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Celtic Diary Saturday January 27: Managers, Musings And Musonda

The reaction to Thursdays diary in general was what I’d expected.

The more thoughtful appreciated that it was , as ever, my own thoughts and therefore up for debate.

Others couldn’t fathom why I hadn’t already been taken around the back of the building and shot in the head. Even more volunteered to do the job.

The point I was making was that I’m not entirely happy with how things are going at the ranch, and neither are one or two others.

However, since then, much has been done to allay the fears of those such as me, with Brendan Rogers coming out and saying that Moussa Dembele is perfectly happy at Celtic, has never asked for a move and its all everyone elses fault.

As opposed to what he said a week or two ago when he claimed Dembele has had his head turned..

Confusion, it appears , holds the reigns.

 

Anyway, there’s a bit of news from CQN to placate the unbelievers today…

CELTIC are closing in on an 18-month loan deal for Chelsea’s Belgian playmaker Charly Musonda.

Brendan Rodgers aims to have the 21-year-old attacking midfielder at Parkhead early next week, despite late competition from Spanish outfit Leganes.

Fuck me, Wish I’d thought of that one.

The letter M… remember ?

Anyway, the other M , John McGinn, will be at Celtic Park today, bedecked in green and white in front of his adoring fans.

Oh hang on, of course he won’t. In these days of  hi definition colour television Hibernian must wear their away kit, to avoid confusion.

I mean, which one  is Kenny Dalglish here, and which one is Pat Stanton ?

Anyway,  he’ll pop into the office and piss them all off by concluding a deal that has been agreed for a while.

So we hear, or so we heard.

Frankly, though, we may have misheard, or been misinformed.

but i’m still more confident than not that he’ll arrive. He might head straight back to Edinburgh, however, on laon, but consider this before you dismiss the story..

What would happen if Scott Brown picked up a knock ?

Especially now that he’s working on the side as a steward at Ibrox ?

Thats the nightmare scenario right now. There is no replacement for his energy and enthusiasm, no one even close.

Of course, McGinn is no ready made replacement, and not at Browns level. but if he were surrounded with players such as Forrest , Griffths and Sinclair, noted for their movement off the ball, how quickly would he improve ?

If he does arrive this month, that will be why.

Hibernian have proved an admirable opponent this season, with Celtic yet to record a win, and unless theire’s a huge lift in quality from the hoops, today may not be any different.

In the two managers we contrasting styles.

Rodgers will play the same way he always does, a hesistant defence allowing the Hibs forwards to press early, and a midfield bereft of creativity that gives them it back.

On the flanks Celtic will look to the four wide men to feed whichever striker is fielded from the start, and then replaced after about an hour when its deemed to be not working.

My feeling is that Demebele will get the nod, and Griffiths will replace him.

then forrest will see more of the ball, and the Celts, if not too far behind, will salvage a point, or possibly even take all three.

Brendan will then praise everyones attitude and character, whilst Neil Lennon will quietly take the plaudits for a disciplined approach, which has given his side more confidence of not more point.

All a little bit predictable, which will delight anyone from Zenit St Petersburg who happens to be watching.

It’s easy to criticise, but a little trickier to offer an alternative, so I’m going to be the mamager today..

Craig Gordon betweeen the sticks, and Tierney, Ajer and Lustig as a back three. Scott Brown can cover the front of them. That way, Hibernian will be forced down the flanks, where Scott Sinclair and James Forrest can get in their way. Olivier Ntcham and Calum MacGregor can act as out balls for the defenders in possession, allowing the ball to move a little quicker away from the danger zone, and both Dembele and Griffiths can cause a bit of havoc up front. with two up front, Lennon will have to be a little more cautious when going forward.

 

There you are. Where do I apply for the full time job ?

 

Anyone going to St Petersburg ?

Tickets on sale now for Zenit v Celtic in the UEFA Europa League

The blue-white-sky blue announce the opening of ticket sales for the return leg of the last 32 game in the UEFA Europa League in St. Petersburg.

Tickets start at just 500 rubles and can be purchased online, at many of our ticket terminals across the city, at the club shops or at our main client office at 16a Dobrolubova, near Sportivnaya Metro station.

