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Celtic Diary Wednesday July 12: Ntcham Signs, Brown Fit

It hasn’t been officially announced yet, as the club are waiting to make a big thing of a couple of deals, but have a look at the UEFA squad lists and you’ll see that there’s a new name in the “unallocated ” list…

Ntcham, Olivier 

FRA  

09/02/1996 

10/07/2017 ( Date joined club ) 

Not eligible ( for B list ). 

Or is the anti celtic media agenda now so bad they ignore it when a decent player is signed ?

Further evidence emerged when a signed Celtic top was seen on twitter, which is as much proof as anyone should need..

Apparently he signed it after training..

You see, we don’t always make things up. Sometimes we let others make it up as well.

The evidence does seem to point to him now being a Celtic player, and a drunk guy told us that the club will announce it along with a couple of other new faces.

If, indeed they are new faces. It may be that we will recognise them instantly…

Image result for oh you tease

Scott Brown has declared himself fit for the champions League game against Linfield on Friday, which is no real surprise. The guy would play if his legs fell off.

‘Yeah, I’ll be fine,’

‘It was just a slight wee problem, but nothing to worry about.’

Image result for tis but a scratch

Browns energy and experience will be vital at windsor Park, which is not noted for its friendliness and charm towards visiting sides.

Come to think of it, the Northern Ireland captain was once booed there by his own fans, so they are equally harsh on their own.

Ah, wait, he wasn’t really one of their own, in their little minds…

From the BBC, March 2001..

Sectarianism in Northern Ireland is hardly anything new. But the death threat directed at Neil Lennon prior to Northern Ireland’s friendly against Cyprus highlights how it can permeate sport.

In general, rugby is played by Protestants and Gaelic games by Catholics, with football providing something of a middle ground.

Thousands from both sides of the religious divide travel to Scotland every weekend to cheer on their proxies, Rangers and Celtic. 

Lennon has been subjected to jeers and boos in the past when representing his country.

The last occasion came in February last year when he was booed every time he touched the ball at Windsor Park in the 4-0 defeat by Norway.

For some, Lennon is guilty of a trinity of cardinal sins: he is Catholic, he plays for Celtic and he was reported to have said that he would be willing to play for a hypothetical all-Ireland team.

Those are the reasons for the abuse, but they certainly do not amount to justification.

Days before the game in 2001, Lennon’s warning came in Northern Ireland vernacular: a “Neil Lennon RIP” slogan daubed on a gable wall near his home in Lurgan, Co. Armagh.

Now the hatred directed at the midfielder has intensified.

Irish News columnist Kenny Archer told BBC Sport Online last year that the abuse Lennon has received was not based on religion.

He said: “Without a doubt this is to do with Neil Lennon playing for Celtic not with him being a Catholic.”

The present Northern Ireland team is evenly split between Catholics and Protestants while Catholics Martin O’Neill, Pat Jennings and Jimmy Quinn all enjoyed distinguished Northern Ireland careers without ever being subjected to abuse.

Indeed, the last player to receive Lennonesque levels of abuse was Anton Rogan, another Celtic player. He sympathised with Lennon when he was targeted last year.

“I can understand why he might want to pack it in, because he got a torrent of abuse, worse than I had to endure in my first game,” said Rogan.

“After my first match, though, I didn’t hear very much abuse. Either it stopped or I just didn’t notice it.”

Whatever the reason for the baiting of Lennon – and it certainly seems more anti-Celtic than anti-Catholic in character – the net effect is disaffection with the Northern Ireland team among the Catholic community. 

A Celtic player being attacked by Northern Ireland supporters is unlikely to entice Celtic-supporting Catholics to support Northern Ireland.

The death threat and Lennon’s subsequent withdrawal from the national team is a serious blow for IFA’s “Kick Sectarianism Out of Football” campaign.

Aware of sectarianism in the game, the IFA has established a Community Relations Office.

“The Football Association has tried everything in our power to stamp out bigotry and sectarianism,” said Jim Boyce, president of the Irish Football Association.

Although those involved in Lennon’s vilification remain unpunished, the IFA are making the right noises but they are in danger of being drowned out. 

Lennon, of course, would quit the national team after receiving death threats.

We’ve already spoken of the wider context behind the clubs decision not to take tickets for this game, and the Lennon incidents are yet another reason which justifies this.

Add in the time of year, the bonfires and parades, Israel or any of the other “hotspots ” fans have travelled to, pale into insigficance where the potential for trouble is concerned.

Those who live in Belfast and the surrounding areas will have enough to contend with this week.

Its also worth noting that Cliftonville , a club with similar leanings to the Celtic support, visit Windsor Park without incident every year.

But as the Neil Lennon abuse shows, Celtic are a completely different proposition.

Some fans already have tickets, and Linfield will already have their excuses lined up.

If you are going, be safe. Better still, don’t go.

They don’t like us over there.

