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Celtic Diary Monday February 27: Another win. And His Price Goes Up

There’s a lot of hyperbole about Moussa Dembele right now, with every team who is any team in Europe reportedly after signing him up, for fees that grow quicker than the national debt, and to be honest, I hadn’t really seen what the fuss was all about.

Until Saturday, when I was sitting about a dozen rows up behind him when he collected the ball, cut inside and curled on einto the corner.

Technique, balance, vision, finishing.

As usual, the author reserves the right to change his mind later on but that goal was worth the trip alone, and when Dembele left the field at around two miles an hour to be replaced by Leigh Griffiths, he deserved all the accolades he was getting .

Christian Gamboa, one of Brendans new bhoys, is impressed, if not a little prone to exaggeration…

“I’d give you ยฃ50m for him, but I don’t have the money,”

“He is a good player. He can go wherever he wants. We enjoy having him here and hope we can enjoy having him for a long time.

“He can go to Real Madrid or wherever he wants. He is a top-class player. The age he is, just 20, means there is a lot that he still has to do.

“Just imagine what he’s going to be like when he’s 25 when he is a more mature player and he has more experience,”

“He is a strong player and he shows everyone that in training all the time. I wish the best for him. But we enjoy him just now.

The game itself was no different from any of the last two or three. James Forrest became the latest victim of a “firm ” tackle , which resulted in him leaving the field early on.

Again, the referee chose not to send out a message to the Hamilton players, who spent the next hour and a half or so “competing ” for the ball. Sometimes their players ย also competed when the ball wasn’t there, presumably so as to not feel left out.

That was the revelation for me, sitting in the stand as opposed to watching on telly. The amount of off the ball tugs and nips that went unnoticed. To be honest, though, it’s time for either the Celtic players to start kicking back, as its better to be sent off and miss a couple of games, than to be carried off and miss quite a few.

I had expected Scott Brown to be a bit more vocal toward the referee as the assaults continued-granted a little more subtle some times- but he gave the impression of a little boy handing over his dinner money at school every day to whoever asked for it.

Disappointing to see a little bit of heart has gone from the team, and it needs to be put back quickly.

 

The result was what matters though, and it keeps the side undefeated, and brings the sixth title closer. We can’t win it at home to “rangers “, but we can make it a memorable day by winning comfortably and pushing them clser to the edge, as it appears they are already in dire need of season book money.

A heavy defeat could see the bears walk away again, joining their children in the exodus from the club…

That must be heartbreaking for them, and its not uncommon..

 

Whilst they’ve stumbled on and provided a few quid for a few venture capitalists, unless the rumoured Ashley intervention takes place, then this time it could be the final farewell, and thats why Celtic should do their best to hasten their exit.

Aberdeen continued to consolidate second place with another win, this time by a single goal over ross county. Its their fifth straight win, and they finished the month as top scorers for the period.

If they hadn;t made such an inconsistent start, things could have been closer, but the nature of the teams below Celtic is that very inconsistency, as shown by a tired Hearts, who lost to Partcik, and St. Johnstone, who were beaten by a reborn Kilmarnock.

With the exception of Celtic, its a very competitive league. There’s not much between most of the sides, and there promises to be a few good games between now and the end of the season, with the cup looking especially interesting.

Celtic face St Mirren next week, and although this shouldn’t present much of a problem, it wouldn;t be the first time Celtic have slipped up at a late stage to lower league opposition.

Before that, there’s a trip to Inverness in midweek, and again, the side will ned to be on their toes. The six goal drubbing in the cup will mean the highlanders will tighten up on everything, and having got away with a few dodgy tackles, it might be an idea for Celtic to have a paramedic and a helicopter on standby.

Or of course, we could just stand up for ourselves…

 

The Sunday Mail yesterday highlighted the plight of Billy McNeill, of whom no introduction is required.

Suffering from advanced dementia, his wife Liz opened her heart on how life is difficult for her, her family and the big man.

 

The realisation that he is can no longer communicate, and may not even remember his achievements hits hard, no more so than for those closest to him, and in your thoughts and prayers please remember them.

Many words will be written about the man they call Cesar, and many tears will be shed.

But also, many smiles will be raised, and hearts will be warmed at the memory of the man, chest puffed out, leading the team onto the pitch.

There are countless videos of the man available, talking about Celtic, what it means to him, and from them you can get an idea of what a true gentleman and legend is all about.

