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Celtic Diary Monday August 12: Repeat Until Fade

Celtic are preparing for a crucial European game, and that means it’s time for the papers to unsettle the squad and the fans.

First up. let’s get the players colly wobbling…

James Forrest a ‘target’ for Zenit St Petersburg as they ‘prepare £12million bid’ for Celtic star

This appeared under the “Record sport Online ” byline, which means even the staff at that rag were too embarrassed to put their name to it, although they do quote the Sun as their source.

The world of football transfers is at best murky, and at worst downright corrupt. Agents , managers and players can be morally flexible when it comes to moving players around, and it usually starts when they plant huge somes of money in the imaginations of those who were really quite happy doing what they do where they are doing it.

Ray Sparkes, former agent to Keiran Tierney, speaking on Radio Scotland, hinted at dark doings re his former client when asked about the players move to Arsenal…

Inevitable springs to mind. As you rightly say I negotiated his second last contract at Celtic which was for five years.

 At the end of my written contract with him, I would of course have been keen to take that to the next level but I don’t mind saying that there were certain influences at work. I felt that to the largest extent he was being taken off in a direction by Brendan Rodgers, I don’t mind saying, it’s certainly quite an allegation, but the truth is kind of unsurprisingly he ended up with the agency that was closest to Brendan.

I can’t help but think that he was put in a position where he was sold the idea that if he was going onto greater, bigger things then perhaps he should be dealing with an English based agency.

The odd thing was that he didn’t renew with me, it didn’t come as a great surprise, he went with the new agent and odder than that Celtic then added a year to his contract which I found strange. To have four years left on his contract as he did why was there a need for Celtic to add another year which they did. 

 

All anyone who wanted to influence Tierney, or any other player, has to do is to find out what motivates them, and if for instance, a player is from a tight family unit and still very young, then the idea of looking after his parents will be pushed to the front of any negotiations….

Rodgers is a morally flexible sort of chap, and whilst I’m not saying thats what happened, what I am saying is  sooner or later we’ll know…

 

As far as Forrest goes, it’s surely no coincidence that supporters have woken up to the fact that he’s going to be up there alongside some legendary names very soon, and the media would love to see us lose a real stalwart of this historic era.

Well, if you count Lustig, a second stalwart…

Davie Provan, a former player turned gobshite, turned up the pressure in his Sun column…

BY the time this transfer window closes, we’ll know whether Neil Lennon is his own man or just another Peter Lawwell puppet.

Do you remember that time when Lennon got a bullet in the post ? All the abuse and violence he put up with as a player and a manager last time round ?

Then, when the club was thrown into chaos by Brendan and his puppets, Lennon answered the call ?

I do, Provan clearly doesn’t, or doesn’t want to.

Or is he saying that Lennon is more afraid of Lawwell than of an assassination attempt on him, or on his family ?

History tells us he’ll have his work cut out. This time last year, Brendan Rodgers was holding Lawwell’s feet to the fire.

Er, History tells us that Rodgers had more or less decided he was moving, and Peter took the bank card off him.

After the botched pursuit of John McGinn and a last-minute exit for Moussa Dembele, Rodgers blew the whistle on Celtic’s penny-pinching. 

Note McGinn didn’t tell Villa no, and at the time was widely regarded as a squad addition, and as for Dembele, he saw through Rodgers and decided he didn;t want to be around him.

His calculated “terminado” statement sowed the seeds for his departure last February. 

Again, Rodgers had sown the seeds for his departure way before then, and threw a fit when Peter found them.

Unlike Ronny Deila, who was in Lawwell’s pocket, Rodgers was able to flex some muscle. With justification, he wanted a slice of the club’s cash pile to strengthen the team. 

He got it, he also increased the wage bill, and had very little to show for it. The players who moved on for a profit were not the ones he bought.

On his arrival, he’d promised to restore Celtic as a credible force in the European arena. Instead, a humiliating defeat to a poor AEK Athens side proved to be his last crack at the Champions League.

