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Celtic Diary Wednesday October 21: Trouble At The Ranch

When there is a desire for information, usually when things aren’t going to plan, the void is often filled with nonsense and speculation.

 

There’s a lot of it about.

 

Not surprising, since Celtic supremo Dermot Desmond has a deep dislike of those fly by night shysters who operate the holding company at Ibrox, and one gets the feeling they’ve been leaving him messages on his phone which involve giggling and renditions of party tunes.

 

They do that sort of thing when they think they’re doing well.

 

Even if they haven’t, Desmond is annoyed they have had the chance to do that, and when Desmond gets annoyed, two things happen.

 

Peter Lawwell locks himself in his office and stays out of the way all day.

 

He absorbs the initial rant, and then looks to see where he can send it down the line. nothing wrong with that, nothing unusual about that, its how things work in business.

 

This time, not only is he sending it down the line to the manager, he’s had to bring him in for a dose of Desmond himself.

 

Initial reports about a three way agreement between Desmond , Lawwell and Lennon appeared on Phil MacGhiollabhans page….

Phil’s page

 

It perhaps confirms what we all feared…Lennon has lost control and respect among the players and , more worryingly, the respect of Desmond, who only gets involved when he feels he has to.

 

In a way, the manager must feel isolated to an extent. He didn’t choose Gavin Strachan, although he approved the replacement of Damien Duff with the former Peterborough coach, and that has led to a change in the style of play that seems to try to bore the other team to sleep before scoring a late goal.

 

After all, with no fans around the need for entertainment has somewhat diminished.

 

Strachan, it appears, certainly if one or five ranch hands are to be believed, holds sway over tactics and training, yet even the basics, such as shape and formation, aren’t working.

 

Even though he wasn’t Lennon;s choice, and long time servant John Kennedy appears to have his nose out of joint, those two are carrying the can for recent results and performances, which may well explain a lack of vitality from the two pitchside.

 

Is Gavin Strachan punching above his pay grade ?

 

The players appear to have little faith in what they see as a serious downgrade in the technical and development side of things. The French guys want away, others have tried to get away, and others have injuries which may or may not be caused by the changes at Lennoxtown on the practice pitches.

 

 

Then there’s the feeling that the club should not have sent players on international duty, a feeling that was strengthened when Nir Biton told the sun about his experience of Covid 19, not only the physical effects, but maybe just as importantly the feeling of neglect after they had followed protocol to the letter…

 

“I went through some hard days with this virus. It wasn’t easy at all. Before I got the disease I underestimated it, but it was not pleasant.

 

This echoes the thoughts of anyone who has been infected and affected.

 

“I had headaches, my muscles ached and I could not stand up. I had to sit.

“You do not know what you are heading towards.  

 

Everyone knows how the disease starts, but not how it ends.

“If it affected me, a young and athletic guy, I do not know how it affects older people.

“We see deaths and I need to say to people, watch out. Stay at home and look after your relatives. This is not an easy disease.

“I am still without taste and smell, but I hope it will come back soon and that the hardships are behind me.”

 

 

Young men, especially fit and athletic wealthy young men, can be forgiven for perhaps thinking they are immortal, and immune to the facts of life that affect those of us in the real world.

 

Biton contracting and suffering from the disease will have given them a short sharp awakening to what life is like right now in the outside world, and it will have frightened them.

 

They have been kept in a bubble and protected from the worst of it, but it has broken into their closed environment and naturally they looked to the club for protection.

 

They didn’t get it, and were still playing abroad in clusters of people who perhaps hadnt followed protocol.

 

The club did not call them back, citing UEFA and FIFA rules, which when peoples well being is at risk, is unacceptable.

 

They will blame the manager for this, and it’s yet another stick to beat him with as they lose respect and as a result refuse to gove one hundred per cent for the cause.

 

 

It’s a mess, and if Lennon has been put on a yellow card, which is likely, he needs to take back control.

 

He needs to regain complete control of the playing side because if he doesn’t , he might as well call it a day, and that is not what we need at this stage.

 

 

The medical side of the club, or the sports science is not up to standard. We’ve seen that with Tierney, and now we’re seeing it with Forrest, who won’t be back for a while yet as he clearly worsened an already dodgy ankle by playing through the pain.

 

We’re seeing an overall drop in fitness levels as the gradual erosion of customs and practice put in place by Brendan Rodgers are quietly removed.

 

The board have allowed this, Lennon is responsible for it, but when a manager os employed and performs in supermarionation, then it’s not entirely unexpected.

 

With an ultimatum possibly in place, it all depends on how Lennon responds.

