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Celtic Diary Saturday August 23:

Its League Leaders v Champions today in the northern city of Inverness as both sides battle to continue their great start to this seasons campaign.

BT Sport will be covering the game, and after discontinuing the service at the close of last season it was to my unimaginable delight that it now costs £16.50 a month for their HD service. Which is nearly as much as Celtic get from the broadcasting giant for showing the game.

Anyway, Ronnies Rollercoater ride is back on track, and the Norwegian says he will use fringe players today, such as Leigh Griffiths, which is a bit unkind, because its a long time since he’s had any sort of fringe.

leigh griffiths

However, the idea of resting players before the Maribor return next week is basically sound, and because Deila doesn’t have any favourites in the way previous managers have, the door is open for someone to impress enough to get a start in midweek. ( note the cunning use of “midweek ” because I can’t remember if its Tuesday or Wednesday the game is on )

Griffiths could come in and make it impossible to leave him out. Calum MacGregor has proved that if you’re good enough you will play.

Deila seemed to back this up when he said;

I’m into using my squad and I believe in my squad. That’s why I have it.

“So I think there will be some changes against Inverness. If you are with Celtic, you are a good player.

“It’s very important that the system that is going to carry the team through is not about just one or two players. We will see how far we have come in that way.

“We need some experience, of course, but also it’s important to have fresh legs.” 

 Rotation of players prevents them from entering a comfort zone, and keeps everyone on their toes. It also sharpens up performances if there is a genuine fear that they are continually playing for their places.

 So its with a little more excitement than usual that we look forward to todays game. Deila has given no clues as to who will play, but it looks like Virgil van Dijk will miss out. Its likely that Emilio Izaguerre will be rested, and we may even see Lukasz Zaluska get a game.

 Liam Henderson and Darnell Fisher might also be included, and it could also be a chance for Teemu Pukki to attempt to recapture his pre season form, which seems to have been forgotten by the manager.

 Inverness, now managed by former Celt John Hughes, have yet to concede a goal this season. They beat Motherwell at Fir Park 2-0, drew at home with Dundee before another 2-0 win, this time over Hamilton in Lanarkshire.

 Perhaps they just like Lanarkshire.

 Strangely enough, had Hamilton beaten the northeners, then they would be at the top of the table with a 100% record ! Armageddon indeed.

 Richie Foran will be missing for Inverness, which is a relief of sorts. He’s another in the Keith Lasley mode who seems to try harder against Celtic, but thats the beauty of the Scottish League.

 With only one dominant club, everyone wants to beat them.

 After last weeks thrilling performance against Dundee Utd, a game which I figured we’d do well to draw, I’m loathe to try to predict this one, but there seems to be a buzz about Celtic Park again, to paraphrase one of our legends of yesteryear, and I would not be surprised to see Celtic run out four or five goal winners.

 Celtic , of course , are the dominat club in Scotland, and supporters of their now defunct rivals Rangers, were given a timely reminder of their own current predicament, and how it came about , when one of their supporters e-mailed HMRC, demanding to know why the nations paymasters are hounding his club. HMRC sent this reply…

 ” Listen, numbnuts, your club is dead, and we didn’t kill it, so go take a flying fuck at a rolling doughnut. “

 Well, thats not the exact wording, but when you see it, you’ll see that that was the gist of it;

Originally Posted by Range-Rover View Post
I wrote to David Cameron asking why there was to be yet a further appeal against a company that basically no longer exists, and why was there private information leaked to certain individuals amongst other things, and this was the bolox reply I got…..

Dear Mr ******

Thank you for your emails of 12 July 2014 and 7 August 2014 to the Prime Minister about the case of HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and Rangers Football Club. As this area falls within the responsibility of HMRC, I have been asked to reply to you.

Whilst I cannot comment on the detail of the case, I hope the following information will be useful.

As you know, the Upper Tribunal decided on 8 July 2014 in favour of the Murray Group, who formerly included Rangers Football Club, in a case involving the use of an Employee Benefit Trust (EBT). We had argued that the tax structure was being used as a way of avoiding Income Tax and National Insurance contributions by both the employer and the employees.

We are disappointed that the Upper Tribunal has upheld the majority decision of the First Tier Tribunal, and we have applied to the court to appeal the decision at the Court of Session.

