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Celtic Diary Wednesday March 18: Amidst All The Hysteria

Despite every man and his dog offering their opinions on how best to conclude the football season, with ideas ranging from the sublime to the ridiculous, it appears UEFA have made evryone’s mind up for them.

It’s hardly big news, as we heard the players were being given ten weeks off, although of course they were given training schedules to keep up with by themselves, which meant that although the UEFA news didn;t break until yesterday, everyone pretty much knew what was coming.

 

UEFA, the European Club Association, European Leagues and FIFPRO Europe today signed a joint resolution on the principles of a contingency plan regarding the 2019-20 season. The principles include details on the completion of national team and club competitions… 

 

UEFA EURO 2020, which was set to take place from 12 June to 12 July 2020, will be postponed to 11 June to 11 July 2021. This will help to ensure that the UEFA EURO 2020 can be a great celebration of football for all the supporters across the continent. 

 

The UEFA Nations League Finals, the final tournament of the UEFA U21 EURO and the UEFA Women’s EURO all scheduled between June and July 2021 will be re-scheduled accordingly. 

 

The resolution features a commitment to complete all domestic and European club competitions by the end of the current sporting season, i.e. 30 June 2020 at the latest, should the situation improve and resuming playing be appropriate and prudent enough. 

 

There could be adaptations of the 2020/21 UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League qualifying rounds in case of late completion of the 2019/20 sporting season, i.e. after 30 June 2020. 

 

A working group composed of representatives from UEFA, leagues and clubs will be immediately established to examine relevant calendar matters and devise solutions allowing for the resumption and/or conclusion of the current season in a coherent manner.  

 

Some common sense, and the biggest sighs of relief came from the SFA/SPFL , who realised they wouldn’t have to be the ones to tell “rangers ” and Hearts that they’d have no money coming in through the turnstiles for a while, and perhaps more importantly, there is now no need to show them the rule book that negates any argument about whether or not the season should be voided.

 

Perhaps a bigger sigh of relief came from Steven Gerrard, who will now not be asked to explain why he thinks Liverpool should be awarded the Englsih title if their league is stopped, and why Celtic shouldn’t be given theirs.

 

Happily for him, no one in the Scottish media has thought to ask him that.

 

Happily for him, all the attention has passed to the latest dot on the Daily Record’s Keith Jackson’s radar, which suggested that a far east businessman was about to chuck £20m into “rangers “, presumably because he couldn’t find his cigarette lighter in order to dispose of it more successfully.

 

Yesterday, Jackson, who really should know better, said;

Property funding expert Stuart Gibson is on the verge of ploughing millions into Rangers and becoming the most influential figurehead in the Ibrox boardroom.

Record Sport can reveal the Japan-based businessman was in Glasgow last week to meet with the current regime as he edges closer to completing a deal which will see Dave King step away from his position as chairman.

Paisley born Gibson has made his fortune in the Far East since moving there in 1999 and his real estate company ESR boasts of having more than £1.5billion worth of assets under its management.

It’s understood the life-long Rangers supporter was initially attracted to the idea of investing in the club around six months ago after discussions with current director George Taylor, a senior investment banker with Morgan Stanley, based in Hong Kong.

Gibson has secretly attended a number of games during that time including a Betfred Cup semi final win over Hearts in November and the defeat to Celtic in December’s final.

Gibson had also planned to be at Ibrox for Sunday’s Old Firm derby before it was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

 

Today, somwhat shamelessly, he reported a source in the far east who said;

 

 

Stuart thinks it’s still a bit premature to make any official statement. He’s considering investing in the club but he has not been in talks regarding taking over the club from Dave King. He’s just a well-meaning fan trying to support the club.

“In the meantime, Stuart will continue to focus on his business in Asia.”  

 

Our own source in the far east analysed the evidence, and concluded it was all

 

bollocks

 

There is support for the Ibrox club out there, and there are people who may yet invest in either this Ibrox entity, or more likely the next one.

 

But these guys did not become wealthy by throwing their money into big holes just because they sang about popes and vaticans when they were kids.

