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Celtic Diary Thursday April 5: Don’t Panic..Yet

Celtic continued their stumble towards a seventh title with a 0-0 draw at home to dundee last night.

Its not actually the defence thats a problem , is it ?

It’s other teams defences that seem to have sussed out how to stop Celtic from scoring. All they do is let our players have the ball, and tell their keeper to stand in the middle of the goal, where inevitably the ball will be aimed at.

When anyone runs at them, defenders now simply crowd them out, and before we criticise this anti football system, I’d have given my right arm to see Celtic employ the tactical nous-if thats the right phrase-that Dundee employed last night against Paris St Germain.

It looks like the rest of the SPL have finally worked out how to deal with Brendan’s system, and whilst its probably too late for them to prevent seven in a row, the cup is a different matter altogether, and thus the treble is going to be that much more difficult than we first thought.

Lets hope the manager has something different up his sleeve.

 

The game itself was another of those where Celtic have all the possession, all the chances and all the sighs of frustration. Sometimes, someone on the park needs to take the game by the scruff of the neck and alter things a little.

We don’t seem to have anyone willing to do that. Or capable of it.

Whilst statistics can be manipulated to make a point, last nights match stats make their own point, which needs no comment..

 

Whichever way you look at it, thats simply not good enough from the forwards.

After the game, manager Brendan Rodgers praised the goalkeeper, presumably for not falling asleep..

“It’s a great statistic for Craig, considering a few years ago he thought he was maybe done. It was absolutely great to have him back. He was back early and never looked like he had been away. He was very composed and alert, and it was great for him.

“He was excellent, and you would have never thought he had been out for that period of time. He has worked very hard on his rehabilitation. He has been back out on the field and gradually worked himself back in.

“He’s a fit guy anyway and he really looks after his body and he has a good eye in the game as well. He showed no nerves and he picked his passes at the right moments and what he had to do, he did very well.” 

As for the rest of them…

“I thought a lot of our play was very good,” 

“We worked ball through the thirds really well and got into loads of really good areas. It was a mix of not having that final bit of quality and some good defending by Dundee. Their three central defenders blocked spaces, were very committed and made it very difficult for us.

“We were disappointed that we couldn’t make that breakthrough. If we had got that early on, it would have opened it up even more of us. Like we’ve seen here a lot of times, teams will hang in there if we don’t make that breakthrough.

“Six games to go, 10 points clear, a clean sheet and some good football, but it was just that cutting edge we suffered in,” 

Then do something different that ensures an early breakthrough…

 

Its not time to panic, but its time to maybe be aware that teams have worked out how to play against Celtic, or at the very least have worked out how to try.

 

Although Celtic need to sharpen up a little as we enter the business end of the season, credit does have to go to Dundee. Their defence was marshalled superbly by Steven Caulker, who was apparently the subject of a £1m bid from Rosenborg recently, and dundee turned it down.

Hardly a mystery as to why, he’ll be coming over to Glasgow in the summer, having proved he is ready to kick start his career, and one concludes that  some sort of verbal agreement was put in in place as to where he will do it…

Which signals the end of the road for Dedyrck Boyata and Jozo Simunovic, after months of speculation. Marvin Comperr has still to make his mark at the club, but then again, there’s some doubt as to why he was signed in the first place, being unable to hold down a place at his previous club, and also being ineligible for Europe.

The conversion and promotion of Ajer, combined with the purchase of Hendry, is a clear sign of how Rodgers intends to take things forward in that department.

Next up are Hamilton in Lanarkshire this weekend, and with Celtic now unlikely to be able to clinch the title on april 22, there’s every chance the post split fixtures can be arranged and announced, if only so supporters can rightly complain about them.

Englands title could be decided this weekend with a Manchester derby, and Sky TV and the rest of the Murdoch empire will be hyping this to the extreme.

Meanwhile a Glasgow derby that might see a title won is forbidden in Scotland, a sign of just how far we have to go to take our football out of the dark ages.

 

Remember that smash a fenian march ?

Police Scotland have asked me to clarify that their officers are the ones with a hi viz vest on.

They’ve replied to a query questioning their handling of the affair, and I’m waiting for permission to use that reply.

Those of you interested in the Takeover Panel saga and how it might affect our newest rivals over on the other side of the river might want to read this excellent summary from lubolubo on the KDS website…

King has sold something to raise a bit of money, because he may well have realised they’re serious chaps in the city…

He’s sold off a subsidiary. For a total which could amount to 747 million rand (£46.4 million), but the initial consideration is R597.8 million (with R60million of that in escrow depending on this years results of the subsidiary). That R597.8m is £35.7 million.
.
King owns 63.2% of Micromega (via a trust called Friedshelf 1382 which has just been renamed to Laird or is a wholly owned subsidiary of Laird), so he’ll be due 63.2% of the initial dividend. The initial dividend has been announced by Micromega to be 300 cents per share. Laird have 72,634,683 shares in Micromega x 300 / 100 = 217,904,049 Rand which coincidentally enough works out to the exact amount Laird is due to put in escrow for the share issue.