I hope that now and again, he gets to smile and remember who he was, and what he meant to a lot of people.

Image result for billy mcneill

 

Out of 100 trophies Celtic have won, Billy McNeill had a hand in 31 of them…

His medal collection is outstanding..

Most of all, anyone who has ever met him will agree, he is a great guy.

We wish him and his family all the best as they continue their struggle against this most unforgiving if all ailments..

 

Image result for billy mcneill

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Tamthetim
7 years ago

There’s only one King Billy that’s McNeill.
HH

7 years ago

There is only ONE King Billy… MCNEILL!

Cartvale88
7 years ago

A true leader of men, the best captain we have ever had. I followed Celtic through their European campaigns, he always had a word for the supporters. His capability in the oppositions boxes to head the ball superb.
It is sad that it has caused dementia, I wish him and his family the very best, a true Celtic legend.
Totally agree with the nastiness on the field against Celtic Ralph, the referee on Saturday was a toilet wipe. Presume we will have to suffer the same against ICT, let’s start doing what MU do, harass the Hun in black
Dembele’s goal was something to see.

celtsfan67
7 years ago

Mr Celtic….total legend!!!

mike
7 years ago

Hail, Hail, Cesar,

They gained the status of immortality,
Their exploits remembered in perpetuity,
He entered Celtic mythology,
By lifting the Big Cup for all to see,
A surprise to many that would be.
A man of vigour, a man of zest,
He stood over 6′ with a barrel chest,
When he led Celtic there was no rest,
A Celtic Legend ‘the best of the best’.
That word Legend is much over used,
For Billy the call of Celtic he never refused,
A man of Honour, a man so proud,
He never shouted or talked too loud.
He led those ‘Lions’ against Inter Milan,
Yet still remained a humble man,
His love of Celtic, plain to see,
A Legend to us he will always be.
AR GRADH AGUS UPNAIGHEAN A THA, MILLE RIBH CESAR UILLEAM MACNEILL.
OUR LOVE AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU CESAR, WILLIAM ‘BILLY’ MCNEILL.

Mikelele
7 years ago

God bless you Ceasar!!

Someone posted a couple of month back (can’t remember who) that they had seen Tommy Gemmell and he didn’t look well and also stated that its the twilight years of our greatest team and it was quite sad thinking about it. Well I just want to echo those sentiments also. It was a nice touching post about the lions.

Im only in my 30s but they mean so much to everyone who follows the club. My old man has educated me through the years about them days and I never tire hearing about them.

HH

TicToc
7 years ago
Reply to  Mikelele

Great comment, Mikelele, and welcome.
I’m probably of your Dad’s generation….. “and I never tire hearing about them” either.
HH

BJF
7 years ago

I have an autographed copy of Billy’s auto biography, priceless for a priceless Celt. If Mousse is worth ยฃ39m what price big Billy over the years and not always well treated by the Celtic powers that be in the past, esp. 1970s and 1980s.

Guys I don’t think we do ourselves any favours whinging every time a Celtic player gets tackled, Jamesie was unlucky unlike the assaults on KT and Scotty, the tackle on James was ok it was James coming out of it when he got caught .

henkesdreadlocks
7 years ago
Reply to  BJF

The tackle was not fair. If you watch it again, the first assailant grabs Jimmy and haults his momentum and puts him off balance, the second guy then uses excessive force in the challenge.

Then again, maybe not as bad as this.

desdamoaner
7 years ago

I think I’d rather have a swipe like that than Saturdays which was more of a block and likely to more long term damage.

Both should have been red cards mind you.

Yoker Bhoy
7 years ago

Your memory will live on forever Billy. He was our best ever captain with incredible leadership qualities both on and off the park. As a player he was practically unbeatable in the air and he was also a good team manager for Aberdeen and Celtic during the 70s and 80s. He has always been a wonderful ambassador for the club. Our thoughts are with you and your family during these difficult times. Love and respect. YNWA.

