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Celtic Diary Friday November 3: Keeping The Home Fires Burning

Bayern Munich seem to have gone all gooey about their trip to Celtic Park earlier this week. It may come as no surprise to you, but the mainstream media hasn’t picked up on this.

We’re used to the atmosphere getting the plaudits, and Celtic supporters liaison officer John Paul Taylor received an email which confirms that at least one Bayern fan loved it..

And no, its not a fake, although some claimed it was

Replying to  

OMG you have actually sent yourself a letter. WOW. TRAGIC 

They really have nothing left….

There was praise for the players as well, as manager Brendan Rodgers pointed out while Scottish journalists looked the other way…

“What the players earned against Bayern was respect,” 

“That was what Arjen Robben and young Thiago were saying afterwards. They were outstanding, that’s what they were saying.

“So for our players to play with that quality makes me proud. It’s a nice pat on the back for them.” 

That counts for a lot, and it will do the players confidence no harm at all to learn that seasoned campaigners at this level hold them in respect.

Dedryck Boyata, who many blame for the opening goal-well, who Craig Gordon blames for the opening goal-has earned the respect of his manager, which is what counts.. despite the momentary lapse..

“If you hesitate at this level, you get punished – simple as that”,

“Kingsley Coman – if there’s a faster player out there I’ve yet to see him – makes these runs across the line and if you are indecisive, you get punished. But Dedryck will learn.

“He has been brilliant for me since he came in, but it’s a level where you have to go and be aggressive and from that he’ll learn. Just go and head it.

“Dedryck would go into his final year next summer. I would love him to stay.

“His representatives have spoken to Peter Lawwell and I’ve also spoken to Dedryck.

“He understands what I think, but you always have to respect the player. We will chat again.

“However, he is a player I rate highly and, like all the boys, he is seeing a really exciting period at Celtic. They want to be in this cycle and lots of them have signed up to be part of it.

“There is nothing yet on Dedryck’s contract, but I would like him to extend it, very much so.” 

The priority is to get him a settled partner, one who wants to play for Celtic and who is unlikely to injure himself getting out of the bath.

We hear that apart from the occasional rolling of eyes at the mention when Craig “It Wisnae Me ” Gordon is mentioned, the squad are a happy bunch , with a little more spring in their step this morning, and one who whistled on his way to work, dorus De Vries, is happier than most.

When Anderlecht are out of the way, expect him to get a run of games…

About three years worth.

Apart from that, lets use that confidence to good effect against Anderlecht, and look forward to a wee run after christmas…

 

Celtic are up in Perth tomorrow, and avoiding defeat will set a new unbeaten record for a British club. Somewhat ironically, it was in Perth that Celtic last tasted defeat in a domestic match, which kind of worries me more than the actual match.

Whilst the record is important, there is an added edge to this game. Although Celtic ruthlessly showed Aberden who was top dog the other week, defeat in Perth and an Aberdeen win this weekend will see the dons take over at the top of the table.

This despite the mounting press campaign to get him to go into semi retirement at Ibrox..

Derek McInnes helped Rangers win nine in a row now he can stop Celtic winning 10 – Barry Ferguson

Barry Ferguson believes Rangers have to go for Derek McInnes to stop Brendan Rodgers leading Celtic to 10 in a row. 

Actually, theres far more chance of him stopping the ten if he stays where he is..

Poor Bazzer. He hasnt had, and isn’t going to get that call asking him to take over from Pedro, and his instructions are to try to talk McInnes into it..

After more or less telling Caixinha that if he had hired him things would have turned out okay, Ferguson goes on to tell us why McInnes should get the job..

As a player, Derek McInnes was part of the Rangers squad that won Nine in a row. As a manager, he is the guy who can end Celtic’s chances of 10. If I was on that Rangers board I’d drive up to Pittodrie myself this morning and bundle him into the boot of my car. I simply would not take no for an answer. 