 

If he feels he doesn;t want to do the job any more, he goes with our thanks and best wishes, ahving given a fair chunk of his life to Celtic.

 

But at one time he would have come out swinging, and thats the Lennon we want to see.

 

Whatever he decides, that decison has to be made with conviction, and the job of putting the band back together again must start now.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Dziekanowski's nightclub child
3 years ago

I hope he does come out swinging, but will PL let him achieve his goals?

Iancelt67
3 years ago

I don’t think we needed a fixture against Milan right now but if Lennon gets a result here it may absolve him and the coaching staff of any more assaults on their credibility and more importantly make the fans happy. I hope Dermott is involved because I’m sick of writing negative reports in here. I revisit mine and others input and it doesn’t make my day any better. It’s the frustration of not being able to do anything about it if I could. Downsizing back room staff to cathroesque proportions doesn’t make me feel any better. Hail Hail to a surprising win on Thursday

BornCelt!
3 years ago
Reply to  Iancelt67

Spot on. I thought footba’ was supposed to be fun. HH!

BornCelt!
3 years ago

I just cannot understand how Lenny appears to be so soft. Obviously Strachan is a kit-man, ensuring softener is used in the machine so the lads do not get a rash. Duff obviously had training with a smile to keep things interesting, but also realised fitness is essential for a winning football club. Is Lenny living in the past, where the sevco’s predecessors were often out on the pish and 100% fir not so essential. Cannot argue with any of this, Ralph. Lenny needs to grow a pair and quickly. Yes take control and let Strachan take care of the towels And now. Lawwell needs to realise Celtic are not his personal subuteo game and strong personalities within the club at all levels are essential, not a threat to his cushy and very well paid lifestyle. HH!

bgbhoy
3 years ago
Reply to  BornCelt!

he is a puppet, was a puppet the first time and is even more so this time. it is why he got the job. his trophy count was abysmal considering what he faced last time round.

he didnt quit, he was sacked, and rightly so

BornCelt!
3 years ago
Reply to  bgbhoy

Thank you. Only way out of this is for Lawwell and Banksie to find new office roles far away from footba’. And Lenny to realise, he may as well go down fighting rather than whimpering. He obviously will not be around much longer and that may explain his non-participation during games, he is waiting for his payoff. HH!

Delbhoy
3 years ago

I don’t understand why the club force a backroom staff on a manager and didn’t just let him bring his own team. Can you imagine Martin accepting that ? And john Kennedy, does he have photos of lawell in a cold shower or something , why is he always part of the coaching set up and never seems to improve the defence. If strachen is behind this slow mundane football lenny needs to take control again. I remember when Lennon took over the first time and he gave the passionate sick of people falling over , sick of not trying speech . That’s the Lennon we want to see again , bring back the thunder

GREENDAY
3 years ago

All anybody has to do is look at Lenny and his actions and demeanour ,especially on Saturday to know somethings badly wrong . Neil Lennon normally kicks every ball , questions every reffing decision and encourages or berates his players with great gusto from the sidelines. I think he’s suffering badly again with his mental health.
If Griff had our unwavering support during his MANY ups and downs , I feel its the very least we can do to back Lenny ( a real,
true Celtic man ) whatever his problem(s) is /are.
BTW . Steve Clarke woulda been my choice to replace Narcissus , but I’m still Neil Lennon✊

james
3 years ago

Its all an absolute joke,get rid of them all,Lawwell,Lennon,Strachan ,Kennedy and Hammond,I cannot believe Lawwell has allowed all this to happen,I mean Gain Strachan from funking PETERBOROUGH!!!! taking bloody playing strategy!!! His dad WGS needs his baws booted anaw!!!! Get rid of the lot of them n Desmond bring in an experienced worthy manager and his own backroom staff and another thing about Lennon,if he’s got depression he shouldn’t be drinking AT ALL especially being the manager of Celtic, I don’t care if he’s the reincarnation of Wolfe Tone,he should be sacked for the state we’re in!!!

3 years ago

Bitton said the Scotland match was the one that meant the most to him. He could easily have put in the doctors line and returned home he didn’t. The club is not at fault for this.
Strachan Kennedy and Lennon look like they just don’t get on.
I dont get how an assistant is chosen for you. But Lennon has the power to listen or not to his assistants. Is he?
But let’s be clear this squad needs a change of direction, and a leader fast. Never mind AC Milan we need the victory over Aberdeen.
The europa will not be completed neither will the league this season.
We need all our energy for the title.
Fuck the europa who cares, we need the title.