Image result for scott sinclair racist bonfire

The Belfast Telegraph revealed that Belfast city council had actually secured an injunction to prevent damage to the bonfire, presumably so that there was room for plenty of banners and effigies.

The loyalist bonfire site was one of four that were subject to a High Court injunction secured by Belfast City Council.

The action was taken last week in a bid to prevent further material being added to the pyres.

In a statement a spokesman said: “It could constitute a technical breach of the injunction but it is more likely to constitute a hate crime and therefore should be reported to the PSNI.”

A PSNI spokeswoman said: “Police are investigating complaints about various materials, some of which are clearly distasteful, placed on the bonfire.

“Where police are aware of a crime being committed, an investigation will follow.

“We take hate crime very seriously and actively investigate all incidents reported to us. 

“Hate crime is wrong on all levels and the PSNI will do everything it can to ensure that everyone, from whatever background, can live free from prejudice, fear and discrimination.”

Images of the racist banner were widely circulated online yesterday.

The display had been removed from the pyre when The Irish News visited the site. 

Well, they’ll need it for their parades.

As for Sinclair, if you don’t want to go over there, don’t go, but if you do, a hat trick should put them back in their box.

Image result for scott sinclair celtic trophies

Theres no doubting their somewhat poisonous outlook on life, but they really are a little dim.

The bonfire featured yesterday, the one next to a petrol station , showed how incredibly stupid they are, but when it was set on fire by some local lads, the outcry lifted stupidity to a whole new level.

An arson attack.

On a bonfire.

Image result for stupid people

 

 

To keep us entertained, Rob O’Keefe has carried forward the predictascore competition from the Cup final to the UCL qualifier.

To get through the first qualifier for this, you need to get the score right for Fridays game. An article will appear tomorrow so that you can enter on a separate page. The prize remains the same, £100 to your chosen charity, but not an Ibrox based one, as we’ll never hear of the money again.

 

The Scottish media have largely ignored this story, probably because most of them don’t see it as an issue, but merely the traditions and culture of the Twelfth of July, which happens to be a big day out in the Scottish Sports calendar.

Something else largely ignored is the superbly written timeline of events which led to the proposal of Resolution 12 to the Celtic board…

RES 12 Update

Its long, its detailed and its accurate.

Take time to read it. I’ll be doing a separate article around the details in order to elaborate on some of the finer points. Actually, someone else cleverer than me will be doing most of that, but you get the point.

For now, treat it like homework, and have a good read of it.

Someone else should have done his homework.

 

 

Oops…

It appears that the Daily Record “rangers blogger ” has continued the high standards of journalistic integrity and accuracy associated with his paper.

As you can see from above, he is confusing a bank which Desmond has shares in with Desmond himself..

The desperation behind the papers “two sides of the same coin “-yeah i know he’s a sort of part time space filler-but with the influence the dying paper still has, a little responsibility is required by those who write-either mainstream or on social media-is paramount, although to be honest, the Record-and others-don’t seem to take much notice of that.

Still, I’ll wager that Desmond is none too pleased about being likened to a genuine convicted tax fraudster in the current battle of whataboutery in the media…

One of the things that has gone largely unnoticed after the SFA/SPFL shennanigans of the last few years is the personal vilification of the Celtic owner and the CEO.

Desmond and Lawwell are both fully aware that this comes with the territory, and have seemed comfortable enough with it, but of late its been cranked up a notch or two.

And become more personal, such as the Record bloggers wilful misinterpretation of a report.

Perhaps a wee slap back is in order, as like the playground bullies they seem want to emulate, the media are taking more and more liberties.

Image result for do not mistake silence for weakness

 

But hey, perhaps its better not to interrupt them while they are making mistakes…

 

Elsewhere, and John James has revealed on his site that he has been given information that Hugh Dallas was a recipient of an EBT.

In serious tones he declared..

The information I received was that a referee with a history of ‘honest mistakes’ that favoured Rangers was given an EBT for being the match official for behind closed door games. 

Image result for oops

He added..

 The Gold Standard on EBT, the Rangers Tax Case blogger, has stated categorically that this information is inaccurate. 

Fair enough , it takes a man to apologise

However he did accede to the recipient of one sub trust being unknown. Would it surprise anyone if Hugh Dallas, for example, received an extracurricular EBT for officiating at these bounce games? 

Oh for fucks sake.

The revelation is now reduced to “Its the sort of thing he might have done. ”

John James has refused comments and contributions from Etims.

Presumably because we’re better at  making things up than him.

 

Captions now.

Yesterday..

Pat Higney July 11, 2017 at 11:50 am · Edit · Reply →

Caption: Rangers introduce the latest in robotics- the mark 1 Tri- Prod! 

Today..

Beware of the dog

 

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jimmybee
6 years ago

Caption its no me ya fud, its the pitbull standing behind you.

