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Celtic Diary Thursday February 4: Hand Me That Black Cap

Well, why not ?

Ronny Deila this morning won’t know whether to laugh or cry. Like a ginger haired fellow who has discovered he’s going bald.

After last nights 2-1 defeat at Pittodrie, the knives are out.

In fact, the guns, tanks and tactical nuclear weapons are being unleashed as well. The lead at the top has been cut to just three points, and if thats not a sacking offence I just don’t know what is.

Celtic started brightly, and in fact there was evidence that they were up for the fight, but the two Aberdeen goals just before half time lifted the Dons and sunk the Celts.

To be honest, my own confidence ahead f the game disappeared when the team was announced, and the manager had gone with Dedryck Boyata , who has returned from injury and the big problem this season, continuity in defence, re-appeared with yet another new central defensive partnership.

Though little could be done about the first Aberdeen goal, it was an excellent strike, the second one left something to be desired, that something being a defence who knew what they were supposed to do, and who was supposed to be doing it.

With forty five minutes to go, Deila altered things, bringing on Colin Kazim richards and going with the fabled 4-4-2 which , some would argue, is what we should have been doing all along.

What actually happened was that the main goal threat, Leigh Griffiths, moved wide, and thus became a secondary striker.

He still scored, but not until the ninety third minute, and it was greeted with an eerie silence.

So, that’ll be time to sack the manager then.

You can almost taste the hysteria.

 

So, just for a moment, let’s talk through what happens next.

The first scenario is simple. Deila stays, he , having realised that there are a couple of problems with the team, and arguably as the creator of these problems, he is told to sort it out. These problems, according to the support, the media and most pundits are twofold.

Celtic are not “progressing ” , there is no sign of improvement from last year.

Of course there isn’t, the removal of Matthews, Denaayer and van Dijk from a settled and competent defence meant that he had to start again. It left the club short handed in central defence, and a need to rebuild.

The usual fitness checks didn’t show that Jozo Simunovic has a tendency to phone in sick, and Belgian international Boyata forgot to mention his fear of moving objects, especially round ones.

That may well have been rectified, finally, with the arrival if Erik Sviatchenko, who looks like he has the quality to succeed, but there needs to be another in beside him. Simunovic isn’t fit, Boyata isn’t any good, and Ambrose could score four, save a dozen on the line, and still be maligned for not curing cancer at the weekend.

It’s easy to criticise, and many will. but criticism should not be simply along the lines of get him out, get someone else in and all will be fine.

So, lets move to scenario two.

Deila either resigns, or is sacked.

Then , if they are not removed as well, John Collins seps up to the plate.

At least temporarily.

Will that steady the ship ?

Its unlikely, Collins is getting a similar amount of blame for the current situation as /deila, so we’d have to assume he’d be on his way as well.

John Kennedy ? Promote the defensive coach in charge of the defence that doesn’t defend ?

Thats not going to happen. If anything, he could be the first casualty of the management team. We hear Deila wants his own man in, though unless that man is Carlos Puyol or John Terry, he’ll get stick for that as well.

John Terry ? Well, he might relish the challenge, and he will be available on a free in the summer. So it might be possible to tempt him into beginning his coaching career, possibly in a player coach role.

He is on record as saying he will never play for another EPL team, which is surprising, as I never considered loyalty to be one of his strong points.

With Deila gone, and Collins playing the holding role, who do we go for neat.

Let’s widen the net, and put an advert in Football Manager’s Monthly. The situations vacant column.

Wanted: 

Manager /Coach. 

YOU

Must have experience of top level European football, preferably champions League group stages /knockout stages. 

Must be comfortable dealing with a hostile media

Must be able to motivate, train, and develop the players given to him from the board. 

Must show a proven track record of winning at domestic level. 

Must have a desire to entertain supporters as well as win comfortably all three domestic trophies

WE 

Are a club with a world wide fan base

Are a dominant and successful club in our own environment 

Are financially sound and well maintained, with multi million pound sponsorship deals in place. 

Are former European champions 

Are developing our own players at our own state of the art training complex

 

Salary is negotiable , depending on experience. Other benefits will be discussed at interview 

Sounds alright.

So, the first candidate turns up, whoever he is, and when he is asked his questions , its his turn…

” Your club is sitting on four titles in a row, currently at the top of the table looking for a fifth, and having won one cup last year, could still win another this year . Why did you sack the last guy ? ”

” He wasn’t taking the club in the right direction. He had failed to progress. ”

“Okay, will there be money available to strengthen ? ”

“No. ”

“Will I have complete control over the football side of the business ”

“No. ”

” Will I have complete control of team affairs ? ”

“You mean who starts every game ? ”

“Yes ”

“No ”

They’ll be queuing down the length of London road for this particular gig.

Of course things aren’t perfect just now.

But maybe we should calm down a wee bit.

Sack in haste, repent at leisure.

An example of the hysteria was there for all to see on Sky last night when Andy Walker , another of their experts, informed presenter David Tanner that “you could do better ” than Ronny Deila.

Three cups instead of two ?

Even higher than top of the league ?

Leaving aside that the multi talented Tanner couldn’t find his own arse with both hands and a flashlight, Walker should be banned from Celtic Park.

And the club should not engage with any productions that feature him.

That might sound hysterical, but its a fitting response to a comment which shows the level of respect and professionalism allowed on this sports channel.

Though my support is well documented for the current regime, it is known that the board-and you’ll have to trust me on this one-are wavering.

So, if they are to sack him, then they should get it over with now.