Rodgers was in charge of some of the most embarrassing performances the club has ever had in Europe. Last season, both Dembele and Boyata had had enough of him. When Boyata wanted out, Rodgers blocked it, and in doing so saddled the club with an unhappy player and a £9m hole in the accounts. Little wonder Lawwell changed the PIN on all the bank accounts.

Lennon lacks the leverage that saw Rodgers take on Lawwell. Out of work when Rodgers left for Leicester, he’d have been grateful to be offered the caretaker role. 

Lennon was always going to come back..anyone who asked him would have been told “Fucking right I am “, and when you consider all that has happened to him in all the years he’d been here before, that is a testament to the man, and not grounds for saying he’d take the job because he hasn’t got one.

That he was only offered the job long-term in the Hampden dressing room after Celts had won the Scottish Cup was barely a vote of confidence. 

Bollocks. Even at face value, does Provan really think that a multi million pound business offers key positions to people in the showers ? Dermot Desmond is a businessman, who has learned to separate emotion from anything concerning money, and is unlikely to be impressed enough by anything he sees in the shower room to make that sort of offer. Lennon was always getting the job, unless something went seriously wrong.

Hang on Davie, you forgot the bit about Lennon having a tantrum, the thinly disguised swipe at the man’s maturity..

Where Rodgers beats Lennon hands down is in temperament. While Brendan was always in control, you can bet Lennon’s first meltdown isn’t far away. Put the kettle on for him getting a touchline ban at some stage

Ah..there it is.

Here’s a message for a somewhat bitter Provan, from me to him…

Image result for fuck off

 

With the champions League money almost there for the taking, and a squad of players being put together to kick on for even more than ten in a row, there’s real fear in the media.

Regardless of the 6-1 win over Hibernian for “rangers ” yesterday, and no matter how much that will be spun as evidence of a two horse race again, it’s important to note that new signing John Beaton sent a Hibernian player to the stand for a second bookable offence, when the score was 2-1 wth just fifteen minutes to go.

Did anyone else try to put a bet on Hibernian getting a man sent off, or “rangers ” getting a penalty yesterday ?

sfa unfit for purpose August 11, 2019 at 4:28 pm · Edit · Reply →

 

On Ladbrokes website today ( which is totally shite) would not let me bet on a red card in the game or bet that Rankers would get a penalty…. Strange but not surprising that the bookies know the fix is in. 

And they are the league sponsors….

 

It’s going to be a difficult season, not because there is a real challenge on the pitch, but because of the desperation off it.

Thankfully, we have a manager and several players who know exactly whats coming, and exactly how to deal with it.

 

There’s talk that Greg Taylor of Kilmarnock joining the club later this week.

Image result for Greg Taylor tackle on joey Barton

£900,000 is a bargain. Not a cheap replacement. Lennon has seen something he likes about the player, and having seen this photograph, so have you.

 

There’s been an explanation for the touchline row between Scott Sinclair and a Motherwell lawnmower..

Apparently this is what upset the groundsman.

However, it was a one off-if you don;t count the last time the groundsman had a pop at Sinclair, and it does appear to be an issue with the groundsman, and not the club..

From the Record article, here’s how Radio Clyde’s Gordon Dalziel described the incident, and note who “wouldn;t let it go “, a subtle apportioning of blame…

“I’ve never witnessed anything like that. The two guys were ready to go for each other.

“Scott Sinclair wouldn’t let it go – I’m not sure what’s upset him.” 

 

It’s going to be a long, but extremely satisfying season.

 

Yesterday, we had this…

Image

Rob O’Keeffe August 11, 2019 at 11:14 am · Edit · Reply →

Caption Winner: I’m telling you,I am the same guy who was brilliant in my first season!….. 

today..

Image

 

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Paddy Mo
4 years ago

Caption: Sevco’s new striker is deadly from 25 yards.

