Albien Aljeti overcame his initial doubts yesterday and joined Celtic for four years, got himself the number ten jersey and gave us the old line about it being the only club for him.
“For me it was important that the boss and the sporting director Nick Hammond showed me a lot of interest.
“It was also important for me to feel like I would be an important player if I was going to sign for as big a club as Celtic is.
“This was important. But when you have a chance to play for them, with all the tradition they have and the history of this football club and the fans they have, I am happy.”
He even said he’d knocked back Barcelona ..which gave the impression that it was quite recently, but deep down in the story it was when he was wee and the Catalan giants were not on his bus route so his mum put her foot down.
Or something like that.
There was thankfully no mention of anything that may have been on the mantelpiece in his bedroom…
Alright, we get it. He’d rather we dinlt mention that he initially had cold feet about the move, but to be honest, most of us would rather he took time out to have a think about things, and now he’s made his mind up he should hit the ground running.
His mate Mo Elyannoussi hit the ground running, and perhaps Aljeti will be able to point out to him that running all is fine and dandy, but we need him to be productive as well.
One thing that was noticeable from his publcity shot , apart from the obvious badge tugging, was the word ” Adidas ” faintly imprinted on the seats in the stand behind him….
Perhaps more visible here….
With over £10m spent, and around seven weeks of the transfer window left, coaches at PSG will be concerned they might have to develop their own players at this rate, but we’re assured that Peter hasn’t forgotten them and for all the talk of Ivan Toney , Barry Douglas , Shane Duffy and anyone else who pops up in the papers, thats still where we’ll be going to get our next big thing.
Otherwise that jaunt to France would have been a complete waste of time… we just don’t want anyone else to know who we’re after.
Which reminds me, they’re a little concerned at the ranch office about stories leaking out about layers, and several false trails have been laid to flush it the mole, where an insider is fed an exclusive to see where it appears, thus identifying the leak.
I’d like to think they’d have made it less obvious, though….
Doesn’t affect us, of course, as we make everything up.
Shane Duffy is delighted with interest from Celtic, but as he’s rather used to a little bit more in his bank at the end of the month than is on offer here, a loan is probably the best we can hope for.
Although he did skip the subbuteo bit, and went straight for the balacalava….
Seven years before Celtic were interested in him, so there’s little doubt he’s been keen for a while….
Barry Douglas, who is at Leeds but used to be at Wolves, or it might be the other round, has an impressive record and looks set to join Celtic to give the medical staff someone to practice on..lol, practice, medical, see what i did there ?….and if they can actually put him back together, we could have a decent replacement for Bolingoli Boli, who we hear is drafting an apology for his selfish actions that could yet be more effective in stopping ten in a row than anything the SPFL/SFA could conjure up…though that won’t stop them from trying.
Douglas’s record is comparable to Celtic legends such as Derk Boerrigter and Marvin Comperr, which has thrust him onto the reckoning for a place at the table…or on it.
It’s all about money, and whilst the outlay already this window suggests someone is a little bit pissed off about how the season started..like when some directors sang about sashes and other delightful tunes of tradition…it may just be that all of this was planned all along and things are just ticking along nicely.
Which is why anything else will likely be projects or players who have lost their way a bit.
Still, Edoaurd and Dembele were projects, so I’m certainly not downhearted.
And don’t forget, there’s still quite a few youngsters biting at the leash to get their starts in the forst team, ambitious youngsters who came north from English clubs on the promise of being given a shot if they worked hard enough….though sadly, not too many of them are centre halves, so there should be one more established name into the fray, perhaps even in time to join Barkas and Aljeti on the list for next weeks game against Reykjavik.
Elsewhere, and the fallout from the antics of Bolingoli, and others, continues with the SPFL announcing that there will be all sorts of prices to pay not only for reptitions of misdemeanours, but the ones that have already taken place, showing that they still haven;t got a fucking clue what they’re doing, or , indeed , how the world of law works.
Put simply, you can’t actually punish someone for something f it wasn’t a crime when they did it.
Their statement yesterday said;
The Joint Response Group today outlines a wide range of measures agreed with the Scottish Government to reinforce Scottish football’s commitment to public health and adherence to protocols.
These measures have been approved by the JRG and follow extensive discussions with Scottish Government Ministers and health advisers.
They are as follows:
ENFORCEMENT
The JRG has worked to ensure that existing rules will be strengthened to include the provision of sanctions for players who do not adhere to COVID-specific football protocols or government public health guidelines. This will encompass recent breaches and further details will be provided tomorrow.
EVALUATION
In order to provide government health officials with the necessary confidence that Scottish football can return safely and in accordance with relevant government guidelines and football protocols, the Scottish FA has agreed that the return to training for clubs outwith the SPFL Premiership – which includes all organised adult football over-18 – will be delayed until at least 24 August, pending updated government guidance on the 20th. This is to ensure that:
- All club facilities comply with the current JRG Protocols, social distancing and hygiene measures.
- All club policies and procedures comply with the current protocols and government guidance.