We look forward to seeing you at the match on 22 February at Stadium St. Petersburg, kick-off 9pm.

I’m quite sure any official trips will be charging the same for tickets…

 

Elsewhere, and raise a glass to those good folks at Fans against Criminalisation today, and make sure there’s some drink in it.

Holyrood votes to repeal controversial Offensive Behaviour at Football Act in landmark defeat for the SNP

MSPs voted 65 to 61 in favour of a Labour plan to rip up the Act, it’s the first of three parliamentary stages needed to finally consign the law to history.

The war isn’t over, but a battle has been won which has opened up a path to enemy HQ.

 

If the SNP. and leader nicola Sturgeon are truly the forward thinking and modern “peoples ” government, they will surely admit their mistake and move for a repeal themselves, instead of claiming that the bill would have eradicated sectarianism and moved society closer to being a brotherhood of love.

It was an admirable idea, but the strategy left something to be desired, like another strategy, for instance.

The unpopular bill has united most supporters in their opposition, and it was good to see some of the others equally as pleased as Celtic fans..

Complete nonsense. That lot don’t hang around for the full ninety minutes.

Then again, we should be pleased with the Murty revolution, the three wins against Aberdeen have deprived the Dons of the nine points that would have made the gap at the top just two…

Back to Thursday for the caption…

Steff L January 25, 2018 at 10:01 am · Edit · Reply →

Caption Comment
I told you Bobby Midden would give us a penalty! 

Today…

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Noelskytrot
6 years ago

Caption….Orc kitman Jimmy Bell sorts the huns strips out.

Celtic 3 Hibs 0

The real Anton Rogan
6 years ago

I reckon we will take Hibs apart today. Ntcham will play a belter and Griffiths will score his first goal against them.

4-1. We’ll even score Hibs goal for them.

Maryhillbhoy
6 years ago

Having been out of the loop recently it seems a good time to return with the push stained mole on the brink of getting an exclusive right.
Plus I have missed the constant positivity of Monti and the sheer poetic genius of Mike’s musings

Rebus67
6 years ago
Reply to  Maryhillbhoy

Maryhill,

Good to see you back. Don’t be a stranger.

Tell me, can you help resolve the following?

If sarcasm is the lowest form of wit, and wit is the highest form of intelligence, does it have any value?

Just wondered, like.

Rebus

Cortes
6 years ago

I was hoping we’d Dial M for Mata…

Level 5 plant
6 years ago

Caption,(Record headline) Sevco unveil new state of the art toilets at Ibrox! 4-1 today, feeling positive! Coybig

SteveNaive
6 years ago

Caption…Lawwell reacts to paying the living wage at Celtic Park

Monti
6 years ago

Why did Kevin Keegan not get interviewed for the Celtic job?
He knows how to build an attacking side without a defence as well.
Woeful defence & we go for Musonda….

Nurse.

Rebus67
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Monti,

It is about priorities. Several areas of the team need improved. The central defence is one, RB is another, creative midfield another, even striking is not optimal at the moment. BR will address these according to his priorities and which players are available. He will also factor in the development of academy players.

If Musonda works out then we shall see more attractive, faster football. Would you care if we were winning, consistently, 5-3, or 6-4 ?

Rebus

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Rebus67

Rebus,
It’s a fucking shambles!

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Rebus67

Would i care if we were winning 6-4? Yes i would, are you saying it’s ok to lose four goals as long as we score 6?

Nurse

Rebus67
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

From an entertainment perspective, I’d rather see a 6-4 than a 2-0. In terms of playing in Europe, it would be a disaster, I agree.

I am not saying that it is OK to let 4 in. I am saying we need the creativity to scote 6. Someone like Musonda may give us thst ability. As for a loan. Maybe that was all thst Chelsea would permit at the moment. He may do a Roberts and learn to love the Tic.

Rebus

BondiBrian
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

No conceded a goal from open play in 7 gemms. Undefeated domestically at hame for over 41 gemms. Oh aye, the slump continues. Christ knows how the resident Roaster will deal with ah genuine slump at Celtic.