You see, Pedro was wrong. Barry would have brought something extra to Ibrox. The police, presumably.

As far as I’m concerned the decision to appoint Caixinha was a massive gamble. One that backfired just as many of us were worried that it would.

But this time it’s all about minimising the risk. And that’s why, whatever way I look at it, I just can’t see past McInnes. 

There was a similar problem with McCoist, but for a more physical reason.

And, no, it’s not just because he’s a Rangers man. Do you think I’m that daft?

Yes.

When I said last week that I wanted to see someone in charge who knows the club inside out it wasn’t because I believe you need to know the words to ‘Follow Follow’ to be able to manage Rangers. 

You need at least a couple of verses of the Sash as well, and theres something else, which may cause a drop in business for this local eaterie.. who appear to be setting up a honey trap for insurgent Ibrox players..

Do you like FISH on a FRIDAY? Join us for HIGH TEA this FRIDAY. Only £15.50 for a main course and a selection of chef’s homemade cakes !

Anyway, despite the confident prediction of Jim Delahunt, there’s no sign of McInnes at Ibrox, and there isn’t likely to be.

For record, with a small r, McInnes will be at Rangers by Wed’day & Aberdeen will be compensated if Gers directors can come up with cash. 

Jim Delahunt is a columnist with the Sun newspaper, so its probably not entirely a shock to note that McInnes didn;t go to Ibrox on Wednesday.

Back to Baz, a columnist with that equally respected paper, the Record..

No, what I was trying to explain is that there are all sorts of imponderables when it comes to choosing a manager for a club like this one. The likes of David Moyes, Sam Allardyce and Alan Pardew might have great CVs but there’s no way of knowing, until they get across the front door, how they will cope with the demands of being at Rangers. It’s not like any other job or any other club. 

Its not actually Rangers, but it is similar to them.

That’s what I mean when I mention standards. There are standards which have been set at this club which must be strictly adhered to if they are ever going to reclaim their place at the top of the Scottish game. Standards that Pedro Caixinha could never understand. Standards that might make the others feel uncomfortable. 

Ah, the standards…brogues, suits, ties, and a deep lying hatred of all things catholic.

They’ll get what they deserve.

Keith Jackson toed the party line as well..

Rangers can land Derek McInnes AND assistant Tony Docherty for just £800k compensation

The Aberdeen boss is the bookies’ favourite to take over at Ibrox but the Gers would have to pay the Dons for his services.

 All of this attention, of course, is designed to make it look like they are looking for a new manager, but the last thing they want to do is actually bring someone in.

For a number of reasons, as you will see later today.

While all this is going on, Celtic need to stay ahead of the pack and away from the kerfuffle with a tidy wee win over St. Johnstone.

Keeping things in focus at home is the key to having a bt of success abroad, and tomorrow is an important fixture in that respect.

Tommy Wright may appear to have  conceded defeat before a ball is kicked, but you can be assured that thats only for the cameras..

“I took in the Bayern game and I wish I hadn’t!” 

“Celtic were brilliant. Okay, Brendan changed his team last week for Kilmarnock but you look at what they did to Aberdeen and that’s what they’re capable of. They dismantled the team who have been by far the second best in the country over the last few seasons.

“They won comfortably at Pittodrie and on Tuesday night they were awesome. Celtic would have been extremely disappointed not to have won, never mind drawn it.

“It shows you the quality of their squad and the size of the task we’re up against.

“Other teams are better this season but it doesn’t mean Celtic are any less of a force. They’ll still win the league comfortably because they have the best players. 

Saints will be without Brian Easton, Chris Millar and Murray Davidson and Stefan Scougall and Michael O’Halloran are major doubts.

“Moussa Dembele is coming back which will make them stronger and he’s had a few injuries and made some personnel changes at centre back but if you look at the performance levels against Aberdeen and Bayern Munich they are better.

“I can’t think of too many times they’ve played better than they did at Pittodrie. Maybe the first 60/70 minutes against us last season when they went 3-0 up before it finished 4-2. They were brilliant that day.