That would be a mistake, but at least it will leave a clear line of attack to those who have engineered this so called crisis.

If they don’;t, then they back him.

And Celtic, as a club, and a support, come out swinging , defending ourselves from all comers.

Its not the first time in our history we’ve had to circle the wagons, and it won’t be the last.

But at least lets decide where we’re going to put them.

 

 

 

That little statue in yesterdays diary was James Forrest.

I know.

Nothing like him.

Before we move to todays little query, lets lighten the mood a bit.

We’ve seen an email , marked urgent, which outlines nedia policy for the next few days, so we’ll need cheering up;

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Me, though ?

I’m chilled. I’m nipping out for a beer later;

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Heres something worth mentioning…something someone deserves a lot of credit for;

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ROUGH sleepers will now have somewhere to bed down for the night following the opening of a £150,000 homeless shelter.

The Macari Centre has launched in the council-owned Regent Centre in Hanley for a two-month trial.

There are up to 18 beds available to ensure both men and women who would otherwise be sleeping on the streets have somewhere to spend the night.

And on the first night on last night, it welcomed four people through its doors.


Thats cheered me a little. You can take the man away from Celtic, but not Celtic away from the man. 

In fact, lets extend the hand of friendship to all;

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Even Lord Lucan has finally been given a death certificate, so their’s can’t be far away.

Alright, cheer yourselves up then. with this picture, and tell us what’s going on…

Embedded image permalink

 

 

 

 

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bgbhoy
8 years ago

hes gone

Monti
8 years ago
Reply to  bgbhoy

Bgbhoy,
There isn’t anymore to say about Deila, apart from, incompetent, incapable and out!
Like I have been saying for over a year now, attention and pressure must be turned on this board!

Celtic are in real danger of losing this Title, enough is enough!
Get him tae fuck!

deadhead67
8 years ago
Reply to  bgbhoy

prove it

torrancetimebomb
8 years ago

the gallowgate on match days, if this shitefest continues

Brendan
8 years ago

I don’t know much about football, although I’ve had a season ticket since before the seat was built and I go to nearly all home games and a few away. I know a lot about Celtic.
I can’t see what benefit there is in sacking Ronny now, who comes in, what do they need to change, players, back room, infrastructure etc. What cost? And what’s the benefit, just another risk and another guy to bash when we make a mistake.
I’m right behind Ronny, and the board, and ask you all to join me. We can reconsider when we win the league. But meantime the pressure on Ronny, the players and the club will be immense and I’m going to loudly support.
Evil is done when good men do nothing…
Moan Ronny Deila’s hoops.

bgbhoy
8 years ago
Reply to  Brendan

no more drugs for that guy

Monti
8 years ago
Reply to  bgbhoy

Or alternatively, some more lol!

bgbhoy
8 years ago
Reply to  Brendan

your right, you dont know much about football

marko
8 years ago
Reply to  bgbhoy

and you do?

bgbhoy
8 years ago
Reply to  marko

more than the fella who posted the comment

Dziekanowskis' nightclub child
8 years ago
Reply to  Brendan

Ok then, let’s just sit back and watch mediocrity as who else would we get? Get a grip, when did it become acceptable to let this happen, seems you are being hypnotised by Lawell’s big unseen hand.

Raymobhoy
8 years ago
Reply to  Brendan

You are right good men are doing nothing.
Delia is a good man and he is doing nothing to sort out the defensive problems.

Brian53
8 years ago
Reply to  Brendan

Me too!

Uralius
8 years ago
Reply to  Brendan

Moan sounds like our fans while watching our spineless team.

Charlie Saiz
8 years ago
Reply to  Brendan

Well said Bendan common sense approach.

Charlie Saiz
8 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

Brendan’ r button is fucked sorry bud 😉

Iancelt67
8 years ago

caption
post apocalyptic glasgow after deila and laeells fiendish plans dont stop at destroying celtic

Iancelt67
8 years ago

lawells

Joe.Mac
8 years ago

As someone who hasn’t seen the match, I’m not going to talk about last night, apart from the frightening prospect of every time we go behind we struggle BIG time to claw the game back and there is a lack of leadership on the park to guide us through it!

Re Denaayer and Van Dijk, everyone knew they were going at end of season, why wasn’t there a back-up plan? Get 2 central defenders in last January? Get them playing in League Cup, Scottish Cup games, once title is won?

Re Walker, let’s get Sutton banned as well as he is constantly criticising Deila as well no?

I don’t know what the answer is, most of the support (want RD out) but don’t know who to get in. Talk of Moyes, Rodgers is a non-starter, who would go from the wage packet of Lawwell to working for a wage the equivalent of a shelf stacker in Tesco?

We don’t know the answer. The board should, and when the fans were getting restless should have started putting the plans in place. Because it will be too late when there is a 3/4 empty stadium?

I know it failed big time with Dalglish/Barnes, but what about getting a Director of Football in? A lot of clubs in England seem to work with it, all it needs is a manager with experience.

It is the end of the road for Deila and he knows it! When was the last time you seen the Ronny roar?

Like I say I don’t have the answers but someone should, I have my doubts though whether Park (who seems to have a big say in player recruitment) should be one of them!

Brian53
8 years ago
Reply to  Joe.Mac

Good points. Agree on the banning.

Some of the managers suggested as Ronny’s replacement wouldn’t come and we certainly couldn’t afford them.

