Well, technically it’s not the final mile, its the final mile before what is increasingly looking like a much needed break and perhaps a freshening up of the playing staff.
Celtic overcame Hibernian at the weekend, but it was pretty uninspiring stuff, but in fairness, it’s already been a long season in terms of games played and some of the core players will be feeling it.
Add to that the doggedness of plucky rivals “rangers “, who keep on winning there is a different type of pressure on the team.
Sooner or later they will implode, quite possibly before Christmas, but until they do, with maybe a few injuries or suspensions, they look like they will cling on.
What Celtic need to do is to continue to be consistent, and win the games left this month. That will create a bit of breathing space and allow the manager to tinker with the staff. So to speak, that is.
It looks like the revolving door will be turning again with one or two leaving, and one or two coming in.
Nir Biton is staying, he’s signed an extension that keeps him in Glasgow until 2023, and this may turn out to be the most significant signing of the winter. Quality cover is difficult to get, international footballers will not join a club to sit on the bench and only fill in where needed, least of all to a club like Celtic, who will not pay the salaries needed to compensate for not playing every week.
If Biton is happy to cover for the midfield or central defence, we should be delighted, because we will not get a better or happier player than him to do that.
As he says…
“It’s been an amazing six years but I just want to keep it going and make it an amazing 10 years, and hopefully I’ll do that.
“I don’t take it for granted, especially after what I’ve been through. It was a tough time for myself and my family with the injury, but I’m happy to put it behind me now.
“It’s a big statement for the club to give me a new contract and to show the trust they have in me, so I just want to show them on the pitch that I deserve a new contract and keep it going – keep winning trophies and keep winning games for Celtic, and make everyone happy.”
Though his squad number does perhaps suggest the playing staff is a little bloated…
The January window is not one to worry about where stars leave, except when they fall out with the club, and there doesn’t seem to be an issue here with anyone, apart from Scott Sinclair, who will almost certainly be on his way back down south.
Lawwell has wanted him off the payroll for months, which has annoyed the manager, as has the CEO’s reluctance to pay the going rate for Victor Wanyama, especially given the work Lennon has put into making this happen.
It might still happen, but the wage bill is being trimmed and the buy low sell high model is still firmly in place.
One name mentioned is Fabricio Bruno, based largely on a report from Brazil, which was promptly given a negative slant by Mark MacDougall of the Record..
Fabricio Bruno ‘bid made’ by Celtic but Cruzeiro boss warns of high transfer fee
The 23-year-old centre back could make a loan move to Glasgow with an option to buy in future.
If he was any good, and he’s Brazilian, so he must be, then you’d expect a high transfer fee, but MacDougall clearly has spent too much time over at Ibrox where transfer fees are a bit of an issue with the board still wondering who thought it was a good idea to sanction £7m for Ryan Kent, a man who had never played a competitive game for Liverpool.
From the Record…
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Rodrigues (Cruzeiro boss ) said: “This proposal came, yes, but it is not consistent with what we want. There was a little enquiry and they made a proposal, but it didn’t come close to what we want.”
Lazy journalism at best, but perhaps even over in Brazil they know enough not to talk to the Record.
But what about the player ?
MATCHES OF FABRÍCIO BRUNO
| Sun | 08/12/19 | SEA | Cruzeiro | 0 – 2 | Palmeiras | View events | More info | |
| Thu | 05/12/19 | SEA | Grêmio | 2 – 0 | Cruzeiro | View events | More info | |
| Mon | 02/12/19 | SEA | Vasco da Gama | 1 – 0 | Cruzeiro | View events | More info | |
| Fri | 29/11/19 | SEA | Cruzeiro | 0 – 1 | CSA | View events | More info | |
| Sun | 24/11/19 | SEA | Santos | 4 – 1 | Cruzeiro | View events | More info | |
| Mon | 18/11/19 | SEA | Cruzeiro | 0 – 0 | Avaí | More info | ||
| Sun | 10/11/19 | SEA | Cruzeiro | 0 – 0 | Atlético Mineiro | More info | ||
| Thu | 07/11/19 | SEA | Athletico Para… | 0 – 0 | Cruzeiro | View events | More info | |
| Fri | 01/11/19 | SEA | Botafogo | 0 – 2 | Cruzeiro |  |
View events | More info |
| Sun | 27/10/19 | SEA | Cruzeiro | 1 – 1 | Fortaleza | View events | More info |
Celtic are going for a quadruple this season.
