Apologies first of all, the Diary didn’t appear yesterday because with the heat and the puppy I slept in until around 10,30am.

Largely because the puppy doesn’t quite understand that when its dark everyone goes to sleep, and no one wants to play with a ball, a soft toy or half a fucking tree she’s found in the garden and heroically dragged into the sodding kitchen.

Puppies are like babies. equally difficult to explain why you’ve got them in a bag and are standing near the river.

Anyhoo, whats been happening in the last couple of days ?

Nothing compared to what we’ll hear today or tomorrow , I’ll wager.

Back at the ranch, and the first new signing Johnny Hayes continues to show he has the best PR man of anyone in football. Either that or he just can’t wait to get started.

“I was sitting at home waiting all day for the phone call,”  “I think it was about six or seven at night when he rang and, honestly, I don’t even think I spoke a word for about 30 seconds other than hello and I was sold.

“He’s infectious. He’s fantastic to work for. It’s a long time since I have and I’m looking forward to it but I’d be lying if I didn’t say there was a lot of other major factors in wanting to come here. The size of the club, the chance to play out there every week in front of 50-odd thousand, Champions League nights, so many things, when you put together it is the complete package.

“I have full confidence in the manager, I think he can only improve me as a player

“I know I will need to improve and try to hold down a regular place in this team. I’m delighted to finally be here and get the chance to play for this club; it’s a challenge I welcome.” 

He’s not here to replace Patrick Roberts, at least he doesn’t think so…

“I can’t speak highly enough of Patrick but I wouldn’t say I’m his replacement.

“I wouldn’t want to build myself up like that but I’m sure the manager will still have a few replacements coming in.

“I played against Patrick a few times last season and he did a couple of things on the pitch which made me say, ‘Wow.’

Welcome to Celtic, Johnny. I’m sure you’ll do very well.

Anyone else on the way here.

Yes.

Anyone else already signed ?

So we are told, and we’ll know about them either today or tomorrow.

Or we’ll hear that they will be announced tomorrow. Keep an eye on our twitter feed.

Or we won’t.

But there doesn’t seem to be any reason to worry.

On the way out ?

Nirly everybody, according to the papers.

See what I did there ?

Nir Biton arriving back in Glasgow for pre season there, and he doesn’t look or sound happy, does he ?

Immediately the press have decided that he wants away becuase he’s unhappy, and so on.

They were, however, struggling to find a picture of anyone arriving back at any ranch hopping, skipping and jumpng at the prospect of the hard work ahead in pre season training to compare it with, so we’ll just have to take their word for it.

Johnny Hayes excepted, of course.

What is almost certain, however, is that Celtic will not be taking any more loans, and the only border raids for developing players in the style of Moussa Dembele will be for defenders, who can be eased into the side.

Moussa Dembele, it appears, is a one off.

There is talk of a loan move for Mariano Diaz, but oddly enough , there appears to be more chance of a permanent move for the Real Madrid striker, with a buy back clause that includes a first dibs on Moussa Dembele when he decides to move.

By first dibs, of course, we mean Dembele to Real in a sort of pre contract for a full time contract while he’s still under contract at Celtic.

Anyone else you read about in the paper has already been mentioned on this site, and one does wonder if thats where the papers get it from.

You’d be surprised who reads this rubbish.

The fuss and bother over the possible clash with Linfield in the champions League, with the Belfast Telegraph, possibly less sensationalist than the Scottish papers, giving us the latest.

Police are set to veto a potentially powderkeg eve-of-Twelfth Windsor Park clash between Linfield and Celtic.

It is understood the PSNI has concluded that staging the tie in Belfast on July 11 carries too much risk. The sides are on course to meet for the first time ever in a Champions League qualifier. But concerns have been growing about the potential for trouble since the draw was made on Monday.

Officials from the PSNI and Linfield are due to meet today to discuss security concerns.

However, sources said police have already decided that staging a match at Windsor on July 11 is not an option.

It is understood Linfield are exploring the possibility of playing the tie 48 hours later, on July 13.