Monti
6 years ago

Maybe Musonda is being lined up to play central defence with another midfielder….Ajer?

Signed,
Mbappe, Neymar & Cavani.

Even Bigger Big Shuggy
6 years ago

Caption: Monti finally cracks and ends up in a mexican mental health facility.
He was last seen with underpants on his head and pencils up his nose shouting transfer,compliance over and over. 😉

Mike
6 years ago

“Sometimes the questions are more important than the answers”.

Ralph Malph, and D.Mond geezer, all the posters on here value the work that you do and recognise that questions have to be asked of the club, its policies, its manager and its players. As long as it isn’t a continuous diatribe of negative pish and that cannot be said of you.
Winky pus smiley thing.

Rebus67
6 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Ralph,

Mike has said it all!

Other blogs avoid issues, others seem like a mouthpiece for some agenda. This one encourages debate on many issues and, usually, has a light hearted tone.

Keep it up!

Rebus

CarllJungleBhoy
6 years ago

Caption: Pish Stained Tramp Emerald CSC AGM

BroxburnBhoy
6 years ago

Looks like today is about predictions. Here’s mine Celtic will overwhelm Hibs today and win much more easily than we think. I do seem to remember beating them 4-2 in some competition last year, could be wrong. Anyway we have by far the best squad and manager in the league and yes mistakes are made and finding the right players at the right price on the right terms is very difficult these days. That said I see a Celtic win today 2-0

Devoy45
6 years ago

Ralph, your hard work makes this forum possible. That is meant to be a positive comment by the way! Keep up the good work. It is a dirty job but someone is doing it very well—you.
Today, I like your lineup. I feel Brendan sometimes needs to spring more suprises. We can play attractive, entertaining football in setups other than 4-2-3-1.
Noelskytrot says 3-0
Anton Rogan says 4-1
Level 5 Plant says 4-1.
The Hibees sometimes play in a way that leaves them open on the counter and today, maybe we can take advantage?
I want Griff up front but both Griff and Dembele might confuse Hibs a bit so why not both in a 3-5-2 or a 3-2-3-2?
Slow start but 3-1 to the Bhoys.
Good health to all.

Rebus67
6 years ago
Reply to  Devoy45

Devoy and Ralph,

I do not think BR will go with a back three, and certainly not with the inexperienced Ajer as the CB. I am hoping to see 4-3-3 but Hibs may not be the type of team to try this on, initially.

Devoy, the family tree is ticking along well. I have slowed down a bit because I have hit the first half of the 1800s. The Scottish end is well served by Scotlandspeople site…excellent. However, I am stuck on finding the death of Francis Brannan, probably in the Cowcaddens/Maryhill area, between 1890 and 1902. Thoughts?

Rebus

Patrick Street
6 years ago

After the wind removes the shaky kitchen roof the Ibrox catering staff carry on in the old tradition of no surrender.

Bognorbhoy
6 years ago

Caption…

Central london
For Rent
Bijoux flat with outside space.
(No cat swingers need apply)

schoosh71
6 years ago

We all know this bill was made to equate the sectarian hate crimes of the Huns. Not once did they put out a warning to all Huns that they are breaking the law. Not once did they have the announcer plead with them to stop. This is where the real politicking begins and believe the SNP have been quite happy over the last few years because having a law that can jail people for ‘offending someone’ especially if the officer is the one who’s taking the offence, which has happened in over half the arrests. We have been given a wee glimpse of what the future will look like in a SNP Police State, where offending someone can get you the jail. HH

BroxburnBhoy
6 years ago
Reply to  schoosh71

Any comment form the honest pundits on this one?

Patrickqu
6 years ago
Reply to  BroxburnBhoy

Schoosh71 is perfectly correct. I cannot believe the amount of Celtic supporters who believe in the SNP. Think back to Salmond saying that they cannot let the original Rangers die.

maryhillbhoy
6 years ago
Reply to  schoosh71

It always could its called breach of the peace!