Mike
6 years ago
Reply to  jimmybee

Happy 12th of July everyone.
Not for us your loyalist traditions,
Playing tunes of bigoted renditions,
that don’t need any encryptions,
posturing diddies like drunken Egyptians.
FUDS.

Rob O'Keeffe
6 years ago

Thanks for getting the name wrong,Rallpph.Imagine the Scottish media ignoring me,I feel quite chuffed.Just to point out,the competition is all encompassing in keeping with our roots and the money can go to any charity of your choice or to you(through Rralf) to do whatever you want with it.
P.S.To those under the control of Belfast City Council,maybe a wee e-mail complaining will start the ball rolling?
P.P.S. To all fellow Tims.If you have the day off,put your Hoops on and have a good wander round the shops,though maybe better not go round the ones controlled by Belfast City Council.

ROB O'KEEFFE
6 years ago
Reply to  Rob O'Keeffe

Funny why you don’t criticise Ralph for his criticism of Belfast Council apropos bonfires,injunctions. Agenda clearly at work. Perhaps complain to the Sinn Fein councillors about the ludicrous situation or keep paying your council tax….

Stiofan
6 years ago

What a great dhay – happy birthday Moussa Hunskelper oh it’s nice to be a UFB

IRISHGUY
6 years ago

Caption…

Windsor park tightens up on security before Fridays big game.

Rob O'Keeffe
6 years ago

Caption: Derry’s Walls not as well guarded as they used to be……

Raymobhoy
6 years ago

I see the BBC have a piece on the Bonfires, minus offending banners of course and glorifying the builders as heroes with associated glamour shots.

6 years ago
Reply to  Raymobhoy

How did you manage to associate “glamour” with that bunch of six-fingered, redneck banjo players? Everybody has the right to be born ugly, but these cunts abuse the privilege!

Raymobhoy
6 years ago
Reply to  Steven R

I was using ‘Glamour’ sarcastically

TicToc
6 years ago
Reply to  Steven R

HaHaHa, Stephen R, fuckin’ brilliant, HaHaHa.
HH

charlie
6 years ago

caption the dog says ye thnk ime scary wait tae ye meet ma da hees behind ye and unchained

PeteCon
6 years ago

Caption: “Club 1872 raise threat to Scottish Football over title stripping.”

6 years ago

Caption….With a majority of Strathclydes Stormtroopers marching today, then security over the new ibrox trophy cabinet is in the safe hands of Brutus here…. HH

Monti
6 years ago

Caption: Loyalist Bitch shows her Pedigree chums the safest way to spend the 12th, in East Belfast.

6 years ago

Happy birthday mousea dumbelle and happy birthday to conner manger too hope use are having a laugh with frinds and family hail hail ☹ floyed maywether conner

6 years ago
Reply to  Barryburger88

Winner

Morto
6 years ago

Caption:
No, I said small sign and big dog….

6 years ago

Caption: photographer catches an intimate photo inside the Orange Lodge’s ladies dressing room, with one of their members totally naked.. actually, it’s a dog – but it’s the same thing, really!

mike
6 years ago

Our hero’s one and all, of the beautiful game , one and all.

Hail Hail “Cesar” Billy McNeil,
at your plight we do feel,
our hearts are broken, will they ever heal,
for our Bothwell bhoy our Lanarkshire chiel.

Hail Hail our very own “Jinky” bhoy,
your exquisite skill, we did enjoy,
small of stature, huge of heart,
our love for you, is off the chart.

Hail Hail our beloved “Tommy Burns!,
aptly named “Twist and Turns”,
your goodness shown through every pore,
your memory lives forever more.

mike
6 years ago

One and all, the beautiful game with man and ball, ffs.

mike
6 years ago

part two has left the building along with ma patience!!!!!

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

….and your nose!

mike
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Hail Hail Montibanny, your comments make you a class one fanny,
I’ll take it with a pinch of salt,
but only if you buy me a single malt.

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

Mike,
You’re welcome my friend, a malt i’ll buy crivvens jings oh aye,
But don’t stand too close, or you’ll take oot ma eye.
😉

mike
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

hahaha fud!! ;-

charlie
6 years ago

see the new spfl chairman private eye call him shifty mc grifty

Celtic125
6 years ago
Reply to  charlie

Charlie
Didnae think embdy was gonnae menshy Lavish McTavish (his proper monicker that PE attributed to him. Shifty McGifty came from the brown shirts at the Telegraf)
More confirmation of our Boards acquiescence to the dark side and their demands. The claim too that our Board are genuine classy Business types (oxymoron warning) begs the question, why would they rubber stamp known villains?

6 years ago
Reply to  Celtic125

Because it’s easier to pull down a house built on sand than one built on concrete.

Celtic125
6 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

Mibbees so and no less valid than my own point but I was trying to make the point generally about all the players involved. GoosyGoosy from another blog posted the piece below that I think nails what I was alluding to but didnae manage.