Jazzy K
4 years ago

Caption; “If that apron gets lifted , hes getting both barrels.”

mcklintop
4 years ago

Caption: The masons unveil their new WMD, stop the 10 at all costs.

4 years ago

wan goat they wont be shaggin ,down at the ludge am a right Billy .

Danny
4 years ago

My ass is having no more! Mcoist, Mcall, Warburton, Caixinha, “Calm Down little goat” Gerrard.

“Naw You Calm Down Ya Dirty Bass!”

John McDermott
4 years ago

Lenny deserves a medal for everything he has put up with. Caption. I dont care am no going doon that ludge again! Try and make me !

Southside Bhoy
4 years ago

Gun control my Ass

Monti
4 years ago

Caption: Charlie Saiz on hoof patrol,Blackpool jungle.

Monti
4 years ago
Reply to  Monti

No need for me to patrol when some walk straight into the trap…..old man 🙂

Oztim
4 years ago

Caption: Billy the Kid.

Tam the tim
4 years ago

Sure that’s a still from the goat, the bad and the ugly.

sfa unfit for purpose
4 years ago
Reply to  Tam the tim

lol its goat a bit of the van cleef about it

Mike
4 years ago

Football Agents, The coo’s arse of football. Creaming from the top, taking millions out of the game and giving nothing back. Do not book an aeroplane from W. McKay airlines or you may end up swimming with the fish’s. Football is a murky business, filled to the brim with crooks and criminals. Is it any surprise that supporters are sick to the back teeth with it all. Bad and corrupt governance that allow’s it to happen and turns its blind eye to it all. The three monkey approach of football governance that infiltrates so much of modern life, say nothing, hear nothing, do nothing, look away until the truth cannot be denied. “Be Happy” not a chance, can we be happy at all the cheating that goes on, titles stolen, going for 55 HAHAHA The Scottish press (gulp).. who could possibly “Be Happy” with all of that…

Mike
4 years ago
Reply to  Mike

I’m fed up talking about corrupt governance of football, there comes a time when it has to be about choices. Like, give up going to any Hun game home or away, (done it) give up on going to any cup finals at Hampden (done it) I ask myself do I give up on supporting the club I have supported all my life because of a complicit board, (not yet).

The Scottish Football Supporters Association: “The SPFL want to keep sectarian reporting to themselves” We are looking forward to hearing an update at the forthcoming Cross Party Group on combatting Sectarianism in Scotland.

What we want from football clubs and the bodies that run the game is openness and transparency, as a fundamental part of ensuring good governess.
So, moves are afoot with Auldheid and others, as well as from other football supporters in other clubs, this isn’t finished yet.
W

jimmybee
4 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Mike the appointment yesterday of Beaton was a get it up ye from the brothers. Why Hibs never mind Celtic didnt contest this appointment baffles me.
The game is fucked and if we don’t do something quickly we aren’t going to get it back.

highseastim
4 years ago

I notice the “rangers” women’s match at the Hummel training centre yesterday, was abandoned due to a waterlogged pitch, and here was e being led to believe it was a top notch facility!! LOL

charlie
4 years ago
Reply to  highseastim

so whers the statement aboot god being a sevco hater

henkesdreadlocks
4 years ago

The Zenit story is a load of shit.

D J Smyth
4 years ago

Charlie ,Tierney spoke enough shite before his leaving episode,& was lost for words throughout the leaving of his club

Stu67
4 years ago

Tbf, I don’t mind Gordon Dalziel, one of the fairer commentators- that prick Rae however!!!