Docco
3 years ago

Hyperbole

AntonDeclan
3 years ago

Bound to be another day of many, many replies / comments discussing the trials and tribulations of all things Celtic with much disagreement / disharmony amongst the Celtic Family. However, everyone surely has to realise that there are more important matters to be concerned about….namely, who the hell won the Caption competition from Friday, 9th October?!?!?! Also, following Ralph’s instruction of voting for Knob of the Week in those same ‘replies’, can it be confirmed that having received one vote out of a total of one vote (mine!) amongst 126 comments, that Charlie Nicholas is indeed a Knob?!?!
(Tongue in cheek Fholks, tongue in cheek!). Keep smiling fellow Celts!

Owen Mullions
3 years ago
Reply to  AntonDeclan

I think we’re actually a couple of caption comps and ‘knobs’ in arrears. (Should be Neil Lennon this week). It’s all part of the new ‘improved’ diary along with inability to vote, posts moderated into oblivion and difficulty in replying without simultaneously voting down a comment. Despite complaints from several posters nothing has been done – that’s ‘progress’ for you.

Christina
3 years ago
Reply to  Owen Mullions

Was going to vote this reply up Owen but you and I know vote would go down if I tried!! Hopefully it will all get sorted soon! Hope all is well with you and hope you’re remaining faithful to me 🙂 🙂

Owen Mullions
3 years ago
Reply to  Christina

Hi Christina, I replied to you last week on Pat’s site – don’t know if you saw it. I hope you’re well and remember the offer of a bed at my place still stands!!!

Con
3 years ago

If anyone writes an article basing ‘facts according to Phil’ then it really isn’t worth reading.

Not finished …

Monti
3 years ago
Reply to  Con

Pish

Con
3 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Yeah … constant stream of it from PMG

Fredski
3 years ago

The appointment of Gavin Strachan stinks of Nepotism with his dad an ex Celtic manager who now has a permanent gig on Celtic TV. Remember the style of play during Strachan’s last year. Pass the ball to death then Caldwell tries a 40 yard pass straight out the park. Look familiar?
Meanwhile we have a useless defensive coach with the team failing to double up on wingers and stop crosses to centre half’s who can’t jump.
Time for Lennon to take back the ownership of coaching and motivating.

SteveNaive
3 years ago

Watched two 90 minutes of Milan recently. Against newly promoted Spezia they huffed and puffed but eventually ground them down 3 nil. The Dane CH Kjaer ( Danish captain) is a Mjallby type who wins those one to ones but doesn’t look too clever with players running at him. Spezia didn’t but Lukaku did and scored. The left back, Hernandez pushes well up on the same side as the Brazilian Leao who creates a lot for the CF who is a bit useful. They play out and go wide which, if covered will be through the middle, usually via Tonali who fancies himself as Pirlo but isn’t yet.
A tough ask, even with everyone fit, but we should not underestimate our chances.
They will go 4-4-2 which will be fluid to be 4-3-3 at times in the game. It is imperative we don’t allow them to do this from five minutes in and work like trojans throughout.
Two up front is essential. Ajer, full backs and play to and through the front is crucial If we get beaten so be it but if we ‘play’ like Saturday it could get ugly.

The Cha
3 years ago
Reply to  SteveNaive

Are Milan likely to treat the Europa League seriously?

The reason I ask is that some big 5 league teams don’t and with them top of the league, they’re probably more targeting Seria A and next season’s Champs League.

Mike
3 years ago

The manager is the most important position in the football department, but if he does not have any say in what players are coming into the club and someone else is pulling the strings, he is not the manager and his position is reduced to head coach. Our history tells of big Jock, telling Kelly that he must have full control without any interference from the board. We have so much against us from a compliant press and the governing bodies including the Lanarkshire refereeing association, that we have to be much, much better than our opposition. The Huns have a good coaching set up with Beale ex. Liverpool and McAllister, they have adopted a playing system that suits them, their players have been playing that system 4-3-3 with the same players for 2-3 seasons and so they are improving year on year, we cannot afford to regress or else there will be no 10 IAR. If you look back in time, both big Jock’s famous team ran out of steam after 9 IAR and so did the Huns when Wim stopped them. There is a lesson there. We have such an advantage in income into the club, but that advantage is negated if you bring in the wrong players, or you put a player in the team because you are looking to move him on. I have said before that the next two games will be very telling and I stick by that, if there is no sign of improvement then it will be time for change.

Monti
3 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Mike,
Spot on my unlearned friend!

Mike
3 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Wooft, praise indeedee, great minds and all that!

