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Celtic Diary Saturday April 8: Celtic Build From Strength

For arguably the first time in the clubs history, when things are going well, the custodians yesterday made a serious move to make things even better.

The usual pre match press conference was delayed until 2.30, with the reason given that the club were going to make a big announcement.

Rumours swept social media, the mainstream media scratched its collective head, and significantly no one who would have known what was going on was answering their phone.

We didn’t sign Messi, we didn’t rename the stand, we didn’t announce a new strip to commemorate Lisbon.

We got a Brendan rodgers signing a new contract. A four year deal which means not only don’t the player want to leave, the manager is happy with his lot as well.

Image result for brendan rodgers celtic contract

While the manager and CEO Peter Lawwell shook hands on the deal in front of the cameras, astonishment turned to delight amongst a support that has kind of got used to losing anything of value to predatory cash rich clubs down south.

Though those two seemed pretty pleased with themselves as well…

Rodgers did the PR bit..

 “It’s the beginning of the journey. We have only been here a short time, and we can grow an even greater connection between the players and supporters. I think they have enjoyed what they have seen this season but we hope it’s the beginning of many more great times for them.

“There is a lot of work to do and development at the club that we aim for. We look at training facilities – can we be the very best we can be and can we create the very best environment possible in order to nurture players and bring them through? It’s how we work: we want to create players that go out on to the field and play and give the supporters the very best possible team they can turn up and see.

“It’s very much the beginning. There is a lot more to achieve and that’s the excitement of the next period of time going forward.

“I don’t get too carried away at the minute. Every Celtic supporter I see, they always say, ‘You’re doing well at the minute, Brendan!’ So you are always kept on an even keel.

“For us, of course, it always will be to domestically continue with how we have been working, trying to do it in the very best style we possibly can, as that’s very important – it’s not about winning, it’s about winning in what’s renowned as the Celtic way.

“When you’re competing against clubs with vast budgets in Europe, we have to find a way to do that. So, one, it’s qualification for the Champions League by winning our league and then getting into the group stages, and we are hoping over the next number of years we can progress out of the group stages and start to make a mark on European football. We want to win the league and as long as I’m here that will always be the aim.” 

Then he told us the real reason…

 “It’s about happiness. I am very happy in my professional life. I drive in every morning into Lennoxtown and the culture and environment there is a real working environment. Everyone enjoys their work and is very hungry to improve.

“It’s something I constantly go on about. We have to be the best we can be today but with one eye on tomorrow and always looking to develop, improve and find ways, as the minute you stop someone will overtake you.

“For us, it’s very important we keep driving this mentality through the players so it becomes the norm and hopefully we keep winning. There is a lot of work to do but also a lot of achieve and that’s the excitement of it.”  

He’s doing what he wants to do, in a place where he wants to be, with people he wants to be around who want to be around him.

He just didn’t know that until he started doing it.

“It was an easy decision for me, Personally and professionally I’m in a great place, a few years ago I might have been in a rush but you learn through experience to appreciate what you have. What I have here is that I’m a supporter who got very, very lucky, but hopefully I can help to develop the club along with the people who are already here.”

“I don’t think it’s until you sit and actually manage and work for the club you support…

“I looked at Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher and there was just a difference in them when they were playing for Liverpool.

“They were Liverpool boys, they loved the club and the loved the city and they were 150 per cent into the football club.

“And I can see that now and I can feel that even more now.

“When you grow up as a supporter, you know all the stories and everything about the club and when you come to Celtic and take on that responsibility, the feeling you get is truly special. And I wanted to continue that.” 

Image result for love heart

Peter Lawwell, the realist who has often been the target of supporters ire, can pat himself on the back this morning, and there’s a feeling that he is probably just as happy as any of us.

“We want to make this club the very best it can be and Brendan and his team are fundamental to that.

“Brendan’s an outstanding manager and we believe he is one of the top coaches in European football and, indeed, world football. He’s led the team through a remarkable season, winning the league again, winning the League Cup, qualifying for the Champions League and, to date, being unbeaten domestically. We also have the prospect of the Scottish Cup.

“We’ve done it in the Celtic way, we’ve done it in style. We’ve played winning, entertaining and exciting football that our fans love.” 

“We need to keep improving The strategy of the club will remain the same and we have to work within our means. Clearly we have a very stable financial basis at the moment and that should take us forward.

