Menu Close

Celtic Diary Wednesday October 7: Including a Video Of Our Next Centre Half

Manager Ronny Deila has given a hint as to who the next big money departure from Celtic could be, and it does go some way to explain, or possibly explain, the lack of form the player is currently showing.

Deila, still smarting from not being linked with the vacant position at Liverpool, told the Evening Times;

“When you lose experienced players you lose knowledge and skills so then you have to rebuild and the next player has to be ready,”. “What if Stefan Johansen gets sold? Is Nesbitt ready to come in? He has to be ready.”

“Stefan didn’t play in his first two years at Stromsgodset because he was behind Mohammed Abu who was the Player of the Year in Norway. But he just kept working hard and when Abu went to play in Germany Stefan was ready to take over and the next year he was even better than Abu.”

“So it’s not about ‘I need to play’, you have to make yourself deserve it. And if you can’t handle competition then you are nothing at Celtic,”  

Could Johansen be the next to leave ? Or am I seeing something that isn’t there ?

Although , in truth, there will always be players leaving for the wealthier climes of the south. To improve not only their bank balance, but there game, if you are to believe Virgil van Dijk, who has all of a sudden started to learn his trade.

Or was he taken out of context ?

Inside Futbol may be a little more accurate when they report his response to being called up to the dutch national squad…

“I’m not sure if my transfer played a major role, but I am now playing at a higher level and I will be looked at. ” 

A little more diplomatic, and it’s clear that van Dijk is determined to represent his country. He certainly has all the personality traits, or disorders,  of most dutch footballers, so he should be fine.

Celtic are still, somewhat incredibly, interested in bringing Carlton Cole to the club, although there is talk of a possible loan move for James wilson, who is struggling to break into the Manchester United first team. With a couple of Old trafford youngsters already trying to break into the Celtic first team, perhaps the old boy-or young boy-network will mean the striker will end up in Glasgow.

But please, not on loan.

It doesn’t always take a new signing to add a wee bit extra to a team. sometimes the return of a player can do that.

Stuart Armstrong made a welcome return to the side from the bench against Hamilton, and he’s looking forward to getting back to work on a more regular basis.

“It’s quieter around the training ground but it’s nice to have a few days focusing on getting my fitness back. Earlier in the season, I came back and it was too soon, so then we made the decision not to rush and be patient.

“This is an important time for me because we don’t have a game for another week and a half, so that’s good for me to build up slowly.

“Being injured is never fun and very frustrating. I’ve never been good at it. The bad timing as well with the Aberdeen game, the Ajax game and Scotland trip made it upsetting but these things happen and you learn to live with it. It’s nice to be back. Even just for a couple of minutes against Fenerbahce and then a little more at Hamilton and I hope to fully get back soon and play my part.” 

Still can’t put my finger on what he brings to the team exactly, but we’re a better side with him than without him.

The final international break gives management and non participating players a chance to rest up and assess the situation so far.

Or , of course, they can just let their hair down for a few days;

Either is good.

and it could give our new centre half time to get up to speed….

Away from all that, the club have raised a few quid for the refugees currently fleeing war zones to Europe;

CELTIC joined forces with the European Club Association (ECA) and decided to donate 1Euro from every ticket sold for the Celtic v Fenerbahce match on Thursday, October 1, to assist with providing emergency aid to those affected by the current refugee crisis in Europe.

The heartbreaking scenes which have been seen globally have shown that millions of people have now been forced to flee their homes and risk the safety of their families.

The club was delighted to be one of the first clubs to respond to this appeal and following the match last week, we can confirm that the magnificent sum of £30,445.67 will now be donated to help the many thousands of people facing such difficulties.

Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell said: “For many weeks now, we have watched in horror and sadness as this crisis has developed.

“Clearly we are not able to comprehend what these people, in their thousands, and of all ages are going through, but we felt compelled to help in any way we can.