- Club testing regimes in the professional game comply with the protocols.
- Players and staff at all levels of the game have been reminded of the latest government guidance.
EDUCATION
Professor Jason Leitch, the National Clinical Director for Scotland, has produced a video message outlining, in the clearest terms, what professional footballers can and cannot do within the existing government guidelines. This message will be reinforced on a regular basis via digital communication.
ENGAGEMENT
The SPFL and Scottish FA have gifted Scottish Government advertising space to promote public health messaging on matchdays in-stadia, using LED advertising and via other owned assets for all SPFL competitions and the William Hill Scottish Cup semi- finals and final.
Rod Petrie, Joint Response Group Chair: “The message from First Minister could not have been clearer. The JRG must now ensure that the planned resumption of football beyond the Scottish Premiership is done in a controlled manner with the strictest adherence to protocols and guidelines.
“The pause on the return to training for the professional game outwith the Scottish Premiership will not impact on the proposed start dates of the respective league competitions but will give sufficient time to reinforce protocols, educate players and make sure of the ability of clubs in the lower divisions to conform.”
Neil Doncaster, SPFL Chief Executive: “Today’s measures underline the fact that Scottish football is doing everything it possibly can to protect our game. The recent, high-profile breaches must be used as further motivation for all those with our game’s best interests at heart to comply absolutely with these necessary restrictions and safeguards.”
Additional guidance notes
1. Glasgow City Women’s FC can continue to train in preparation for their UEFA Women’s Champions League tie against Wolfsburg on 21 August and will be visited to audit and verify compliance.
2. Heart of Midlothian FC has been informed of the need to pause their current training programme until at least 24 August.
3. Adult (over-18) recreational football will not be permitted to participate in any form of organised training.
4. Youth (under-18) football can continue in line with current Scottish Government guidance.
We’ve got the bit that wasn’t given to the media for public consumption
Conclusion
That should annoy that bloody cow up at Tynecastle
So, Hearts, with a Cup Semi final coming up, cannot even train, whilst aberdeen and Celtic, the two offenders named so far that have put the game in jeopardy, well, their players, get to play their ames after a token slap on the wrists.
And you, she lost it…. unsurprisingly
Then she calmed down to a frenzy and put this statement out…
“We have done nothing wrong and yet, once again, we are being disproportionately disadvantaged by a decision which has been described as ‘the fairest’.
“We should not forget that this situation has come about, not because of Covid-19, but because of behavioural issues, not by our employees but by those of other clubs.
“This delay reflects a lack of confidence that certain clubs will be able to comply and meet the required protocols.
“How can it possibly be fair that we should be penalised?
It’s hard not to feel sympathy for Hearts, and one gets the feeling that they are being unfairly singled out for some reason, and one wonders of she has a trick or two up her sleeve to get back at the beaks.
I’d contribute to a statue for her of she brought them down, or even tried to.
Elsewhere, and the Sun highlighted yet another dopey “rangers ” fan who has fallen for the ingenious Castore parody account over on Twitter, which has been the forst point of call for those who have tried to buy their new gear from somewhere not owned or licensed by Mike Ashley.
FELL FOR IT
Rangers fan duped into complaining to fake Castore account about late kit delivery
Duped ? He should be offered a place on the board, they all get duped over there.
A RANGERS fan was duped by a prankster into complaining to a fake Castore account – and never appeared to realise.
It comes after the brand new Light Blues home kit was delivered to supporters last week after its launch last month.
Er, they haven;t been delivered, thats why the hordes are revolting…well, one of the reasons.
But there were slight delays in some fans getting their strips, with some even being damaged during the delivery process.
Kit suppliers Castore do not have an official Twitter account.
But that hasn’t stopped one social media prankster turning their own account into a Castore parody.
And they fooled one Rangers fan into sending them a complaint over the failed delivery of his son’s new kit.
This is the tweet that they cover, and you need to scroll down …anyone who has ever dealt with any customer service bot will appreciate the genuine feel, although there are one or two things even the dumbest of the dumbest fans on the planet should have spotted…
https://twitter.com/i/status/1292540297247961089
The Sun explains that 1690 was the year of the Battle of the Boyne, and that 1916 is the year of the Easter rising, that took place in…
what is now the Republic of Ireland.
Clearly emphasising that they need to remind their core readership that Ireland is now a country and not a colony any more……
The real Castore have promised that they will get their kits sooner rather than later, but the truth is that it;s a bit of a scandal to take money from fans knowing full well that they wouldn’t be able to supply them if Ashley put his foot down.
If they weren’t aware of that, then the club/company certainly were, and maybe that is where the media should be looking for answers.
It’ll give them something to do while they’re working out how best to ignore other stories that when they come out will throw the season into even more confusion….
Knob of the Week used to be a regular feature on a Friday, but as levels of knobbery rose throughout not only the sporting world, but the politicial and entertainemnt world as well, it became harder and harder to find someone worthy of the accolade, in that to win it you had to be more of a knob than a couple of world leaders to even stand a chance.