TOM
8 years ago
Reply to  Brian53

Brian53. That’s the point as regards replacements for RD.
WE CAN AFFORD IT. IT’S THE BOARD THAT WON’T PAY THE CORRECT WAGES. We have 2 BILLIONAIRES on our board. THERE NEEDS TO BE NEW INVESTMENTS FROM THE BOARD.

8 years ago

Well here is me thinking you were a Anti Board fan ,turns out you support them,thats fine,but you point about Ronny will he go or he will stay or sacked,the question then is who do you replace him with,and your point about Andy Walker,he said what thousands of celtic supporters are saying,Ronnys times up.which in my opinion the man shouldnt have been made head coach of Celtic Football Club,

delbhoy
8 years ago

Time and again this season i have watched a celtic midfield non existsnt and il say it again biton is a fucking waste of space. Slowing down play , pirouettes. When there is a battle he doesnt want to know! Gutless to the last if only they all played like brown and tierney. Def think its time brown was teamed with allan and christie. Gms was every inch a united player to last night. Could go on and on

Admin
8 years ago

Making excuses for Ronny in Scottish fitba is laughable. His budget is vast, bloody enormous, compared to every other club in the top flight. It may be the biggest gulf in every league in Europe. He has a budget the rest would die for.

He and his coaches cannot organise a team of professionals who play international fitba to defend. They don’t kno what they are doing….see photo added to our site this morning.

The team is going backwards at an alarming rate and a semi-competent manager would be able to sort this out ‘DOMESTICALLY’ in next to no time.

The team has no fight, is powder puff and is managed by a one dimensional manager. He’s the Norwegian Mowbray, although at least in Mogga’s case he had a financially corrupt Rangers team to compete with…Ronny has nothing and we are still shite.

No more excuses for the man please.

Monti
8 years ago
Reply to  Hector Bandido

Hector,
It is obvious that he was a mistake, time to go!

Charlie Saiz
8 years ago
Reply to  Hector Bandido

We pay more for less because of who we are and what we are up against.
The fact we have a bigger budget does not change the fact we are buying talent from the bottom of the talent barrel.
But hey just ignore that and wave the budget about like we do buy the best anyway.
Look at every player we have on the books and tell me how many of those would walk into the Watford team right now?
Brown at a push and possibly Griffiths on the bench.
The rest would be nowhere near it.
That’s where we are as a Club that’s our reality.

Charlie Saiz
8 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

I looked at the Aberdeen squad last night and thought how many of those would I take at the Club right now?
Taylor McGinn Hayes and Rooney are all as effective as anyone we have in their respective positions.
I would even consider Logan in front of Lustig.
That is the real issue here not the Manager.
Aberdeen are not a million miles off our level that is reflected in their League position by comparison to ours I watched their early European form this Season and knew we would be pushed by them this Season.
So did Deila he’s no mug.
Anyone reading this thinks we should be pumping this dons side is deluded we are simply not that good anymore the gap has shrunk and thee is only one place to lay blame for that.
If you must blame anyone that is.
I personally want a challenge in Scotland without it we/some have become complacent and arrogant.

Monti
8 years ago

Ralph,
Ronny Deila isn’t up to the job, can you tell me the last time Celtic won a ‘ big ‘ Match?
Deila has had 19 months to get things right and moving in the right direction, it isn’t!

As for Andy Walker? Well said Andy and keep saying it until Deila is away!
The tactics last night seemed to be ” let’s give Ash Taylor plenty of heading practice “??
This is a shadow of our Celtic, it is completely unacceptable for Celtic to perform like they did last night.
The only thing Deila got right was drop Ambrose!

DEILA OUT, NOW!

Dziekanowskis' nightclub child
8 years ago

We need someone to come in and get the best from what we have in the short-term which Deila hasn’t done, long term there needs to be a restructure of the boardroom and a change of strategy. Is this going to happen at boardroom level… No, so it will be blame the coaching team and get another patsy in.

jrw
8 years ago

Paris Commune barricades 1871.

Perhaps the most (or at least one of the most) lammentable things about last night was the second half – we never even remotely looked like scoring. And as for our defending at corners …

torrancetimebomb
8 years ago

Brendan,
when we win the league ??? are you convinced based on current form that we will ?? to be played of the park by a ross county team hungrier than us and to be beaten by an Aberdeen team more tactically aware, better set up, and again sadly hungrier than us to win means there are no guarantees about winning anything which is a disgrace considering budgets, size of pool, fanbase,
size of club etc, fact is we should be winning this league by a distance and we are not, Aberdeen will go level on points on Saturday, leaving more pressure on RD and it is clear he cannot handle this, we had the chance last night to win this league, 9 points clear and its over, why o why were the team not up for it last night, no pride in the jersey, no desire, no spirit, no fight and you knew after we went 1 goal down what would happen and it did.

Ronnie has had the full backing of the support but we are not stupid we can see what is happening, and that’s fuck all to do with the SMSM or the tribute act in govan, contrary to what some would have you believe, I make up my own mind , and based on what we have seen this season we are going backwards, can you give me any examples of us moving in a positive direction, don’t think so, so to just say lets stick with the manger because we don’t know who is next or it is the next guy to bash is wrong in my opinion, we need change in order to ensure the league that you are convinced we are going to win actually happens
from birth to death I will be a celtic supporter, will always support the team no matter what but I cannot ignore the current shambles

Monti
8 years ago

Caption: Gallowgate post Ajax!

bgbhoy
8 years ago

this is fast becoming one of the biggest shambles in the great history of our club.. How many times does the manager hace to get it wrong before he can get it right? once again we didnt compete after 20mins, we hardly looked like scoring.. guys, this game could of and should of been 5 or 6? i ask the question again, where is your evidence of given time ronny will get it right? there is supporting your club and blind faith and i know which catergory this falls under.. there is no plan, hes making it up as he goes along… andy walker is calling it as he sees… does he not support celtic because he works in the media? no he is hurting like every other celtic fan at the state we are in!! there will be no 10 in a row, there may even be no league this season if he stays in charge!! he has to go and he has to go now!! it doesnt even look like the players are playing for him, the players hate some of the management team and he has a personal vendetta against our best player, kris commons, sack him or resign now!!!