BJF
3 years ago

I hate it when we lost to ‘them’.Fust I blame the players, then I blame the manager, then I blame the Chief Executive and finally the majority share holder, if it goes on like this so will blame the supporters next. Another thing I hate is the wild speculative guesses. Ralph a bit of evidence would do no harm, about the French guys, or Gavin Strachan even.So much speculation so little real evidence, “I heard from a mate’s mate who heard in a pub,” won’t cut it. Some supporters also say Celtic should be a top European club, how that could be funded is difficult to
understand. I wish we were out of Europe this season, I WANT TEN IN A ROW. Maybe it just isn’t achievable in Scotland but we are close and only 4 points behind with a game in hand, it’s not over yet!

Mike
3 years ago

Bitton’s looking rough after Covid and please Mr. Moderator, if you would be so kind.

old henke 3.jpg
Mike
3 years ago
Reply to  Mike

The once ‘beautiful’ game has lost its beauty and sold its soul. You just have to look at all all the talking going on about a European League and the so called EPL. ‘top teams’ looking to sign up to it, no doubt but the same will be going on in Europe. Show us the money Hun-ney lets all desert the stinking ship. Supporters buy 66″ t.v.s to watch their team play away, abroad and then pay exorbitant money to watch their team play glamorous teams at home. Greed is pouring out of their wellies as their minds are fine tuned to make even more money. So where is the beauty in that? Meanwhile other leagues are left to feed of the scraps and supporters are forced to dig deeper into their pockets. As rich players get even richer making more in a week than some supporters make in their lifetime. How long will it last till it all blows up? who knows and who cares enough to say F. it, enough is enough…

Funkyy
3 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Well said Mike. One of the great things about football was that a “wee” team could beat one of the “giants” in a one-off match, especially in the cup. The unpredictability of a shock result,of a glamour win, added to the excitement of the fans. And it was always competitive. But now it’s not about the game itself, it’s all about money, clubs bought over as toys by millionaire investors seeking only to increase their fortunes. And now the greed is overflowing as they try to create a European League with only the “best” (richest) clubs invited. You can imagine the admission/viewing prices already as they impose what is just another tax on the fans of what used to be “the beautiful game”. The rich clubs will send out their rich players who will dance around avoiding injury so they can fulfill their lucrative modelling/TV/advertising contracts. Where’s the drama and excitement gonna come from? It’ll die a slow death and the money bubble will burst.
If they get their European League, the rest of the teams and the fans abandoned by them should never allow them back in again.
It’s no longer the beautiful game…it’s the booty-full game.

Mike
3 years ago
Reply to  Funkyy

Funky, football especially sport in general was always considered to be the working mans sport, but like most sport its now all about the money. You spend a lifetime watching and supporting your club, you invest both emotionally and financially into it, only to find its been stolen by extremely rich men and that you have no real say in how your club is run. Perhaps one day it will reach a tipping point and the people will be there to watch it and support it as it was always intended to be.

Monti
3 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Mike,
Oddly you are talking sense these days, you must have had your hole recently?
Sniff

Mike
3 years ago
Reply to  Monti

There’s nothing odd about it, I’m well known for my wit and wisdom. and no despite all my midnight wandering she will not succumb. So I’m reduced to doing it manually, that reminds me, I need to clean the ceiling.

3 years ago

Neil Lennon must shoulder the blame for James Forrest,he Lennon came out and told us that Jamesy been having a injury problem for 6weeks so your not going to tell me that the Sport Scientist didn’t tell Lennon about Forrests injury,no wonder Lennon is all over the shop at the minute,it’s his way or not,and with that the players don’t know if they are coming or going under his leadership,If that’s what’s happening then he needs to put up his hands and say enough is enough,And one thing it’s a cert if we lose up at Aberdeen on Sunday,the pain will be felt with all connected with Celtic Football Club

Bgbhoy
3 years ago
Reply to  Timbhoy

Careful Duncan won’t have you say a bad word against Lennon. He will be over to prove you wrong. Even though others know the facts

Joseph Healy
3 years ago

Imo not enough has been made of the ref on Saturday. He was the perfect cheat. Morels committed about 7 fouls and should have been sent off by half time. He was only booked when he finally drew s response, allowing cheat ref to book him and Duffy. Gerard instantly subbed morels, as if it was a plan. No reaction by SFA to the slap on brown. None. Also ref totally ignored rules of the game; almost every Celtic free kick saw Gers players kick the ball away which is a yellow. Totally ignored by ref, and obviously planned by cheating Gerard. Game management is different from cheating, which we saw on Saturday, where the ref and Gers acted on union. Finally, Gers had 18 fouls, plus some more not awarded, with 2 yellows. Celtic had 13 fouls and 2 yellows!! I am annoyed that Celtic have allowed the ref to escape scrutiny.

Bgbhoy
3 years ago

Haha more desperation.

You think he’s the one telling his pals the team at the weekend?