That works out to 13,018,019.68 on today’s exchange rate, but is subject to a 20% tax in South Africa either at the point of release to shareholders or if it’s a trust at the point of release from the trust. That brings the amount of money down £10.9m which is just about enough to cover the offer.  

Apologies, but the link wouldn’t load.

There has been a wee bit of speculation as to the identities of the two strikers referred to by Erik Sviatchenko as having been fighting in the dressing room after a 1-0 win.

Celtic By numbers concludes..

Sviatchenko has appeared in eight 1-0 league wins.
7 of them under Rodgers.

‘I’m SPECULATING it wasn’t under Rodgers nor involved Dembele as it seems out of character.

‘That leaves 19th March a v Kilmarnock – The strikers were Griffiths and Colin Kazim-Richards. A plausible GUESS?

‘March 19th, 2016 – the game Rogic scores the wonder goal in the 90th minute. Griffiths had 6 shots 1 on target. CKR with 1 shot on target.’ 

In actual fact, our forwards are fighting all the time. sometimes they don;t even wait until they reach the dressing room, but what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.

Otherwise you’d honestly form the conclusion they all hated each other, which they don’t.

Its a testosterone and adrenaline thing.

Image result for angry man gif

Better out than in.

Nothing to worry about.

 

Yesterdays caption competition..

D’Fhinnein Mick April 4, 2018 at 10:35 am · Edit · Reply →

CAPTION

Police Scotland try to get round the problem of iPhones and social media as they plan their next ambush on innocent Celtic supporters. 

Today..

On a serious note, one of footballs good guys passed away yesterday.

Image result for ray wilkins

Thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

 

 

 

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charlie
5 years ago

ffs ralph ye left me talkin tae masel oan yesterdays diary he he

charlie
5 years ago

fuckin hell a think that psg game traumatised you ralph let it go kid ……..you know it makes sense

Mick
5 years ago

Caption : Ibrox ball boy caught playing around with the sprinkler system.

Joe
5 years ago

Nice touch about ray Wilkins I met him a couple of times and he was a true gent
I asked about the goal he scored against us his reply was some you hit go in some Dont no ego just a real nice guy rip

charlie
5 years ago

caption neil mc cann gets a drinka water

D'Fhinnein Mick
5 years ago

Wow!

I’d like to thank,etc…

CAPTION

Undercover Hun tries another way round those pesky water rates

Rob O'Keeffe
5 years ago

No RIP for Butch please,as was pointed out,it’s a Fenian thingy and unacceptable…Signed Dave King(getting a wee bit more Loyal)Loyal…..sorry for the L word….
Celtic have scored from one corner this season so our WorldClass defenders who often trot up to stand about in the opposition box must take some of the blame,not you though Craig,another clean sheet,you are brilliant…..

john young
5 years ago
Reply to  Rob O'Keeffe

Rob we don,t even have anyone other than Griff that can take a corner hows that for technical ability.

Rob O'Keeffe
5 years ago

Caption: Tooraloo larooraloo they’re looking for monkeys up in the zoo and sure if I had a face like you,I’d join the British Army….

Mike
5 years ago

Excellent Diary and summation Ralphy….AGAIN, Seeing those stats in black and white just brings it home to you about where the problems in the team really lye. Last year I think we scored in the SPL some 106 goals if I remember right, so far this season its summit like 62. and 20 fouls against last night, dirty bassa’s.
26 shots on goal last night and not one hit the back of the nette, so time to get the green, white and gold Puma’s on and that’le fix it.
Well said about Ray Wilkins, a really nice person, articulate as well, RIP Ray, sorry for his family’s loss.
My favourite hymn to cheer massell up.
Hail glorious Saint Patrick,
on us thy poor children bestow a sweet smile,
And now then art high in the mansions above,
On Erin’s green valleys look down in thy love.

On Erin’s green valley’s, on Erin’s green valley’s,
On Erin’s green valley’s, I look down on thy loveeee.

salad queen
5 years ago

Is this the church moose at ipox?

50 Shades of Green
5 years ago

Ralph who did you get they stats from mate…..

Offsides non aye right, they must have missed just about every forward pass we made last night.

Caption….

Neil McCann celebrates a boring bloody draw with a wee celebration drink.

5 years ago

Forwards fighting wae each other, judging by last night Griffiths and Edouard dont even know each other.

Dembele was invisible, I sigh when I see him do that “coming down to halfway touchline to just get a touch of the ball” thing.

Sinclair was actually doing okay but sadly doing that “Stumbling Sinky ending” or “what final ball?” thing when around 18 yard box.

Armstrong had his boots on the wrong feet.

Forrest doesn’t seem to like shooting with any part of his feet bar outside of right foot which severely limits possibilities.

Rogic had some nice twinkle toe moments but no final pass or shot.

That was 7 forwards on the park during the 90 mins and all were rank rotten when it came to Dundee’s 18 yard box.

Our best players were Gordon, Hendry and MacGregor…AGAINST Dundee…AT HOME..abysmal. The 3 subs at one time smelled of desperation rather than canny thinking. In a game where we couldn’t pass our way to goal, what do we do?, we leave Paddy Roberts on the bench.

Poor all round bar the 3 mentioned above.