 

As for Celtic, the forced shutdown will affect the finances, but they should be in a position to ride it out. That’s not the case for other clubs,and there was talk that “rangers ” wanted to avoid a shutdown and play out the remaining games, and not even behind closed doors.

 

Paul McStay said of the mood at Celtic Park;

There’s a bug about the place

 

He didn’t. But he would have if he’d thought of it.

Celtic are happy to go along with whatever rules are made to protect the health of their staff, players and supporters.

No fuss, no comment apart from the minimum necessary.

 

Whereas at Ibrox, if such an irresponsible attitude towards their own supporters, demanding that games go ahead with crowds does not tell the fans exactly what this breed of venture capitalists actually thinks about them, then nothing will.

 

The lengthening of the season will lead to some interesting conundrums regarding player contracts at Celtic.

 

Some loannees, such as Moritz Bauer might as well get back on the train home , whereas others, such as Forster and Elyannoussi could be on the train home before the season kicks in again. Celtic would have to ask for an extension or sign them permanently if possible.

 

The situation could become worse as Craig Gordon is out of contract this summer and shows no sign of wanting to stay. That could leave the club with only Scott Bain and no back up, which might explain the sudden surge in enthusiasm from the Ibrox support which claims the league is not over.

 

Well, enthusiasm or delusion, depending on which way you look at it. I know how I’m looking at it.

 

 

While there is no activity on the playing side, there are one or two deveopments on the business side.. which have probably added to the panic on the other side of the river, with Celtic looking ahead at possible income streams, such as this…

EVENTS Venue Approved For Land Beside Celtic Park

A PURPOSE-built events venue with space for 700 people has been approved for a site near Celtic Park.

Glasgow City planners have agreed that the two-storey building can be developed on vacant land next to 1257 London Road, including part of Dalriada Street.

Documents submitted to the planning department when the application was first made in July 2018 stated that the venue would be called G40 and would host a range of events including live music, corporate dinners, weddings, fashion shows, and food and drink events. 

It has been designed to look like an engine shed to reflect Glasgow’s railway heritage.

Drawings submitted by applicant Dalriada Developments Ltd show areas with space for 420 people on the ground floor and 280 people on the upper floor of the venue.

There is also a covered external food yard plus four steel container units to be used as as hot food takeaway outlets.

A statement by architect James Aitchison, lodged on the applicant’s behalf in July 2018, explained: “The proposals are for a multi-disciplinary arts and events centre which will become one of the leading venues available for hire in the East End of Glasgow. The complex will host a multitude of different types of events.

“This project will ensure that the East End of Glasgow will catch up with the rest of the city to offer this distinct community the same type of event space which is already widely available in the West End and city centre.”

It continues: “There is a growing demand from the East End of Glasgow, in tandem with its regeneration, to have its own venue for the local community to enjoy and that venue to act as a social hub during the day with the spaces being offered to local groups and organisations for them to utilise.

“This type of multi-disciplinary venue has been extremely successful in other major cities across the UK including Manchester and London and this application is the opportunity to bring it to Glasgow

“With the major development works following on from both the Commonwealth Games and the redevelopment of Celtic Park, the opportunity to continue the improvement momentum is illustrated by this application and its place in providing another piece of the Glasgow East End jigsaw.”

 

There is no suggestion that Celtic have anything to do with this in the text, and it does seem to be entirely independent of the club, but what it does show is that the area around the ground is far from the finished article, and there may yet be more to come.

 

Add this to the revenue from the new adidas kit deal, and you can almost hear the wails of despondency from Ibrox as they struggle to find a company that will even make a kit for them, let alone pay them to wear it.

 

Oh, and that does hurt…one intrepid fan has been emailing the German sportswear firm, and no doubt providing hours of amusement for their CEO.

 

Image

 

Mind you, there was some good news, but not for them…

 

Coronavirus: Orange Order axes all marches and events

The Grand Orange Lodge of Scotland said it was time for the ‘institution to play its part’. 

 

 

You Retweeted

@JennyLConstable
ironic that one disease has stopped another 

 

Things off the park are bad for them right now, so they do need cheering up.