The same guy that’s injured and not involved in the team meetings etc?

Do you think they all go on their watts app group after team meetings to talk about how they are going to play the next day.

A sad and bitter attempt at trying to get one over. But like most of your life, a fail.

Next

Ralph Malph
3 years ago

Players aren’t daft enough to talk shop. Other staff maybe…abs thats where tou find moles…but not players. Instant dismissal .

Bgbhoy
3 years ago
Reply to  Ralph Malph

Nothing to do with the fact that the manager stated himself in the press that he’d been playing with an injury since the Ross county game.

Like I said, desperate stuff

If you never believe he did then why name his as the source. When I’m actual fact you know precisely the square root of 0??

mcklintop
3 years ago

The joyous life of a Celtic supporter. Maybe it’s because I’m getting older but after a result like Saturday’s I tend to avoid all SMSM. Too many Celtic fans wanting to pull the trigger and sack the manager. I prefer to look to recent history. After losing to them at Parkhead in the last game before the winter break we then went on a run of 10 games unbeaten taking 28pts from 30. I like to think we can achieve that again. I’m certainly not pushing the panic button. Did I see anything from them that worried me? Not particularly, that result was all about us not turning up, not about what they did.

Have you seen Morelos have a worse game for them, even when he can’t hit a coo with a banjo he still gets involved, he was murder on Saturday. Brandon Barker? Ryan Kent? I’m not sure I could even name their midfield from Saturday.

The problem we have to solve is the goalkeeper, for me he is a week link. I don’t see him keeping many clean sheets. Even routine saves seem to end up in the net.

No way I’m writing off the ten.

Frank McGaaaarvey
3 years ago
Reply to  mcklintop

I applaud your positive hopeful outlook Mcklintop but the current malaise stretches back far beyond merely what transpired on Saturday. Something is rotten behind the scenes. It could be a certain Mr Strachan but he wasn’t around for the Cluj or Ferencvaros debacles, nor was he responsible for the double dunt against thems last December.

Iancelt67
3 years ago
Reply to  mcklintop

They won in a canter. They didn’t have to play well they were gifted soft goals and took their foot off the pace we were missing two definite starters in christie and Edouard who are in poor form. The team has been boring and lifeless barring the Hibs game. Duncan you seem to enjoy flogging dead horses. Masochism can be addressed by your local therapist just call out for help

Monti
3 years ago
Reply to  Iancelt67

Donkeys not horses

3 years ago
Reply to  mcklintop

Gerrard had learned from last season he doesnt have to worry about Celtic with Lennon in charge he has his measure.
His subdued nature was him growing into the job. Lesson learned from last time.
Fuck all to do with strength of team we had away and catch yerself on.
Problem we have is we had a keeper who could guarantee us at least 9 points a season that is gone. Its a huge loss given how we play means we have to score at least 2 to ensure we win a game.
No fear factor in the team.

Monti
3 years ago

My thoughts on Neil Lennon’s position after having a few days to think.
An unmotivated, spineless performance v AC Milan & defeat to Aberdeen on Sunday, it’s time up, game over, out!
An aggressive, hard working & brave performance v AC Milan & victory at Aberdeen on Sunday, then we get on with it.
There is no doubt the clock is ticking….

Bgbhoy
3 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Regardless what happens Thursday he gets Sunday and that’s it. It made no difference to the huns last season in Europe. Losing to Hamilton at Ibrox then going to braga and beating them but losing to hearts.

Sunday is now bigger than last week. Anything other than 3 points and that’s the season over

Mike
3 years ago
Reply to  Bgbhoy

Yer faither’s looking well though.

young henke 2.jpg
Bgbhoy
3 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Haha that is tremendous. Will need to get him a boycie mug at Xmas

Mike
3 years ago
Reply to  Bgbhoy

Marlene’s looking raggedly arsed though, has she been hitting the bottle? 😉

Bgbhoy
3 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Not as much as our manager

Mike
3 years ago
Reply to  Bgbhoy

If that’s true then we are in bigger trouble than I thought.

henkesdreadlocks
3 years ago
Reply to  Mike

I’ll bite my tongue ya bugger.

