers is so wide of the mark as to be out the park.
I was born in Kilwinning and have lived here for about half my life. Not one ‘ Rangers ‘ supporter would describe himself/herself as Scottish nor would vote for independence.
In the days of the stolen stone of Scone they may have but independence was a pipe dream then.
Wrong again Ernie. Hope you are forecasting a Motherwell win tomorrow 😁
https://twitter.com/20minutetims/status/1325174986173259776?s=24
President Joe the Tim
Let’s all do the huddle
Yes we have ,
Just have the imagination and purpose
America and Australia are doors waiting to be opened ,I was in sales for over Forty years I wished I could’ve had the opportunity to sell Celtic in these country’s HH
CCB
Wis jist talkin’ aboot yer laddie!
Hope you are well!
Philbhoy 8.57pm
Without P67.. no Oscar … no Vanessa ? No Mary’s meals … we can all post and snipe about nothing … on a pure personal basis before I met you in real life … O was mentioned … CQN is far better than Celtic wining or losing … as for Stevie … Hunderbirds … I took is a compliment we ended up in the sane round … when I went into the boozer through the terrific BMCUMP … I didn’t realise who I was meeting but we all ended up in a round taking shoite about Celtic … but you are 100% correct … Hunderbirds are gone was a total gent … and actually shows CQN what CQN is
PHILBHOY ,remembering pablophanque, st john doyle, lurgan53, and all the rest who have sadly gone before us.H,H,
@GFTB ..@MY POST 8.37
REPLY?
GFTB
I went to PABLOPHANQUES funeral at Falkirk Crematorium.
I didn’t know anyone from the blog.
There was a a crowd of ghuys waiting outside the building, some with Celtic scarfs, I think there might have been a few tops too.
I approached one ghuy and asked if he was from CQN.
MOONBEAMSWETDREAMS (MWD) confirmed he was!
He introduced me to loads of CQN’ers .
I also remember that the lad who did the Eulogy was hilarious and he never left a bad word out!
A sad but memorable day.
CQN at it’s best.
Late spring, May to be exact, 2000 I was in Havana, we had just left the favourite bar, La Bodeguita del Medio of the “Old Man and the Sea” with its inflated Mojito highballs when I realised we didnae have enough change for the bus driver’s tip
So I went intae the closest establishment, it happened tae be a sports bar adorned with fitba, they don’t call it soccer in the Caribbean, Central or South America, paraphernalia.
Apart fae the much lower bevy prices I also observed that all eyes were on the tele which was tuned tae CNN Spanish.
The manager of Real Betis had just been terminated and with what little Spanish I knew apart fae “mucha rumba” I ascertained Guus was on his way tae Parkheid.
He was already I highly successful manager having won 6 Titles, 4 Cups including 3 doubles with PSV along with a Big Cup which made it a treble that season, and the Intercontinental Cup with Real Madrid.
He also took the Netherlands to 4th place in the WC
The news of his possible taking over at Parkheid reached North America quite fast and one of the members of the NATIM’s site posted the following in anticipation of his arrival:
“We’ll drink a drink, a drink to Guus Hiddink, Hiddink, Hiddink the savior of the Celtic race”, a parody of the Scaffold hit of the 60’s “Lily the Pink”.
Several days later having come out of morning Mass at the my local church a big Tim I knew, who always seemed tae have an insight of what was going on at hame, asked me what I had heard.
I repeated my Havana sports bar story and he said, “naw it’s no him, he was sounded out and was receptive to the position but DD wants Martin Hugh Michael O’Neill”.
My reply was “but he already turned us doon” forgetting that was the old Board he had knocked back, “he’s no turning it down now wee mhan, cannae wait tae get started” and so on June 1 he left Filbert Street for the last time.
Now MON was the first tae say he didnae grow up a Celtic supporter preferring Sunderland as they played in the same colours as his first love Derry City.
It might be a common trait with Derry mhen as Johnny Crossan turned us down for them although if the truth be told Johnny was a bit of mercenary.
MON did admit that his da, a founding member his local GAA club Pádraig Pearse, was a Celtic mhan and told him that if we ever came in for him he should walk over broken glass tae Glasgow tae join us.
We all loved MON and his standing up tae the smsm, however, I often wonder if Guus would have succeeded in 2003 Seville, but, as they say hindsight’s a wonderful thing.
MON as we all know was not a coach but a motivator, he did bring his own staff with him and his 5 years with the club were not just a joy but enthralling tae say the least. He did propose WGS as his successor as well for which I am eternally grateful.
In a recent interview DD stated that he has the final approval on any manager and admitted that Alan McDonald had identified Guus as the man only for him to reject the choice saying at an interview as he stared intae his eyes something was missing, now he didnae, like the Ayrshire trump, get him up on the dance floor but just a straight faced meeting.