BLUJULY 12, 2017 at 10:02 GoosyGoosy,If what you say is correct, fans/supporters should look at these people, who are the current directors of the SPFL, as recorded at Companies House.BLAIR, Iain Joseph BUDGE, Ann Cochrane Cook Wallace DEMPSTER, Leeann DONCASTER, Neil Antony DRYSDALE, Eric Wilson FERGUSON, Kenneth William LAWWELL, Peter Thomas MAXWELL, Ian Gardner MCCLUSKEY, Karyn TOPPING, Ralph JamiesonI’d reckon that most people would think that there’s some quality in that group, maybe some independent thinkers? However, if they collectively fail to see the need for transparency and evidence of being seen to have applied the League’s rules without fear or favour in respect its dealings with RFC 2012’s improper player registrations, the game’s screwed.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
IMO
Unfortunately the game is screwed and has been for decades
How many individuals on the SPFL Board are noted for putting integrity above commercial interest?
Believe Me
If they were people of outstanding integrity it would be well known by now. Their reputation would have gone before them.for a start They would not have joined or remained on a board that employed Neil Doncaster as CEO
Integrity is not a personal trait that sits well with commercialism. Its one of those pesky moral values that keep interfering with making money. It fights its corner in every big decision where the commercial brain is suggesting you act dishonestly and tell lies.
Integrity cannot ever yield to dishonest compromises. If it does the respect it once earned has gone forever. My business experience suggests that integrity at Director level is nowhere near as common as you might expect.Integrity seems to reside mostly in individuals who are considered bolshi for raising moral questions during commercial discussions. Paradoxically, these people also tend to have progressed their careers by earning respect for difficult and often unpopular decisions.
5 years have gone by since we last heard the voice of integrity in Scottish football.
Turnbull Hutton(rip) enjoyed a long and successful business career without compromising his integrity.He was just as outspoken then as he was at Raith Rovers. He made a lot of difficult and sometimes unpopular decisions. But he did it with respect for the people most affected.
When he spoke up against the Armageddon lies and arm twisting by the SFA he knew he would get little public support from other club Chairmen.He was right. I don`t recall any other club Chairman backing him in public.
Football club Directors with genuine integrity live lonely lives.They are avoided by those who can

6 years ago
Reply to  Celtic125

You are preaching to the already converted pal.
Peter Lawwell is first and foremost a businessman.
The fact he drew a Bonus that almost doubled his wage when the Club was failing on the Park speaks volumes about his integrity when it comes to putting morality before his own personal gains and needs?
People at the top seldom get to the top without stepping on the heads of those below them.
That’s just a fact of life I’m afraid and although l don’t condone such actions or support that mentality that is the world that man has created.
I come from an estate where folk leave their front doors open during the day but l regularly walk past and through an area where high hedges and electric gates are the norm where folk look down their nose at the type of dog you are walking.
Wankers each and every one.
These people who run our game are not interested in the wishes of the Supporters it’s all about the £.
The Turnbull Hutton’s of this world are few and far between and when found should be treated with the respect that they have earned and are due.
The rest were shit on his shoes IMO.

Corktim
6 years ago

I hope it pissesdown on those bigoted racist excuses for human beings today,the psni holding an investigation that’s a laugh,the same police force who stopped patrolling areas when attacks were to take place on innocent Catholics,and they will be all having their cultural day out 2day.

Rob O'Keeffe
6 years ago
Reply to  Corktim

Correct Corktim,the RUC,British “army”,”Special Branch” all colluded and complicit in the murders of so many…..

mike
6 years ago

Paddy Roberts and Shay Givan,
both of which are extremely driven,
no like fanny boy Pat Niven,
cos he’s a tit and that’s a given.

Monti
6 years ago

WELCOME TO PARADISE OLIVIER NTCHAM!

6 years ago

Caption : Mikey the dug left me here and fucked off way ma maw

charlie
6 years ago
6 years ago
Reply to  charlie

He will add some quality in the middle Ta ta Bitton

charlie
6 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

a think yer right

6 years ago

http://www.celticfc.net/news/12893

CELTIC are delighted to announce that Olivier Ntcham has joined the club on a four-year deal from Manchester City.
The highly-rated French midfielder is considered to be one of the most exciting young talents in football, and will be a great addition to Brendan Rodgers’ treble-winning Invincibles squad.
The 21-year-old joined Manchester City from French side, Le Havre, back in 2012, and has spent the past two seasons on loan at Serie A side, Genoa, where he made over 40 appearances for the club.
Now, Olivier has committed his future to Celtic and will link up with his fellow French Under-21 internationalist, Moussa Dembele, who enjoyed a very impressive first season with the Hoops, scoring 32 goals as the team secured the domestic treble without losing a single game.
Olivier joins Jonny Hayes and Kindai Benya as the new arrivals at Celtic in the close season, and speaking exclusively to the official Celtic website, Olivier Ntcham said: “It’s a nice feeling to be here at Celtic and I want to win everything at Celtic as I have never won a trophy before.
“I’m most looking forward to the derby and playing in the Champions League. I remember them beating Barcelona five years ago in the group stages. Not every club gets to play in this competition so I’m happy to have the chance to play there with Celtic.
“Celtic is fresh challenge for me. While Genoa are a good team, I knew they wouldn’t win Serie A as they were not a top team like Juventus, but I know Celtic are a big team in Scotland.”
Matching the fantastic feats of Brendan Rodgers’ side last season, when they clinched the treble and went through the entire league campaign unbeaten, will be a huge ask, but Ntcham is relishing that challenge.
“It’s always good to win the titles, and I hope we can win the trophies again and do even better than last season,” he added. “I am excited at the challenge of playing in the team.”