Mike
3 years ago

OK I’m a

plum1.jpg
Monti
3 years ago
Reply to  Bgbhoy

Agreed

McCro
3 years ago

I’d love big Johan back involved in the coaching side. Always seemed passionate

The Cha
3 years ago

Are you ready to be heartbroken?

comment image?sqp=-oaymwEZCPYBEIoBSFXyq4qpAwsIARUAAIhCGAFwAQ==&rs=AOn4CLDIOS1uU8LhXbq8cjwlXK8rDFZSsQ
Racing Club 1 Celtic 0, 1967

Cartvale88
3 years ago

Caption
Going on about the crap played against the Rankers is a waste of breath. The issue is the constant downsizing by Lawell, the lack of support Lenny has been given, not his backroom staff, players brought in at the behest of Hammond and Lawell. Lenny looks the wrong man in the wrong place, he is not happy.
Celtic have been drifting since the Brenda left, yes we have won leagues and cups but there is something wrong at Parkhead. The Rankers are a poor team built into giant killers by the SMSM, how many players would you put into Celtic. The Buffalo is a crazy player that few teams want.
Hopefully things begin to motor and Lenny gets to trip with the crap

The Cha
3 years ago
Reply to  Cartvale88

Good shout about Hammond who has gone largely unscathed.

We’re now on our 3rd LB (Laxalt, who followed Taylor, who Bolingoli).

We spent £7m on 27yo Julian to be the all-singing, all-dancing dominant CB but have now had to expensively sign Duffy to plug obvious gaps.

Has there been a single signing in the past 18 months that’s been an unqualified success?

Iancelt67
3 years ago
Reply to  The Cha

No one better than Sinclair who we let go

henkesdreadlocks
3 years ago

Shahktar minus 9 Covid hit players with 7 of them first team starters, leading Real Madrid 3-0 at half time, now currently holding onto a 3-2 lead with a few minutes to go. Kind of puts Saturday into perspective. What do you think donut?

The Cha
3 years ago

Steady on, they only had to go to the Bernabéu, hardly the same as facing the mighty Rainjurs.

3 years ago
Reply to  The Cha

OR the champions of hungary

henkesdreadlocks
3 years ago
Reply to  The Cha

It’s not their training ground. It’s the Alfredo Di Stefano stadium where Castilla play.

henkesdreadlocks
3 years ago

Aye, Castilla.

henkesdreadlocks
3 years ago

Seven first team players out and playing in an organised cohesive manner. Nothing to do with shocks.

Pauldo
3 years ago

These ranch hands who snitch to PMG, are these the same ranch hands who leak team selections ? Celtic fans really need to get a grip. Stop buying tabloids and stop listening to these ameteurs on radio phone ins. These creeps have had an anti Celtic attitude for decades. Don’t encourage them. As for the team, if you don’t want to play for Celtic, Go now. Celtic need players who want to be here.

The Cha
3 years ago

U ok, hon?

3 years ago

Ivan Toney was offered to us fit young player knew Strachan well.
Banging them in for Brentford, too good for that division will sell on for plenty. Did Lennon bite his nose off to spite his face when he turned him down ?

henkesdreadlocks
3 years ago
Reply to  Jimmybee

They wouldn’t go beyond what they paid for AjetI and Lawwell was up to his low ball tricks as per usual, but he would have been my preferred choice at the time and we’d probably have qualified for the CL if the recruitment team and Lawwell had any foresight.

The Cha
3 years ago
Reply to  Jimmybee

Peterborough have the young Dembele’s older brother and he’s earning rave reviews and, I believe, after selling Toney the club said they wouldn’t entertain offers for him but perhaps next year.

Speaking of the young one, what’s happened to him? I did see reports of a falling out but with all our injuries and illnesses, you’d at least expect him to be quoted for the squad but nothing.

Bgbhoy
3 years ago
Reply to  The Cha

He put in a transfer request months ago

Nothing to do with the top level coaching he’s getting from Gavin Strachan may I add

The Cha
3 years ago
Reply to  Bgbhoy

Thanks for that.

If he’s capable of doing a job for us, then to ostracise him for this would be sutting our nose off to spite our faces.

Unfortunately both manager and CE have form for this.

3 years ago

Duncan you think because we can see the writing on the wall you actually think we want Lenny to fail? I sincerley hope he proves me wrong as will every Celtic supporter who has questioned him, I have no faith in him but i only want whats best for Celtic.
Neil Lennon is not what is best for Celtic now. He had his day time for real change before it really is too late.

portpower
3 years ago

Was not Pope Boniface VIII an AC Milan supporter?

Mission to Moscow Ghirls and Bhoys.

Iljas Baker
3 years ago

I think you’re spot on about the coaching Ralph. Easy to imagine players are not as motivated by Strachan as they were with Duff and John Kennedy just does not appear to be succeeding in improving the defense – it’s becoming more and more apparent as we no longer have a goalie that can pull off miraculous saves. However, as regards fitness, not sure the lack of it is because of a dismantling of BR’s regime. I seem to remember that there were an awful lot of injuries and he was playing not fully fit players and also there was talk of training being too intense and leading to injuries.

portpower
3 years ago

DD has bought a wooden spoon. Pass it on.(forward preferably)

portpower
3 years ago

A bong it is then Duncan.

portpower
3 years ago

Celticually deprived…pack the big clock.

portpower
3 years ago

Some peepul call me Maurice
`cause I speak of the pompatus of huns.