Charlie Saiz
5 years ago
Reply to  desimond

I never watched the game last night but listened to it on BBC Scotland.
Hendry was highlighted numerous times for bad decision making and I gather fans favourite Boyata put in a decent tackle to deny them a goal?
Not having seen the game yet am left wondering who to believe?

Monti
5 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

A decent tackle that had the ball smacking off our own post??
Stick to padding up and down the beach ffs

Charlie Saiz
5 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Hay-You clearly never seen the tackle.

https://youtu.be/bvZLQnf0OjY

Would you rather he let the attacker have a free dig?

Charlie Saiz
5 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz
5 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

Just because Hendry had several mistakes doesn’t mean he still wasn’t one of our better players…yes,. that’s exactly how bad we were.

The Cha
5 years ago
Reply to  desimond

Nah, he stood out as a bad performer in a bad team performance, that’s how bad he was.

john young
5 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

Boyata saved us that time,Hendrie another in a long line of defensive duds,6ft 3inchs cant fcukin jump and when he does get a header it,s anybodys guess as to where the ball goes,he could have/should have scored with two easyish headers last night,not for me young Hendrie.

Charlie Saiz
5 years ago
Reply to  john young

Had he left that header late on yer man Odsonne was waiting to knock it in.

Just saying.

The Cha
5 years ago
Reply to  desimond

You’re having a giraffe, McGregor and Hendry were appalling.

The latter always let the ball bounce, causing panic in our defence and was backed out by getting a foul when it should’ve been the other way, Gordon and a superb last ditch tackle by Boyata.

I hope we’re not in a situation ala Jozo etc who initially could do no wrong despite the obvious failings.

Think you’re also being harsh on Forrest, who I thought was quite lovely and it wasn’t his fault there was no movement from the forwards for him to pass to when he worked good positions.

He also had a good direct run and shot, fast and hard at the near post that the keeper did well to keep out. Sadly, this is out of character and the annoying trait you identify is the norm.

5 years ago
Reply to  The Cha

its all in the eye of the beholder

Hendry I thought did well bringing the ball out from the back and trying to make things happen. MacGregor was getting up and down the park well…whilst filling in at the lest back position.

Boyatas tackle for the post incident was good as it stopped guy getting through but kicking it onto the guys leg maybe wasn’t the best idea but fair dues they didn’t score.

Jozo is a waste of time..a guy who cant play on Astroturf and also readily jumped on the plane for Torino, give me Ajer and Hendry anytime but that brings up another issue..Brendan and his tinkering..does anyone expect wee Paddy back next season if he cant get a game at present?

john young
5 years ago
Reply to  The Cha

The cha Jamesie promises but fails to deliver he is not near goodenough,Calmac fcukin hellish,Armstrong “the vanishing man”Rogic not his type of game he needs plenty room/time you don,t get that against organised teams,Hendrie a dud in the making.

50 Shades of Green
5 years ago

Bollocks just seen Charlies caption, beat me tae it mate….:-)

5 years ago

So a game screaming out for a goal or somebody with flair and imagination to come on like Paddy or Musunda, and we get a Ntcham and Edy. When starting games Rogic had more attempts at goal than usually any other player,most either get blocked, ballooned over the bar or hit straight at the keeper, now and again he produces a belter of a goal,but law of averages says he should eventually, we only seem to remember the belters but forget the crap that was last night.This season to me is worringly resembling Ronnies last, to many poor performances, no real momentum gathered, can’t manage 4 wins on the bounce and basically stumbling towards the finish line, this isn’t the Celtic way..Teams now know how to try play against us ad soon as they see the team sheet, especially when Sinclair’s name is on it,what on earth is Musunda doing at Celtic if he’s not being trusted to perform against Dundee at Parkhead in a relatively no pressure game. We’ve been making excuses all season for these type of performances ” To many games played,Fatigue, countless injuries to key players ect”, well we now have a completely fit squad, exception of KT, yet we’re still churning out mediocre, passionless boring displays like last night,questions have to be asked of certain player’s attitudes and abilities this season, tactics and system’s could certainly be questioned as well….But apart from that..COYBIG. TREBLE TREBLE. .

BJF
5 years ago

Agree with Desimond about our best players though in fairness to Boyata he won everything in the air and his pace saved Hendry’s bacon in the first half. I think Caulker could do us a turn.
Somehow the guys who play well in one game don’t turn up for the next one. The crowd urged the guys like Ntcham to shoot then groaned or booed when they missed, result people pass the ball and the buck.. Ray Wilkins was right, Ronaldo missed two tap ins against Juventus.
I hope Griffiths starts against Hamilton, Brendan needs to vary his systems more, last night cried out fir Paddy and or Charly.

Charlie Saiz
5 years ago
Reply to  BJF

Just read this it would appear the BBC had a fairly balanced view on both CBs?