 

James Traynor has been replaced by David Graham as propaganda minister at Ibrox, with the Fat controller finally hanging up his hat. It appears his unique style of PR has finally upset enough of the Ibrox board to have them terminate  his consultancy ..he never worked directly for them… and allow him to fully concentrate on his book…

 

David Graham is a bit of a cheerleader for the Peepil, being a DUP man and an Orange Order member , and he is the obvious choice to keep the tangerine tender flying in.

(From the Record )

Rangers’ new head of communications David Graham has insisted that the Ibrox outfit is open to everyone and there is no reason why it “cannot be a 21st century club for 21st century people”.

There was shock in football circles when it was announced earlier this week that Graham, a DUP councillor and senior member of the Orange Order, would be taking over from current PR chief Jim Traynor with the Belfast based man stating he had landed his dream job.

The lifelong Rangers supporter says that “the future includes everyone, irrespective of sexual orientation, religious background or cultural affiliation.”

Graham’s open to all policy will be viewed with interest across Scottish football and beyond.

He said: “Rangers is proud to be a modern, diverse football club where people from all backgrounds, cultures and communities can unite to celebrate and support a common cause.

“We have had a ground-breaking diversity and inclusion campaign called ‘Everyone, Anyone’ which Steven Gerrard, the manager, launched last year.

Not like the Orange Order, which no doubt Graham will suggest adopts a similar open to all policy now he’s noticed that it’s the 21st century.

 

“The historic reality is unionists from across the United Kingdom have historically supported Glasgow Rangers and those from the nationalist background have supported Glasgow Celtic, but that doesn’t mean that Rangers is not and cannot be a 21st century club for 21st century people.

“We are proud of our past but we are open to everyone. The future includes everyone, irrespective of sexual orientation, religious background or cultural affiliation.

“Anyone who wishes to wear the blue shirt either on the field at Ibrox or support us in the stands will be made more than welcome.”

In fact, not only can anyone wear the blue shirt,  it would be handy if they could bring along another dozen as the club doesn’t have any for next season at the moment.

 

All of this somehow adds up to a media campaign that supports the narrative that had the league continued, “rangers ” would have made a fist of the title race, and Hearts would have suddenly found enough form to pull themselves off the foot of the table.

 

Hearts may have done, as just a few wins in a relegation batte can make all the difference, whereas at the top Celtic would need to lose four more games than “rangers “, and “rangers ” would still have to win all of theirs.

 

Stranger things have happened , but only in television fiction, and even then the story had to retain some credibility.

Despite being thirteen points adrift, albeit with a game in hand against St johnstone, who are in no way to be taken lightly, the two games against Celtic mean they could easily claw back nine of those points, presumably because Lionel Messi and Cristian Ronaldo  have been holidaying in govan and can’t get a flight home and they’ve both asked to play for the club/company while they’re stuck here.

 

Various former players and expert pundits have thrown their voices around sort of backing this point, though given the level of expert opinion in the mainstream media that’s hardly surprising.

 

Or it could just be that they have to find something to talk about…regardless of whether it makes any sense…

 

In the meantime, stay safe.

 

 

Back to Saturday for the last caption competition…

 

Image

 

 

Dziekanowski’s nightclub child

 

Today…

 

Image

 

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Frodshambhoy
4 years ago

Keith Radar Jackson reveal Middle East billionaire and his plan to rebuild Ibrox

Monti
4 years ago
Reply to  Frodshambhoy

If there’s any spear carriers reading the diary…..
It’s Stoke-on-Trent.

🙂

Monti
4 years ago

Caption: Ralph Malph’s spear making enterprise get’s it’s launch.

Bognorbhoy
4 years ago

Caption …
Let’s see if the wife wants me to work from home now

Spudscave
4 years ago

Because Alfredo will be off for the next 10 weeks his wife gets the builders to seal the house no escape for the love rat

Puggy67
4 years ago

Caption: ‘Rangers’, everyone, anyone, especially tradesmen who take cash.