HoudiniBhoy
4 years ago

Caption: “…Nanny’s goat a gun, Billy is on the run…”

charlie
4 years ago

caption regimental mascot charlie saiz sais now hees had the operation callum nanny get yer gun

Mike
4 years ago

Celtic summer signings at the January sales. Operating the sell to buy policy, canny buy, until you sell. Sell three for the buy in one shop. Buy cheap, sell dear, watch out for your seats, because of the new arse parking levy. Skin a Tim, making money hand over fist. I mean, some of those ticket prices are unreal, £50.00 mill. in the bank and still hungry for your cash. “For its a Grand auld team to pay for”. “Beware Pick Pockets are around” and look up to the box’s that’s where the vulture’s sit, ready to fly down and devour your pockets…

TAMBHOY19
4 years ago

Caption: Morelos says he’s training on his own until he gets a big move and any one who disagrees will be shot as he’s the best shoother in Scotland but only against diddies and it’s all diddies at sevco HH

The Bahia Emerald
4 years ago

Caption: Another gun? Ah telt ye, uv already GOAT wan.

George Lazenbhoy
4 years ago

Caption : time to get tooled up for the next lodge meeting

alzyerpal
4 years ago

Caption : In anticipation of an Independence referendum and Scottish Nationalists once again occupying George’s Square, the Orange Order have offered to ‘police’ the area with their mounted division.

Monti
4 years ago

Caption: Donald Trump initiates a general baa election in Texas.

Yoker Bhoy
4 years ago

That tasteful photie showing Taylor launch “renowned hardman” Joey the Budgie into orbit is exquisite. Right up there with Jozo’s challenge on Kenny Misser. 🙂

The Cha
4 years ago

It’s good to see that of all the malign influences that afflict the transfer business that doesn’t include CEs and defacto DoFs.

The fact that they earn huge bonuses and (rumoured) cuts of fees for selling players, is just rather fortunate for them.

Plenty of gullitims about.

Big Shuggy
4 years ago

Caption: leave the Kid alone

Monti
4 years ago

Greg Taylor?

Someone is having a laugh, surely?

Monti
4 years ago

This board need a fkn shoeing, where are the players ffs?

Hands Cant Hit
4 years ago

Sorry Ralph, but most of the article is laughable; so pro-board and anti-Brendan that one would think you are promoting an agenda.

Do people forget where we were before BR arrived? In the near three years that BR was here, we won a treble treble (I will give Neil the Scottish Cup, but BR put us well on the way to winning the league before he left); played European football post-Christmas twice; posted record turnover and profits; are now considered one of the top 32 most valuable clubs in Europe and, if we qualify for CL this year, will be a pot 3 team- unimaginable during Ronny’s tenure!

While BR did not leave smelling of roses, his impact cannot be understated; nor can PL’s mistakes- conveniently swept under the carpet.

On our current situation: no issue signing Taylor, but if you think spending under a £1m following receipt of a record transfer fee is sufficient, then you are deluded (especially when we hardly spent any of the sum received for MD).

Monti
4 years ago
Reply to  Hands Cant Hit

CS,
You have been told before to leave adult chat to adults, now go back into your attic & play with your soldiers.

bgbhoy
4 years ago
Reply to  Monti

its incredible that a guy who wins 7 from 7 trophies is a ‘fraud’ I would accept a rat but not a fraud

he took the club to never before seen levels of professionalism. but yet he’s a fraud

2 out of 3 champions league qualifications but yet he’s a fraud

the stock price riding high, money in the bank and plenty of assets in the playing squad but yet hes a fraud

and yet

deila the donkey failed 3 TIMES in 2 seasons to qualify for the UCL, has he been described a fraud?

lost to new rangers of the championship… fraud??

if it wasn’t so sad it would be funny

Monti
4 years ago
Reply to  bgbhoy

bgbhoy,
He’s not right in the head m8

Puggy67
4 years ago

Caption: Hallo hurray! What a nice day for the bleatin’ rifles,bleatin’ rifles,bleatin’ rifles,bleatin’ rifles.

I could not lay a bet on a penalty at the Sevco game with Sky bet. Not unusual, not sure on red cards – at around 2/1 both offer great value. We are being conned by complicit gambling and media industries. Was never a fan of alcohol on the Hoops but bookies are worse. Surely with the amount of lightbulbs we go through there’s an inroad there?

jimmybee
4 years ago
Reply to  Puggy67

Good caption m8

Danny
4 years ago

Sevco’s Escape Goat joins UVF

The Cha
4 years ago

Please detail the FACT where we outspent Der Hun tenfold.