Devoy45
5 years ago

Ralph, spot on. My thoughts exactly. Domestically at least our defence is not our problem. Here’s a reminder of our problems this year.
We’ve dropped points in one of three matches. Some teams we’ve dropped points to twice:
Hibs/St. Johnstone/Killie/Motherwell.
0-0 draws: Sevco/St.Johnstone/Motherwell/Dundee
Three of those four scoreless draws have been at home.
Of the 11 matches we’ve dropped points, six have been at home.
We are not scoring enough goals and other teams have figured us out.
We have dropped points to 7 of the 11 of our league opponents.
Playing so poorly so often, our Treble is not assured. Sevco is a much better team than Dundee. Likewise, I wouldn’t guarantee any points against Hamilton on TV on Sunday.
We’re not “aa doomed” but we are not very often playing good football. No corners have been turned. Over to you Brendan to come up with a solution—to our offence.
J.D. (Jimmy Delaney)

Noelskytrot
5 years ago
Reply to  Devoy45

Good post Dev. Managers have got wide to BR’s tactics.

Charlie Saiz
5 years ago
Reply to  Devoy45

Boyata has been the most consistent defender converting corners since Denaayer.
Hence why he is more often than not picked by Brendan.
His form like so many others this Season has been patchy by comparison to last.

Monti
5 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

No, he’s shite!

Monti
5 years ago
Reply to  Monti

I should add,
So was Deila and so was Ambrose!

Charlie Saiz
5 years ago
Reply to  Monti

He was decent enough last Season.

The Cha
5 years ago
Reply to  Devoy45

Good comment on grim stats.

It’s also noteworthy that we didn’t score in the 2 defeats, so 6 no scoring games from us in the past 4 months, 4 since the much heralded training camp in Dubai.

5 years ago
Reply to  Devoy45

Devoy
The one caveat against those stats is that so far, we have managed to raise our game when it mattered against teams at the top of the League which is all that will matter in the run in, mar Motherwell turning Aberdeen over.

I would be happy to lose to Hibs to give Lenny the 3 points ( not Dempster and Petrie) if it meant they went above Sevco and we had secured the league already. Then we can also let Killie take a point to help them claim 4th is need be on the last day.

Puggy67
5 years ago

Caption: After standing on the same spot for over an hour waiting for someone to put a glass of chilled water in his right hand at a 15 degree angle and then tip it into his nouth, a thirsty Mousaa gets hosed.

Brian (not the messiah)
5 years ago

I was thinking the same about the offsides count, i remember at least 7 times

Noelskytrot
5 years ago

Celtic were just munyaka last night, no excuses.

Caption… Exclusive pic reveals Billy the chimp in his Sunday best stealing the chapels water.

Charlie Saiz
5 years ago

Here’s where I am at regarding the form this season in general…
This Season has shaped up much like Deilas second too many injuries and loss of form of key players,an unsettled defence for much of the Season and also the fact we play the same type of sides so many times in a Season.
Most sides come to play Celtic defending a draw.
Most play 1 up Top and try to counter with a long ball over the top or down the sides in behind our defenders who naturally step up the park due to having the bulk of possession.
This increases the likelihood of getting flat footed or caught out through defenders either switching off or making poor decisions.
There has been no real fluency in the side with 2 of our main strikers being out injured on and off plus the poor form of Sinclair.
The left side of our team has been an issue since Samaras and Stokes left the side,Sinclair resolved that issue when we signed him as we had perfect balance on both sides of the attack.
Hayes was brought in to bolster this but again his absence has left it weak again.
Sides will work teams out that only natural playing each other so many times a Season.
All that aside we are still cruising towards another title and with the return to form of Sinclair Dembele Griffiths Roberts et al I fully expect we will see a return to a much improved Celtic on the run in.
We do need to improve the defence though IMO and this must be a priority this Summer.
A new RWB,CB and quality GK should be a priority and also McGinn fae Hibs would be nice.

Charlie Saiz
5 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

I should also add….
The high press ,playing on the front foot and also a defensive line that’s further up the park will always leave you that bit more vulnerable to pace and a quick counter.
That’s the kicker to wanting to deploy attacking football.
Always has been always will be.

Monti
5 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

Utter fucking drivel!

Monti
5 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

FFS It’s Eyoreardiola

Puggy67
5 years ago

Dembele was like the fat kid who gets to play centre forward because his dad bought the strips. I cannot think of one top flight team that would shell out on so little effort to drop back and help bring the wingers into play. There’s a tendency to overlook the resolve of teams facing the drop – which is why the split is a farce. Fair play to Dundee their tactics worked but our lack of creativity played to their plan. Sinclair has been poor, Forrest off night. Dreadful game.

Charlie Saiz
5 years ago
Reply to  Puggy67

Spot on

Devoy45
5 years ago

Good stuff man..and welcome back!

Charlie Saiz
5 years ago
Reply to  Devoy45

😉 HH

Charlie Saiz
5 years ago

On the Striker situation at Celtic…
I think Brendan should be looking at Griffiths as the long term answer with Edouard as his understudy.
Dembele should be moved on in the Summer I think and a ready made replacement brought in in his place it’s some of the cash generated from his sale.
He’s not a long project and will be lured away soon enough.
Griffiths is the finished article all he needs is an extended run in the side md the goals will come.
40 goals in a Season remember.

Charlie Saiz
5 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

With not it’s.

Monti
5 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

Griffiths can’t keep himself fit for an extended run, it’s not a case of being given an extended run.

Charlie Saiz
5 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Apparently he’s had an undiagnosed issue with his hips(muscle/tissue) that have been causing the issue with his calves.
That issue has now been resolved and Griffiths has stated he feels much improved now in regards to his movement.