We are committed to tacking tax avoidance wherever we see it, investigating and closing down schemes that we believe do not work. Tax avoidance is about bending the tax rules to gain an advantage never intended by Parliament. Avoidance often involves contrived, artificial transactions that serve little or no purpose other than to reduce the amount of tax someone pays. Those who use avoidance schemes put additional burdens on the vast majority who pay the right amount of tax. We have been consistent in our approach to dealing with EBT schemes, and have not singled out Rangers. 

If avoidance scheme users refuse to accept our position that their scheme does not work and take the case to litigation, we will continue to challenge them. We are very successful in tackling avoidance cases litigated by taxpayers, winning around 80% of cases in the tribunal and courts. In 2013-14 alone our 30 wins protected around £2.7 billion of tax.

An important principle of the UK tax system is that Ministers do not get involved in decisions about individual taxpayers. How we resolve disputes with taxpayers is set out in the published code of governance for resolving tax disputes, which is available at: www.hmrc.gov.uk/adr/resolve-dispute.pdf.

The code refers to the published Litigation and Settlement Strategy, which goes into more detail about the basis on which we will resolve tax disputes, including where litigation is pursued to reach a resolution. You can find details at:
www.hmrc.gov.uk/practitioners/lss-guidance-final.pdf.

I think it would also be helpful to clarify that the recent tax case is categorically not the reason why the club was put into liquidation. It is a matter of public record that Rangers was placed in administration by its principal shareholder and director because it was unable to pay its creditors, including HMRC. At the time of liquidation, published court papers showed that the undisputed tax that was owed by the company was approximately £21 million. This is an entirely separate issue from the amount in dispute due to the former owner of the clubÂ’s use of the EBT scheme. 

( I’ve put this bit in bold, because it’s my favourite bit ) 

You mentioned concerns that confidential information was leaked about the case. These matters were investigated by the Police Service of Scotland in conjunction with HMRC and the Police Force West of Scotland. No evidence was found that there was any leak of information from HMRC.

I hope you find this reply helpful. If you need to contact us again, please quote the reference number at the head of this email. 

Yours sincerely


Steve Groves
HM Revenue and Customs
Ministerial Correspondence Unit
First Floor
Howard House
Nottingham
NG2 1AB  

 I’ve already sent him some flowers. And a list of double glazing firms in the Nottingham area.

 With this bombshell about to hit the Ibrox legions, there was even worse news for them when it was revealed that their rookie manager Ally McCoist could be set to join another club…

Crystal Palace have reportedly identified Ally McCoist as a potential replacement for recently departed managerTony Pulis.

The Welshman quit Selhurst Park last week amid speculation that he and chairman Steve Parish could not agree over transfers.

According to The Independent, the club are now preparing to make an approach for the Rangers manager, who has guided the Glasgow side to back-to-back promotions in the Scottish League.

Former Celtic manager Neil Lennon and Chelsea assistant Dermot Drummy have also been linked to the role. 

 Could he be about to hit Second Rangers for a pay rise to stay ?

 Crystal Palace, of course, didn’t want Malky MacKay after his text messages revealed that he probably doesn’t see all men as the same. Thankfully for McCoist, there is no suggestion that he sees any race, religion or gender as anything less than his absolute equal.

 Back with the good guys, ( sorry to mention that lot on match day, but I figured its always good to mock those less fortunate than ourselves, ) and the ultimate good guy has finally found another club.

 After sitting in Starbucks in Birmingham, Georgios Samaras finally bumped into someone who offered him a job, and he joins West Bromwich Albion , and he has our best wishes.

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 The wealth available in the EPL was evident as the big man was given two shirts, and didn’t have to pay for any of them.  There must be something about the club , though, as Samaras didn’t look overly delighted with his move, but he was certainly happier than Nicolas Anelka, when he signed for them.

 I ran over a cat once in West Bromwich, which is a horrible place, full of dual carriageways and semi detached houses packed closely together, for protection, presumably.

 Horrified, and worried it may belong to a little old lady or a small child , I got out and chapped a few doors and asked if anyone owned a cat.

 When a little old lady ( it had to be, didn’t it ) admitted that she owned a cat, and was always worried when it went out, i confessed to what by then was feeling like an act of murder in the first degree.

 “Well, what did it look like ? ” She asked.

 ” Well, I’m not sure.Its all covered in blood and a bit, well, crumpled ” I replied, nervously.