“Our ambition and expectations are as strong and as high as ever and we believe that with the right coaches, the backroom and the right sports science department, we can create a magnificent football club that our supporters deserve.

“We want to be the best we possibly can be and when you’re in an environment like Scotland, which is a country of around five million people, financially, clearly you’re constrained. We try to find a way round that by employing the best coaches, the best sports scientists and the best people in our Academy who can create Champions League players that will allow us to compete at the top level in Europe. 

“We want to go as far as we can in Europe – we had a tough group last year – but our ambition is to dominate in Scotland and take the team as far as we can in European football.”  

Realistically, thats all we can hope for.

But that hope is much stronger than it has been for a few years now, because the money is there to encourage better players to not only join the club, but to stay at the club.

The attraction of working with a quality manager and backroom staff cannot be underestimated, and the succes of Scott Sinclair and Moussa Dembele hasn’t gone unnoticed. And none of them seems in a hurry to leave.

In years gone by, as we saw with Ki, Ledley, Hooper, Wanyama, van Dijk and Forster, the money on offer down south was too difficult for the club and the player to refuse, and so there was little chance of continuity and development for the side as a whole.

That changed yesterday.

Rodgers again , looking to the future, and emphasising the strengths of continuity..

 “There’s a lot more to achieve and it’s a really exciting period for the club. I thoroughly enjoy working with the players, what I’ve always tried to do going into clubs is to improve individual players, make them better and make the teams better. Ultimately, to get a feeling around the club that is exciting, on and off the park, that’s our aim here.

“Myself, Peter and the board have been talking for a little while and it just felt like the right thing to do. Today, I find it hard to find the words to express my feelings. Nine months ago I sat here with Chris Davies and Glenn Driscoll and we knew the magnitude and size of the club, but to be sat here now with the trust of the board, which is very important, and that commitment is incredible.

“And what I’d like to add is that when myself, Chris and Glenn joined Celtic, we had other members of staff that came on to our team as well. Two in particular are John Kennedy and Steve Woods who were already in-house but have become a real integral part of our team and how we work.

“I think what we’ve done is we’ve built a connection, all of us throughout the football club over the last nine months, and that’s going to be important for us going forward.

“I’ll be eternally thankful for the board and how they’ve shown their trust in me with that commitment to going forward over the next four years and for us to continue to grow and develop. That’s my responsibility to lead the football development and ensure that we can continue to progress.”

It makes sense, if the manager is committed to the club, its easier to ask the players to commit.

Publicly , its about dominating in Scotland, but behind the scenes, these guys want to make their mark in Europe, and they are going about it the right way.

Much was made about Brendan being here to secure ten in a row, but whilst a support that saw the record of nine equalled with some creative financing wants that to be put right, the club are thinking over and above that.

Which is right.

Ten -or more-in a row would be fantastic, but theres more to it than pandering to a rivalry that died five years ago.

Much more, and we are off on an adventure to explore all that.

Seems like someone wants to come with us..

Not the Martin Waghorn, the scourge of the playground ? Well, the bit outside the playground on the way back from the chippy.

Seems so…

Replying to 

Obviously a mistake

 Image result for yes of course gif 
Others found it hard to conceal their delight at the news..
At the top of the page, we noted how the media completely missed this story, which is a feature of how things are these days.
Years of misrepresentation and disrespect have rebounded on our fourth estate, and now they are completely out of the loop. Any self respecting editor-oh wait, I can see the problem here-would have hauled his staff in this morning demanding to know why his hacks had missed this one.
Or will they ?
you see, had they looked hard enough in the right place there was a subliminal message out on social media that told the whole story, if they had just looked for it..
 
Another example of laziness, if you ask me. Its all in there, as any fool can see.
Well, lets be honest.
Celtic had to secure the services of Rodgers, because the arrival of Pedro Caixinha at Ibrox means that they, too, are going to another level.

Rangers’ Pedro Caixinha names Aberdeen line-up as he predicts Derek McInnes’ choices for clash

In a surprise move, Caixinha listed the players he reckons Derek McInnes will use tomorrow by handing out an A4 sheet naming everyone from Joe Lewis to Adam Rooney.

This guy is that good he helps the other team as well…and we’re stuck with Brendan.

I take it all back, we’re doomed.

This guy is on a different level.