I’ll wait.

bgbhoy
4 years ago
Reply to  The Cha

lost out on extra time to inter milan?

that comment is enough for me

what a clown

kindly advise what tie you watched from your bunker in England

not a FACT as you like to put it

The Cha
4 years ago
Reply to  The Cha

So, in other words, your FACT isn’t a FACT.

The only other person who uses FACT as much (and equally erroneously) is Trump.

I don’t know about you but that’s not a comparison that I’d be flattered by.

bgbhoy
4 years ago
Reply to  The Cha

not to mention failing to win a group game in the EUROPA LEAGUE

EMBARASSING

Bgbhoy
4 years ago
Reply to  The Cha

Pretty sure the only money we spent was on Sinclair in the invincible season.

Rest free’s or compensation.

Bgbhoy
4 years ago
Reply to  The Cha

So he was 2 goals away from qualifying. Same as Rodgers c Zenit?

This is sad really.

And I will post what I feel. I won’t then wait with bated breath. Or have the need to get the last word in. Bit childish from someone accusing another poster of being a wean

Bgbhoy
4 years ago
Reply to  The Cha

‘Arguably’

Is Rodgers only arguably a better manager than frail? Hahahahahahahahah

Bgbhoy
4 years ago
Reply to  The Cha

**deila

Monti
4 years ago
Reply to  The Cha

So fkn what ya rocket?
How much did he bring into the club?

The Cha
4 years ago
Reply to  The Cha

“That includes the Tribute Act.”

When you’re caught talking bollox, it’s best not to double dumb down, otherwise the comparisons with Trump/Secovians are entirely justified.

The Cha
4 years ago
Reply to  The Cha

You’re having a shocker, so just take your punishment beating and move on.

5TB
4 years ago

KT is gone, move along. One agent spouting pish about another is a non story FFS. Couldn’t give two fucks if they wrestled in ladies spandex (which they probably do, often).

Shame that Provan seems to be drowning in his soup taking ways. Liked him as a player too. I understand the spout shite position with being in the media. However, he has previous and along with the other soup munching ex Celts, its obvious there’s an agenda. That aside though, he’s way beyond reprieve with this, trying to bring to question the integrity of Neil Lennon when it comes to Celtic. As pointed out in today’s diary, the man has given all, especially in his prior engagement as manager. So fuck him, Provan that is, simple as that.

Cast your mind’s back to when we were all Neil Lennon. The heated driveway would do well to keep that fresh in his mind. If he’s scheming away from what he has agreed with the manager, things could get ugly, especially if (when?) his already inflated remuneration package see’s an increase, again.

4 years ago

Beaton?thats it?just letting the cheating jocks appoint Hun refs and doing nothing!Tierney is off (good riddance)Rodgers is off (blow ya maggot)but the cheating Huns are still here and the Plc are doing nothing except banking millions.only in jockville!

4 years ago
Reply to  tully

Go watch wrestling if you want rigged sports

Broxburnbhoy
4 years ago
Reply to  tully

Oh dear – same old same old from here. Masonic conspiracy etc etc

TicToc
4 years ago
Reply to  Broxburnbhoy

BB just for clarification here.
Are you suggesting that affairs in Scotland in general and football in particular are NOT affected by Freemasons?
That the dead club, the Lanarkshire Refs Association, the SPFL and the mainstream media are not riddled with this cancer?
Indeed are you saying that Freemasonry (in Scotland) is not a malignant growth but a benign one?
I’m genuinely interested in your response here and ask you therefore to respond to the points raised, and not just deflect as is Masonic policy when avoiding scrutiny.
Thank you.
HH

4 years ago

Caption
I’m resigned to thinking the vegan Calvary aren’t coming I hope it’s a nice slaughterman with a sharp knife waiting for me

SteveNaive
4 years ago

Shouldn’t be Boli and Morgan tomorrow. Not a condemnation of either but too big a game this early in their Celtic careers.