“History tells you we were the last team to defeat them domestically 62 games ago.

“But one of the areas they’ve improved on is their results and performances after Champions League matches.

“Brendan doesn’t seem to have changed his team as much this season as he did last.

“We’re approaching the international break as well so I would imagine they’ll be strong again this weekend. 

St johnstone came fairly close to stopping the run ealrier this season at Celtic Park, and Wright does seem to know how to play against us..

“Our tactics worked that day and we also carried a bit of luck.

“You hope to press them high for as long as possible to disrupt their rhythm of the style they want to play.

“However, when you play against a side with players who are individually better you need to be brave and keep possession for longer when you win the ball back.

“If you keep giving the ball back the pressure builds and it can be a case of ‘bang, bang, bang’ and suddenly you find yourself 3-0 down.

“You’ve got to be cautious but at the same time also try to win the game.” 

I’m not sure I like this all new competitive Premier League.

 

It’s Friday, and of course that means its time to announce  the Etims

Knob of the Week 

Can you detect a wee bit of bitterness…?

Replying to   and 

It’s not your Club any more. Its owned by a foreign based billionaire. You don’t even know the present never mind the history

Replying to   and 

No, that’s what the fans wanted. And they’ve got it. A club run as a capitalist company. Owned by a billionaire. Bro Walfrid would have been so proud. 

Michael, of course, was a member f the family that almost killed Celtic during its tenure.

But he’s not a bitter man.

He is, however, this weeks Etims

Knob of the Week  

If you are eating, please look away now…

Michael Kelly

Yesterdays image…

Arsene Parcelie November 2, 2017 at 9:11 am · Edit · Reply →

 

Caption:
A still from Escape To Victory? Prisoners plot their escape as the German guards prepare for the match. 

Today…

Later today we will have finally put together the bits of tittle tattle we’ve heard from over the river.

Keep an eye out for it…

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6 years ago

http://celticbynumberscom.ipage.com/kilmarnock-enjoy-glasgow-week/

Clarke’s Killie made it 3 undefeated from a week in Glasgow. But Celtic still chase the records.

Better late than never. Maybe. HH

jimmybee
6 years ago

Great read again m8 thanks.
I was thinking of the second goal again, and for me i think itd Rogic who is totally lost he sees the player but doesnt get involved, a more defensive midfielder like eboussi and ntcham would probaly have defended the situation better and we may not have conceded.
Dont know for sure if it was Rogic maybe help me out on this one.
HH keep up the good work.

jimmybee
6 years ago
Reply to  jimmybee

Sorry that was in reply to the munich game.

BJF
6 years ago

Caption “Rangers” confirm their move to a new stadium.

Thinking about Alan Pardew he would have a lot to offer Sevco, Crystal Palace are a similar club, perennial non archivers fanatical but misguided fan base, delusions of grandeur though with a considerably longer history, he would hardly feel he had left south London

6 years ago

Caption- Brendan slightly disappointed with new hybrid pitch.

Monti
6 years ago

Caption: Full size Gordon Strachan pitch for the World cup qualifiers.

Monti
6 years ago

” I like Mcinnes ”
” Fuck Celtic ”
” Looking forward to seeing St.Johnstone give us a game ”
Hmmmmmm…….Zombie Alert Zombie Alert!

4p in the £1? Oh dear

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

I see the St.Johnstone manager saying he could be without FIVE first team players for the visit of Celtic.

Sniff….

charlie
6 years ago

the polis presumably ha ha ha ha spat ma coffee and cheesy crackers all over ma screen there ralph

The real Anton Rogan
6 years ago

Caption: The wurld class Albion Car Park gets a face lift as Whyte takes back control of ra deeds

Level 5 plant
6 years ago

Caption. Daily Record headline. Sevco show off plans for new pitch for their new manager!

mike
6 years ago

Who will speak out for the un-born,
their future, childhood, youth are torn,
will anyone hear their cry,
will anyone question why.