6 years ago

I’ll nominate you for manager, but its only fair that you get to get to access the squad first hand Ralph, so by all means take the team when we are going for 11iar (not liar Ed) by that time your philosophy should be implemented and we will all live happy ever after prediction 2-0 HH

portpower
6 years ago

Who run over the coo?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CouKuIk_P0s

Celts by 12.

portpower
6 years ago
Reply to  portpower

G`day NFL.

Where do we McGinn.Put Callum on him.

He`s a tough wee bassa.

portpower
6 years ago

Anything that will go wrong will not today.

G`day NFL.

portpower
6 years ago

Shall all supporters be treated as a human being today for the game?

Rebus67
6 years ago
Reply to  portpower

Port,

Steady on, there!

Grunt, grunt!

Rebus

Puggy67
6 years ago

Caption: Thursday evening and despite running it under the cold tap for 15 minutes Ralph’s i-phone melts.

portpower
6 years ago

Caption:
sally`s still looking for his pure gold lavvy.

Doc
6 years ago

Another loan, another central midfielder. I’ve said my piece on loan signings before. Where has the CL money went? Has Rodgers used it all doubling the wages and giving away ‘signing fees’? Feeling a bit scunnered by it all, after a strong season last year, we appear to be regressing. What I would give for a Paul Elliott..

Having seen the team and our form, heart says 3-1, head says score draw.

Caption: In making sure everything we doo is ‘world class’, Lawwell approves final design for the hotel laundry service.

Doc
6 years ago

Keep an eye on Paul Hanlon

portpower
6 years ago

Inevitable?

That L5 plick McCulloch`s at it.

portpower
6 years ago

portpower
6 years ago

If a keeper controls the ball with his hands and the ball is on the ground,you can challenge that ball.

Puggy67
6 years ago

Caption: The shitiest shower since Niven,Shearer,Caldow, McColl, Valentine.

rebus67
6 years ago

Good result. Good first half, except for the missed chances. Interesting game of chess in the second half.

McGinn? The jury would still be out based on that performance. What does he have that Kouassi cannot provide? Maybe a goal or two? I am glad I do not have to make the decision.

Ntcham dominant in the first half, but he does fade in the second half, doesn’t he?

Dembele badly needs game time to get back to his best form. Something still not right in the final third. The ball was moved forward quicker but, without Griff, there was no cutting edge, nor could Dembele hold the ball up.

Bringing Kouassi on was a master stroke by BR. It took much of the midfield possessiom away from Hibs at a crucial time.

Rebus

6 years ago

Apparently the Chelsea prospect does not want to play in Scotland and is waiting for an offer from practically anywhere else. He will also cost 35-40 grand a week in wages! Will Chelsea be paying any of this? Wnat does this ean for our own prospect who should be in the team now but is developing at Aberdeen. Will he go to the Dons while we develop another team’s players. Where is the long term plan? Seems to be completely missing. Game was dire. Celtic were woeful in the second half. Good to get three points but the Hibees created nothing. Every gamer Dembele plays his prices is reduced by 500,000. The wee Dubai jaunt does not seem to have made much difference. If ever a team needed a few new faces to breathe life back into it, it is this one. It’s like Ronny Deila has never been away. Keep this up and these stands will empty quite quickly.

charlie
6 years ago
Reply to  john

cheer up hun yer zombie team might no lose the morra

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  john

John,
Well said!

charlie
6 years ago
Reply to  Monti

monti and john up a tree ……he he he he

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  charlie

Leaf it out you!!

BroxburnBhoy
6 years ago

Good summary by Rebus and the usual anti Celtic mince from John. Like Ronny Delia never left eh? I must say John you do excel in one thing – you are an Olympic standard malcontent!

charlie
6 years ago
Reply to  BroxburnBhoy

broxtim 1-0 in the league gets ye maximum points last time a checked ha ha aint zombies dumb

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  BroxburnBhoy

John makes a few valid points, get off his back!

Broxburnbhoy
6 years ago

Aye I think that’s true Charlie – also letting on no goals is still a clean sheet too.