But some people just don’t know when to give up…..
Outspoken Celtic legend Frank McAvennie has told Christopher Jullien to “grow a set” in his Premiship battles.
He is a big honest boy but he needs to grow a set.
Sometimes you are going to come up against players that are bigger and stronger than you. That did not used to bother me. You have got to be clever.
Etims Knob of The Week
which now comes with a wee card that you can show your friends….if i can be arsed sending it….
Yesterday, we had this….
Caption: Yes captain 9 is safe but 10 is under attack i repeat 10 is under attack
Today….
Not really sure why everyone so annoyed with Scottish Government reaction to this.
Its a bigger picture than just 2 missed games. and a bigger issue that just football.
The wider picture was leading up to trialing fans back at the games. With players being untrustworthy, bang goes that idea. With role models going off course, soon the rules collapse as folk say “Och its fine, they did it!” and sure enough we are back to Square One.
The only anger should be reserved for the sheer contempt shown by Bolingoli. A daft wee bored boy perhaps but a total slap in the faces of us all.
the man tested negative, twice. If the government dont like that they should focus on better tests, something they ARE responsible for
why was it any more massive than going to tescos round the corner? the correct answer is not because wee jimmy says so. he tested negative and then played.
when did “lets make decisions based on scientific evidence” get replaced with “lets make decisions based on what comes out of wee jimmy’s @arse crack”
There are not many reasons for a man to go somewhere overnight. What’s his/her name Boli?
why is his private life any concern of yours?
10 in a row…..
Quick, before Desmond realises there is a crack the fence and we’ll sneak in ‘afore kick-off!
Caption………..
Auld Jessie starts coughing up her lungs again on entry to Kelvingrove park, the resultant panic ensues.
Caption
Fences go down at Woodstock 50th Anniversary
Caption
Quick that Discount shop over there has the Castore strips.
Hertz and Budgie, shower of clowns that deserve all that comes their way. As for signings we got the Albanian, but we need some defenders, the usual chaotic wait till we see if qualify for the UCL
Caption
Hun holidaymakers in France rush back before border closures come into effect , so they can go bowling
Caption : C’mon Mary this is the last football match we’ll see this season
There’s only one Al Aljeti
he puts the ball in the netty,
He’s Swiss don’t you please
Loves chocolate and cheese
walking in an Albi wonderland
or something like that.
Caption:At the Scottish border when the pubs opened up in England first.
phil the greek and wife queen lizzy finally break into £1box looking for lizzys owed back tax
caption mabel the hat mcvitty sais never mind hawdin ma haun ya daft auld knob …get first in the queue for the buffet
Caption : ‘Panic amongst Amiens fans as Bolingoli named to start first game.’
:))))))))))
Four seats? Fat hun bastert. Pretty sure he was in the same train carriage as me once,right enough.
Anti maskers avoid security (Agnes fae Drumchapel, only does it to get oot the hoose) at Asda Govan.
Caption
“Hang on Walter, what’s the hurry? “ hurry up you stupid bint, I’ve a stop the 10 in a row meeting with Stevie g and he won’t wait”
Caption – “At the ‘Altamont Free Festival’ in 1969, news that the Rolling Stones and the Grateful Dead were both playing on the final day caused a stampede towards the stage…”
Caption
Frenzied applicants rush to fill post after my “job” description is advertised.
Caption: Excitement builds as Aljeti declares
“Let me enterten you”
Caption two …
the grab a granny obstacle course…?
Caption: Thunder is heard in the park, but it being 2020 everyone assumes it’s Godzilla.
There has been far too many changes to this site since I last posted, any way I have just been told that if I return to the UK (does that still exist?) I will have to spend two weeks in self imposed isolation.
Ralph, I know I have been away for a while but what on earth has the headline got to do with the content?
Keep off the negative pills Ralph, there is not a single sevco player that would get on the bench for Celtic this season.
Have some faith, this will be the best it gets for them so they may as well make the most of it, there’s a long winter ahead.
HH
Caption:
Panic buying at Ibrox megastore as orange taps from Castore finally go on sale.
about 39 million more than your man
Bolivian an idiot like no other!
Caption………..
Those two auld yin’s could probably get through Barcelona’s deFENCE with a lot more ease.
Hearts were allowed to start training early, as they still had hopes of playing in the Premiership (no, seriously).
When they restart on the 24th it will be 10 weeks before the Semi-Final. How long do they want before facing the Hibees?
If the Scot Gov, JRG, SFA, SPFL etc are simply trolling Hearts then I for one thoroughly approve.
Caption “Behind Closed Doors my arse. C’mon hurry up Greta, we don’t want to miss Boli’s comeback!”
Captoin:
“Don`t fence me in” was the heard battle cry from the sevconian pavement supporters.
Caption
Scenes outside Hampden in nineteen five seven 30 seconds after Celtic makes it one seven.
Is Brendan Rodgers still naive in your book though Duncan, er Charlie, whitever?