Monti
8 years ago
Reply to  bgbhoy

Bgbhoy,
There is no evidence!

bgbhoy
8 years ago
Reply to  Monti

ITS NOW BECOMING FARCICAL, I BELIEVE THERE WILL BE NEWS THIS AFTERNOON

Monti
8 years ago
Reply to  bgbhoy

I pray to tge holy father, that it is so….

bgbhoy
8 years ago
Reply to  Monti

frankie bhoy called the park this morning and demanded it, threatened all sorts of holy hell if he is not removed as well as increasing mass time by 4 hours a day

jebus
8 years ago

i agree we couldnt do anything about the 1st goal, but the 2nd goal is browns fault. He is marking the boy, he runs with him towards the ball and doesnt jump WTF!!!! he just does the usual thing of puffing his chest out a raising his shoulders to try and cynically block him, why the fuck does he not jump and header it????

caltonlad
8 years ago
Reply to  jebus

Brown was ball watching. He should have been blocking the Aberdeen player’s run. He doesn’t have to head the ball, a tall order against a bigger man moving at speed. Our smaller, quicker, agile players should not allow opposition players starting from the 18 yard line to get up a head of steam. Craig Gordon has to toss someone (maybe from the opposition) into the back of the net before corner/free kick is taken, highlight his problem even if it means a yellow card. I’m not joking but the players must go through organisational practice sessions every week so what happens once a game starts? So much to sort out, it’s infuriating. If I had to apportion blame it would be 50/50 manager/players.

Thewildgoose
8 years ago

If I was a successful manager with no emotional attachment to Celtic would I be interested in the job, would I fuck. Playing in Scottish league without the funds to bring in real quality and even if I did would quality players be prepared to play in Scotland with a wage cap of 15k per week, me thinks not. Throw into the mix the very average players on show now, a hostile media, unrealistic expectations from fans and if you do find any gems they will be sold as soon as a good offer comes in then it really is a poisoned challace.

Monti
8 years ago
Reply to  Thewildgoose

The players are there, wild goose.
The management, coaching and leadership isn’t!

I could get more out of these players!

Thewildgoose
8 years ago
Reply to  Monti

The players are there, is that the same players who surrendered so easily last night. I can’t understand how one man(the manager) can be responsible for 11 men showing no passion, grit determination. If the players are that good surely they would play well in spite of the manager.

Timsforchange
8 years ago
Reply to  Thewildgoose

The time has come to make a change. There is little doubt of that as the team is going backwards. The second half performance last night was extremely poor. How many chances did we create. Where was the dig. How many times did the defence look up to make a pass and players were wanting it. They were hiding.

The picture shown on this website by Hector unfortunately sums up our defence. No shape or understanding of each other. 3 out of the 4 have played together for most games this season together with Gordon. in front of them are two defensive midfielders who’ve notwithstanding Brown’s injuries, have too. Positioning is basic stuff. In today’s game the players are monitored constantly and have the best video and technology detailing their performances – individually and units. In this pictorial evidence they are not using the tools available to him. People say Delia is a good coach – where is the evidence in defence.

After the second goal last night we were finished. Who was fighting for the team? I can’t see many. The signing of Kazim Richards to bring fight into our team is embarrassing. He should have been sent off for his unprovoked stamp last night. Why are we signing players like that? He will cause us more bother than he is worth. Cifti, Stokes, these guys didn’t get a chance. Allan isn’t getting a chance. Forest is going backwards and hiding.

As for managers wanting to manage Celtic there will be a lot of talent. No we don’t have the riches of the Premier League but we do have a lot of positives including football budget, football talent, facilities, stadium and fans. Our team is attractive. It is no different from the 90s. Then we were in a much worse for position.

As for Delia, he is simply out of his depth. When the camera panned on him last night he looked in shock. There was no images of Collins (who I do not rate), Kennedy or him in conversation to try and figure out how to change it. Of course the camera wasn’t on them all the time but it did pan on them enough to show the lack of communication. He has to go. He may be a reasonable coach but he can’t motivate players or a team. We have a good team. We have good players. We had a strong bench.

Delia may have a lot of talents but sometimes it doesn’t work out at a club. The chance to manage Celtic has come to early in his career and he accepted the club’s choices of assistant and defensive coach when (in hindsight) he should have brought in his own. He will learn from this but we have seen enough of his learnings. If we fall behind versus a decent team we don’t have the guile or strength of character to get back into it. That is evident last night, was evident on Sunday, against Malmo and a host of other European misadventures. Fancy football is one thing but football is about winning, winning on good days and off days. We can’t win in off days.

Delia and Collins please go.

Brian53
8 years ago
Reply to  Thewildgoose

Nail on the head.

Joe
8 years ago

Is it rangers answer to celtic ground improvments

Monti
8 years ago
Reply to  Joe

Joe,
Who were rangers?