It will be interesting to see the effect he has on his players. Maybe he can turn them into something they didn’t know they were…

 

Celtic host Kilmarnock today, whilst second placed Aberdeen get in some shooting practice at home to “rangers “
Mike Ashley has won the latest round of his court case with Dave King.
Four years ago today…
Image result for margaret thatcher grave
Theres a lot to be cheerful about this weekend..
Image result for go on have a drink
Back to Thursday for the last caption competition…
5TB April 6, 2017 at 1:55 pm · Edit · Reply →

Caption;

Tony Watt on the phone to his ‘pal’, “You’re right enough, they have named a place after me!”…  

And today…

 

Don’t forget, theres this today. Help out where you can…

 

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Dziekanowski's nightclub child
6 years ago

Caption: David Murray salutes armed forces day vets

Wolfie bhoy
6 years ago

Knob of the week? My favourite bit.

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Wolfie bhoy

You can make present that award to Weered when he comes on…..clear winner this week!

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

I certainly knew you were following…..

Monti
6 years ago

Caption: – ” Lieutenint Genital,half soldier, David Murray arrives at the bigotdome, to collect his very own ebt ”

Not arf!

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Lieutenant!

Monti
6 years ago

Caption: ” At ease boys, have a great weekend, but easy on the drink, no getting legless ok “

Rob O'Keeffe
6 years ago

Once again,Celtic lift your spirit in a pretty awful world.Hopefully,the Bhoys go out today,play with flair and put a few in the nets.
Special thanks to Agent Pedro,the dafties still haven’t cottoned on.Monthly bonus is in post,honest.

P.S.La Vaticane for Grand National,pretty obvious reason.

Una
6 years ago

I take it David Moyes is picking the winner for the caption comps, thats 2 in a row i have been done out of bassas of the highest order.

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Una

You still fucking moaning….lol

Una
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

U wish Monti lol

Rob O'Keeffe
6 years ago

Knob of the week:Jonathan Brocklebank(yes,it must be rhyming slang) for his “piece”in the Daily Mail yesterday.Slagging the half million Celtic supporters that went to sunny Seville.What a pure Brocklebank! His email address is printed if you would like to send a friendly message,cough,cough as the Erudite man would say.

mike
6 years ago
Reply to  Rob O'Keeffe

Copy of email sent to—j.brocklebank@dailymail.co.uk
Brocklebank, you really are a fantasist. You join a long list of the Fourth Estate who print anything but the truth. You completely ignore the biggest financial scandal ever to hit British Football, the Rangers F.C. who died in 2012 owing the British Taxpayer many, many millions of your Great British Pounds. the same dead club whose supporters wreaked havoc in the street of Manchester.
But what do you report, an article denigrating 80,000 Celtic supporters in Seville insinuating that the supporters are all fat, drunken slobs that go home and beat up their wives. Disgusting.
Well, I was in Seville, days before and days after the game and never once did I witness anything but supporters enjoying themselves in that beautiful City, enjoying a rapport with the locals and winning many friends. Never once was there a hint of trouble, dishonesty or violence.
We have a saying for your kind of “reporter”, a soup taker and you certainly enter that category.

charlie
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

ile second that

Rob O'Keeffe
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

Nice one Mike.Mine was along similar lines,although a few expletives slipped in,oh well never mind.HH

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Rob O'Keeffe

I know what a bawbag is……

BondiBrian
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

Ah too was in Seville, niver been so proud ti be a Tim. Daily mail? Wouldny huv that rag in ma bog. HAIL HAIL N aw that!

Peter clark
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

We need Celtic PR team to take a stand against this article, he writes his piece about us, but no mention of other former clubs destruction of a city on their European travels. They really are running out of material when they need to go back more than 10 years to knock us again Hail Hail

Rob O'Keeffe
6 years ago
Reply to  Peter clark

Peter,he even boasted about the “piece” on his Twitter account @BrokerJonathan !!
What a Cupid Stunt.

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Rob O'Keeffe

Rob,
Put up his email m8

Davie Wilson
6 years ago
Reply to  Rob O'Keeffe

Cocklewank!

Down with this sort of bias!

(Even in caption competitions!)

Seamus O hooligan
6 years ago

Caption,

“Congratulated by his team after signing a new”One year rolling contract”

Monti
6 years ago

Winner pmsl

BJF
6 years ago

When U heard he news about Brendan it reminded me of another Celtic hero who could have had his pick of top clubs but chose to stay with us. Then I remembered, Henrik Larsson, what price Brendan going on to manage Man Utd and Barcelona after, of course, he delivers 10 in a row and the Europa League.