Monti
7 years ago

Twice i have met Billy McNeill, the day he got sacked early 90’s, standing outside Celtic Park talking to the gathered crowd. i had my hand in Billy’s left hand as he told us to ” keep following the club no matter what” as he pointed to Stevie Chalmers who was standing in the main entrance foyer and telling us, ” that’s the man that gave us our greatest moment “.
I had a lump in my throat that day, same as i do writing this just now.
I met Billy the second time up on stage in Seville at the CATB concert, well i was trying to get up on stage but i didn’t get that far as i was judged to have taken a lot of alcohol, Billy was laughing though and said to me ” you tried big man ” lol.
It was hot as fuck, there were palm trees, i was pished, there was thousands and thousands of Celtic fans……and there i was talking to Billy McNeill.
Quality.
The tears having stopped rolling since i started writing this post, quite simply there are figures, icons of our great club who mean everything to us, from Jock Stein who died when i was just 14, Jinky, Tommy Burns, ALL the LIONS, there are others like Paul McStay and Henrik Larsson.
Many more i haven’t mentioned but you guys know our history and the legends who put our hooped shirts over their heads.

BILLY MCNEILL? You are our captain, you are leader and big man, you are loved dearly, you are deep in our hearts.
WE LOVE YOU WITH ALL WE HAVE!

HH

Bob
7 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Outstanding Big man well said! Best post today by far.

Corktim
7 years ago

Met billy Mc Neil a few years ago,a true gent and Celtic through and through,will say a prayer for him and his family

broxburnbhoy
7 years ago

Dementia is a terrible condition. My heart goes out to Billy and his family. He will live forever in Celtic memory as our finest Captain. Strong, proud and yet humble. As good a captain as a club could ever have. I hope his remaining days are very comfortable and that somewhere deep in his mind he remembers who he is and why he is special.

jimmybee
7 years ago

There are certain times in life where you say I’m thankful I was born in this era.
Growing up watching the Lions was as good as it got for me.
To meet them was even more humbling., Billy is a giant of a man,on and off the field.
His wonderful wife Liz, a diamond. I see dementia taking over so many people now,and I have a loved one of my own suffering from this terrible disease.
I pray for all who are suffering from dementia.
God Bless Billy, HH.

jimmybee
7 years ago
Rebus67
7 years ago

Lots of fine tributes to Billy today. They speak well of him but also of those that posted them.

I am glad to be amongst Celtic supporters.

Rebus

Tourtenay
7 years ago

I have been trying to put down in writing my feelings and emotions after hearing the terrible news regarding our greatest captain but I need not have worried as you all have done it for me.
Brilliant post, brilliant and touching comments for a Brilliant Mhan.

HH

henkesdreadlocks
7 years ago

I have many memories of big Billy as he was a friend of my late father.All I will say of Billy McNeill is that he is Celtic.

Monti
7 years ago

Henke,
Bang on!

Level 5 plant
7 years ago

God bless and take care of you Billy and your family. So sad.

Celtic125
7 years ago

“Or of course, we could just stand up for ourselvesโ€ฆ”
That’s a laugh, when the default position from the top down is Victim. Don’t interrupt the Panto Master Malph and get back in line, you have an important part to play. How long does this particular conspiracy run?

Broxburnbhoy
7 years ago
Reply to  Celtic125

You mean the one that has seen several of our players injured over the last three weeks with near physical assaults on the field of play? Is that the conspiracy you are talking about? Not so much a conspiracy and more just incompetent referring by a very poor bunch of referees. If they fail to ennforce the rules of the game on a regular basis it kind of looks like a pattern. If they fail to enforce the rules of the game then our players will have to look after themselves and hope they are afforded the same lax treatment as we see other teams get now. Then we’ll know if it is really a conspiracy or consistently piss poor refereeing. You seem upset 125, what’s your solution?

7 years ago

I met Billy McNeill as a 13 year old at Glasgow airport in 1988 following the centenary season double.I was flying to Spain with my mum and brother and having not missed a domestic game all season (had been home and away) couldn’t believe that Caesar was just a few people in front of myself in the check in queue. I approached him for his autograph and was told to go away as he was with his family.
Yes what he done for the club is incredible but afraid my feelings towards him changed forever that day.
Having seem my dad go through mild dementia and also a friend following a tumour recently I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.
As you said Ralph hopefully he’ll be able to remember happier times occasionally.

schoosh71
7 years ago

A ‘Real’ Celtic Legend. Hopefully the Club are assisting the family in any and which way they need it. HH

Monti
7 years ago
Reply to  schoosh71

Schoosh,
I’m sure they are m8!

SteveNaive
7 years ago

Thought we started a bit slowly again like against Motherwell. Maybe the pitch or BR telling them to get their passing right before they get them fast. As such, Dembele miscontrolled about six or seven before he started to get it right but then boy did he get it right. Noticed Rodgers talking to Sinclair second half and he then went straight to Dembele swapping or at least being more interchangeable with him. Sinclair and Tierney really link up well and I was wondering if Lustig paid the price for his loose mouth regarding starting with a three and letting Tierney bomb on. It’s all good though would like more clinical finishing to put teams well away

Patrickqu
7 years ago

I went through OUr Lady’s High School from 1A to 6A, with Willie McNeill (he was not called Billy at school) and we had many happy times whilst there.

