A few years ago, when various venture capitalists were taking it in turns to milk the cash cow of a broken hearted Rangers support, one of them, Charles Green, said something about doing a deal with the Dallas Cowboys. At the time we thought he meant the American football team, yesterday, it dawned on me what he really meant.
The Dallas Cowboys is actually how the current generation of Scottish referees are referred to at certain establishments up and down the country.
It refers to Hugh Dallas, the bigot who used to be the top man at the SFA where refereeing is concerned, and the cowboys that he hired to officiate at the football.
They are noticeable by their discreet tattoos…no obvious handshakes for this new breed….
Well, they probably do.
It stands for Anyone But Celtic…as in the Paul Larkin trilogy, which should be required reading for this season…as it outlines not only whats going to happen, but why it’s happening…
Andrew Dallas was the referee yesterday for Celtic’s 1-0 win over Dundee United, and true to form, he did his best to try to throw a spanner into the hooped machine.
He broke up play when he could, he let those in tangerine kick, tug and pull wherever he could, and most importantly, he managed to adopt that sneering look of contempt reserved only for conservative politicians and twenty five year old policeman that should be stamped on every time it surfaces.
And just as they did the last time a club out of Ibrox needed the money, he followed company policy and evened up the stats by booking opposition players late on, when it didn’t matter, to avoid any sort of scrutiny
That reminds me, a mate of mine was a police officer, and he went undercover to investigate fraud at a local orange lodge once. He said he was surrounded by fat, sweaty ,white supremacists so he reckoned going somewhere undercover would be a nice change of scenery.
We can expect this all season from the men in the middle.
They have no particular love for the current entity at Ibrox, but they have a deep rooted hatred of those at Celtic Park.
Dallas was unavailable for questioning after the match, but was spotted in is car after the game…
https://twitter.com/i/status/1297248038512136192
It was new bhoy Albien Aljeti who raked home the winner after a tense game, and the other new lad Patrick Klimala had a part to play as well, but it took a while to get there.
Neil Lennon called the performance outstanding and all the usual adjectives that make it look like he was happy, and in fairness it was certainly a better result than the Kilmarnock trip, but there seems to be something on his mind, and something he knows he has to deal with , but doesn’t really relish the prospect.
The team is evolving, and the line up in the last game of this season will be completely different from the one that started it.
You can see it in his face, and hear it in his voice.
I didn’t watch the game yesterday, though I have seen bits and bobs and heard about it from those whose opinions I value, as i was working, and that meant I had to use an app to try to get radio coverage of the game.
EBT Scotland had some recorded message about not having the rights to broadcast their show, which left Radio Clyde.
Presumably one of the reasons Ladbrokes decided to discontinue their involvment with Scottish football was to have their name removed from this show.
Incidentally, the show is now sponsored by Thompsons solicitors of Glasgow…is that the one vigourously pursuing damages for abuse victims at football clubs ?
The show is handicapped by not being able to broadcast any live football, so it relies on the jaunty banter between host and panel to keep the listeners attention.
In truth, the fucking adverts were more entertaining and informative. And they at least sounded like they knew what they were on about.
They made our Etims podcasts sound like a high brow production in comparison, and don’t forget, at least we know we are but four old ramblers of pish.
There is one thing to be said about Clyde, and for this I am grateful, it reminded me how much I am missing those trips to the rain to watch the game..
Still, I had to listen to Clyde, and as usual there is always someone worse off than even me…
Imagine paying to watch your heroes, sitting there in your brand new kit, watching something else drop off every time you move,
and then noticing that even the players kits are of the sort of quality you’d find on a sunday morning market stall, the sort that has two guys working it, one to sell the tat, and one to look out for the cops….
New “rangers ” striker Roofe …I can’t remember his first name….and it seems he didn’t notice his last name was spelt wrong either…
Someone was immediately under suspicion for this latest Timmy sabotage of Ibrox merchandise….
2020 2021 Glasgow Rangers New Soccer Jerseys Rangers BLACK EDITION Football Shirts Top Quality 20 21 Blue Men Maillot de foot
Caption : are you a victim of polyester chaffing from high end brands?
Today….
Frustrating performance. Too many issues to highlight here but I agree with you that Lennon looks like he’s got something on his mind. Is it just me or does Edouard not look interested?
Andy, I was wondering that myself yesterday as he was very poor but not as bad as Moi who was woeful. I’m astonished at the criticism of Ryan Christie yesterday as he seemed the only one constantly probing and busting a gut. Some of his shooting was a bit off, but it was fitting that the winner came from a sterling effort from Ryan.
P. S. Do we practice shooting on the training ground, as against Kilmarnock and now Dundee United the amount of shots off target or sclaffed is frightening!!