CarllJungleBhoy
6 years ago

4 years ago today. Ding Dong The Witch Is Dead. I’m still pissed off that my plans for a Dance Of Thatcher’s Grave Rave.. never really took off. I could have made millions. I could’ve been a contender. 🙂

CarllJungleBhoy
6 years ago

*ON Thatchers Grave (that bloody microscopic font 🙁

CarllJungleBhoy
6 years ago

Caption: Plans for Armed Forces Day at Ibrokes – moved Clydeside in in tribute to Harland & Wolff’s sterling support for the “club” during WW2 – have been cut in half. Despite not having a leg to stand on, Sir Minty Murray continues to flaunt his tainted title before fawning representives of Govan Protestant Boys.

BondiBrian
6 years ago

That poor cunt probably lost his legs in the fight ti stop fascism.

charlie
6 years ago

caption the wee general says ya daft cunts theres a reason ime duckin behind the wall one shot paddies about

charlie
6 years ago

more of that for the national

mike
6 years ago

Caption, Legless in Seattle.

Rob O'Keeffe
6 years ago

Caption: SFA passing out “parade”.’Altogether now,We’re up to our knees in……oh shit!’

charlie
6 years ago

this could be ralphs 7-0 day COYBIG

charlie
6 years ago

if hearts and st johnstone win anaw pedros gonny shit hiself he he aint life grand

6 years ago

Caption, “Wish I could return the salute boys, but I’d fall over and crash”

Monti
6 years ago

I think brother Pedro is Craig Whyte

6 years ago

“Be the best that we can be” has to be one of the best messages the club has ever sent out. A wonderful mindset for us to take on, especially our younger fans. Makes me feel proud to be a Tim. HH

mike
6 years ago

” We don’t ride goats”? but we do have to bare our chests and roll up our trouser leg, they do also have a funny handshake.
Past Mason’s and current mason’s include Prince Philip and the Duke of Kunt. Along with Winston Churchill, the Dukes of Hazard and the Duke of Wellies.King’s Edward vii Edward viii and George the vii.
The Grand Ludge celebrates its 300 year anniversary this year. So prepare yoursells for much hilarity and goat bashing, funny handshakes are mandatory.

mike
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

It was always thought that Margaret Thatcher was a member of the Eastern Star, but as they would not change its name to the far right star she declined.

portpower
6 years ago

Have a Grand Day Ghirls and Bhoys.

My Footy Team got beat convincingly tonight by the State rivals because of a stubborn coach not changing that`s there for all to see.

And there I was telling everyone that Brendan Rodgers was to manage The Power.

I see Graham Spiers has put the plank away.
Are we to witness a SMSM McClintock effect?

There`s a rumour the bloo building site has a wurld widespread of
eavesdropper weasels.

https://youtu.be/d2gHDIFLNUY

Celts by the three.

Brencelt
6 years ago

The prototype for Dr Who’s Dalek tells the sailors about how he lost his sea legs

portpower
6 years ago

Never forget Khids,así es la vida.

patrick o hara
6 years ago

saluting Admiral Half Nelson RGN (royal govan navy)

portpower
6 years ago

Football/Soccer:

Leave your ego behind the touchline.
Embrace and enjoy.

It`s a Beautiful Game.HH

portpower
6 years ago

Bassa. Nae free streaming,an effin again.The young generation lettin` us oldies down once more?
Come on Khids,they`re out smarting youse.

Thankfully there`s CQN for pass by pass narration.
It`s where Ghod gets his answers I hear?

Have we won?????????

portpower
6 years ago

Ghod bless Marc in the nose bleed seat.

Canny youse Scotchmen streak properly?
Or just a cold day?

https://www.pscp.tv/w/1rmGPnkBkEgxN

Yessssssssssssssssssss

portpower
6 years ago
Reply to  portpower

I`m there with you Marc. Thank you.

Sit doon FFS,those infront.HH

portpower
6 years ago
Reply to  portpower

If only they were to join in.

Half the world away live with the Green Brigade. Subgreen.

6 years ago

hard to put a caption up here without sounding like a cunt. Bad taste

6 years ago

Or weereds old man still being saluted for being taller than him

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Iancelt67

I thought it was funny 🙂

Una
6 years ago

If u fancy a free holiday this year stick a tenner on double shuffle in the national u have 6 minutes

6 years ago

Caption
Veterans knee reconstructions go awry

6 years ago

Or trump survived after ultra feminist attack

mike
6 years ago

YA BEAUTY Well who tipped the winner? who ME, ya beauty.