Dziekanowskis' nightclub child
8 years ago

Look and listen to Hans Guillhaus (??) after the game, he has no agenda and got it spot on, no fight, too slow and mentally weak

andybhoy
8 years ago

Very similar quotes as attributed to the Malmo coach.
He should do, if he hasn’t already, the honourable thing and rap it.
Take the backroom team with him and Lawwell should also take a long look at himself as to what ‘value’ he brings to the club.

John Mccloy in tasmania
8 years ago

Homs before the uprising

David Heron
8 years ago

This Celtic side does not seem to have any football know how. Appear to be unfit, naive in tactics and positional play. Scottish Football is huff and puff at is best. Where are the skilful players these days with flare and panache. I, personally, put the blame on the scouting system who have promoted some duds over the years. Whoever is in charge,you or me with Celtic, should or would always finish first or second in the league. That’s just the way it is
The shame that has oozed out from the SPFL, Ibrox represents how bad this country,s football is in. Will never improve until radical change of league structure is implemented. Celtic to a league in England must be a start for the future.
HH

Giggsy
8 years ago

I said yesterday that the board would only ask one question and that question still applies today.

But.

I reckon the board had already answered that question. Were they waiting until the summer to pull the trigger then put £50 on the season books but present a new manager and a new future to justify the rise (even though they would have wanted to put the books if two teams get promoted).

Cynical? Yes. Fanciful. Almost.

I remember being at a roadshow after we appointed Lennon. The first question to PL was when are you resigning as you got the last appointment so so wrong. He admitted that he got the appointment wrong.

So, for those of the thinking that he hasn’t admitted mistakes he has and will do so again if it is needed. But it will be on his terms. Not on yours, mines or the media’s.

The board are not dumb despite what some think. It’s an interesting few days coming up. I hope silence and lock down is not on the cards.

Charlie Saiz
8 years ago
Reply to  Giggsy

Great post.
HH

BoyneBhoy
8 years ago

‘Defending ourselves from all comers’

I’d settle for defending our goal from all corners

FuzzyD
8 years ago

I’m amazed anyone can look at how we’ve played this season and think the man in charge deserves more time to “get it right”. He’s had 18 months now and the same problems keep coming up game after game. Our defence can’t handle crosses into the box, Biton, Johannsen, Brown, GMS, McGregor and Armstrong are consistently awful/anonymous in midfield yet start most games no questions asked and our one striker is often left isolated and starved of service.

I can take us getting beat by better teams but in just about every big game we’ve played this season (and maybe even last season) we’ve been outplayed and outfought by teams with a fraction of our budget and support without so much as a whimper from either the players or the management. Where is the heart and the effort? Take Griffiths and Tierney away and we’ve none in the current team. For that alone Ronny, Collins and the rest need to go.

Brian53
8 years ago
Reply to  FuzzyD

Aberdeen were a better team last night.

Who would we get to replace the manager? who would come?

The reason he is here is that we couldn’t get anyone else in the first place.

Several alternative have been suggested in the diary posts but there has been no standout that would IMHO do any better.

Raymobhoy
8 years ago

We need young Roberts in. Take the ball from kick off, dribble all the way himself and put the ball in the net.
Then repeat.

bgbhoy
8 years ago
Reply to  Raymobhoy

messi last night could of been upfront and we would not of won

Jim
8 years ago

With regards to Mr Deila staying or going….the current position of being 3pts clear and still in a cup competition is merely camouflage. The real question to ponder is…..can mr Deila be trusted to have another crack at qualifying for champions league…..if the answer is no….then he should be replaced quickly….to give the new man some time to implant his ethos and tactics upon his players……the list will no doubt be, Mackay, Rodgers, Stubbs, Hughes, Coyle & whatever irishman desperate Dermot wants…..sigh.

Monti
8 years ago
Reply to  Jim

Moyes!

deadhead67
8 years ago
Reply to  Monti

moyes won,t come already said he would only come back home to manage one club and it ain,t us

holy sea
8 years ago
Reply to  deadhead67

Utter Rubbish !!
You are a Zombie.
Moyes,said a year ago,he’d love to manage CELTIC one day !!

Broxburnbhoy
8 years ago
Reply to  holy sea

Moyes has clearly had media training. He is looking to fry bigger fish in bigger oceans and we are highly unlikely to see him managing Celtic unless DD and the Board agree to pay him tons of money and give him tons of money to buy new players on much larger salaries. Highly unlikely.

Monti
8 years ago
Reply to  holy sea

That day has arrived mate, I hope it can happen!

Uralius
8 years ago
Reply to  Jim

Jim you are getting totally ahead of yourself. The main question should be can our current backroom staff get our team to perform to their potential, while instilling grit, guts and passion?
I want everyone to stop talking about fucking progression and talking about become better. FUCK THAT! They are Celtic players now! They are living our dream and they don’t seem to give a flying fuck about that!
What I would give to run out of that tunnel once for any game! They are fucking up my bhoys hood hopes and dreams and it’s paying me off.

Monti
8 years ago

Just to confirm last night’s unacceptable performance from Celtic, was nothing to do with Deila or the players.

The blame lies with Second rangers, the MSM, Sportscene, Referee’s and that scarecrow in the field over there.
Carry on Ronny, it’s not your fault, it is their’s.
Pitch wasn’t good enough either, sure I saw one blade of grass that was a millimetre under length.

andybhoy
8 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Don’t forget the brisk breeze coming off the North Sea.