The traditional-well, three years is a tradition as far as I’m concerned- domestic clean sweep and a tilt at the Europa League.
Lennon is quite savvy in Europe, and there are now a number of season campaigners in the squad.
The draw for the last 32 was quite kind to Celtic, if not to the travelling support, when Copenhagen came out of the hat.
One supporter, posting on twitter, expressed his dismay at the flexibility of airline pricing strategy..
Copenhagen are behind Erik Sviatchenko’s Midtyjlland, who were beaten comfortably by ~”rangers ” earlier this season, who in turn beat Copenhagen in the league.
On paper, that should mean Celtic are more than capable of getting through, which then throws up and interesting possibility….
In the last 16, Celtic could face “rangers “, as teams from the same associations can play each other. The first leg would be on the 12th of March, with the second a week later.
In between those games, Celtic face…”rangers “.
This, of course , depends on “rangers ” beating Braga, who are a lot better than anyone they have faced so far, although the SMSM hacks haven;t heard of them, and have already decided they are beatable.
One outlet, however, offered bad news for the bears..
The Athletic, a subscription based website, offering, and I quote, quality articles,
asked me to build the best football writing team in the UK. In-depth pieces from amazing people. Here you are. I’m so proud to be part of this. And a bit emotional. I hope you enjoy it.
STEVEN GERRARD swapping Rangers for Liverpool has been ‘discussed informally by all parties’, according to a report in England.
The Athletic claims the Gers gaffer is in regular contact with Reds boss Jurgen Klopp and the Anfield side’s powerbrokers.
It comes after both Klopp and Gerrard signed long-term club deals last week.
Writing in his column, former BBC man David Ornstein said: “On the same day as Klopp’s deal was announced, Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard signed a new contract to keep him in charge of Rangers until 2024 and the parallels did not go unnoticed.
“It is no secret that Gerrard and many at the club would like him to manage Liverpool one day and, while it may never happen, the subject is understood to have been discussed informally by all parties.
“Gerrard is thought to be in regular contact with Klopp and Liverpool’s leadership.”
So, a man who has never won a senior trophy as a manager, nor managed in the champions League, who paid them £7m for a reserve player has been discussed informally as a replacement for a man who won them the champions League ?
I have an extract from that informal discussion…
“Gerrard ? Steven Gerrard, who used to play here ? “
“Ja “
“Fuck that, he’s a diddy. and he fell over the last time we had a chance to win the league ”
You can pay to read more quality stuff on the Athletic, but i suspect you won’t.
Lennon wants Celtic to make a name for themselves in europe again, bearing in mind he was a aprt of the last Celtic side that was if not feared, certainly respected on the continent, and if there is a long term plan, it seems to be working, as moravcik 67, the go to guy on european co-efficients explains..
Better late than never. Copenhagen it is. A tie that could be important in different ways in terms of coefficient. At a club level, Celtic are currently ranked 46th in Europe, on 33pts, as attached. A win and a draw in the tie gets us up to 40th, two wins up to 39th
These rankings determine seeding in qualifiers, and what pot you’re drawn from in the group stage. So even getting a few extra places up the table could make the difference in being seeded in all qualifying rounds next year, or being in a higher pot for a group stage draw.
At a national level, Scotland is currently 16th in the rankings – as attached – just 0.875pts behind Denmark in 13th. To get above them, Celtic and Rangers need to combine for the equivalent of 2 wins more than Copenhagen. Doing so would also jump us above the Czech’s.
Of course, you have to consider what the APOEL, Basel and Olympiakos do in their remaining matches. But what the tie does is allow Celtic to pretty much settle it on our own. It’s a tough ask, but winning home and away would go a long way to confirming Scotland in 13th place.