Do keep up.

Monti
5 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

If you think Griffiths is the man to lead Celtic’s frontline then fill your kinky boots.
There are more issues with Griffiths other than his calves.

Charlie Saiz
5 years ago
Reply to  Monti

I do yes and there at least 40 good reasons as to why that is.

97 in fact plus 2 screamers past England.

Charlie Saiz
5 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Oh look Griffiths wants to be a Celt for life.
Just saying.

Monti
5 years ago

Excuses Excuses Excuses…..i find it incomprehensible that the Celtic players can’t produce a single moment of magic to beat spfl shite at home….
Stats this stats that..who gives a fuck, take your man on and shoot at fucking goal, it’s not fucking rocket science.
6 home draws at home out of 16 games….that is fucking woeful.

Monti
5 years ago

The michty Dundee, the tactical genius of Neil McCann, leaving Celtic Park with a draw….
and some say we ” have great players “?

Aye ok.

The Cha
5 years ago

“Stats this stats that..who gives a fuck …
6 home draws at home out of 16 games”

Never change. 😉

Monti
5 years ago
Reply to  The Cha

🙂

Monti
5 years ago

Think some are accepting these awful results as it’s Brendan at the helm, every poor result dismissed as ‘ one of those days ‘…..well these results shouldn’t be happening as regular as they are, how is that fucking Boyata still in the squad?

Macca
5 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Totally agree. Last night was another shocker. We should be alarmed by Brendan comment : “”We played well in terms of circulation of the ball,” Circulation of the ball? FFS!!

Noelskytrot
5 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Monti, I fully agree with yer past couple of posts, we were shite and should be beating any of these teams when they come to CP. It was tedious watching that last night but as you do i’ll be bang at it on Sunday expecting a performance.

Monti
5 years ago
Reply to  Noelskytrot

Noel,
Each and every one of us see things differently at times, i’m only interested in winning, how organised the opposition are, how they set themselves up is their business, but in my opinion no matter how teams like Dundee or St.Johnstone set themselves up, it should mean nothing to Celtic, these teams should be getting beaten at Celtic Park.

HH

Noelskytrot
5 years ago
Reply to  Monti

I’m on the same sheet mate.

Charlie Saiz
5 years ago
Reply to  Noelskytrot

Under not on 😉 xx

Monti
5 years ago

” Good circulation of the ball “? Aye ok.

Ronny Deila wouldn’t have got away with that one.

Daziekanowski's nightclub child
5 years ago

I don’t know where you got those stats from for last nights game but 0 offside! I think not.

Gerry
5 years ago

It was desperate viewing last night, was also surprised to see passmarks given to Lustig (by Jimmybee maybe?); his passing was chronic and led directly to Broonie’s booking. Agree that Hendry’s uncertainty nearly cost us and Boyata would have been crucified for letting a long ball bounce (again).
None of the subs made any impact, a good manager makes changes that turn 1 point into 3 and too often this season that spark has not been found.

jimmybee
5 years ago
Reply to  Gerry

It was me Gerry i thought he did better than boyata and hendry but its all about opinions.
We were poor and again at home. Paddy should have came on dont understand why he didnt.
But the manager knows better than me.
Its been like watching Delias team again theese past few months. So down last night just went straight to bed in the huff.
But lovely day today suns out and 7 in a row will be delivered soon as will the treble.

Gerry
5 years ago
Reply to  jimmybee

Agreed, would have loved to see Paddy and/or Musonda, and I’ll agree to disagree on Lustig.
Indeed title 7 is the perfect remedy to a bad night at the office, and we have more than enough in our locker to secure the treble. COYBIG!!

Cartvale88
5 years ago

How quickly Brendan becomes Delilah. He has won the treble and might repeat it this season.
The team looks stale, Armatrong tried to light the fire, but too many were having an off day.
The team is getting stronger as injured players return, let’s look to the positives, not become Victor Meldrews or do the journos work for them.
The garbage that is spouted by some shows they are couch critics, not supporters
Caption
New wunder player discovered yet again at Ibrokes

Noelskytrot
5 years ago
Reply to  Cartvale88

C88, it’s all about perception mate and the right to express an opinion even if it’s a critical one. We’re in a great position but I feel we should be pnishing the agriculturists like Dundee ever time we play them. On a brighter note, at least we’re not supporters of the Ibrox abomination. GG&W

portpower
5 years ago

Come on,come on,come on.
I could`ve scored last night,even though it was a wee bit cold.
If you know the ball is at your feet,without looking,think quick.

Another training day for the oppositional keeper at Celtic Park.

Mike
5 years ago

26 shots to goal for Celtic 1 shot for Dundee, that tells its own story, 4 draws last season and 7 draws so far this season. Some supporters would be greetin their eyes out if it was Boyata that didny play. Brendan played all our strikers and all our goal scoring midfielders, 26 shots never gave us the one goal that would have won us the match, cos no way was park the bus Dundee gonny win it, if Dembelles shot on target had gone in, then victory was ours. The only two players missing was Paddy and Musonda, so everybody says that they should have played, but their is no guarantee that THEY would have scored or made the killer pass. Our expectation levels hit new heights after the shite that was Deila, so we drew another game, so what, last time I looked we were 10 points ahead in the league. We should take a lesson from Charlie and offer the team and the players our full support.