“Celtic was formed in 1888 to help people in need and our strong social dimension will always be fundamental to what we are. 

“We are pleased and proud that today these values remain such an important part of our ethos.” 

“Celtic is delighted to be a part of the European Club Association and we were very pleased to be part of this ECA initiative.

“The scale of this crisis is so great, however we hope this significant donation can provide some positive assistance to people affected.”  

Thats what the club is all about, and the money raised here, and through other appeals, is often ignored by the media. but it’s the money that counts, not the publicity.

There’s another one next month, which deserves a mention;

CELTIC FC Foundation are delighted to kick off the inaugural ‘Celtic Sleep Out’ fundraising event!

It will take place on Saturday, November 14, at Celtic Park and is an integral element of our 2015 Christmas Appeal, which will be formally launched in the coming weeks.

Participants will spend the night – from 10.00pm to 6.00am – under the stars in Paradise, along the trackside area in front of the Main Stand, looking on to the hallowed turf.

All we ask is that you commit to raising a minimum of £125 (after entry fee) for Celtic FC Foundation’s 2015 Christmas Appeal.

Registration is now open and you can sign up HERE

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. The non-refundable registration fee is £30 per person. 

Please ensure you read the Terms and Conditions thoroughly before committing your agreement and signing up.

Due to anticipated severe weather conditions, this event will be exceptionally challenging, both mentally and physically. Therefore, participants must be aged 18+ and be in an appropriate medical and physical condition to take part.

Celtic FC Foundation will provide a ground mat and foil sheet/blanket but participants are required to bring the appropriate equipment and wear relevant clothing and footwear.

All funds raised will support our 2015 Christmas Appeal, which reflects the very essence of why our Club was set up back in 1887. The Appeal will help local families who face poverty and hardship and a number of charities who care for those experiencing the torment of homelessness or other disadvantage.

Please follow the Celtic Way and help us give back this Christmas. Thank you so much for your wonderful support!

You see, the press would rather focus on what has to be the single most ridiculous story of this season, or any other season, for that matter;

Warburton ‘flattered’ by Liverpool link

RANGERS boss Mark Warburton has laughed off rumours linking him with the Liverpool job but admitted: “It’s always flattering to be linked to a job, especially a club of Liverpool’s size.”

 Warburton was responding to the news that bookies had him down at 20-1 to succeed Brendan Rogers at Anfield, despite ex-Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti and former Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp also being named as targets.
 
 The Ibrox boss said: “We’re at a big club here and we have a job of work to do and we are very committed to Rangers.” (Daily Record)

Oh, come on.

 

 

I know their support, and possible investors, and anyone else with an interest in the club need cheering up, but this is maybe taking it a step too far. Even the most gullibilly (copyright, someone on the huddleboard ) must know that Liverpool would face having their stand burnt down should they even entertain hiring a man from the Scottish first division who was released by Brentford.

Although, of course, should Warburton continue to wave his magic wand, he will attract attention elsewhere, from clubs with a litttle less worry on the solvency front, and that , in turn , will be hailed as no big deal since it was Davie Weir who was wearing the magic hat all along.

But Warbs is carrying on with the job at hand, and there was further good news for the blue hordes…

Mark Warburton closing in on scouting additions

to bolster the Rangers behind the scenes team

“Yes, hopefully we’re making some real inroads and I’m very confident in the very near future we’ll have something to say on that.

“Again, as with players, it’s about getting the right people. You have to get the right people at the right time and they’ve got to add value to the club.

“There’s no point saying I’ve got five scouts for you, they’ve got to be people who know exactly what we are looking for, what the players profile is that David (Weir) and I are demanding here and understanding what we really are seeking.

“So those people are not all over the place, we have to make sure we get the right people and we’re very close to getting them.” 

So, they haven’t actually got anyone, but they know the sort of person they want, and sometime in the future they might have a story.

That doesn’t hinder Chris Jack, who now does stories about impending stories.

It’s almost like the good old days..