Broxburnbhoy
6 years ago

Six clean sheets out of seven games – the goal allowed in being a penalty.

charlie
6 years ago
Reply to  Broxburnbhoy

that broxburnbhoys no daft he he

BondiBrian
6 years ago
Reply to  Broxburnbhoy

See ma earlier post Brox. John gets slaughtered on here yet the Roasters diatribe against Celtic this month has been nothing but vitriolic shite. I’m beginning ti hink he’s on a pure wind-up cos if he’s no…then he’s totally lost the plot as he appears ti dislike CFC. Deary me.

Dziekanowski’s nightclub child
6 years ago

Caption: Ralph in solitary confinement for questioning the leader

6 years ago

Aye it was a good performance then. Where is the Celtic style. despite the past three weeks we still have the same old crap that everything is rosy in the garden. My comment wqas based on the arguments made for an extra 15,000 showing up for games under Brendan. People said it had nothing to do with them being back in the league and all to do with the style of football. Well Celtic have been rubbish for the past two or three months. Players who were performing are clearly struggling; Demblele, Sinclair, Armstrong, Lustig have all been rubbish all season. The team needs new blood and to be refreshed. For the long term not just the next few months for the next two or three years, starting now. Alot of guys need to be moved on.

BroxburnBhoy
6 years ago
Reply to  john

Rubbish eh?

BondiBrian
6 years ago
Reply to  BroxburnBhoy

Sakeman, there really is nae pleasing some folks, eh. “Rubbish” bucksake.

charlie
6 years ago

caption the dup find oot theyr no gettin a wall so they do it thersells

charlie
6 years ago

caption is that the new fangled butlins for huns ho dont want tae talk aboot fitba tae thur neebours

Mike
6 years ago

Pensioerbhoy, He is a top class bloke,
A serious person, who can take a joke,
He and his wife are a formidable pair,
When she goes on the warpath, he hides under the stair.

Its not well known, but she is highly sexed,
When she snuggles up, he looks perplexed,
“Oh Arthur”, can we have a little caper,
“Fuck that” says he, am off fur the paper.

Oh yous are awful but we likes yous!

charlie
6 years ago

ime away furra jug ….keep it clean crackpots

SteveNiaive
6 years ago

Should have been 3 today…Sinclair way off and Dembele was poor. Gordon out for the season… next

Mike
6 years ago

Gordon done his Crucifix, signed awfey Ambrose.

Mike
6 years ago

Sinclair’s miss was like E.T. moved the ball away from goal 6 feet away and onto the bar, an incredible miss, so far this season he in particular must have missed 3/4 sitters that he would have put away without blinking last season.

BroxburnBhoy
6 years ago
Reply to  Mike

That’s the story that Celtic by the Numbers has been publishing. Putting the ball in the net is an issue. Again today it could have been three or four before half time. We need to get a lot more clinical in converting chances to goals. Sinclair and Dembele need to up their game a bit.

Rebus67
6 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Mike and Brox,

I was heartened by SS performance vs PT. I thought he was on the way back to his best. Today, he started well, causing the Right side of the Hibs defence lots of problems. Then he missed the sitter and his game fell away. I kept hoping that he would get another chance which he would put away and get his confidence back. He does not stand up to physical challenges so he needs both confidence and pace to get himself out of bad situations and to be a threat.

MOTM was Jozo or Brown for his second half performance. He seemed to re,ish the tussles with McGinn and he was excellent both defending and attacking. It was all reminiscent of his last for Hibs vs us. He was the complete midfielder that day!

Rebus

Mike
6 years ago
Reply to  Rebus67

Agree, These close misses are a problem for Sinclair and there bye Celtic this season, you can tell its affecting him, his confidence levels quickly drop and yet the incredible thing is that he has scored I think 17 goals this season? We are definitely missing Roberts, Rogic and Armstrong, (who wouldn’t) they will make a big difference when they come back in the next few weeks. Now Griffiths recurring injury and Gordon’s injury after the young Irish goalie has gone to Falkirk. So perhaps lucky that the windy is open for a loan Goalie as well. I thought that young Ajer was our best centre-back, he dealt with everything in his path. KTF.

Puggy67
6 years ago

John I’m fairly new so what happens when we lose? Do you combust?