Warriorthruandthru
4 years ago

Social distancing means there’s nothing else for it.
I’m going to stay in and get well and truly plastered.

the real Anton Rogan
4 years ago

Caption: Footage emerges of a previous corona outbreak where Peter Lawell insisted Rab Douglas worked for his money

Munichbhoy
4 years ago

I said home office and I cement it.

alzyerpal
4 years ago

Caption – In a last ditch attempt to survive, the Ibrox trophy room has once again been raided. Sold at auction, on Gumtree, the ‘Gourock Cement Mixer’ which was used to manufacture William Wilton’s very last pair of boots raised the sum of £16.90.

Jinkylarrson
4 years ago

Sporting integrity E.B.T.s don’t count.

jimmybee
4 years ago

Fat jabba wont take this lying down I’m sure there will be more to come out of ibrokes in the coming weeks. It’s so great to get a laugh with so troubled times for many at this time.
Moon beams again from the daily radars Jackson another who will never learn. No way could any man or woman who has built up great wealth throw it down the sevco black hole. I just cant see him investing if he gets to see the full story.
Maybe a loan in there but full commital you would need to be an eejit.
Celtic will be crowned 9 in a row champions eventually.
It doesn’t matter when we have all the time in the world.
If the league has to be played later I’m sure the governing bodies would incorporate all loan signings to be extended with clubs consent to cover the extended season. It’s only extending an end date.
Cant see a problem.
Stay safe and keep washing them hands with soap and hot water.
Just in case a hun is lurking close by HH

jimmybee
4 years ago

Caption: I started out with petrol bombs and throwing bricks and stones there was a hundred more lads like me I never was alone,

Cartvale88
4 years ago

Investment in the Rankers even from the three bears is doubtful. The stock exchanges have tanked and their own investments have decreased dramatically, the shit could be hitting the fan(Orc) shortly. The only area they can really raise funds are the Orcs, why else employ the biggot from Belfast.
Quite a few clubs could go down if this lasts three months, also the SFA are in a perilous situation regarding their finances. UEFA are seriously worried about a breakaway Super League, major changes on the way as the Wankers slip below the waves, ah but wait they could ask the Queen for finance.

Caption

I AM ISOLATING MYSELF

greenmaestro
4 years ago

So “Gibson has secretly attended a number of games during that time”, this from Keith Jackson should’ve won the caption competition from Saturday

Bognorbhoy
4 years ago

Caption 2

Tory plan for paving the way to a better future

mcklintop
4 years ago

Caption: Govan shopper bemoans Aldi stockpiling rules meaning he could only buy one cement mixer.

SteveNaive
4 years ago

Truly unbelievable rant from Ian Cameron in the Herald this morning. This in a national ‘newspaper’ Where to begin !

Puggy67
4 years ago

Caption: Eyebrows raised as the last guy to see Jimmy Hoffa alive is announced as the co-author of James Traynor’s new book.

Monti
4 years ago
Reply to  Puggy67

Caption: ” Is there any point in me manning this creditors pot, the only thing in there is a pound coin “

Monti
4 years ago
Reply to  Puggy67

Look Ralph, look, look at Puggy….look look ^

Monti
4 years ago
Reply to  Ralph Malph

I didn’t think you were responsible for that 🙂

Konrad
4 years ago

Caption: This working from home malarkey is a fucking doddle.

Monti
4 years ago

FFS just stop it now!

R.Sole ^

4 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Edouard 28 goals and counting – never mentioned

62 goals and counting in 2 and a bit years – never mentioned

Sinclair 60 goals in 3 seasons – never mentioned and frequently abused

Dembele 48 goals in 2 years – never mentioned

Aye, you only post positive news.

Monti
4 years ago
Reply to  The Cha

🙂

Monti
4 years ago
Reply to  The Cha

Yet Edouard will leave for a Scottish & Celtic record transfer fee, arguably north of £30m.

4 years ago
Reply to  Monti

So, in other words, you pick and choose which players you support.

Thankfully those that go to the games give support to all the players.

Mike
4 years ago

No Income tax, no VAT.
No Footy on,
Woe is me.

The Huns are Sh!te,
they are so poor,
Could be worse,
you could come from Stoke.