KT after a move to arsenal is thought to be spending to much time in his room alone.
At last, the diary, something to read, of interest, this new E-Tim site, the “E-Tim Funky Pigeon Greetin card” site, is a great idea, but a bit limited. Then again to share your birthday with a real Celtic legend is something to celebrate, as is the re-signing of Nir Bitton, the quiet Celtic man, a Celtic player who most supporters appreciate, so congratulations Nir, keep up your good work.
Caption: ‘Oki Doki, somethings no right, but if a take deep breaths when the inspector comes roond, I think I’ll get away wi’ it..’
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALEC!
That picture could explain some of the time I lost on Friday, but can anyone explain why my shoes were soaked through?
No but the Pizza was class!
From the Celtic Graves Society:
The story of emigration from a famine ravaged Ireland to Glasgow’s east end is a familiar one in the story of the foundation of Celtic. to the Conway family its a personal one as Doctor John’s father, also John Conway, left his native Donegal, like so many before and after him, to make his way in life. Having been born in Donegal and lived there throughout the famine, he set sail from Derry to Glasgow settled in the Calton and soon picked up work building the railway, as many Irishmen did. It goes on to tell the story of one of Celtic’s founding fathers. Like Joseph McGroary, John McCreadie, joseph Neils, Michael Cairns and of course Doctor John Conway. Their story of being taught by a young Marist Brother Walfrid, someone who was held in the greatest respect by these young men. It illustrates that Donegal and Glasgow Celtic are inextricably linked.
A famine ravaged Ireland, some of its people having to work extremely hard to not just make a living but to thrive and become successful. So, lets give some thought to those founding fathers and to the researchers who remind us all of our past struggles to escape famine and poverty and to a country who if not welcomed our forefathers but who helped us escape those dreadful times.
Good stuff Michael
Ian, you have taste, but the credit goes to the Celtic Graves Society, the work that these bhoys Putin 😉 behind the scenes is incredible, they do such brilliant work.
Caption.
Method actor going to audition for “The Dead Parrot Sketch.”
For those of you too young to remember Google it. It will be well worth your time!!
Watched Rogic destroy rangers if that’s a luxury then luxury is good. Always a place for talent in our team. Christie is great not a number ten though. When has he ever thread a pass through or split a defence open? Rogic is languid and laconic which could be misconstrued as bored.
I think Lenny is a good manager but he has his favourites and if you’re not on the list then you’ll be made to feel like leaving . Guys like Gordon Sinclair and rogic have been good servants and I don’t think Lawwell is going to part with the money Southampton will want for Ellyanoussi or Forster so we’re playing with borrowed player to get to the nine.itll be different faces next year I don’t have a problem with that at all personally, seems to be our only outlet financially.
and we’re earning a decent wedge every year.
The money is there; its only the board’s reluctance to spend it that’s the issue.
Aye right millions spent on players with less resale value. They’re worth it to you or me but they’re too old. Players are commodities in Lawells eyes and those two aren’t worth it by our Tory leadership not going to happen
Caption,The Huns at the back of the bus ,they cannae Hing
Cannae Hing Cannae Hing
Excellent
Typical performance in the Spl . Totally dominant that’s where the uninspiring comes from. Little to no effort from the opposition scared of getting thrashed. It’s uninspiring stuff I was flicking over the channels during the game. You can tell if the other team are up for it. Young Frimpong was inspiring. Button solid and big Jullien fucking class as usual. Scott McKenna is ok I’d rather have Benkovic though. Aberdeen won’t sell Cosgrove for the money Celtic are willing to part with. Shankland is well worth trying for though with Dundee utd so far ahead they’ll get into the premier league without him
Caption:
You ok bud?
Yeah mate, just sha-win summa the owld sympathee pie-n fo Kay Tee, a litil shouda pop then off down the owld Kent Rd.
Caption
Buckfast and good brakes are a terrible combination
You are stupid, i’ve been trying to find other fitting terms….but stupid dominates.