6 years ago

Fair enough 1-0 still gets you three points. But look who we are playing. The worst collection of clubs in Europe practically, Most of them couldn’t beat League of Ireland teams. Making heavy going of it does not show us in a good light.

Rob(Moderated)O'Keeffe
6 years ago
Reply to  john

Hey you!…….Signed Lawyer for League of Ireland…..

Broxburnbhoy
6 years ago
Reply to  john

You don’t care do you John you dislike celtic so much even when we win you rubbish the other team. As I said Olympic standard malcontent!

jimmybee
6 years ago

Thought it was a cracking game today, the back3 looked solid Broony magnificent as ever Ntcham looking more and more like a bargain , and doris with a decent save.
The final 3rd is where we need to be more clinical Sincy is missing far too many chances, hopefully the goals will come for him.
Boyata immense in a back 3.
Why supporters leave a ground with 15 minutes to go at 1_0 really is baffling to me.
The team needed us the most then yet off they went in their thousands to get home a little earlier.

Una
6 years ago

That old saying be careful what u wish for, really has come home to roost for our good pal monti cough cough, a reliable source has informed me that Gordon could be out for up to 12 weeks with ligament damage. Well done monti give yourself a pat on the back, or even better go and fuck yourself.

Rob(Moderated)O'Keeffe
6 years ago
Reply to  Una

Disgraceful………….only 12 weeks?……

Bgbhoy
6 years ago
Reply to  Una

Oh dear

Una
6 years ago
Reply to  Bgbhoy

Get u back under ur stone.

Una
6 years ago
Reply to  Bgbhoy

One of the 3 amigos spouting

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Bgbhoy

Una,
Just read your disgraceful, wholly unacceptable & abusive post towards me, i hope Ralph & Desi find that unacceptable as well…cough.

Now, While i would like to see a few players sold in this window, i would NEVER wish or will serious knee or any other injuries on any player.
I await your apology.

P.S. you seem a bit aggressive, frustrated & irritable….did someone not record ‘ loose women ‘ for you?

Bye for now xx

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Bgbhoy

🙂

jimmybee
6 years ago
Reply to  Una

Poor Una, let yourself down there,not Montis fault the players are injured and im sure he would be the last person wishing injury on our players.
We may have different opinions but we all have the best interests of Celtic at heart.

Una
6 years ago
Reply to  jimmybee

He has been wishing gordon and boyata out the door for months, he has now got what he wanted, boyata will probably get bitten by a snake or something. Sure be my guest and back him up.

BondiBrian
6 years ago
Reply to  Una

Una, the resident Roaster post aboot %90 anti Celtic player shite. He craves the attention. Bit sad really.

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  BondiBrian

I crave a Celtic side that has a higher standard of player, in certain positions than we do currently.

Monti
6 years ago
Reply to  Una

Una,
Emmerdale Omnibus is on at four, calm down dear!

Rob(Moderated)O'Keeffe
6 years ago

Ralph,your attempt at “mamager” was staggeringly atrocious.What a shame Gordon is out for a while….Signed…….
Roll of Honour: Jan 26th.Vol Mick Timothy.Dublin.1985.
Jan 26th.Vol Peter McNulty.South Down.1972.
Has Dembele been on the tunnocks? You say you’ve never seen a salad……
Roll up,roll up(not you Moussa)for yer offeeshul Zenit tickets,should be fun,should be…….
Caption:With Ralph’s money from the SMSM,he renovates his pish stained cell……

Mike
6 years ago

Its a funny auld game innit. I thought Ajer best of the back three, Rebus thought that it was Jozo and Jimmy thought it was Boyata.
MOM for me once again was the magnificent Brown, a truly brilliant player and captain, if WGS left us his legacy it was the money he spent bringing Broonie to the club. I remember him playing his first game for the Hibees, a young player with ATTITUDE more of that than skill then, but a top, top player now playing the best and most intelligent games of his life, driving the play forward or going back to break the play up. I think that if/when McGinn comes in that he will do the driving and Broonie will be like an orchestra conductor, steering the play. Well done Broonie you are still Da Mahn.

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