BroxburnBhoy
8 years ago
Reply to  andybhoy

Hey Andy what was the attendance last night? You called me thick yesterday ( boohoo ) for challenging your dodgy numbers. Were you able to count and did it match the official attendance lol!!

andybhoy
8 years ago
Reply to  BroxburnBhoy

Looked like a good crowd, though your continual sarcasm towards the actual true attendances at Celtic Park do make you look rather silly. But how are you to know when you don’t go to the games. For all the years I’ve gone to the old and new Celtic Park, I can assure you, I can tell the crowd to within a couple of thousand.

Dziekanowskis' nightclub child
8 years ago
Reply to  Monti

You forgot the noise of the sweety papers coming from the Aberdeen fans putting the players off

Brian53
8 years ago
Reply to  Monti

At Last! Monti sees sense. 🙂

Monti
8 years ago
Reply to  Brian53

Sarcasm, you missed it…

Brian53
8 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Really!

andybhoy
8 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Another thing that puts an even more spine chilling aspect to last nights debacle, was the fact that the sheep were pish poor. They didn’t have to play well in any aspect of that game to beat us.

Broxburnbhoy
8 years ago
Reply to  Monti

LOL Monti you are right there, the post first 20 minutes performance was down to tactics, heart and execution. The rest just add to the hurt and suck us into their anti Celtic narrative

Monti
8 years ago
Reply to  Broxburnbhoy

You obviously don’t understand sarcasm.

iancelt59
8 years ago

you know what ? i feel bad every time i post anti ronny stuff because i think his heart is in the job and the club. i also think the celtic job is a bit of a poisoned chalice. unless there is cl qualification and handsome victories domestically then youre on a hiding yo nothing. factor in the downsizing and the inevitable struggle to get anywhere near the abovementioned expectations

i also think unless you bring in the quality of a hiddink or another tactical expert there wont be any great improvement. whats going against ronny is his relationship with us the fans and our immediate expectations.. we are spoiled with success and unwilling to accept our finacial standing in world football we are third tier . ralph pointed this out with stoke citys recent signing of an 18mil player.

i think ronny while trying to build a team for the next cl qualifiers is floundering badly because his focus is somewhat askew domestically. football in europe is different to the scottish style of play. he reeks of indecisiveness and hope that its all going to pan out through theoretical pragmatism

deadhead67
8 years ago
Reply to  iancelt59

im sure mowbray barnes dr jo brady eyt al hearts were in the job,but the heart is just an organ that pumps blood,their brain weren,t up to it like RD,S

Tourtenay
8 years ago

It’s somewhere in France, are they manning the barricades again!
No disrespect but your post says nothing except opinions this way and that way, what would happen if we did this and what would happen if we did that and that is exactly where Celtic are at the moment, rudderless, no direction and as soon as the opposition make a stand and take the lead we throw in the towel and capitulate, no fight, no fire in the belly (hwyl) not the Celtic way.
Half of these players look like they are on some sort of work experience project players who ten or even five years ago wouldn’t have got through the gates, not even reserve team standard.
This defence just seems to be getting worse with each game and the opposition know exactly that, any set piece or long ball up the park and it is panic stations.
How long, tell me how long are we meant to put up with this utter crap from Celtic.
This league title is no foregone conclusion, all opposition know we are weak and will easily exploit those weaknesses, these lads wearing Celtic jerseys are easily pushed around, powder puffs well the moment has arrived boys man up or fuck off.
HH

Brian53
8 years ago

Great diary Ralph, covering all the salient points.

Iancelt67
8 years ago

on a positive note griffiths goal was quite classy

Brian53
8 years ago

I looked at the team sheet last night and thought that it was the best starting 11 that we could possible field. For the first, what 30 minutes I thought we were well on top and then that peach of a goal? I knew then deep inside that we were done for, and sure enough.

I am concerned, as we all are, about the lack of goals from our useless possession. The lack of player off the ball movement, particularly in the second half. The lack of determination, motivation and fight from some players. It was fucking dreadful.

Ronny and his staff must take some of the blame for this but the ultimate responsibility lies with the players. They need motivated to play for Celtic? I would cut off my right leg for the chance and limping across the field would put in a better display than some. (I know, the picture of a fat, overweight, baldy, old, one legged man is not pretty.)

Now is not the time to change the manager (sorry Monti) but he needs to step up to the plate and sort out our powder puff midfield.

Monti
8 years ago
Reply to  Brian53

Brian,
No need to apologise mate, as a fellow Celtic man I am listening to your points of view, we do disagree though

Now is the time for him to go. HH

MReilly
8 years ago

Like yesterday’s piece, I sympathise that when Celtic receive criticism from seemingly all quarters, it may be a natural reaction to then defend. I must say i totally disagree however.

On a lesser note, suggesting Ambrose is purely a scapegoat for all things wrong on the park with Celtic is false. I don’t think it is particularly unfair to say that he has been directly responsible for various Celtic defeats (admittedly, he has had his moments e.g. Barcelona or taking one for the team v Hearts).

My biggest gripe is the logic that because few of us have faith in the Celtic powers-that-be in appointing a manager, it also means that we cannot objectively judge Deila – and come to the conclusion he should not be manager. A manger should be judged based on the circumstances of his position but justifying the manager based on who his successor may be is pointless.

The idea that Celtic have no money to spend, and that the manager is not in complete control of footballing affairs is strange to me. I have no idea of your sources Ralph, and would never expect you to reveal any, but Deila has had money. Not huge amounts, but significantly more than any other team in Scotland, including the team who thoroughly deserved their win last night. Does Deila not pick the team? Why do Celtic supporters think this?