God Bless Janefield street,
Long live Janefield street,
C’est magnifique Janefield street,
Magnifique Janefield street.

Monti
4 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Ratched nutrix, medicamento^

Mike
4 years ago
Reply to  Monti

There’s a Hun at the bottom of the garden,
And his name is Sevco Stue,
There’s a Hun at the bottom of the garden,
And cheat is all that he can do,
He cheats all night,
He cheats all day,
Whatever else the peepul do say,
There’s a Hun at the bottom of the garden,
And his name is Sevco Stue.

Patrick O Hara
4 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Caption.
David Graham announces “off the radar ” shirt deal with local branch of IT’S CURTAINS FOR US.

Una
4 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Excellent

BroxburnBhoy
4 years ago

Who’s getting Secret Service protection?
On Tuesday, the US Secret Service said it would this week begin providing full protection for Mr Biden. His codename will be Celtic, the same as when he was vice-president.-

Monti
4 years ago
Reply to  BroxburnBhoy

Broxburnbhoy,
Is the ‘ Halls ‘ factory still open, i’m a bit anxious there may be a Pie/Sausage shortage?

BroxburnBhoy
4 years ago
Reply to  Monti

It shut down a few years back Monti – there must be another purveyor of pies

charlie
4 years ago

pillow fisted nacho tries tae harden his hauns

Monti
4 years ago
Reply to  charlie

Caption: ” Fred, Fred, your tea is ready, we’ll have it on the patio “

Monti
4 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Ooooft 🙂

Monti
4 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Caption: ” They quickly got the message there, it was written on the wall …Bricks out “

Rob O'Keeffe
4 years ago

Caption: Come in Mr.Salmond,your legal team have come up with a solution when your trial is over.Just remove your boots and we’ll,er,wash them in this fancy contraption,put them back on and we’ll give you a lift round to the Clyde……

Puggy67
4 years ago

Caption: Memorial wall builder texts face painter for advice.

TicToc
4 years ago

I haven’t read the post (by eTims) nor the comments.
I’ve booked a few days ‘away’ with my wife.
We will leave the house, get in the car (which is already maxed up on fuel) and drive North-West for a hundred miles. The cottage we’ve booked will have been cleansed by necessary wipes ONLY. HENCE, the ONLY cross-contamination is generally in one’s feeble mind.
Ah can’t be bothered with more of this more on TV, moron TV?
(Ah’m repeatin’ masel, repeatin’ masel….. Ah fuck, the human race is a huge disappointment……and religion is centrist to the subjudaction of all men/women…..the pretence that “THEY” will ‘govern’ us with respect and decency? REALLY?
The Tax-payer will be told that the “GOVERNMENT” will “protect” Business, I.e. tHE POOR PAYING FOR THE RICH, YET AGAIN?
I can’t stomach this any longer……the £/$billions that suddenly become available to cover their Capitalist friends? (disguised as “the economy”) When in GB the NHS “couldn’t be patched up forever and had to be “open to market’s forces” by The Rat D Cummings.”
I agree, wholeheartedly, with Dominic Cummings, that things need to be fixed. But, the Modus Operandi… is substantially different, POLES APART.
One day, per chance, I will cross that little bastard Demon’s path and I shall, shamelessly, arrest him……not quite sure what “arrest” means in this context….which parameters are wide….
But he’ll be no more of a pestilence, ….NOT EVER.

There’s an “army” on here, just needs leadership. A time to fulfill Charlie S’s hope, like mine, of a Supporter-owned CELTIC FC. A time to DROP childish ‘banter’ and to congregate, walk from of any fucking bus you’ve EVER felt you were on and TAKE OWNERSHIP of OUR Club. Only then can we truly be, A CLUB LIKE NO OTHER, not the copy of what total cunts like Desmond and Lawwell ARE.
THESE two must be EJECTED from OUR Celtic FC, and we reform/go back to our roots, cheer on Brother Walfrid and sing wildly of this “Grand old team” we love.
Celtic FC didn’t begin as a Capitalist venture, it was borne of a need to help the poor. Why should that ethos ever change? Because greedy, tory scum like Lawwell and Desmond were allowed to insinuate their filth on us; us, an equality based Socio/Communist ideal whereby the poorest are aided by the rest.
RELIGION is central to, and part of, the scum of Capitalism. To go forward, towards an ‘at least’ semi-eqality based society one must BURN the existing ‘system’. Coronavirus may well be the catalyst, but a catalyst is essential to man’s existence; even those silver-spooned, fluffy little pieces of shit that our “betters” churn out, for fun. And the Pope is absolutely okay with all of this? Hmmmmm! I have questions…….
FC not PLC
HH