Embedded image permalink

Incredibly, without a hint of shame, David Murray was once calling other clubs parasites.

Back to the good guys, and there was also a clue in the Daily Mail as to why celtic can’t seem to find a decent striker anymore. Remember Paul brennan at CQN mentioned the influence of agents ?

Hoops ‘turned down chance to sign Lewandowski’

CELTIC had the chance to sign Robert Lewandowski six years ago, it has been revealed.

Hoops boss at the time Tony Mowbray was offered the Polish striker, then aged 20, by the man who had brokered deals taking Maciej Zurawski and Artur Boruc to Glasgow.

 

Lech Poznan were looking to raise money to pay for their new stand, and were touting around a raw Lewandowski for around £1.3 million.

But the Hoops were warned that Lewandowski ‘didn’t justify that kind of fee so early in his career’ by Glasgow agent Raymond Sparkes. (Daily Mail)

Poor Tony Mowbray. Had he signed Lewandowski, his time at Celtic could have been so different. Longer, for instance. 

If the guy didn’t have bad luck he’d have had no luck at all.


Still not cancelled Sky ?

Two trips to the highlands have been altered to fit in with  television schedules next month. Both are long trips to the highlands. Fair enough, showing them on tv actually makes a bit of sense, as many supporters won’t be able to make the long trip to the small grounds, but just after noon , on a Sunday, to Inverness. ?

Imagine me toddling off to that one, and at say nine am, after a morning inspection, the game is called off. I’d be just outside glasgow by then, almost halfway there.

It’s happened before…

The altered games are;

Sunday November 8, 2015
Ladbrokes Premiership
Ross County v Celtic
Live on BT Sport, kick-off 3.30pm

Sunday November 29, 2015
Ladbrokes Premiership
Inverness CT v Celtic
Live on Sky Sports, kick-off 12.15pm 

On a lighter note, Aberdeen must travel to Hamilton for a 12.30 start as well.

So it’s not all bad.

Last word on the Hamilton game…

“Police Scotland did not confiscate any banners at the Hamilton v Celtic match on Sunday 4 October 2015,” said a police spokesman.

“As with all large events, the match was policed appropriately to ensure a safe and secure environment for spectators.

Oops !

There’s a video doing the rounds which seems to contradict this statement.

The Evening times, credit where credit is due for doing this, has published it online.

Video

Note the attitude of the officers involved.

Police Scotland ? Well, that’s what they seem to be doing.

Yesterday, Jim Craig, right back in the Lisbon side, who coined the phrase “penalty my arse ” , tweeted this;

50 Years ago tonight: Early to bed, but not a lot of shuteye! Hard to think about classes tomorrow – just one thing on my mind.

What was he talking about ?

 

0 0 votes
Article Rating
33 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
8 years ago

Making his debut for the Tic

8 years ago

Participants will spend the night – from 10.00pm to 6.00am – under the stars in Paradise, along the trackside area in front of the Main Stand, looking on to the hallowed turf.

What a fucking crass idea.

Some committee thought “Oh Theres homeless folk so lets “empathise” with them by snuggling into a sleeping bag wearing our nice new North face fleeces and our new underarmour sweats”.

Know what Celtic, why not ask all the folk to actually take a homeless person in for the night instead, wouldn’t that be more beneficial or howsabout you open the suites within the stadium up to the Homeless every night to sleep in over the winter?

I know the club hosts dinners for folk from hostels and all that, but this idea which gets repeated and lauded by sanctimonious Corporate Entities Social Committees too, just smacks of “oh how We feel your pain”..with the quite whisper of “but hey please don’t park your cardboard outside my door” .

“Another Day(Night) in Paradise” my arse

Monti
8 years ago
Reply to  Desimond

Desimond,
Well said m8!

Charlie Saiz
8 years ago
Reply to  Desimond

Fucking well said that man.