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

Did it win by a nose?

portpower
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

I tipped youse the Adelaide cup winner.

Brexit paid £7.25.

mike
6 years ago

Charlie check oot ma post at 7.41 yesterday, read it and weep.
YA beauty. Who’s in the money? meeeeeeeee.

charlie
6 years ago

ffs that crackpot mike the fermer tipped the winner ae the national and a didnae listen

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  charlie

Charlie,
There’s to be a stewards inquiry, Mike was positioned at the winning post and they can’t decide who won.

charlie
6 years ago

mike the next time a talk aboot horses tell me sometimes its better tae open yer ears and shut yer mouth he he have a celebration pint for me

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  charlie

He’d need to get a round in to do that….

charlie
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

monti they werthers mob will awe have it oan is PBs name no arfur anaw ..

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  charlie

I believe it is lol

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  charlie

Charlie,
You’ll need to come out for a pint at the next Etims swally.
Hopefully a treble to celebrate at that!

A lot of good bhoys on here m8

charlie
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

monti ile need tae check ma overcrowded diary mate ………then ask mrs charlie if its ok he he

Monti
6 years ago

Well done today Celtic, good victory!

HH

portpower
6 years ago

G`day Iantm.

WRT jj, I posit he pie charts his subscribers,sectors his connectors and plays the man confidently.

A: sounds like a Cam.

“a life after death in which happiness can be proportioned to virtue”

But…

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  portpower

Did someone mention pies?
Go on…..:)

Monti
6 years ago

Not surprised at all…..:)

Monti
6 years ago

Weered,
You should have looked at my cock and thought of your wife 🙂

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

That’s better..

FredCDobbs
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

why, is you “cock” really a clit

SteveNaive
6 years ago

McGregor was good today, worked hard for himself and the team. We missed a focal point with Tierney being double teamed and Sinclair dropping deeper for runners like Paddy and…Broonie ! Glass half empty now, Armstrong and Boyata can’t hit poor passes like that in Europe but the latter played well against the ffouling Sammon and Jones. Can’t believe Iam saying this but Thomson did okay in parts !!

charlie
6 years ago

some good boxin on box nation tonight cmon the flanagin and smith to get the money back a lost on the national see yees later crackpots

portpower
6 years ago

Ralph,

sevco`s got talent?

Geo
6 years ago

https://twitter.com/CiaranF96/status/850338606539571201?s=08

Look at this buoys at the darts last night love it…

Geo
6 years ago

Bhoys

portpower
6 years ago

Kilmarnock FC?

There I was thinkin` it`s just another tax free haven.

Where`s Buster blood vessel?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQEJBSa3cy8

Rebus67
6 years ago

Steve,

Agreed. McGregor was impressive today. The team have a good understanding now. Players know where others are without looking up.
I hope BR knows that this formation will not do for Europe, oe, even, for the semi. There is a lack of a cutting edge. We have had a problem finishing games when we are one up. If we could do this, we could rest players and give others a chance.
That is two games in a row where we have let a team back into it. If we do this against Sevco in the semi we shall rue the day! The ref will see to that.
Tierney and Forrest were getting a doing all day. They need to find a way of giving it back.
We are so far ahead of the others, that many teams will play like Killie and rough our players up. There will be little protection from the refs. This is a major obstacle to Celtic progressing. The club/the manager need to start commenting on the lack of protection for skilled players, and that it is a hindrance to progressing the Scottish game.

Rebus

Rebus67
6 years ago
Reply to  Rebus67

Weered,

What is your own team? Or should I not ask?

Rebus

portpower
6 years ago

BREAKIN` NEWS:

Greenock Morton 1 v Hibernian 1.

Nesbitt nuts Efe who nuts Lindsay who nuts McGeouch.

Neil Lennon was thought to have used the use of Leigh Griffiths` station wagon to get them all home safely.

Questions have been delayed about the new Duffy side airbags, in whether,either and or neither they`ve been installed?

Leigh`s to comment later in song.

mike
6 years ago
Reply to  portpower

A love fest in Greenock Port, Lenny and Jim walk towards each other, Lenny has a wee smile and Jim cracks up, cuddling one another up the tunnel, meanwhile the players look on in bewilderment, what a pair, luv them both.
Sunshine on the Clyde.

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