Pills before and after,
but still it happens every-day,
we should be shouting from the rafters,
who will speak out and say….

That this is wrong, awareness is the key,
lessons that are free,
lessons on love and marriage,
or else this will continue, this daily carnage.

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

Sex outside of marriage is evil, the devil at work!

mike
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Yes…its wrong, wrong, wrong…in every sense….

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

Is it? I wouldn’t know……..cough

mike
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

I’m the same, virgin airways was I. 😉

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

I believe Weered but no Mike 🙂

mike
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

I’m once, twice, three night’s a lady. 😉

mike
6 years ago

Oh I yearn to be…..plucked,
instead ive been…..chucked,
Move over darling,

You can call me a buckled pin,
but i’m practically here for every..yin,

Oh I yearn to be kissed,
Move over darling,
but watch out for my…cyst,
Move over darling.

That gleam in your eye,
Move over darling,
that’s a very nasty..sty,
Move over the bed……I’m cauld.

charlie
6 years ago

caption sourness narrows the pitch again

Monti
6 years ago

Celtic

Gordon

Lustig
Boyata
Bitton
Tierney

Forrest
Brown
McGregor
Sinclair

Rogic

Dembele

Konrad
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Gordon

Lustig
Boyata
Bitton

Forrest
Henderson
Brown
McGregor
Tierney

Rogic

Griffiths

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Konrad

Konrad,
Decent line up!

Devoy45
6 years ago

Mike, you and Monti make me laugh with your tEim antics. Laughter is good for the soul and prolongs life. Thanks Bhoys!
Should I be nervous about Saint Johnstone?
Caption: Back when Ross County was still in the Highland League…

mike
6 years ago
Reply to  Devoy45

That is it Devoy sometimes serious and sometimes just a joke, especially Monti, while i’m serious he is a……joke. 😉

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

PISH 😉

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Devoy45

Devoy,
Laughter is in short supply these days, much better to take life lightly (not easy) if possible.
Glad you get a wee kick from my own brand of pish 🙂

Devoy45
6 years ago

Not only does it make me laugh it makes me spell Etims/tEims. Should have gone to Specsavers.

Melvin Udall
6 years ago

Caption: Due to Motherwell not selling any tickets for their League Cup Final against Celtic, the SFA decided to move the game to an alternate location, in the interests of fairness, transparency and sporting integrity.

Melvin Udall
6 years ago

Caption: Due to Motherwell not selling any tickets for their League Cup Final against Celtic, the SPFL decided to move the game to an alternate location, in the interests of fairness, transparency and sporting integrity.

henkesdreadlocks
6 years ago

Michael Kelly pffft!

Caption…… meanwhile, somewhere in Cambuslang…

Puggy67
6 years ago

Caption: The re-sized pitch at Hampden is laid tragically late for Gordon Strachan.

mike
6 years ago

His name was…Angelo
and he liked to..have a go,
at wee Joe,
Angelo.

His name was rocky..Dildoa,
and he came from….Bilboa,
Angelo.

He was Wild…Thing,
he made my heart..sing,
Angelo.

mike
6 years ago

We’el keep the home fires burning,
our belly’s will be churning,
cloaks and crosses,
men on horses,
hoods and robes,
bright lit strobes,
Fire and brimstone,
bibles the epitome,
of the klue klux klan,
or the black and tans. Same shite, different wardrobes.

D'Fhinnein Mick
6 years ago

As the home gnomes approach from the corner of the stadium,the away ants continue their pre-match routine.

mike
6 years ago

Fire….I want you to burn,
Fire….is Mikey on the turn,

Nae chance of that Susanna rocks,
Mikey wid take her in his socks,
troosers doon and pants asunder,
canny wait fur her to be under.

Stevie D
6 years ago

Somebody’s taking the piss Ralph. Barry Ferguson used the word “imponderables”? That’ll be right!