5 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Mike
Im sure everyone is still “In Brendan We Trust” but there is no harm in saying “WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT?” now and again. If anything its healthy to check out the Emperors garments now and again.

The guy isn’t perfect and last night had many of us scratching our heads. Harsh refelction after a poor performance doesn’t mean the support for the team is any less, if anything its stopping any sense of denial bedding in like we see elsewhere.

Monti
5 years ago
Reply to  desimond

Desi,
Spot on!
Mind you Mike’s eyes aren’t what they were….

Mike
5 years ago
Reply to  desimond

No need to shout BTW, I can still read small print, I see that Griff.
came on last night, so tell yer mole, to shut his hole and send him homewards to think again…

5 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Aye, wee John will be getting told “You talk pish pal” next time I’m back at Parkhead

Mike
5 years ago
Reply to  desimond

My wee silly tribute to Bobby Murdoch has hit the buffers, if you want to read it…..

Noelskytrot
5 years ago
Reply to  desimond

Bingo, Desi.

portpower
5 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Mike,I know it`s a zonal game but some can`t think for themselves.
This piddly looking across to the bench for confidence confirmation,I`ll admit to shout,”get him off.”

Have Celtic been worn down?

My backside.

charlie
5 years ago
Reply to  Mike

right av got a confession to make naebody has ever seen me and oor mikey in the same room ha ha ha ha

Mike
5 years ago
Reply to  charlie

Charlie don’t you worry, I have your back and my double-barrel. 😉

charlie
5 years ago
Reply to  Mike

thanks uncle mike jeest dont tell thum ma real names nancy ha ha

Monti
5 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Double barrel nose?

portpower
5 years ago
Reply to  charlie

Thee Eldorado buggers?

portpower
5 years ago

Caption:
Expression customarily used as an aid at thy SFA,kool.

Devoy45
5 years ago

4-0/5-0/6-0 Against Hamilton on Sunday?
No chance, no fuckin chance. 0-0 anybody?
Stale.

Monti
5 years ago
Reply to  Devoy45

Devoy,
I’ll be happy to win but if we can’t beat fucking Dundee at home, i expect another slog on Sunday.

portpower
5 years ago
Reply to  Devoy45

G`day Devoy45

Supporters are sick of catchin`the ball behind the goals.
Hamilton want the one and only wee bit flat ball back.

Charlie Saiz
5 years ago
Reply to  Devoy45

Start Griffiths with Forrest and Paddy then see the floodgates open.

Mike
5 years ago

You see it gets up my hole, when everybody and there granny starts with the “we should’ve done this or that” the drivel from supporters who expect to win every game. Football was never, ever an exact science, its not like sums, that you can add or subtract and come away with the correct answer. Some of the players are young, they make mistakes, it must be hard on them when diddies like me, only watch the games at the park occasionally or the telly and berate them like we were professional players, we are, but only in our ain minds.
That is why we love football, its because we all dream of playing it at a senior level. I fucking hate it when you read players ratings of 2 or 3 because they fucking drew a game, that is ridiculous. One day Celtic will lose another game, we hope that it isny in the cup semis, but nothing, nothing is guaranteed because its not an exact science, shit happens, young players miss or scuff at goal, hit the post or the bar, inches can sometimes dictate who wins games, the margins are as narrow as that.

charlie
5 years ago
Reply to  Mike

thats wit a wis gonny say ……………..oh wait he he

Mike
5 years ago
Reply to  charlie

its ok Charlie mate, he is to frightened to call me a diddy, cos I ken where he lives.

Monti
5 years ago
Reply to  Mike

🙂

Monti
5 years ago
Reply to  Mike

PISH

charlie
5 years ago

we are 10 points ahead wae 6 games tae go am no wan for saying some people should dry ther eyes ……BUT

portpower
5 years ago
Reply to  charlie

Let`s win it with because of goal average and let`em line up for the next season.

Charlie Saiz
5 years ago
Reply to  charlie

You should Charlie because the levels of self entitlement with some in our support are becoming dangerously close to Hun levels fae the 90’s

charlie
5 years ago
Reply to  charlie

well thats a first he he

charlie
5 years ago

celtic looked a lot better when griff came oan last night

portpower
5 years ago
Reply to  charlie

Offside…offside.

Charlie Saiz
5 years ago
Reply to  portpower

Sinclair was offside too…. even worse considering his position looking across the back line fae the side of the park.

portpower
5 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

The point is Charlie Saiz, how long have they known the game?

The limelight must be off?

portpower
5 years ago
Reply to  portpower

They are not reading the man with the ball.

Charlie Saiz
5 years ago
Reply to  portpower

It’s a simple matter of looking across the line and timing the run.
Bending the run can help matters more if you are looking to break the offside trap.
Also the release of the ball is critical and I think players can be guilty of not doing this quick enough.
Griffiths has been out for a while so he’s not going to be 100% match sharp by comparison to Dembele or Sinclair.

portpower
5 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

Though Olivier can. Let`s hope he`s here for a few seasons.