Oztim
4 years ago

Caption: The Ibrokes half time draw moves indoors.

Magdalena’s Chestnut Gelding
4 years ago

Caption

Coronavirus cut backs at Disney as they unveil new Star Wars Droid.

TicToc
4 years ago

What does one do when no Celtic FC is playing football in a meaningfull way? (Does one consider, in depth, the scum which “***preferent”ially owns our club. (***Shares which get dividends)
Singing (apparently) is good for the soul…. okay….. #For it’s a Grand Old Team To Play For#……..? Sorry (what’sisname Daly, IMO no’ ra best, THAT anthem should be moved on)
#Soldiers are we#……. now THERE’S an anthem….but…..’Twas on a dreary New Year’s Eve, as the shades of night came down……’ the admiration (to me) has no words befitting, of those self-sacrificing young men, Feargal O’ Hanlon but 16 years old……, died with Sean South who I think was around 28. And it happened in 1957. But the ‘independent’ BBC, paid for by Tims like me too, suffer from selective memory-drop? REALLY?
I paid those bastards last year after giving in to my wife’s fear. This year there will be no argument to brook; she’s been told, and accepts, our enforced contribution to tory policy ends, and ends NOW.
PS Jeremy Corbyn may not be the best ‘actor’ in today’s politics, but he’s by FAR the best person of principle and decency.
Look at Johnson, Hancock and Raab and tell me THAT is what’s the best available for running our country. Look at Trump and Co in the US of A, look at Cummings (an arrogant little piece of shit who understands ‘algorythms’….FFS it’s out of “hell”.
I (w)rest my case, ‘cept to say it’s time WE batted (from the bat out of hell).

I need some help to gather the pieces in the Scottish football cheating jigsaw (from-and previous to- 2010/2012 – and since), in order that I may prepare a cogent case to bring down ALL those blatant cheats of ALL colours.
It’s not a case of IF now, just WHEN.
One can fool all of the people, et cetera…..
NB the period of provable acts WRT Rangers FC pre 2012 (all and any) and Sevco/New Huns 2012 onwards.
THIS CANNOT BE ALLOWED TO GO ON, REGARDLESS OF THE “BLUE £”. Cheating is cheating and corruption is corruption, no ifs, buts or maybes.

Hard for me not to salivate when thinking of plays and then bringing down “our own”, DiDi’s Vladimir (what’s to be done?) and his little PeTaL….., Eliza. Do little or do fuck all? It may evolve that running’s not an option any more…….what goes around comes around, be aware, be scared, be very scared………. 🙂
Enjoy what’s left of your time, there’s more than one corona…..you viruses……you fucking blood-sucking scumbags……take your bloodlines with you.
Won’t be missed. (assuming one is up to par)

jimmybee
4 years ago

If by the grace of God we see football played before June surely the split wont happen and that the league should be played out with who you have left to play at home and away?
Or will they demand the split.
That would be unfair to the teams who would welcome the much needed revenue from the Celtic and Sevco supporters. Lots to think about

Devoy45
4 years ago
Reply to  jimmybee

That is a good idea. Play all 33 games and seet what’s what. Finish the Scottish Cup too. My wife and I, both pensioners over 70, are under house arrest it seems. Small town in the east of Scotland, supermarket shelves are empty—rumours of wealthier people buying freezers in order to have food forever. Maybe the rest of us working class folk will end up on their menu!!! Maybe after all this blows over, we can have a true socialist revolution?

henkesdreadlocks
4 years ago

Caption……….

Masterchef 2020 doesn’t look appetising.

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