Monti
7 years ago

I see Awfy Ambrose has joined Hibs on loan until the end of the season…
Thank you Holy Father for answering those prayers!

Thank fuck!
HH

Monti
7 years ago

Ladbrokes immediately make Dundee utd favourites to win the Championship!

TicToc
7 years ago

Sick of being battered? Lookin’ fur a cure?
We’ve got Erik, a man who can put himself about.
We’re screaming out for Izzy, a man who’s fearless.
Wee Bertie as coach for the rest of them; Erik and Izzy already know.
Let any filthy (OB) enter Parkhead with mal-intent and we can show them who’s really UP for it.
HH, Celtic, love of my life.

SteveNaive
7 years ago

Brown has obviously been told not to exact retribution. He isn’t retaliating even when he is badly found himself.

SteveNaive
7 years ago

Fouled

Monti
7 years ago

Just a few words to describe how i feel, about a great man, our leader, Billy McNeill.
A giant and a leader, fearless, uncompromising,
He returned from Lisbon, with the big cup shining.

This group of men, the Lisbon Lions, made our name across Europe and cast in iron.
Inter went down in the Lisbon heat, Celtic magnificent never thinking of defeat.

What a wonderful day and how it made us feel,
To see the big cup, in the hands of McNeill.
Immortalised in legend a Celtic icon
Those men will live in our hearts, kept alive never gone.

With love and passion for McNeill in our hearts,
We will celebrate him on the slopes of Celtic park.

He won many trophies and the biggest cup of all,
The European cup held aloft by our Captain stood tall.

We as a family and as a support, love you, revere you and how you make us feel…..
We thank we Hail you…our Captain, our leader, our inspiration Billy McNeill!

HH
YNWA

TicToc
7 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Cesar would be proud of your tribute, well done Monti.
YNWA, Cesar.
HH

henkesdreadlocks
7 years ago

Excellent Monti.

henkesdreadlocks
7 years ago

I know you’re quite down Monti, but I saw this and immediately thought that this might be your dug and I know it will give you a giggle.

Monti
7 years ago

Hahahaha

BondiBrian
7 years ago

Cesar. A big man, but a much bigger person. Gave me some of the happiest memories of ma life watching Celtic.

Thoughts go out to himself, family and friends.

HAIL HAIL THE CELTS ARE HERE !!!!

JoeC
7 years ago

It’s not just the past few weeks that our players are getting battered and bruised with any protection from the officials.
Tom Rogic has been out injured for months since our former player, O’Dea, went right through him at Celtic Park !
It is not that long ago that O’Dea was granted training facilities at Lennoxtown to get himself fit and he repays Celtic in this manner !

I hope he was told never to darken our doorstep again.

Monti
7 years ago
Reply to  JoeC

JoeC,
Are you saying O’Dea deliberately tried to injure Rogic?
Come on tae fuck?

JoeC
7 years ago

” without protection “. Sorry about the typo !

hector
7 years ago

Sorry to hear about Billy McNeil and my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends as having witnessed this hellish disease it takes a toll on those who love and care for the patient. Billy is another place now and hope he can remember the happy times in his life. My friends father who had dementia could be heard giving commands to one of his sheepdogs from his youth in his own wee world and as his son remarked he just hoped his father was remembering one of the good ones and not one of the real sods. All the best to the friends and family of a great man.

Monti
7 years ago
Reply to  hector

Hector,
Well said my man!

Oztim67
7 years ago

God Bless Mr Celtic. Thoughts are with his family.

Perhaps the support can give a minutes clap on the 5th minute of our home games to celebrate our greatest captain.

Monti
7 years ago

With regards to these “challenges” being put in on our players, there simply has to be protection from referee’s, if they are not providing this protection, their incompetence must be highlighted at every opportunity.

Alternatively just get fucking wired back into those who are dishing it out.

Man up, get stuck in!

Monti
7 years ago

You have to take care of yourself on the park, look at the Celtic side under MON for an example.
Balde, Valgaeren, Mjallby,Lennon, Hartson, Sutton to name a few, nobody fucked with them.

HH

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