Bit harsh on Moi, the system of the wingers having to cut back in to a crowded middle so the full backs can overlap clearly doesn’t work for him, don’t think it suits Forrest either. Eddie is constantly surrounded as he’s the lone striker, much better when he’s working in tandem with someone else. Agree on Lenny though, definitely looks like he has something weighing on his mind and that really is a worry. We need everyone 100% this season if son of satan and the rest of the men in black are not to derail things.
No it’s you and Frank McAvennie.
That’s how Eddie (& to a lesser extent Rogic) play. They don’t go about rumblin them up and knocking people about like Lyndon Dykes. They look to try and find space to play in. The problem yesterday was that Utd worked hard and were good at denying us space. With Ollie, Broonie and CalMac all playing there was nobody breaking beyond Eddie from a central area. This left Eddie trying to take the ball in / turn v 3 defenders. Not easy. More support needed from midfield or Klimala running beyond to occupy at least one of the defenders might help.
CAPTION. “I still cannae see them coming.”
Caption. Right Fang you go for the fat sweaty Colombian are you’re older, I’ll go for the wee Ned called Kunt or something like that
Jeremie Frimpong is a 19 years old football player.
James Forrest is a 29 year old experienced football player who plays either on the left or right wing.
You don`t dremel a perfect Pearl.
Did that go in? Was the cry from the Southern Hemisphere pirates.
God bless Albian Ajeti.
Does Swiss Cheese holes come in tangerine?
Caption
Right get those Castore bxxtards boys!
The game turgid, United a carbon copy of Killie, Lenny seems to freeze at making changes.
A change should have been made to formation before half time, changes at half time, but no he waits and waits.
Ntcham and Brown, as Forrest and Frimpong not in the same team Confused at the team Lenny put out, why four at the back, one upfront. Ajeti looks promising.
Connolly a bully boy kicking everything that moved, as for Dallas, ugly bitter we nan, still confused to why a Broonie was booked . Three points added
As for the mighty Wankers, they drool over them as their Buffalo implodes.
Onwards and Upwards to ten in a row
I must have been watching a different game than you,I thought the ref was OK,I think your column is just.a cheap dig at Sevco,poking fun at everything Sevco.If there has to be anything critical, then should be man enough to write how rotten this starting eleven were ,and the Lennon should be held account for the way the team is set up,so what Sevco do is nothing to do with you ,stick to making comments good or bad about Celtic, but I personally don’t think you can admit how bad the players can be at time.
Caption..
Owner and dogs look over fence to see who uses giant clothes peg?
The words are ‘not protected’ Free rein on Celtic Players.
Can we turn to the Celtic Corporate Board for assurances? No,because there is noone but they that are they.
If you`re to enter Celtic Park expect an elongated ear bud up your nose and down your throat
Enjoy the Daft.
The midfield badly lacked Rogic yesterday.
Mystery how he can’t get a game.
Wee Dembele should have been an option on the bench to replace Ely.
Chris,
Let me clear that mystery up for you, Rogic is always either unfit or injured.
If we don`t get to watch Karamoko at Celtic Park for 4 seasons…
A sin.
Chris,
Tam got me drunk allot more than I remember.
You`ve already voted for this comment.
Aussies do it Better.
Credit has to go to Dundee Utd as well tho, or should we just turn up & win 0-5 just because we are Celtic?
We all need to calm down & get behind the manager & the players.
I’m sure a few signings will come in to lift the overall quality of the squad.
Does Lenny have something on his mind?
Maybe the biggest domestic season in the clubs history has something to do with it, or maybe one of his players heading off to Spain & getting two of our games called off, forcing us to play catch up has something to do with it?
Oh, nearly forgot, in the middle of a pandemic.
Get behind the team!
HH
As for Dallas, i expect nothing from referees every season, so that’s why we need to always be better, score more goals etc.
We have won three straight trebles, possibly a fourth, ignore the refs, just keep scoring goals!
Two whoo moments from Ryan Christie on goal was lip read as…you
re effin kiddinme keeper.The Bhoy has a sweet shot.
Though after ten useless corner kicks is it not time for a change Neil?
Long season.
If a defending player can`t header a ball that requires to head the ball precisely before it bounces is a reserve player.
What was frustrating at corners yesterday was that whether Christie hit the corner long, central or short, every Celtic player was sucked into the same small central area making it easy to defend.
Leigh is if Charlie.
Griffiths would be a good left fullback given a chance. Hope.
Well said Monti
Cheers m8
…………Pish
Though an excuse though. We are not the one`s playing Monti.
A Manager pleased on deaf ears.
What do you do with an arse end of a side that is always one transfer window behind of signing Football Players?
It’s our way Port, we just have to hope that when the new signings arrive, they are difference makers.
Central defender, left back & a quality winger & i’m happy.
NFL is worrying about how to broach the inevitable conversation with the gaffer:
“Mr Brown, with all due respect, you’re a drag on your teammates…”
Hugh Dallas,receivership officer, has a Son who referees.