The planning is complicated by the fact the Irish League champions still have to navigate a first round play-off.

However, David Healy’s (below) side are favourites to progress against San Marino minnows La Fiorita to set up a showdown with Celtic.

With that in mind, planning for a Belfast meeting is already under way.

If they beat La Fiorita, Linfield are scheduled to host Celtic, managed by Co Antrim man Brendan Rodgers, at Windsor Park on July 11 or 12. 

Staging the game on the Twelfth has already been ruled out.

Now, the PSNI have told Linfield that they do not want the tie played on July 11 either.

Senior officers are said to be alarmed at the prospect of a high-risk match on an evening when tensions will be running high. It is understood these concerns have been made clear to Linfield.

One option that was considered was bringing the match forward from 7.45pm to 5pm or 5.30pm. However, that too is understood to have been ruled out by police.

Linfield declined to comment yesterday.

A club source indicated other dates around July 11 and 12 were under consideration.

“We are still focusing on staging the game, if it happens, on that week,” he said.

“There has been a lot of speculation but, aside from playing it on the Twelfth, which won’t happen, nothing is completely ruled in or out.

“We are due to meet with the PSNI soon and any concerns will be addressed then.”

Police also declined to comment on a July 11 meeting.

PSNI operations Superintendent for Belfast Norman Haslett said: “Discussions are obviously at a very early and tentative stage as the game has not been confirmed.”

Earlier this week a crowd safety expert warned of the risks of staging an eve-of-Twelfth Linfield-Celtic tie.

He doesn’t really have to be an expert, does he ?

With the police upset their favourite day out could be compromised, Linfield need to be careful here.

If they make too much of a fuss about the date, then UEFA will make them play in another town far far away.

Dave King will be rubbing his hands. Was Charles Green right about champions League music being played again at Ibrox ?

On the other hand, Linfield will be used to hosting potentially “powderkeg ” games.

There is segregation on place when Clftonville come to town, and hardly any fighting.

This, of course, is bigger, and more difficult to police, as some locals will no doubt get their hands on tickets and not be Linfield fans.

The solution ?

Play the game when its supposed to be played, and  Linfield should be putting pressure on the  PSNI to do their job.

We mentioned Dave king further up the page, and he’s only gone and done it again!

He’s saved “rangers ” by beating Mike Ashley in a duel and demanded that Ashley does things his way.

Rangers agree new Sports Direct deal ‘on substantially different terms’

( BBC )

DONE DEAL

Rangers strike deal with Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct to rip up seven-year contract as Ibrox chairman Dave King vows to plough extra cash into Pedro Caixinha’s budget

( The Sun )

Dave King says new Rangers strip deal will allow Ibrox side to return as one of Britain’s biggest clubs

Fans of the Ibrox side have been advised they can buy merchandise again after the club reached a new one-year deal with Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct. 

(Record )

Rangers ready to challenge Celtic again after Mike Ashley surrenders merchandising deal

(Telegraph)

Note its a different deal, and not a better one.

Note there are no details to be found anywhere about who gets what and when.

What we do know is that there are a lot of unsold “rangers ” kits lying around in Sports Direct warehouses and shops, discounted to £20, because they are last years that cannot be shifted.

What we also know is that “rangers ” have extended their deal with 32Red, again for an undisclosed amount, and fortunately for all parties, the club are going to wear the same strip as last year, which means the gullibillies will now be able to save King from buying back the shirts which he gave to Ashley on sale or return.

Still, if it keeps the hordes happy…

And the bank…

Right there. Thats the bit for UEFA, and Progres Neidercorn, the Ibrox clubs opponents in Europe.

I’m getting sick to death of the media ignoring the blatant foul play from Ibrox where m0ney is concerned, and also the complete compliance of the SFA.

However, the wheels they are a-turning…

Oh, speaking of the SFA…

SFA abuse Enquiry Update

Given the seriousness of this enquiry, should the wheels on it not be turning a little bit quicker ?

Tuesdays picture…

Today… explain this…