charlie
6 years ago
6 years ago
Reply to  charlie

Great defending by the No6 on the second goal ooft…

charlie
6 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

he he

charlie
6 years ago
charlie
6 years ago
portpower
6 years ago

Welcome to Celtic Olivier

Celtic are coming to my local state,South Australia.
Wish I was 35 years younger.

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/celtic-fc-international-soccer-academy-port-pirie-northern-demons-sc-tickets-27297914798

I won’t be able to make it.
Good luck Ghirls and Bhoys.

6 years ago

Great Diary today Ralph some good patter as per.
SECOND TO NONE
Apparently Etims is sub standard according to award winning blogger MrJames.
I would copy n past his comment of course but the thought of being sued by a “rangers fan” who’s finances come direct from gullible Celtic fans is probably a stretch too far for my mental capacity.

connolls chair
6 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

Good comment Charlie,time this charlatan was called out.
Huge pity that guys like Rob O’Coffee hang on his every word and even pay for the privilege.Muppets.
For the life of me,I can never imagine a Celtic supporter,no matter how bad things would ever get,ripping into our club the way he does with the huns.
I’ve been aware of this guy for five years now,since the LSE forums where incidently,he used to refer to PMG AS “ill Phil”.
He is a hun,and a liar,which can be easily proved.Sue me,prat.
Don’t give him the time of day,or your money.

Rob O'Keeffe
6 years ago
Reply to  connolls chair

connols? who he?……dear,oh dear….calling Celtic fans “muppets” oops,careful……

Rob O'Keeffe
6 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

Quality,bud,pal,smiley face……oops except for copy and past?

6 years ago
Reply to  Rob O'Keeffe

That’s my pedant trap….never fails 😉
APROPOS ARSEROBBOS ASSPOOPOOS

Rob O'Keeffe
6 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

Nope just a mistake,”honest one”?….. quality…..

mike
6 years ago

We are ALL Scott Sinclair, in every day and every way the only colour that matters is the Green and White Hoops.

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

Mike,
Completely!

6 years ago

Well done Peter Lawwell and the Board at Celtic in securing 3 very decent signings in this window so far.
Now if you could top it off by securing Armstrong and Roberts on long term contracts that would be just amazing.

jimmybee
6 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

Think two of them are still to prove themselves m8.But we did need a bit of steel in the midfield,so hopefully those players can bring it. A goalkeeper and left sided centre back still required.
Paddy and Armstrong would be the icing on the cake.

6 years ago
Reply to  jimmybee

I gather we have a young Man City CB on trial hope this doesn’t spell the end for the likes of McCart because Kelleher was moved on as was O’Connell ?
I agree on the keeper situation I’m still concerned about Gordon’s decision making sometimes in big games?
Great keeper just seems to switch off now and then.

jimmybee
6 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

I like McCart think he has a bright future,the young Chelsea centre back might be brought in to cover at development level as we have allowed the others to leave can’t see him being a first team player.

6 years ago
Reply to  jimmybee

If he’s at Chelsea tho l should expect he’s already a decent enough defender Jimmy?

Rob O'Keeffe
6 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

Soooook,Mr.Celtic.Soon the British Army guy will be putting up Rebel songs.We’re running a book on it,might even turn into another competition regarding who is the biggest desperado on here to appear World Class Celtic fan but oops you are calling some Celtic fans gullible.Be careful out there……

6 years ago
Reply to  Rob O'Keeffe

🙂 🙂 🙂 “we”
Would that be you and the voices in yer heid Rab?
Rhetorical question.

Rob O'Keeffe
6 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

Smiley face instructor alert…….

mike
6 years ago

Been waiting for you Oliver, that steel that has been missing in the middle of the park, now one BIG centre half and then job done, team ready for the qualifiers.

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

Mike,
I disagree about only needing a central defender, in my opinion we need a goalkeeper, right back, central defender & i still feel we need to bring in another striker……oh and last but not fucking least, Patrick Roberts 7!

mike
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

I personally am a big fan of Gordon, right back yes, another striker, I don’t think that we need him just yet, but if the Moose who I do not believe will leave this season does go then certainly.
It must be very hard for any player to sit on the bench, Griff. is a case in point, for team harmony. So not just now!