The three companies claimed a joint profit of about £500,000 on turnover of £38m in the last year for which accounts were published, ended June 2001. However, the group collapsed – owing £10m to Bank of Scotland – after over-reaching itself with the acquisition of the GF Sharp facilities management business in Wishaw.
The affair made headlines when it was revealed that well-known football referee Hugh Dallas was among staff axed by receivers of the Wilson group companies. Dallas later failed with a bid to buy back Cambuslang-based Watson Dallas, which he had sold the Wilson family in 1997. Watson Dallas was eventually sold to Abbott Group, a large window manufacturer based at Hailsham in Essex.
Ask Hugh & Son for a £! Somebody to love Scotland!
Caption too …
There’s only two John greigs…
Caption: Their just big babies/ you must have scared them/nowadays they can sew that back on/ blah de blah.
I’ll tell you what lenny should have on his mind wtf he has reverted to a formation that doesn’t work from a winning one which won us the league.
Eddy needs help up front he had 4 or 5 players surround him in the box by ajeti coming on we had another box player. Celtic are so much better in a 3 5 2.
Broony is a full yard off the pace now.
Its a shame to see but he is a passenger when we cant afford it.
Eddie has to move through the middle to the outside of the 18 yard box and Olivier and Callum head through the middle to challenge the 6 yard box. That`s Eddie facing a clearance front on where he is different.
Is it when I used to play sort of Soccer,Soccer?
Don`t aim for a player. Make a player aim for the ball.
He had ellynoussi and kimala fit enough he could easily have played the 352 he chose not to.
Kimala scored a great goal against accies has been part of the squad since signing inexperienced?
It was dundee utd for ffs not psg
Charlie Saiz,
What clean chances?
Ach I do love a well written and planned response. I’m suprised I honestly am. This happens every season. The team will take 18 shots in a game and only 6 will be on target. The coaching staff responds and we win the next game by 4 goals with an 80% on target rate. If there is no response…. Then we have an issue.
Full backs overlapping should only be an option. Wingers don’t need to cut inside when they do but doing so is also an option. The idea Jamsie then has one defender to deal with as the full back has to decide take him or the overlap. At CP he has scored often from cutting in. Moreover, Frimpong getting to the byline and cutting back was also productive. Getting into positions to do this is more important rather than blindly doing it every time.
Why was James put out on the left tho?
He does his damage when he is wide right?
Caption.Spot the pig in the middle
Caption: Someone let the dogs out and won’t let them back in.
Caption : ‘Goan then, a dare ye, try and git yir ba’ back noo, ya wee shites!’
charlie, i`m alienating.
A solid Celtic spine? Thy UFO 7 year cycle is in play as my Granny used to say.
So we struggle on artificial pitches, struggle against teams that sit in, struggle against teams that press high, struggle against teams that pack midfield, basically we struggle because Lennon still canae pick a team and tactics that make us better, how do we need to play with 4 wing men every game, yet no creativity in the middle of the pitch, how does Lennon think playing players out of their strongest positions is good tactically, Christie on the right wing, Forrest on the left wing..WTF…Elhamed should start every game if he’s fit, either as a back 3 or as RB, and Eddy needs a partner, as it was proved last part of last season, so 3-5-2 has to be the way forward, but more importantly, play the players in the positions they excel at, as for Brown, unfortunately his time has come to hang up those boots, offers nothing football wise, slows play down and drops so deep he’s playing as a CH, so if this is what’s playing on Lennons mind then he needs to get a grip asap, because performances and tactics of late wont get us anywhere in Europe or 10IAR….HH
Caption:
You have no proof that we are Black Irish Dogs.
Seems like we all have something on our mind. Everybody is a bit anxious and highly critical. We could have won 5-0 yesterday easily except for great work by their keeper and poor shooting by our players who had numerous chances. Ref was shocking ( no news there ) and this is how it will be especially away. For the rest of the league every game with Celtic is a chance to stop ten. We need to support Lenny and the team and just keep on winning even if it’s 1-0
Is Gordon benevolent for Gavin?
Those apostrophes man.
mo johnstone back in glesga with his security team
Yesterdays performance was appalling . Neil Lennon fails to see what the rest of Scottish football does. Isolate ( and just plain foul) Eddy and the goal tally plummets. Every team bar the huns will set up this way . 2 up front Neil anything else is hogwash.
Caption: What’s that? The saying is actually about keeping the wolfs FROM the door, not ON the door
Rod Petrie will usurp Irish tunes through the Celtic F.C. public-address system.
🙂
If new arrival Castore did #BriSquad.
What’s happening?
4.
What # would you pick for your shorts?
Caption : that’s the Dallas’ fighting again
Just found out FC Cincinnati call themselves the Orange and Blue. Andrew Gutman is still on loan out there.
Caption: K9s give Monti a 20 minute head start after he’s been heard saying, “Jehovah.”
I’d just like to let people know, Pat McCluskey (Fat Pat) passed away 24th Aug 2020.