I have said for years i think Celtic should have two strikers in domestic matches….you argued against playing two up front….now you are banging on about it?
We’re a fickle bunch Monti. It is horses for courses. Griff has goals in him and is our best free kick taker. Ask England he’s world class (at free kicks). Deadly left foot. He just doesn’t have the glamorous looks he’s underfed and hungry and stunted A wee Ned love him he has magic in his boots I think 2 up front is easily accommodated against the dross we play against. The guys confidence has been eroded by buck teeth Rodgers a sufferer if napoleonic syndrome. I don’t look up to the brains trust that is Etims. Good guys but with no better insight into the game than the average punter on here.
Caption: Maw am upside down and a think ah’ve pished myself. Where are you ringing from son? The waist up.
Caption: Next stop Bridgeton
monti sings the partys over on the way home last night
Caption……..
oᴉzɐ˥ ʞɔnℲ
How do you dae that?
Ma heeds pickled noo….
˙uoʇʇnq ʇuǝɯɯoɔ ʇsod ǝɥʇ ʇᴉɥ I sɐ ʇsnɾ uʍop ǝpᴉsdn pɐdᴉ ʎɯ pǝuɹn┴
Annoying as fuck 🙂
?????? Nurse Ratched
Caption:
The Sevconian view of reality.
Of course Celtic would have been politically for a United Ireland. Would they have told someone to fuck off if they wanted to watch Celtic play if they didn’t. Nah dont think so.
The GB jumped in too quick with their Rod Banner they might think they know everything but they probably weren’t even aged enough to vote in the election.
Rod has a wicked sense of humour he may have been at it who knows he may have been gracious in defeat who knows. The banner about him was poor in my opinion.
Rogic is a big time player with minutes left on the clock and a goal is needed who would you have with the ball at their feet. Edouard Griff Ntcham Christie cal Mac Ellanoussi jamesy or Rogic?
All day long Rogic for me and that’s the difference. He needs to stay.
Celtic need a Tom Rogic more this season than any other.
We are more dynamic when he is up and running. More game time required and let’s see the wizard of oz fly.
“Lawwell has wanted him off the payroll for months, which has annoyed the manager, as has the CEO’s reluctance to pay the going rate for Victor Wanyama, especially given the work Lennon has put into making this happen.”
Same as it ever was.
Caption “Nope, still can’t see them”
Provo squad:
Forster, Frimpong, Bauer, Hayes, Bolingoli, Taylor,
Ajer, Jullien, Bitton, Brown,McGregor, Christie,
Rogic, Ntcham, Forrest, Johnston, Edouard, Bayo,
Griffiths, Morgan.
🙂
Could we stop with “ the quadruple” talk please ? Players mentioned, particularly McKenna, are nowhere near good enough for Celtic never mind get to Gdansk. We don’t do buying better, ready made quality to qualify or make a serious run at the EL final. Our last three games have shown our squad isn’t good enough. Start really working now Neil
PISH
Well said Steve, I was thinking about who that lump awe wid McKenna reminded me of. The diarist told me, it was Raphael Scheid the Brazilian Int. One cap, remember when Brazil was giving minging players one cap so that they could elicit a better transfer fee, Barnes believed the hype. When MON took over he said to Scheid (a player who lived up to his name) “I like footballers who are not like you” That’s who McKenna reminds me off, canny run, canny jump, canny heeder, canny play fitbaw.
I wouldn’t want McKenna in a lucky bag.
The pair of you wallopers couldn’t open a lucky bag…..
henke,
You, Steve and I know our football, we can recognise a player, we know 97 year olds, pulling a truck up a hill behind them, could go quicker than McKenna. Milne looking for over £5.00 mill for him, he must be near bankrupt, or cuckoo.
I know he has his previous indiscretion to live with and he doesn’t fit the normal age criteria, but Declan Gallagher at Motherwell is a far better player than McKenna.
Oh dear…..nurse…meds tray please^
Surprised you’re talking about birds with a beak like yours ya fanny 😉
Is it okay to talk about a Quadrofenian Treble?