 ” No, ” she said, with a little sad smile ” What did it look like before you hit it ? “

 

Wakaso Mubarak tweeted his delight at joining Celtic soon. Thats if theres anything in this story. Theres that many names being bandied about its patently obvious that we will sign someone previously not mentioned again.

 No-ones mentioned Lionel Messi yet, so I’m still hopeful.

 Fifty six years ago today, this fresh faced youngster made his debut for Celtic. Anyone recognise him-in fact, was anyone at the game -a 2-0 win over Clyde ?

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Dziekanowski's nightclub child
9 years ago

Big Billy!

stu67
9 years ago

Cesar
Does any one know what has happened to Tom Rogic ? is he still with us ?

Ayrshire John
9 years ago

Rogic still appears on the Celtic FC website as a member of the first team squad.

Joe
9 years ago

Big Billy whenever I see him standing up there with that big cup it fills me with joy and pride great diary

Bawsman
9 years ago

For there’s only one King Billy…that’s McNeil.

If you’re singing to yourself now you are a right auld fhart.

K_Giggsy_G
9 years ago

what did sammy do to deserve this fate?

Bhoris
9 years ago

Top fan i am. Didnae know we were playing till a read this. Nice to see a couple of Celtic men on telly panel.

Whoriskey
9 years ago

Caesar, no less; he came, he saw, he conquered Europe. Hopefully we will see some good performances from some of the kids today and, fingers crossed, some decent passing.

celtsfan67
9 years ago

Delighted with the team today. Exactly what Neil Lennon should have been doing last season. Give some of the young guys and fringe players a chance and rest some of the more regular starters. It may cost us in terms of results but maybe not and there is only one way to find out.

COYBIG

pensionerbhoy
9 years ago
Reply to  celtsfan67

cf67

“Give some of the young guys and fringe players a chance and rest some of the more regular starters. It may cost us in terms of results but maybe not and there is only one way to find out.”

100% behind this but I worry about too many players playing in too many changed formations. Regularity creates consistency. But happy to accept today’s result if Ronny makes the rotation work. I am reminded, however, of the Liverpool strips being regularly fankled when Benítez messed about with a rotary dryer.

H H

Pjlaverty
9 years ago

Rogic had an op. Will be back sometime in Sept.

Charlie Saiz
9 years ago
Reply to  Pjlaverty

Don’t tell Commons that he’s depressed enough as it is.
He was shocking today (again).

Bhoris
9 years ago

Still an hour to go so things might change but Pukkis nearly as bad as Sami.

JIMBO
9 years ago

NOT ACCEPTABLE! FFS! Once again…. we have enough players on the sort of wages we can only dream about.

pensionerbhoy
9 years ago

Ralph

“There is plenty to be gained from playing the next wave of Callum McGregors at Inverness tomorrow, and little to be lost in the league race.” (Someone who doubtlessly knows better than I.)

I accept today’s result. Inverness has never been easy and the team was “rotated”. It has also given some presumably key players the opportunity of a rest which in August is an absolute necessity???? – I know, injuries! However, in my opinion, for all the benefits of rotary clubs, they never deliver the whole solution even using only established players but with a handful of youngsters, it is doubly chancy. Then again, I have long advocated taking a chance on youth rather than spending what appears to some to be precious money on numpties – and we have a long list of them over many seasons now. So, who am I to complain when some young players get an opportunity to progress. I suppose this early on in the season and with our potential dominance in the domestic competitions, we can afford the odd defeat if it strengthens our chances of European success and allows further development of our home grown youth products. Tuesday will demonstrate the wisdom of such thinking or prove that, as yet at least, we are destined for no more than domestic domination for a long time to come.

One other possible benefit is providing an opportunity for the league to become more competitive. Each of the last two or three seasons has seen a real improvement at other clubs, none more so perhaps than Inverness, and signs of genuine challenges to Celtic’s total dominance. If Scottish football is ever to regain its good name and potential position on the world stage, then we need a lot more than one strong club. We also need a decent national team and that will only come with the development of decent young players at the highest possible level. It must never be forgotten that, at least for the time being and whether we like it or not, Celtic’s standing very much depends on the status of other clubs and of our country. We simply can not “go it alone” at this moment in time. Giving youngsters a chance on the big stage may threaten our dominance but it will be our contribution to improving our national game. Then our lone efforts in Europe may reap better rewards. Hopefully, we will not need to rest players this early in the season and lose matches.