I also take issue with the idea that because Deila won a double that keeps him immune from criticism the following season. That was an achievement and helped endear himself with the support, but as I said yesterday, football supporters judge on what they see on a weekly basis. Consequently, many fans could see last nights result from a mile away, based on what they have seen domestically and in Europe this (and some of last season).

Finally, the idea that Celtic could ban a football pundit from Celtic Park is outrageous. The Daily Record were banned for attempting to use the sectarian abuse of Neil Lennon as a selling point – a legitimate justification. Banning someone because he thinks the manager is rotten (whether right or wrong) is ludicrous. Criticism is part of football, especially more so in big club football. Furthermore, from my own assessment, Celtic supporters aint too far away from Walker’s thinking anyway.

Jim
8 years ago

The only sane man who wants Deila to stay is – Derek McInnes.

Monti
8 years ago
Reply to  Jim

Jim,
Lol!

Iancelt67
8 years ago

excellent post

Monti
8 years ago
Reply to  Iancelt67

Thanks Ian.

mike
8 years ago

Ralph,
Last night the sheep were Lions and we were sheep,personally i believe the dressing room was lost to the senior players when he accused them of being scared after the Malmo away game.
I confess to not being a fan of the current management team when they were first appointed,notice the word TEAM.
By your remit for a new Management TEAM,there would be a DELUGE of applicants,
One last thing,i am concerned for young Tierny,his body as much as his talent is still developing,he needs to be rested.

John
8 years ago

I hate to insult people but I really must question supporters of Deila intelligence. Get fucking real, he is sinking us big time! When will you waken up? When we lose the league to a better organised team on god knows what size of a budget compared to us. We are fucking shite!!!!!!!!!! Ronny I always didn’t want to insult you as its not my way but the time for being nice is gone. I am angry what he is doing to my club. Ronny get to fuck!!!!

lost profit
8 years ago

only the diary writer seems to have been backing him, must borrow your glue. helps with the fiction, its been awful since inception. He cant motivate or organise… henrik and mjalby as assistant please

marko
8 years ago
Reply to  lost profit

think there are many still backing the manager-but maybe we all don’t just come on here and moan non-stop and when anyone does come on and show support for the manager he gets abuse from the fitba expert keyboard hard men who obviously know more about the game and have played at a much higher level than the rest of us…cough…cough…

Iancelt67
8 years ago

the reason i think deila should go is the utter confusion in the team when its put under pressure. this team will beat teams who set out their stall not to lose. but any team, poor teams at that, say wait a minute we can beat this team with a bit of physical play or well organised set pieces., the team folds and are exasparatingly found wanting for answers. this in my opinion reflects ronnys character. he has a quixotic belief that its all going to be alright without seeing whats happening in front of him. sometimes it works for him but no way near enough when it matters.

Cartvale88
8 years ago

The problem is a lack of insight by the management team, they have only one plan when a game kicks off. If there plan was to lob the ball upfield then Cole should have started.
The players man for man are better than Aberdeen, and showed that in the first thirty five minutes, then they lost a superb goal by Hayes.
At that stage a Lenny’s Strachan, or MON team would have dug in and won the game, this lot do not have the leadership or bottle, or do they want Delilah and JC out.
Since the Malmo game I have been unimpressed with the management team.
Since the Partick game I have stopped going, this is the wors team since Luigi’s era.
The man stands with a blank expression at the side of the pitch and JC looks like Brutus, just waiting his chance.
Gilhous’s comments were the best, Walker shouted his usual anti Celtic garbage.

Bongo
8 years ago

How come is fine to slag Boyata but Efe is a God to you

Camberwick_Green
8 years ago

Celtic aren’t suddenly rubbish.
They had a couple of bad days at the office.
The hysteria is hysterical.
Deila was manager of the month for January.
He didn’t miss the penalty on Sunday.
The pitches have been crap and the playing surfaces were abysmal.
Yes, it’s the same for both teams, and maybe Aberdeen and Ross County wanted it more, but it won’t always be thus.
Celtic WILL comfortably win the league. Hopefully with Deila in charge.
Sacking the manager now would be a mistake.
If only because Andy Walker says we should.

Brian53
8 years ago

hysterical, exactly. You would think we were 3 points from relegation instead of 3 point clear at the top of the league.

Joe.Mac
8 years ago

And as I recall wasn’t Barnes before ICT???

CeciltheLion
8 years ago

It’s NOT a couple of bad days. It’s one and a half seasons of the worst football I can remember since Macari, in my opinion a worse manager for us that Mowbray. I have to say, though, that Boyata’s giving Wayne Biggins a run for his money as our worst ever signing and we’ve had some stoaters.

Monti
8 years ago
Reply to  CeciltheLion

Cecil,
Ambrose is worse than Boyata….by a country mile!

Camberwick_Green
8 years ago

To lighten the mood – a quote from Bob Monkhouse:
“They all laughed when I said I was going to become a comedian. Well they’re not laughing now!”

andybhoy
8 years ago

No, because he was a crap comedian.

maryhillbhoy
8 years ago

Hector well said I am in total agreement with you and I assume that as a regular contributor your views will not be dismissed as the delusional ramblings of a media manipulated simpleton as Ralph seems convinced that most of us are.
I don’t know who the next manager should be but if we are looking for an organised, spirited and tactically team aware team there surely must be dozens of candidates who can improve on what we are watching.

maryhillbhoy
8 years ago

Camberwick_Green so we keep a manager who is consistently failing because we don’t like the fact that Andy Walker says we should sack him????? I do not attempy to speak for the support as a whole all I can say is everyone of the dozens of supporters I have spoken to since last night want Ronnie sacked maybe we should all be banned from Celtic Park?