The Cha
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

Hopefully, we’ll still have a Moose, Loose, about the Big Hoose.

6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

We have Lustig Gamboa Ralsron and Wardrop who are all right backs not to mention Tierney slotted in there for Scotland on his debut Monti.
I agree on the CB situation and has been highlighted by Jimmy we could do with a left sided CB so we can comfortably have 3 at the back and push the WBs up a bit.
We have Dembele and Griffiths plus Ciftci and 2-3 young strikers in Development chomping at the bit to get a chance I don’t think adding a 3rd top striker will help ATM?
Besides with the investment in wide men it looks like Brendan is going to continue with 1 main striker with 2 wide men in attack.
Too many and you could upset the obvious good feeling among the attackers.

mike
6 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

Ralston oh Ralston,
I still hear your cold wind blowing,
I was 21 when I left Ralston.

Galveston oh Galveston,

FredCDobbs
6 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

Dembele and Griffiths plus Ciftci EQUALS Dembele and Griffiths

Rob O'Keeffe
6 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

Oh come on.Are guys on here taking this infiltrator seriously? He can’t even get his homework correct.He’s now telling us how Celtic will play,remind you of anyone? Please go on home,desperado doesn’t even cover it…..

jimmybee
6 years ago

Caption: Whit de ye mean I’m no a Rottweiler, i bought the history aff some guy in Edinburgh so there.

Monti
6 years ago

Stuart Armstrong new contract happening or fucking not?

” We try to be world class in everything we do “?
Aye ok

jimmybee
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Might be his agent m8 playing silly buggers.
Only a year left so he would be free to talk in January.
If it continues and nothing is settled,he would need to go.

6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Have you considered it might be Armstrong who is having his head turned elsewhere Monti?
I say this because he signed a 3 year deal at Celtic on arrival (GM-S signed a 4 year deal) and it has become apparent his best pal might well be surplus to requirement with the arrival of Hayes from Aberdeen?
I hope I’m wrong but l get the feeling now he’s tasted success at Celtic he might want to push himself further in England..oh and not to mention the financial advantages that come with that too?

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

Charlie saiz,
No i don’t think that’s the case at all, i think Armstrong is a bright lad for a footballer, i think it might just be a bit of negotiating going on, which is fine but annoying for us who want it done.
Armstrong was outstanding last year and if we want to keep him, pay him!

6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

I agree and want him tied up for the foreseeable future Monti
However l believe he stated a few years ago he doesn’t see football as his long term goal.
Hence his Degree in Law.

paranoid_numanoid
6 years ago

Brilliant diary, first with the Ntcham news – impressive detective work. Good laugh out loud stuff as well. My first port of call most mornings. Arson/bonfire a classic!

6 years ago

Ditto
ln fact it’s so good Ralph should ask any ” lurkers” looking in for payment 😉

The Cha
6 years ago

Mm, Celtic fans should not attend grounds where the players are subject to a hatefest.

I guess that’s us banned from Ibrox, Tynie and Aberdeen until they get their shiny new gentrified ground.

The important part is how is Oliver’s name pronounced, is it “Cham” or does the “Nt” give it a clicking sound, as sung by the great Scottish singer Miriam McKeba:

https://youtu.be/vhgb60Qsjrs

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  The Cha

The Cha,
Celtic in Belfast is hugely different from Aberdeen, fuck sake!!

The Cha
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Agreed but Ibrox isn’t!

paranoid_numanoid
6 years ago

Caption : Do not mistake my size for weakness, my feart wee face for terror, or my shivering for the cold…

Cortes
6 years ago

Just grrreat!

Hope you win (a lot).

charlie
6 years ago
jimmybee
6 years ago

Hers Dougie Wright with a bit on our new bhoy.
It looks fairly certain that Olivier Ntcham will become Celtic’s third signing of the summer. The 21 year old French midfielder underwent a medical in Glasgow on Saturday ahead of a permanent transfer from Manchester City. This article will look at Ntcham’s position and his recent history, before touching upon how he plays in each of the four phases of the game.

Position and recent history

“Although I’m capable of playing deeper, in a ball winning role, I prefer being higher up the pitch creating chances. In a 4-3-3, I’m comfortable going from box to box, but it’s the role of the playmaker, the number 10, that suits me most. In any case, that’s where I prefer playing.” (France Football, 2016)

Over the past two years at Genoa, Ntcham has been playing in a 3-4-3 system. Usually this has been on the right hand side of the two central midfielders, but they have occasionally played him on either wing too.

Frankly, Genoa have not had a great season. Limping into a sixteenth placed finish, just four points above the relegation zone, the Ligurians sacked manager Ivan Juric in February, only to reappoint him in April after replacement Andrea Mandorlini could only take four points from six games in charge.

Last season, Ntcham only really got a run in the team from March to April where he started six games in a row.