He then advised the Board, which he as a shareholder and not the owner is obliged to do, he also suggested MON. After being advised of our decision, Guus thanked us for the opportunity for an interview and stated how professional a club we were and wished us well.
DD has stated that he has chosen every manager, including the disastrous Mogga, and has done since Alan McDonald gave his favourite player Kenny the director of football operations position who in turn hired john barnes.
He has a 86% success rate and given the support a life they could only have dreamed of during the years in the wilderness and 90s, even amidst all the “honest mistakes”, since he took a hands on position, so it can’t all be bad.
Now there are some on this blog and other Celtic sites who have a “loathing” for our CEO, they remind me of that old proverb; “there are none so blind as those who will not see”.
There are others with a not so hidden agenda which has nothing, I repeat nothing, to do with Celtic but possibly some interaction they had with him years ago.
Unfortunately for them that’s not a healthy situation to be in, they can’t enjoy our success for looking to the past.
Peter Lawwell is an employee who reports to the Board which includes Ian Bankier, Chris McKay, Tom Allison (who head hunted him) and Dermot Desmond.
The latter as we know is a billionaire and reckoned to be the 9th richest person in Ireland. Billionaires do not suffer fools lightly and having a club that almost went tae the wall I would rather have him as our largest shareholder, even if he is more interested in golf, than a rugby supporting wanna be fly man.
He has made mistakes in the past, apart fae Mogga when he possibly took PL’s advice and hired him, after encouraging wee Gordy tae stay on Tommy Burn’s Thursday while the wee mhan’s furniture was on its way down south.
Gordy was the first I heard saying managers have shelf life and he knew his was over.
That was the season that the “Strachan Strachan GTF” chant was aired after losing at home 1-0 tae Motherwell and by the same score the week before away tae deidco.
And yet the following week we went tae Fir Park winning 4-1 which set us on a 7 game winning streak including 2 against the quintessentially brits.
So if DD thinks that Neil Lennon’s shelf life is over, and from here he looks a poor lonely wee mhan sitting on a chair, well so be it.
Better and bigger Celtic mhen IMHO opinion have been given their P45, Jimmy McStay, the Big Mhan, Iron Mhan Sean, Billy, Davie Hay and Tommy Burns come tae mind, although to be fair I believe if he had stayed healthy TB would have been given another chance as again IMHO, and he himself has admitted, he was given the job too early.
Let’s all do the huddle
Yes we have ,
Just have the imagination and purpose
America and Australia are doors waiting to be opened ,I was in sales for over Forty years I wished I could’ve had the opportunity to sell Celtic in these country’s HH
—
i wish and hope you are right
but i think we would need to be playing in a higher profile league to have major appeal in america and australia outwith ex pat fans
but in saying that theres probably something i will never be lucky enough to do – and that is living in somewhere like america or australia and staying up til some ridiculous hour to watch celtic live on the telly
i love the stories on here of the folk who do that
DrambowieCelt 8.37pm
Apologies missed you post .. I promised my good lady and daughter I would stay away from CQN … my 12yr old daughter calls me … a “Neil Lennon fanatic” … so the impostors on here would have a field day …
BIG BACKY1
I remember the sad passing of St John Doyle.
Lennybhoy put up a post saying there would be a meet up at The Beer Cafe in Glasgow to toast our dear departed friend.
We met up with St John Doyle’s family and LENNYBHOY introduced my wife and me to FOURGREENFIELDS, BUNDORAN BHOY, EL DIEGO BHOY (RIP), SANNABHOY, to name but a few.
I remember ST STIVS was there too but we weren’t introduced, the place was busy.
Again, a sad day but great to meet so many lovely people.
COSY CORNER BHOY on 7TH NOVEMBER 2020 8:59 PM
The idea that no huns vote SNP, or support independence, is nonsense.
Even if it was true, and you were leader of the SNP, what would you try to do about it?
@HUDDLE.. FUCK OFF
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🙋🏻♂️📢 MODERATOR
language violation
PHILBHOY, so many great characters from yesteryear, tony donnely, kojo, the singing detective,,edward ursus ,the list is endless.H.H.
change of subject
for any horse racing fans watching the breeders cup
coolmore need to stop sending ryan moore to ride their best horses when they run in america
he does nothing over there
Naebdy likes a clipe !
Nice to see Carl Frampton and his wife both sporting Oscar Knox Fund facemasks at court yesterday.
Nice wee CQN touch there, thought I would mention it as have not read the blog these last few days.
“grass”
—
listen
i will get Boris Brennan to red card you
no appeal
no VAR
one of his mods will drag you out with his union jack wrapped round your neck
is that how you want it to end?
🇬🇧👈🤷🏻♂️