Try not to make the defeat against sevco too obvious Mr. Ross.

henkesdreadlocks
3 years ago

Now now Duncy, that sounds like N.Ireland barracks talk to me.

Iancelt67
3 years ago

We hope so too. Don’t you get it. Hard to put a positive light on it ATM thus the negativity, these are fitting emotions following an inexcusable and indefensible display against the worst possible leeway. We aren’t stepford wives bereft of empathy and emotion willing to buy into ineptness. 26 league games and some extra euro games the outlook is bright but give people a chance to grieve a bit

Iancelt67
3 years ago
Reply to  Iancelt67

Opposition. Not leeway. Ffs

Mike
3 years ago

Despite all the money spent on new players this season allegedly, we are still going into tonight’s game with a youngster as a centre back, nothing wrong with the young lad but failure to sign a Sumonovic replacement IMO. was a failure. Letting him go was the right thing to do as his injuries meant he was restricted in game time. Now with Julian injured we have no serious back up. Both Bitton and El- Hamed are not regular centre backs. Also was letting Johnny Hayes go a mistake? Midfield too looks light and N’tcham to me is a wasted jersey, too often invisible. and lacking in presence. Up front we have one to many strikers but I will not moan about that. Frimpong has many attributes but lacks stature, the team still lacks strength in depth and a real physical presence. I want to see a big performance tonight, if its not forthcoming then more questions will be asked of both manager and the strength of the playing squad. So common Celtic show us your fighting spirit and your talent!

3 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Biggest loss for me Mike has been Lustig. A real leader and a player you could rely on to tough it out.
It was terrible how we ended up treating him and Sinclair.

henkesdreadlocks
3 years ago
Reply to  Jimmybee

I was saying that very thing last week. A big influence in the dressing room and greatly missed.

Mike
3 years ago
Reply to  Jimmybee

Yes quite Jimmy, I agree, but its the tremendous amount of lost revenue by buying players who are not of Celtic quality,who then get ditched or sold of cheaply, a piecemeal approach that is not structured to cope with the amount of games that we play. The best signing that we could have would be a new manager with his own trusted coaching team and a proper DoF.
IMO this is where we fall down and its got Peter’s name right through it. If the team does’nt pick up very soon then the inevitable will happen and its Lenny that will take the fall, that’s why BR. left IMO. not being able to bring in ‘his players’ and being thwarted in the transfer market. Lenny will go, while the real culprit will carry on regardless.
Any team news, or is the mole hiding down his hole?

Mike
3 years ago
Reply to  Mike

‘Farming for the community’, we took tatties to the local foodbank, the lady said ‘put them doon there son’, so we put the bag down and asked where do you want the other 149 bags misses? Chips or tatties and mince on the menu…. forever.
# Sharing is caring.

Monti
3 years ago

Q. For Duncan the disorderly, have you always been thick, is that why the Army took you in?

henkesdreadlocks
3 years ago

You are a fvckin moron. When did I mention my father? I’m missing something here ya roaster. A pathetic wane who stamps his hooves when some of us see things differently and don’t agree aggree with your point of view.

henkesdreadlocks
3 years ago

You’re a fvckin arsehole.

Iancelt67
3 years ago

Tonight’s team
Barkas
Frimpong Ajer. Duffy. Taylor
McGregor. Brown.
Christie. Rogic. Moi
Ajeti/ Griffiths/ Klimala

Iancelt67
3 years ago

I just got a vision of Gerrard tucked in bed with Star Trek or time and jerry pyjamas on and out manager knocking back wines to rather wee small hours muttering time himself. Still Lenny has got a bit of steel about him if nothing else. More twists and turns it’s not over yet

Iancelt67
3 years ago
Reply to  Iancelt67

Tom. Time? Muttering to himself ? Hairy Mary fae the gallowgate. Had a wee monkey took to the country fed it on Marshall’s Marshall Marshall stick it up yer arsehole. Ma wee monkeys deid

Iancelt67
3 years ago
Reply to  Iancelt67

Meat. Ffs

Mike
3 years ago

Barcas.

Walsh Duffy Ajer Laxualt.

Brown Turnbull Cal-Mac.

Christie Ajeti Moi.

The Cha
3 years ago

Neil Lennon also revealed that Odsonne Edouard will miss out on the game against AC Milan as he gave an update on the status of the other absentees in the squad.

