Celtic Diary Friday June 21

The new kit has been officially unveiled, as above, bearing a remarkable and perhaps fortunate similarity to the Magners brand style of thin horizontal lines. Can’t wait for the away top. We hear its this design on a plain white background.

Although the web is alive with rumoured designs, we firmly believe the new away kit will firmly reflect the soul of the club.

The official website, visited as often by supporters as the crazy old uncle who collects world war two firearms, claims that the strip was “inspired by some of the clubs greatest players ”  By way of explanation, there are seven small hoops within each large hoop. Seven as in the number worn by Jimmy Johnstone, Henrik Larsson and Henri Camara.

Which, of course, is what we all thought it was. Still you have to admire the marketing people at Magners. They have split the hoops and got away with it. Almost as good as their previous triumph of turning a tramps drink into something cool by simply adding ice.

The bidding war for the services of Victor Wanyama is underway, with £12m the current offer on the table from EPL strugglers Southampton. Other clubs are meant to be circling, so it does look like Wanyama may be doing his house hunting in more glamorous places than Gary Hooper, who is still desperately trying to find something nice to read about Hull.

Midfielder Joe Ledley, though , puts it all into perspective.

” I don’t think we are a selling club or anything like that. I just think the gaffer has done some great business over the years. He has looked into youth and brought guys in and trained them well. Thats what happens in football. If people leave, then they leave. It happens at every single club. Hopefully, we can keep hold of as many players as we can. Hopefully the club can sort Victor and Gary out and get them new deals. I know they are both happy at the club and I hope they can stay here for many years to come. ”

And so say all of us, if not exactly with any confidence. Hooper and Wanyama will probably be away. But that will allow players such as Beram Kayal, Thomas Rogic and Amido Balde to make a name for themselves.  Thats the nature of the beast.

Virgil van Dijk is now “very close ” to completing his move to the east end of Glasgow. He said;

“The promise of more nights like Celtics champions league win against Barcelona was part of the attraction of moving to Scotland…..There were a lot of clubs interested but nobody was as concrete as Celtic. I’m happy to be here and I would love to play for Celtic. ”

No mention of Subbuteo teams, his first strip or Glenn Loovens being his inspiration. Though the latter was always going to be unlikely.

Celtic have had to strengthen the squad for next season. Aberdeen, now free of Craig Brown and his turgid style, have invested as well. With Willo Flood, Barry Robson and Calvin Zola joining the club, boss Derek MacInnes claims they have the best midfield in Scotland. Today, Gregg Wylde is also firmly in his sights, the north east giants could be a force to be reckoned with next season. MacInnes taking over at Aberdeen is a breath of fresh air, and it should make the SPL evn more competitive next year.

And , of course, every circus needs a clown.

Meanwhile, in Swedens Division Two, which is the fourth tier over there, a father and son tag team lined up for Hogabargs in their 4-2 win, not usually worth a mention, but Larsson H. and Larsson J.  Although the son rarely reaches the level of the dad, it would be nice to see the name on the back of the shirt again..

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Dorin Goian, the Sevco defender who has been out on loan, is not going to re-join the new club on their adventure. We asked him for a comment but he hasn’t stopped laughing yet.

Fourteen staff, including four players , have been made redundant at crisis club Hearts , as  administrators BDO try to keep the troubled club afloat. Brian Jackson , speaking for BDO, has asked supporters to buy season books to try to stave off a fire sale. He concedes the fans have already dug deep, but is asking for one last effort. (What about a share issue ? )

Perhaps he should try the age old tactic of just going into liquidation, and carrying on, hoping no-one will notice.

Meanwhile, according to the Daily Record, Campbell Ogilvie, once of Hearts, once of Rangers, and now at the SFA, got himself a pay rise of 13%. Nice work if you can get it. Regardless of whether he can actually do the job. Which he clearly can’t.

It would be a shame to see Hearts go under. Perhaps they could merge with Sevco after they go down, and form a whole new, likeable club. Lothian Rangers. Or Loathing Rangers. Much the same thing.

Elsewhere, the supporter charged with singing songs in likely to cause offence has been called back to court. This draconian move follows his acquittal at the original trial, which obviously didn’t suit the authorities. One explanation for the first result is that the presiding lawlord didn’t have a surname for a first name.

A new date will be set for the hearing at Guantanamo Bay, and judges are asked to bring their black caps.

Today is the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year, (except for the one where the transfer window slams shut ), and a day dedicated to all those who worship the Sun. Which, to be fair, is as reasonable a thing to worship as any other source of faith. At least you can see it, and it is a source of life, health and happiness. Oh, and it does give us unlimited ladies in beachwear.

It was indeed Jimmy Quinn who said to Willie Maley that putting Patsy Gallacher on the pitch would lead to a manslaughter charge, and cheers to Charlie for the name of that book.

Who said this ?

” Without the fans you are nothing and what I am most thankful for is that I got the chance to realise my talent at Celtic because it is a special club supported by very special people. ”

Which always brings a wee lump to my throat.