However, central midfield was a position riddled with inconsistency in this side, with not a single player managing over 75% of available minutes in the middle:

There are some legitimate criticisms of Ntcham, but it must be placed into context of the above. The Genoa side he was playing in were poor, he didn’t really have a run of games to build up a relationship with his team mates, and these seasons were his first experiences of senior football.

Attacking Structure

When his team are in possession, Ntcham is probably most similar to Tom Rogic at Celtic. He will roam all across the opposition half looking for possession, and when he receives it, he turns and passes to his favoured choice.

Although he is comfortable on the ball, he is occasionally guilty of taking one touch too many, and has been caught out a few times by an opponent pressuring his blind side. This caused some problems in the early days at Genoa. Playing on a defensive team, Ntcham would sometimes lose possession near the Genoa penalty box, from which the opposition could create chances.

However, this does look to have been coached out of him. Besides, playing in a high possession team like Celtic, whose centre backs are often perched near the halfway line, it is unlikely that he will be receiving the ball near the Celtic goal.

Nevertheless, he is still fairly strong on the ball, and his time at Genoa looks to have made him more streetwise. You’re more likely to see Ntcham play a safe pass backwards if under pressure than turn and risk being dispossessed. However, when he does have space to turn, he has a formidable passing range. He’s able to play through the lines comfortably, whether spraying it out to the wings, or playing a through ball in behind the defenders.

Ntcham is also a player who likes to shoot from range. Going through all of his shots since the turn of the year, just one was inside the penalty box. The vast majority were either blocked, off target, or with nowhere near enough power to trouble the goalkeeper. However, from these nineteen shots, he did score two fantastic goals. Here’s one of them:

Attacking Transition

Ntcham is very capable at breaking with pace. Another similarity to Rogic is that he’s very difficult to get the ball off once he starts carrying it. As this clip shows, his first thought on winning the ball back for his team is to get forward:

Perhaps his decision making with the final ball could be better, but if teams leave space in between the lines, Ntcham will eat it up. This will be particularly suitable in a Celtic team with the likes of Armstrong, Sinclair and Dembele all creating space ahead for him.

Defensive Transition

Ntcham is a player who is athletically competent. He is quick and he is strong. This means that upon losing possession, he is able to quickly get back and apply pressure on the ball carrier.

However, there are two caveats to the above. First of all, the pace at which he gets back and the intensity of pressure he applies means that sometimes he ends up barging into the ball carrier and giving away a foul:

Secondly, he is perhaps guilty of not showing as much desire to get back when things are going tough. For example, consider the below in a match vs. Atalanta, where his Genoa side were 2-0 down after half an hour. They would go on to lose the game 5-0.

On the plus side, both of these things can be worked with. The raw athletic ability is there to be able to effectively cover in the defensive transition; the actual act of pressuring the player/winning the ball back can be fine-tuned over time.

Defensive Structure

Looking at Ntcham over the past 12 months, you see him playing in two totally different systems. Genoa routinely cede possession throughout the 90 minutes, and so spend most of their time in their own half defending. On the other hand, the French under 21 side see much more of the ball and look to dominate play. This obviously means that Ntcham has had to adapt to the two different styles.

Fortunately for Celtic fans, their team play more like France under 21s than Genoa. For Genoa, upon losing the ball, the tendency would be to track back as quickly as possible. For the national team, Ntcham is instructed to play slightly differently. He’ll tend to stick tight to his opposition marker, even higher up the pitch. He’s stronger and faster than most players, so this means he has a good chance of winning an interception in these cases. If not, he’s not averse to the odd tactical foul in order to keep the opponent high up the park:

Conclusion

Should Celtic complete the signing of Ntcham, they will be buying a player with plenty of raw talent. There is still some clumsiness to his play, and his decision making could arguably improve. However, this is a very promising player. Keeping players like Koziello, Sanson and Cyprien (all hugely impressive in Ligue 1 last season) out of the French under 21 side is no mean feat, and to have nearly 40 appearances in Serie A at his age is similarly rare.

Brendan Rodgers has previous for moulding young talent. You can be reasonably certain that Ntcham will be his next success.

paranoid_numanoid
6 years ago

Caption : Wee Pedro chooses to stand firm at the big hoose!

jimmybee
6 years ago

Ever wondered why the orange parades started. Hers the answer haha.
WITH July twelfth officially upon us, we look back now at the very little known history of the Orange Order parades, and how they originally came about.

The Loyal Orange Institution, more commonly known as the Orange Order, is a Protestant organisation based primarily in Northern Ireland. The Order was founded in 1795 in a bid to bring some sort of order to the way fruit was being displayed in many fruit stalls across the six counties.

The problem was that the poorer Catholic street traders would throw every different variety of fruit into the same stall, with no separation between items, making it difficult for buyers to search through. Not only was the jumbled up fruit unsightly, it also encouraged mould and rot to fester quite quickly, ruining the produce.

The Protestants, or “protesting ants” as they were originally called, began feuding with the Catholics about their idiotic shelving, insisting the fruit to be separated.