“Chris Jullien’s going to be out for a period of time,” he said. “He’s still in a lot of discomfort. He’s had scans and there’s inflammation at the bottom of the spine so he’s going to be a few weeks yet, unfortunately. Jamesy isn’t fully back yet and Mikey Johnston is only just back training, but Ryan will be in the squad and we’ll assess him to see whether he’s fit to start.”

Seems like Eddy’s got Covid complications but hopefully okay soon.

Bad news on Julian, as I expected him back soon, so not sure if he’s had a relapse in his rehab, as I’m sure he was back in training last week.

No timescales on Jamsie and “forgotten” Mikey Johnston finely back in training.

Not sure why Christie needs assessing to start, as Tierney who was out for same period was fit enough to start for the Arse last weekend.

BroxburnBhoy
3 years ago

Well doom and gloom seem to be spread across the Celtic world at the moment. I have no insight into the behind the scenes goings on at Celtic and while we can all speculate till the cows come home none of us actually know exactly what’s going on. Can the fortunes of the club really have changed that much because of a new coach? Can we be that bad with only two defeats one in Europe and one at home? Can the players all have suddenly lost faith in Lenny? I really doubt all of those and of course Im speculating so my speculation like everybody else’s is moot. I want the team to have a great showing tonight. I want to see them manage and play for the jersey for the pride and for us the fans.

The Cha
3 years ago
Reply to  BroxburnBhoy

I agree with that.

It should all be kept in-house, where honest and forthright opinions (on all sides) can be expressed without coming out in the media.

Unfortunately the manager isn’t helping with the latest a ridiculous public spat with, the should be anonymous, Maurice Ross.

Just keep shtum, keep it inhouse, allow the Huns to act like world beaters and concentrate on turning things round.

There will be plenty of time for public statements and bragging rights when hopefully we bring home 10IAR. Now is not the time.

Iancelt67
3 years ago
Reply to  BroxburnBhoy

Here here broxi i mean Broxburn

Oztim
3 years ago

We have the squad to win the league this year, but it was the images of a lonely and clueless Lennon, in the dugout, that was worrying.

C’mon the Celts, a good team performance tonight from the players and bench required.

Iancelt67
3 years ago

Watching the hun game it’s comical. Surprised the game isn’t called off totally dangerous conditions

3 years ago

Team news in
Celtic v AC Milan ko 20:00. Team: Barkas, Duffy, Brown, Griffiths, Ajeti, Ntcham, Frimpong, Ajer, McGregor, Welsh, Laxalt. Subs: Bain, Hazard, Taylor, Klimala, Soro, Turnbull, Christie, Rogic, Elyounoussi, Henderson, Dembele
COYBIG I say from behind the sofa

henkesdreadlocks
3 years ago

This is like watching a team of schoolboys. Kick and rush with absolutely no cohesion. Duffy should not be getting a jersey.

highseastim
3 years ago

Poor first half, but Sunday is a far more important game than this!!

henkesdreadlocks
3 years ago
Reply to  highseastim

They’re all important.

Iancelt67
3 years ago

LAXALT and Ajeti Ajer and welsh ok the rest passengers. Duffy is a fucking Diddy first goal his fault. Team has no confidence in the keeper so they are playing too deep. Long season ahead. Hope we can keep the score down

henkesdreadlocks
3 years ago

No. I watched optimistically for the first 10 minutes, not 20, then once Milan got their bearings and moved into second gear we watched another disjointed, imbalanced nightmare unfold. Game was over by half time and granted the changes made a difference, but then again it couldn’t have been any fvcking worse than what went before and if Milan who are no more than a decent Italian team had decided to lift their level it could have got extremely messy. Lennon and Lawwell are culpable for some extremely poor additions to the squad. A guy who can’t get a game for Brighton tells its own story and a goalkeeper bought for £5m when Marshall could have been brought back for peanuts just doesn’t make any sense. Lille certainly doesn’t look very appealing at the moment.

Monti
3 years ago

PISh

henkesdreadlocks
3 years ago

Sent a longish response but its disappeared. But honestly, your having a laugh. After 10 minutes we were awful.

Monti
3 years ago

Plsh

Cartvale88
3 years ago

Atrocious defending, AC are playing break away football, the defence are all over the place. The hyped Duffy is poor, feel sorry for Welsh. What in Gods name do the coaches do, Griffs and Ajeti have no connection. Onwards and downwards with this lot. Lots of people commenting that things will sort themselves out, a group of players with no confidence

Bgbhoy
3 years ago
Reply to  Cartvale88

Although we got lucky in both games v Lazio the difference in performance levels is shocking. Why are we so unfit??

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