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Stevie D

Stevie D,
Wonder how many ‘takes’ it took for Ferguson to get it right?

D'Fhinnein Mick
6 years ago

Michael Kelly is an embittered heap of ordure. I know plenty of fans who own shares in the club,and will be attending the AGM in twelve days.

That never happened when his mob were in charge,looting the club for all it was worth.

jimmybee
6 years ago

I don’t think Brendan will be happy with Craig’s comments in the press. It’s a team game and he was as guilty as Boyata in the shambles that led to the goal.
I think Brendan does not play De Vries due to the abuse he recieved during his early games. When everything went into the net.He was even blamed for a worldly that no keeper would have stopped.
To be fair to him he had a great game against Sunderland and played well in the league match. His confidence slowly building back up again. Would have been better to use him in the domestic cup games,as most of the top English clubs do.
I think Brendan feels if he’s in goals and we lose he would be the fall guy for losing the unbeaten run.
So Saturday for me much the same as midweek.
Gordon
Lustig Boyata Bitton Tierney
Broony Ntcham
Forrest McGregor Sinclair
Dembele
Subs Rogic Griff Armstrong Kouassi Ajer.De Vries.
HH

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  jimmybee

Jimmybee,
I was at the Kilmarnock game when he got abuse,it wasn’t for conceding the strike tho, it was for gesturing to the crowd to calm down.

jimmybee
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

M8 he was getting pelters thats why he was gesturing to calm the fuck doon.

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  jimmybee

PISH

Cartvale88
6 years ago

Caption
Auchenhowie upgrade planned after Bayern visit

The Kelly, White delusions, an embarrassment to Brother Walfrid’s legacy.

mike
6 years ago

Canny see Bitton playing after his bad head knock so…Ajer instead of…Bitton. Also Rogic’s gone of the boil a…wee bit, but I think that he might use him to get him back up to speed. Whoever Brendan chooses they will have plenty of confidence and be right up for..it.
4-0 to the Tic. the slump continues.

Bongo
6 years ago

Caption : Michael Kelly posts a picture of the stadium built at Cambuslang to prove to Celtic fans that they made a huge mistake letting Fergus take over the club.

D'Fhinnein Mick
6 years ago
Reply to  Bongo

Mwahahahaha-WINNER!!!!

Gash67
6 years ago

Michael Kelly does his Bullseye impression

“this is what you could have won”

Jerseybhoy
6 years ago

Sevco finally splash out on an Ipox makeover.

SteveNaive
6 years ago

Caption… Dedryck , Michael and Craig practise the new “ line up along the fence” defensive formation for Europe.

Gash67
6 years ago

HAmpdump pitch up to it usual high standards by time Celtic play

2nd semi final on Sunday

Stu67
6 years ago

I like Gordon and Boyata, but the mistake was definitely Boyatas ! …. on this occasion

Gash67
6 years ago

SFA refute allegations that letting Queens PArk U14

host a tournament on Hampdump day before cup final

gives anyone a sporting advantage.

Spokesman said”These things even themselves out(unlike pitch)”

mike
6 years ago

Caption, We pitches fur wee bitches!!

Crystal ball’s go jingle jangle,
the SFA is in a tangle,
favouring the one club,
oh whit a wrangle.
Sevco united are like an SNP quango.

Nae cume back if you please!!

Monti
6 years ago

Caption: Pedro Caixinha insists he has the best lawn in Scotland!

portpower
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

That back Ally`s thy grass,Monti.

Soon Monti soon.
All to order.

Beautiful.

portpower
6 years ago

Tic, chip-in for Dedryck…
We can afford to be,if no done,done though.
The ball should never get back to the two central defenders or the keeper.

Don`t forgot to look up and around to get antiquated to the surrounds.
Half-time lights in our potentiality eyes.

Welcome to the Paradise elision.

67, in the heat of; hold the bassa of a ball and keep it up their end.