Caption
see me i can dae that pole dancing ,it’s easy oooooppppssss a daisy….
Ibrox upskirting epidemic report …
Its not Yoga, its the new sexual position, called pounding your heed on the spot. Endorphins are released quicker and the blood reaches the parts that other parts cannot reach.
Caption
ragers player practice penalty appeals on the team bus to fir park
Great article Ralph, well done particularly the heading. I was brought up on that sort of stuff, never giving up, there is no finish line etc etc.
But now that i’m into the evening of my life another heading sprung to mind the other day as I was in conversation with my young niece, she chastised me for still running, cycling and swimming etc etc, albeit at a more pedestrian pace than in my younger years. My niece said something along the lines of “why don’t you slow down now that you are getting older”.
To my surprise I did search and say something profound.
“you don’t stop because you get old, you get old because you stop”.
I hope that resonates with her for some years to come.
Great to see Nir Bitton exstend his stay at Celtic, I do like him, I was a wee bit concerned that PL would pull the strings and refuse him a new contract but hey, what’s not to like.
I read a comment from Monty a few weeks ago regarding “The Griff” sugesting that his days are numbered at Paridise, I certainly hope that is not the case as I do believe with a little bit of TLC he will return to his goal scoring ways, he has a place at Celtic.
I probably will not post before the festive season ends so best wishes and good health to all at “The Diary”.
God Bless and a HNY
HH
Team for Wednesday. 4-2-3-1
Forster
Frimps, Jullien, Bitton, Taylor;
Calmac, Brown;
Christie, Rogic, Johnston;
Eddy;
subs Gordon, Ajer, Hayes, Ntcham, Griff, Bayo, Forrest.
Give Boli a chance to find his first touch (poor).Should have scored in 86th min v Hibs but control let him down again. Ajer looks like he needs a rest as does Jamesy.
Young O’Connor needs a chance he is playing well in the reserves.
CAPTION
Contrary to accepted wisdom, a Celtic Supporter graphically illustrates, that we can’t actually sit at the back of the bus.
Tommy Burns is a legend
Caption “nope I still cannae see the Huns!”
Caption: ” Nope, still can’t see any sign of rangers coming “
Anyone else got doubts about the Fabricio Bruno transfer? Does he look 23 to you? Remember MON doubting the age of our other Brazilian defender? How will we get a work permit for him? He does not seem to have any caps plus Cruzeiro are hardly a top team currently. Also look at his progression through the club, Cruzeiro. Season 15/16 he would have been 19, according to his birthdate, 1996, yet he is playing in the under 17’s!
Something no right here, Jimmy. Leave well alone else there is a good chance history will repeat.
Rebus
Well spotted.
Post gone awol. To be moderated?
Rebus
Caption. Nup! Still can’t see them coming
Caption: Charlie Saiz loses one of his toy soldiers boots on the way to McDonalds.
Doctor John Conway, a Celtic founding father. A huge figure in the Glasgow Irish community. One who worked tirelessly alongside John Glass to assist Brother Walfrid’s endeavours to fund the Poor Children’s Dinner Table’s. What he didn’t know about the Glasgow Irish community wasn’t worth knowing. He turned his back on a star studded career in London to help the poor of in the east end of Glasgow. When Brother Walfrid set up the steering committee of the finest minds amongst the Glasgow Irish, Doctor John was the first to come calling. He made the keynote speech welcoming Hibernian in 1887 who had just won the Scottish Cup to Saint Mary’s Hall, Calton, the very hall that Celtic was founded some 9 months later.
The list of prominent Irishmen, their sons and religious figures all combining to do what they could for the poor is staggering. You get a sense of a community becoming more confidant, diligent, hard working to raise themselves to new attainment, doing all that they could for their fellow men and women, it is inspiring.
The Celtic Graves Society, anyone can join it for a measly £10.00 pounds per annum, you get a small badge and the opportunity to purchase knowledge about our club. They too are inspiring working diligently for the benefit of past Celtic hero’s and administrators.