Mike
4 years ago

Caption: After decades of investigation Donald Trump finally reveals who really did shoot JFK.

50 S of G
4 years ago

Go on stare at me again, and we will see who falls down first this time.

Mike
4 years ago

I see that Scott McKenna stood as tall as the Skerryvore lighthouse on Sunday, the problem was he played light it again…

4 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Melling is good was at that Rosenberg game the cl qualifier he was best on field for them at least.

henkesdreadlocks
4 years ago

I see Melling is getting a mention. Yes please.

Yoker Bhoy
4 years ago

He would make a great signing. 4 or 5 million should seal the deal. Come on Celtic, get this done!

charlie
4 years ago
Reply to  Yoker Bhoy

ffs scattercash melings contract runs oot dec 2020 ide offer 2mill furrum he he

sfa unfit for purpose
4 years ago

caption

Dave kings sends his pet goat to pay Ashleys invoice .

BJF
4 years ago

Loving some of the debate today guys, I too loved Prican as a player as a commentator rubbish. Please can we not mention the heated driveway, I don’t know if it exists but how Lawwell spends his money is his affair. He is very well paid and the CEO of Celtic should be. With 8 titles and a host of cups the Board obviously feel he is doing his job, for various reasons mostly legitimate some posters don’t OK but you have no logical grounds to get rid of him if his job is to bring success to the club. The next CEO will even be higher paid I guarantee. Rodgers behaves badly but as a coach did really well and deserves his part in our history I won’t like him again but I do acknowledge his ability. I was in a Milan for that game nearly did it!

Rebus67
4 years ago

I have an uncomfortable feeling (no, not that!) that the game vs Cluj will contain some unpleasant surprises.

Cluj do not believe that it is over…..they perform well away from home.

I saw enough in the first game to suggest they know how to play against us. They overload our full backs because they know they receive little help from their wingmen. Neither Morgan/Sinclair and Forrest are strong in tracking back. This leaves a gap in front of our FBs which Cluj exploited with long balls into these spaces. In the first twenty minutes they attacked the right side with success, then they were more effective down over left. Mr Boli’s lack of positioning is a concerrn.

If you lose the first goal early, it could be along night.

So far, my predictions this season have been very wrong….let’s hope I have not improved any!

Today is my wife’s last radiation therapy and she is all finished. I am looking forward to a good week!

Rebus

Rebus67
4 years ago

Long post gone missing! Any chance of looking in the trash can?

Rebus

Puggy67
4 years ago

Caption: Staunch goat is subject of £30 million Chinese bid after getting two shots on target

BJF
4 years ago

Proven but maybe Prican works!

BJF
4 years ago

Shit Provan.

4 years ago

Caption,Secco Armed Forces show off the new GOATling Gun

4 years ago

Caption ,Sevco Armed Forces show off their new
GOATling Gun

Uralius
4 years ago

Caption: Doon the lodge that’s what’s referred to as mounted infantry. 😉

Iain in Alberta
4 years ago

Hello Rebus, glad to here your wife is doing better. My wife worked in the Breast Health clinic for years and I have an incline of the treatments involved. Welcome back and glad to read your input.
for the team against Cluj. NL always has a trick up his sleeve so I will not try to guess what system or who will play but this is who I would play in a 4-2-3-1
Bain,
Elhamed, Ajer Jozo, Hayes
Brown, Calmac
James, Ryan, Mikey,
Eddy.
Olly to come on at 60 mins for Calmac or Brown.
I believe we can win by 2 goals.
I think NL will persevere with jullien and Boli as they are the big buys for him
TG Tommy Gemmell.
I also think Calmac is the glue of the team which Rebus alluded to earlier.

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