On July 12th, 1803, the Orange Order decided to finally take a stand, organising a march right through the heart of Belfast city on the Shankhill Road, where dozens of Catholic fruit sellers were based. Historians state that over 300 Orange Order members marched down through the stalls, carefully separating apples from pears, bananas from oranges, and even aligning the fruit in order of ripeness. This upset the Catholics and violence soon broke out on the street, and several people on both sides were tragically killed.

Every year thereafter, the Orange Order insisted on repeating the OCD based march in defiance of the Catholics stance on fruit, with more and more people dying annually.

It wasn’t until the Good Friday Agreement in 1998 did Catholics finally begin sorting out their fruit stalls, and peace treaty was finally reached.

Keeping with tradition, the Orange Order continues to march every year on the 12th of July to commemorate two centuries of fruit disorganisation. Even today, large pallets of fruits are still ritually burned, hopefully along with the disagreements between the two factions.

Well it has to have some truth cmon the green apples.

6 years ago
Reply to  jimmybee

Enjoyed that good stuff Jimmy
Celtic FC in line with tradition are currently sorting out the apple section whilst totally ignoring the festering oranges
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=6+green+apples+in+a+row&client=firefox-b&prmd=isvn&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwic-PHj6YPVAhUDb1AKHTduBt4Q_AUICSgB&biw=1024&bih=664#imgrc=As-wwOv8p23_nM:

Monti
6 years ago

TOP TIPS: Loyalists, on bonfire night be careful not to splash any petrol on 5 or ten thousand of you.
At no time step away from your 1″ safety line away from the fire.
Under no circumstances throw gas cylinders onto the bonfire, unless you strap 10 gas bottle to yourself tben head slowly into the bonfire.

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

BOOOOOOOOOOM 🙂

Rob O'Keeffe
6 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

Must take you back,some of your fellow “security” forces pictured on there.Who is this guy?A Brit joking about mortar bombs on barracks? He must be fun at their reunions.Am I the one eyed man in the land of the blind?
This is unbelievable stuff,and we call Pedro mad? At least he’s a Tim(Pedro,obviously)…..

6 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

Having been 20 yards from one when it went off l can tell you it makes one helluva “beng” 😉

6 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

Indeed Red it blew my eardrums and shattered the ambiance of my brew and smoke

puggy 67
6 years ago

Caption: Scores of Ranger’s players bitten on the bum by English Bull Terrier (EBT).

puggy 67
6 years ago

Caption: Shih Tzu in shit zoo

mike
6 years ago

And if our green apples accidently fall,
there will be 11 green apples playing with a ball!!

jimmybee
6 years ago

Mind yer tent under the green apple tree at Drumcree.

https://youtu.be/yrEihy6VIRM

mike
6 years ago

Hail Hail Paul McStay,
on our field of dreams he did play,
better than anyone on his day,
passes from you, never went astray.

Hail Hail Henke, “King of Kings”.
around the huns, he ran rings,
thanks for all the memories, our voice still sings,
we loved his every bit,
bit his gravelly voice got on my tits.

Stein, Stein, our big Jock Stein,
the crème brulee, the top of the cream,
you left us with an enduring dream,
your wonderful legacy, your “Lions” team.

jimmybee
6 years ago

Keeping Toure might be the master stroke by Brendan, getting two French under 21 players is a major coup. He could be a major influence in getting the players to come.
Might be this is the market we can tap into for the long term.

6 years ago
Reply to  jimmybee

Looking at the current French sides in International fitba it’s a no brainer if you can pick these guys up sooner rather than later.
Wenger has been doing it for years.

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

CS,
Yep, kicked it off with Anelka, just over £1m.
Wonder how much he woukd be worth if he was in his prime now.

6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

He was a decent striker Anelka sure l read somewhere that his total transfers fees was over £100m in his career as he used to move to a new Club ever 18month to 2 year after signing 3-4 year deals.
His agent must have been minted lol

6 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz
jimmybee
6 years ago

Four Four two bit on our new bhoy
https://t.co/O2POz7TV5C

6 years ago
Reply to  jimmybee

Interesting that Brendan also favours 3-4-3

mike
6 years ago

Paddee remember me,
yes we’el always remember,
till the day we die,
I’ll hear you cry,
Paddee remember me !!

Common back Paddee, don’t be shy,
if you see him walking doon the street,
don’t start to greet,dont walk on by,
just dont walk on by,
your all that we need,
its not for greed,
just don’t walk on by.

Monti
6 years ago

An Iceberg twice the size of Luxembourg, has broken off the Atlantic shelf.
” rangers ” have refused to acknowledge this as an’Iceberg’, as they weren’t on it when it broke off.

jimmybee
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

That’s some size of a lettuce

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  jimmybee

🙂

6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Was that the same iceberg that sunk HMS Pretendygers?

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

We’ll have lettuce that if you don’t mind…..

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