BondiBrian
8 years ago
Reply to  Desimond

I hear you, however just a wee mention about sector I work in here in Sydney ( welfare )each year Homeless NSW hold an annual CEO Sleep Out where CEO’s from various organisations get their sleeping bags and sleep out for the evening…all very sanitised, safe probably even “exciting” but the aim is not only raise money for the homeless but also raise awareness within the wider community of the plight of the homeless, and the monies raised goes to various charities…and that is the goal. Make of that as you will.

Tam O'Hare
8 years ago

Does Van Djik think he left out of dutch squad as he played for us then how come Hoidink played for them regular even when he wasn’t playing ???

Hugh67
8 years ago

I think it was JC debut. Go Ahead?

Celtic have really got their act together on the charity front. Tony Hamilton and his team having a great influence on activities at CP.

Btw at half time at the Hamilton game, were Jay was presented with something from the home team. I was off for a pee so missed it. Anyone know what it was all about?

Raymobhoy
8 years ago
Reply to  Hugh67

It was the Penalty Spot that he won goal of the month from.

Macca
8 years ago

Was it his celtic debut whilst studying dentistry? Those of my age may remember Jim on Quiz Ball when as a right brain box he would alwys pick route 1 (the hardest question) and score straight away. Celtic skooshed the series and later went down to an England team where they hand picked “clever” footballers and cheated us in a play off. The younger fans will be wodering what the f*** I’m talking about 🙂

deadhead67
8 years ago

Trying to mske my day saying we are about to get rid of Johansen,very average player,can,t tackle can,t pass , wish we could bring back LEDLEY

Charlie Saiz
8 years ago
Reply to  deadhead67

Who apparently is struggling to get a game ahead of McArthur.

Raymobhoy
8 years ago

If Van Dyke is telling the truth about learning more in 5 games for Southampton than in 2 years at Celtic then that is very worrying indeed.
i know the press stir these things up and he will be trying to endear himself to the new club, but he should be challenged to explain further.

Monti
8 years ago
Reply to  Raymobhoy

Raymo,
I think what VVD meant to say was he was earning more…not learning more!

Raymobhoy
8 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Yeah earning more in 5 days. Probably right.

Monti
8 years ago

Instead of having the ridiculous ‘ Celtic sleep out ‘… Celtic should build a homeless accommodation shelter and take the homeless and poor off the streets of Glasgow?

Brother Walfrid would welcome such a move!

Not much chance of that though, the board find it difficult to pay the living wage for fuck sake!

bob
8 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Calm down now Android

Whoriskey
8 years ago

Well said, Desi. The boardroom millionaires will sleep better that night with big grins on their faces. Also agree with Monti re the Living wage; fecking hypocrites.

bgbhoy
8 years ago

why dont the board give the money they saved on employing an unknown manager to the homeless in glasgow? you cant tell me that keane would of got the same salary as ronny? ( not that i wanted keane anywhere near the place)

bgbhoy
8 years ago

why dont the board give the money they saved on employing an unknown manager to the homeless in glasgow? you cant tell me that keane would of got the same salary as ronny? ( not that i wanted keane anywhere near the place)

Devoy45
8 years ago

Agree with Monti about the homeless. Our club should do something lasting. The permanent Celtic shelter is a great idea. I’m proud of what our club does do for charity but let’s keep it real.

Virgil? He was good for us but not great. He played some howlers and didn’t make any damn difference in Europe. He won’t likely get to play in Europe until he tires shortly of Southampton. I know The Netherlands is a crowded country but is there any room for humility there?

Johansen was our best player last year. What happened? Maybe he bumped into Deadhead on a night out?

Monti
8 years ago

Ladies and Gentleman of Etims,

The poster ‘ Bob ‘ is a trolling Hun….treat him accordingly!