Lawwell`s due to sell our spine.

portpower
5 years ago
Reply to  portpower

It`s a flat team and it`s Brendan chosen team.

He must tell himself “O`shite I effed up there.”

portpower
5 years ago

Reserve a deserve.
We`re all thick athletes,Mike,yet we`re better ball skilled.

Monti
5 years ago

Mike,
As much as i respct…cough..your opinion, you need to understand that constructive criticism is well, constructive.
So shut yer pus 😉

Noelskytrot
5 years ago

If you put into the club, you have the right to be critical.

portpower
5 years ago
Reply to  Noelskytrot

Brendan`s hid my boots again. Told, free on Tuesday,might be there thursday?

Monti
5 years ago
Reply to  Noelskytrot

Correct, you should see the amount i spend in the food halls alone 🙂

portpower
5 years ago

If the basics are gone? You are watching Celtic at home.

portpower
5 years ago
Reply to  portpower

The 18 yard box is like a dance.Invite them to.

portpower
5 years ago

Now,when a Celtic forward player attacks the oppositional team there`s always 3 to 4 players against him.
There`s the mystery for me why pass the ball back the way.

Is it a contractual earned for possession for Celtic Players?

5 years ago
Reply to  portpower

The old “midfielders making runs beyond the forwards” springs to mind

oh but our runny midfielder Callum was needing to play left back…doh

portpower
5 years ago

Oh,and if the central defender is runnin` the eff up the middle of the park, you`se in front of him have been effin` useless all game.

Mike
5 years ago

Bobby Murdoch, “when he played, Celtic played.”
Bobby was a Celtic supporter, some would say the most influential midfielder ever to wear the hoops and I am one of them. A part of the most successful Celtic squad in the clubs long and illustrious history
They won that much silverware that the club had to bring in a team of cleaners to keep it clean. Born in Bothwell, Bobby joined Celtic straight from Our Lady’s High Motherwell. He made his debut for the Tic. in 1962 (perfect timing) and scored within 7 minutes of his debut against the Tarts, in the league cup, he was just 17 teen, his goal tally was 102 goals scored in his Celtic career, he only started cos Johny Divers forgot his boots, tut, tut Johny. Bobby finished his Celtic career against Arbroath again in the league cup but he never scored. A major player in the legendary Lisbon Lions, he won 8 of the 9 consecutive titles in the fabled 9 IAR. He started his Celtic career as an inside right but when big Jock came back to manage Celtic he moved Bobby back to right-half, in making that decision Jock created one of the finest ever midfielders in World football. Hellenio Herrera (H.H. that’s where it comes from..not) described Bobby as “The complete midfielder” he wasn’t wrong. after watching Bobby orchestrate the defeat of his Inter Milan in the European Cup Final. Like a lot of his Celtic teammates Bobby never received the number of International caps his talents deserved winning a paltry 12. Disgraceful!!
When he left Celtic, I like many others was “Gutted” he joined Middlesburgh, the manager there Jackie Charlton couldn’t believe his luck and described Bobby as “The finest player I ever signed”
A wonderful passer of the ball Bobby could find his running teammate and land the ball on a sixpence, Jackie said “that nobody could strike the ball like him” A young player beginning his playing career described Bobby as “His mentor, he would guide you through the game” that was Graeme Sourpuss btw. Bobby was a marvellous “reader of the game” and had the knack of knowing where a player would make his run. When Bobby retired his playing career he coached and briefly managed Middlesborough, he lived and breathed football. Sadly Bobby died far too young aged 56 on May 15th 2001. But for me and many many others, the sight of “Barrel Chested Bobby” gracing those hoops is a memory that will live with us till we join him, in Paradise once more. He will always be remembered by the club as a wonderful World class footballer, who lived his dream of playing for the club he loved. I will leave the “Big Mahn” to the final words.
Jock Stein said of Bobby “As far as I am concerned Bobby Murdoch was just the best player I ever managed” ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS.

portpower
5 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Have a sweety on me Mike.

“When Murdoch plays,Celtic play!”

http://image.wikifoundry.com/image/1/R4-hV39JzY66IqiO6x5ZoA398743/GW200H330

Mike
5 years ago
Reply to  portpower

Cheers port, still gutted after all these years that he left the Tic. and his passing (death) made me greet for weeks. Thanks for that port
barrel chested Bobby the finest midfielder to don the hoops….period.

Mike
5 years ago

My wee tribute to Bobby Murdoch is currently fighting wordpress as we speak, it would be good to see it…..mibbee.

portpower
5 years ago
Reply to  Mike

wordpress`ll never take my specification.

I have to ask though.If Liverpool can make it to where they are…

Overshooting our PLC here.

Khids go through stages.

Mike
5 years ago
Reply to  portpower

Are you far to big to go through the wordpress machine port, then you need to go up to the Gold post to swim with the fishes.

portpower
5 years ago
Reply to  Mike

When they face a book,Khids run away Mike.So they should.

I canny put a pic of my piece and cheese for all to sieve.
RH(robyn hood).