I stick to my guns regarding RD, though. I am sure there were more than a few that thought Mr. Stein’s training and tactics were a bit loopy too in 1965/66. He is at least delivering fresh approaches and new methods. He is turning the established systems on their heads, in training and fitness, in facilities, in dedication and, above all, in the desire to succeed both individually and collectively. Just like Big Jock did. Moreover, like the big man he is creating an interest and trying to develop entertainment as well as tactics after a period of stagnation and drabness. We moaned about the boring football over the last few seasons so let’s give the man some creative rein. After all, he has revived our interest in what might happen one way or another and the last manager to bring that to Celtic Park did not too badly in the end and gave us an historical period that will probably never be surpassed. Perhaps Ronny could come relatively close.

H H

JIMBO
9 years ago

Hope you are right chief! All the love.

Doc
9 years ago

Balls. Not bothered by the result but the performance was gutless and the subs had zero impact. The big picture will become clearer on Tuesday night.

binkabhoy
9 years ago

Come out ye happy clappers….

charlie
9 years ago

if we are going to drop points ide rather it was against big yogis team in saying that the laptop loyal will be telling us who to rest players against and who not to lets all laugh at them ha ha

fredcdobbs
9 years ago

shit

Devoy45
9 years ago

Changing ten men…is well…interesting. Result? So what? Today will be judged in terms of what we do against Maribor. Rested today: Izzy, Gordon,Van Dijk, Denayer,some of the midfield,and striker Berget. It’s good to get beaten early—it takes the heat off and takes away any arrogance. I still thought we might shade it today. Ach well, Maribor will tell if Deila’s gamble pays off. I like the risk taking, the changes and so on. Big Jock or Mowbray? Time will tell soon enough. Meanwhile, good health to all of you. Be kind.

Charlie Saiz
9 years ago
Reply to  Devoy45

Good Post that’s more or less how I see it Devoy.
Neil Lennon went there with a full squad and lost a Title by more goals.
His reign turned out ok in the end.
Give the man time and support to implement his vision and see how it pans out in the long run.
HH

fredcdobbs
9 years ago
Reply to  Devoy45

its never good to get beat. Some of these imposters on 20 grand a week should get pumped. Agree about resting some players however guys on 20 grand a week should be beating the hammer tossers.

btw deedheed are there no hun forums to speak of either?

Deadhead67
9 years ago

All you fannies who want to give the young and fringe players a chance get Feckin real ,beat today by a pub side
DELIA out five competitive games 1 win 3 defeats 1 draw Feckin shit ,was pirate pete at the game today
Sack the board

9 years ago
Reply to  Deadhead67

I accept everyone’s right to free speech, however, when every utterance is abusive towards the manager and CEO, I reckon it’s time to withdraw that right.
Please block this poster – he’s no Celtic “supporter”.

Doc
9 years ago
Reply to  Andy Docherty

Blocking might be a bit harsh, I find it quite amusing hearing about how Ronny broke into SeaWorld and chibbed a whale, etc.

Deadhead, Ronny has won four competitive games, not one, KR Reykjavik(1-0 + 4-0), St Johnstone (3-0) and Dundee Utd (6-1).

celtsfan67
9 years ago
Reply to  Deadhead67

pub side!? – what a prick you are!

the wild goose
9 years ago

Deadhead you are the fanny me thinks!

celtsfan67
9 years ago

I was happy with the team selected today and of course disappointed by the result. The prformance was pretty poor too. However, If we beat Maribor on Tuesday then everything is cool, bitch! (sorry, am working my way through breaking bad during a week off work!)

Would prefer one or two of the best young uns introduced into the first team when we are at home to allow them a better chance of being involved in a winning, dominant performance but i’m happy that some bhoys got a chance today.

COYBIG – Tuesday is the day!

Whoriskey
9 years ago

Watched the game yesterday and obviously was disappointed with the result and also the lack of finesse from both teams. Then I watched the Jock Stein documentary and my heart swelled with pride once more watching men in their sixties still refer to him as Mr Stein. Being a Celtic supporter is just grand. Also piss myself laughing every time Deadhead comes on with her jealous rage trying to wind us all up…keep laughing at the deadhead and her dead team for she is torturing herself. Now…Sure its a grand old team to play for…

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