Boyata for Captaincy.HH

Caption:
No wonder a Scotchman never passes a ball,he`s a Jack-off.

George Lazenbhoy
6 years ago

Caption: sevco deny altering the pitch size to gain a competitive advantage.

portpower
6 years ago

That Sammy forgot to lay a pavement.

Pat Higney
6 years ago

Caption:Local newspaper headline…. ’10 years old Peter Lawwell shows local reporter his heated subbuteo pitch. This boy is headed for great things!!’

jimmybee
6 years ago

Caption: Are you on drugs, are you on fuckin drugs.,what gives you that idea hunny.

jimmybee
6 years ago

Caption: Are you on drugs, are you on fuckin drugs.
What gives you that idea hunny !!!!

Puggy67
6 years ago

Caption: My house after a guy in a white van offered to pitch the driveway for £1500

henkesdreadlocks
6 years ago

Oh Mike, see when you do this, just make sure they don’t have any skid marks.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/2017/11/02/farmers-urged-bury-underpants-improve-quality-beef

mike
6 years ago

HEHEHE, Good yin, How do you think that I get ma pants….so clean, coos like a tasty lick and if the shower isny working, I stand in the coo shed with ma arms upstretched and legs apart and sing them this lullaby……..

If you really like my body,
come and take a lick at me,
If you really like my body,
come and rub Vic oan me. HAHAHA, 😉

henkesdreadlocks
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

Sitting here pishing myself….hahahahaha..psh.psh..hahahaha!!

mike
6 years ago

If you really like my Willie,
come and take a look at mine,
if you really like big Billy,
your eyes will start to shine. HEHEHE… 😉

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

Spongebob Square pants

portpower
6 years ago

Oh,okie dokie artichokie.

Celts laid below domestically yet remember a 5th.

sevco holloa holloa FC.

SteveNaive
6 years ago

Boyata on de. fence,
Sorry

mike
6 years ago

Marilyn Munro’s anthem……She was the……

Lets go hunting tadgers,
Lets go hunting tadgers,
Lets go hunting tadgers,
cos…there is no porcupines. 😉

mike
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

Indeed she was not a bimbo, she studied the classics and was well read, just a very insecure lady who had a hunger for……….love and to be…loved. Good lyrics tho.

BondiBrian
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

Norma Jean was used and abused. Treated terribly. Any hoo.. .MON THE HOOPS

mike
6 years ago

No tadgers were hurt in this production.!! I refute all allegations that porcupine were harmed and if anyone suggests otherwise…..see ya in court.

6 years ago

Caption: With the Hampden lease agreement coming to an end, the sfa look for a venue that`s actually fit for purpose!
Well – ample parking close by and the fans can actually see the action ; )

Frank McGaaaarvey
6 years ago

Is that caption pic taken from the ‘Sevco-The Journey’ book? YOu know, that amazing 4-year adventure including such highlights as the baw getting stuck in a hedge and the wee wifie drawing her curtains?

I wonder if Jupp Heynkes, Robben, Thiago and the Bayern fans would have be so gracious and full of platitudes if the score line had been 2-1 Celtic the other night? Maybe I’m being a tad harsh on their excellent supporters who would have continued to sing and party regardless.

On to Perth tomorrow and the Saints are due for a doing. If we play like Tuesday no team in Scotland can keep the score below 5. That’s my prediction for tomorrow. 5-0 Celts.

mike
6 years ago

That BBC video of the World cup final between Celtic and…. I forgot how brutal it was, I only remembered snippets, its on Celtic news.
Celtic players fined 5 weeks wages and they got……£2 grand plus a car, the tackles that went into wee Jinky……..horrendous and our players…fined?????. Well worth the viewing, just to remind ourselves of what went on. An absolute disgrace.

Rob O'Keeffe
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

Mike,World Club Championship,Battle of Montevideo.We should never have played those animals in the decider……

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  mike

Racing Club of Argentina!

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