BJF
5 years ago

It is all about opinions. I was at the game and Dembelle probably wasn’t but I thought Boyata was more like his old self but he needs to produce a goal at corners. As was pointed out above we offer no real threat at corners although I read
seehere statistically 3% of corners yield a goal, shocking if true and this season for us it would be 1% ! Hamilton could be tough, Griff to start maybe Paddy too, last night cried out for him.Perhaps the Celtic will turn up, Dundee were well organised hate to think that wee naff McCann can coach but someone had them prepared.

Mike
5 years ago
Reply to  BJF

BJF Dundee have improved recently and were unlucky not to win at the weekend, somehow possibly even with Brendan’s help, they got a huge break when Steven Caulker signed for them, because his family live near Dundee, he is a really good player btw, I would not be surprised if they give the huns a run for their money this weekend, although I am holding my breath when I say it.

BJF
5 years ago

Mike agree and let’s see if they do the hun, could Caulker do a job for us?

Mike
5 years ago
Reply to  BJF

No doubt about it BJF, if you remember he was a pal of Sinclair, who tried to get him to the Tic. earlier this season, but he still had a bit to go with his recovery. I am hoping that we can temt him to Celtic in the summer, he joined Dundee on an 18 month contract, if his recovery continues, we might just get him, fingers crossed.

Monti
5 years ago

Farewell and eternal peace to Cardinal Keith O’Brien, laid to rest today.

RIP
God bless your soul!

Charlie Saiz
5 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Well said Monti.

Mike
5 years ago
Reply to  Monti

And the same to our Sainted Mother Teresa, despite what the coward
Hitchin say’s, a fucking atheist balloon, who strove to critique the good works that she did. But sure as fuck he would not criticise anyone of the Islamist’s, no sirree Bob, far too feart for that.

Noelskytrot
5 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Mike, Hitchen’s absolutely despises the theocratic Islamo fascists as much as he does any of the other Houses of Pain. I’m an athiest but was brought up in the Catholic faith and rejected the faith once I had the ability to read and understand things in a better way. Not my gig but I always respect those who have. Hitchens refers to Islam as a death cult. I can clearly see that your a person of faith but check out Hitchens on YouTube and you’ll hear this. GG&W

Charlie Saiz
5 years ago
Reply to  Noelskytrot

Always found Hitchens to be a bit anal myself.
If he was made of chocolate he would most likely have eaten himself to death much sooner.

Mike
5 years ago
Reply to  Noelskytrot

I did check him out ages ago, the Catholic church is an easy target and I despise those that decry it, because they know very well its an easy target and will not retaliate.
I know that it isn’t perfect, its humans after all that are involved in it, at all levels, just as in any other faith or ideology. I left the church after the priests scandal, but even with all that I know that it stands for good and does very good works around the World, for everyone’s benefit. When I hear others attack it, it makes me angry, knowing the good that it does, its very easy to be an atheist, its far more difficult to believe in something or someone. Many intellectual people are on both sides of the faith argument, its not an easy subject to defend, however, I admire strong faith in people and will always defend their right to observe it. My Scottish grandfather was a miner and many of my older friends were miners and atheists, some of my family are atheists and were involved in the trade unions, but they never ever forgot their roots and always argued for people of faith. So being an atheist for me is no problem, as long as they do not decry the rights of others to believe or to observe their chosen faith.

portpower
5 years ago
Reply to  Mike

It`s an individuals choice. Those that chastise are ignorant and selfish.

Noelskytrot
5 years ago
Reply to  Mike

That’s a fair and reasoned response Mike. I’m very much in the mould of your folk, except I wasn’t a miner. The point you make about others faith is one i’ll always fight for and do so week in, week out regardless of said faith. Each to their own, always. I hope you’re in good form. GG&W

Puggy67
5 years ago
Reply to  Monti

And peace to the victims of his sinful acts.

Charlie Saiz
5 years ago
Reply to  Puggy67

If indeed they turn out to be fact.

Devoy45
5 years ago

Hey bhoys, I’ve calmed down a wee bit. My lad was growing up with the Huns nine in a row and it was really tough for us to follow our team. Now, we can enjoy the upper hand. However, ‘results’ like last night make me think that something has gone wrong with our approach to the game. If teams park the bus, how do we shift it? The gift we gave to world football in 1967 is that quick attacking and movement off the ball can overcome the most contained defence and world football changed for the better. Watch the clips of that match and Inter were under the cosh and lucky not to concede 6 or 8. But teams are proving against us that cattenacio still works and I want that to stop—beginning with Hamilton on Sunday, crap pitch and all. I want Griff in there from the start. Someone like Musonda can unlock a defence and so can Paddy. I agree with Monti and others— there is no way a team like Dundee should come to Paradise and hold us scoreless—no way. If that is entitlement, then so be it. Pride has something to do with it. We are much better than that. Arrogance would say 4-0 or 5-0 but most of us wanted a victory pure and simple (1-0/2-0) against a team way down our league table. All those dropped points at Celtic Park should concern us all?

Charlie Saiz
5 years ago
Reply to  Devoy45

Dundee Utd beat us home and away by 3 goals to 2 in both games in that Season.
They finished 8th in the League.

Goes to show some sides can raise their game to hamper even the very best of sides at times.
Like we did Barca at CP under Lenny.

That’s fitba.

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