Bgbhoy
8 years ago

Bob, amazed you have the brain power to post comments on the Internet. And that your fingers still work from all the knuckle dragging you do. Away back to iPox noise and help your fellow zombies chug each other off and the thought of your gaffers ‘magic hat’ which only shows its powers against plumbers an posites. Your welcome back in about 5 and a half years when we make it 10. Until then it’s back to the graveyard you go!!!

8 years ago

The Establishment.

A Bishop of the C of E has been found guilty of being an abusive predator against about 18 young men in his pastoral care. 2,000 offers of support came from the Establishment in England including a member of the royal family. (Prince Charles denies).

What chance have you got? Taking on the SFA, Scottish’government’ Police Scotland, Referees, Sevco supporting Judges. The Establishment. Whas like them?

BondiBrian
8 years ago

re huns scouting additions does that mean wee Stevie fae IT has been papped????s

8 years ago
Reply to  BondiBrian

Poor Stevie, 6 weeks basic pay & accrued holidays. Still it’s a saving!

8 years ago

Missed the last part of my statement – they will always close ranks.

Half_Fool
8 years ago

I would suggest that doing actual good can be publicized just as well, rather than the camping malarkey.

Here is the “keep your mouths shut the-rest-of-you” from the Hampden Huns:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34459173

BroxburnBhoy
8 years ago

I think I agree that doing the sleep Out is meant to draw attention to the issue of homelessness – almost always a result of other issues more difficult to address. Homelessness is actually solvable overnight. There are enough flats, house and hostel space around and a government effort could have everybody sheltered tomorrow. What leads to homelessness is the actual issue. It’s a societal issue that a responsible government and its citizens should be tackling. So while giving and sheltering people is an honorable and luadable thing to do its addressing a symptom of alcoholism, drug addiction, mental illness and other ailments. All that said it’s easy to be cynical about people doing what looks like a vacuous exercise but at least they are doing something. We can ask ourselves what am I doing to add to a solution ? Being cynical about good intentions is unhelpful.

BondiBrian
8 years ago
Reply to  BroxburnBhoy

I agree Broxburn, the sleepout is a simple way to bring awareness to a terrible situation if such simplistic actions such as the sleep out get folk angry and demanding social and government action change then that’s good enough….for a start.

I’m not going to comment much further on the subject other than say its a sad indictment of society when we are having such things as ‘sleepouts’ it doesn’t matter if your homeless in Glasgow or Sydney the root cause are much the same: escaping domestic violence, addiction, housing affordability, mental illness, political apathy.

Charlie Saiz
8 years ago
Reply to  BroxburnBhoy

I used to give the same wee woman extra cash when she was selling the big issue outside M&S in Blackburn.
I gather she’s now got a home and a job.
My wife also helped out 2 ex squaddies around 3 month ago …both through her intervention have tuned their lives round and have secured both jobs and a flat.
Sometimes just stopping,talking and listening can have as big an impact as simply chucking a quid into a hat or cup.
If you do talk to these folk the main issue they have is that they feel invisible to folk walking by.
I feel there is a great truth in that.
How they got to the point of being homeless is not really relevant it’s how you get them back that is.
More could be done by all of us.

BondiBrian
8 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

why & how someone becomse homeless is absolutely important otherwise the underlying issues are not being addressed therefore there is a high risk of ‘setting them up for failure’ simply providing a roof over someone’s head isn’t the answer, its a start.

Devoy45
8 years ago

Agree with previous two posts. We live in a society where disabled people are punished for having a spare room to store wheelchairs, bed hoists, a bed for the carer to get a night’s sleep. Meanwhile, we are taught to grovel and admire people who own vast mansions and country estates which sit empty for much of the year and have spare rooms a’plenty.

Charlie Saiz
8 years ago
Reply to  Devoy45

There is a £150m Refurbishment of Buckingham Palace due very soon.
Some facts:
Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms
19 State rooms
52 Royal and guest bedrooms
188 staff bedrooms
92 offices
78 bathrooms.

One wonders just how much bedroom tax they pay at the palace?

Follow us on Twitter @ETimsNet