Camberwick_Green
8 years ago
Reply to  maryhillbhoy

I never mentioned banning anyone.
I’m just coming from the point of view that if AW thinks it’s a good idea to do something then it probably isn’t.
How many leagues has he won as manager?

Charlie Saiz
8 years ago

None.
Same as Sutton who failed as a Manager incidentally.

bgbhoy
8 years ago

Asked about Deila and whether he retained the players’ support, the club’s top scorer offered a less than ringing endorsement. ”We will back the manager until we are told otherwise,” said Griffiths.’

aye seems like the players see ‘development’ too

Charlie Saiz
8 years ago
Reply to  bgbhoy

That will be Leigh Griffiths who is on his way to his highest ever goal tally in a Season.

bgbhoy
8 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

yes as he plays for celtic and is presented with 4or 5 scoring oppurtunities per game (when he can control a ball) until we are told otherwise!?!?!? what does that tell you!! nothing probably as you said last night we didnt deserve to lose!! still cant believe you said that

Charlie Saiz
8 years ago
Reply to  bgbhoy

Deflection.
Griffiths is on his way to smashing his own best.
This in a side where 2/3 of the total goals scored have come from elsewhere in the side.
We did enough last night to get something from that game.
That’s a fact btw.

Bgbhoy
8 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

You have slipped into a sad mental state. We did enough to get something from the game? Wow wow wow. Do you watch games or just chug over the stats at the end?? Do you remember any one on ones? Amazing saves from the sheep keeper? Do yourself a favour and sit down with a cup of tea and re read your last post

Honest JohnBhoy
8 years ago

I must admit to have being unsure as to which camp I was in when it came to RD but, after last night, sad though it is, I am now of the opinion he must go. Notwithstanding all the injuries we’ve had and the multitude of other reasons that can be put forward like tactics/team selection etc. the thing that really upsets me is the lack of passion from too many of the players. For the vast majority of the readers of etims, I’m sure that pulling on that shirt would be enough for us (indeed it made me feel big when I pulled on a replica shirt as a 5 year old way back when) but clearly some of the players don’t feel that way. Arguably, it may be that they have come from other countries and, as a result, don’t truly understand just how we all feel about the Hoops but part of their induction should be to see some of the great days and atmospheres that have been created down the years. So what’s that got to do with RD? Well despite what he might say, IMO he doesn’t, in his heart of hearts, understand the passion that we all share. I have no suggestions as to who should succeed him but I want to be back at Paradise with a shiver running down my spine as I survey the scene and the players busting a gut for the club I love, win, draw or lose. HH

delbhoy
8 years ago

All you read on here from ralph is about scenarios where ronny turns it round and does what needs to be done. This is fantasy land , how many times can this be written and what is he doing that gives you confidence ralph? All i see is a team lacking in everything and a clueless manager. The blue print to beat celticis defend in numbers , counter , job done. And it happens nearly every game with zero sign of change. I couldnt believe my eyes when i read the other day from ronny how you need players like richards who get into trouble as it gives a team character. So tony stokes was kicked out for what then? . Meanwhile hes scoring for hibs and andthe only thing kazim done of note was stamp on someone! Get rid now , only my opinion but i say give yogi the job till the end of the season at least. Or maybe even peter grant could give us some heart back

Brian53
8 years ago
Reply to  delbhoy

Yogi? Peter Grant? now that would be downsizing!

It would be wrong to replace Ronny now, at the end of the season if they must.

What we need to do now is rally round and support the team and the manager to ensure that we win the league.

CeciltheLion
8 years ago
Reply to  Brian53

I say again, Stevie Clarke. He’s available, hugely good coaching expertise and a decent manager.

Brian53
8 years ago
Reply to  CeciltheLion

If Ronny does go, Steve Clarke would be a good replacement.

Monti
8 years ago
Reply to  Brian53

Hmmmmmm…not my first choice.

Brian53
8 years ago
Reply to  Brian53

Have you told Peter yet?

Dziekanowskis' nightclub child
8 years ago
Reply to  Brian53

Brian53, so replace him after we may have lost the league?

Brian53
8 years ago

heaven forbid that we do! but I don’t think we will.

(touch wood, fingers crossed etc..)

Charlie Saiz
8 years ago

There’s that word may’.
We have lost a game not a League.

bgbhoy
8 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

we shouldnt even be contemplating losing a league with our resource etc, that is the point you are overlooking, its embarassing

Charlie Saiz
8 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

Why not Aberdeen have improved this Season and we have been weakend by departures and injuries.
You seem to be suffering from the same self entitlement bug that der hun suffers from?

Charlie Saiz
8 years ago
Reply to  Brian53

Spot on.

corktim
8 years ago

Time for debate is over this current managment teamhas to go,I have said it for weeks the worst is yet to come if they stay in place,we will struggle to win the league if there is no change

delbhoy
8 years ago

Id like to make a point about effe although he is shite , boyata is worse , how this boy got to man city must be someones joke . Every time he plays we lose two or more goals. Surely to god mulgrew has to partner the big dane tilk simonovic is back

Charlie Saiz
8 years ago
Reply to  delbhoy

Mulgrew is not fit yet Del if he was I doubt very much Boyata would have played much football at all this season.
Therein lies the problem injuries have forced the Manager to chop and change almost continuously all Season.
Overlooked of course by those who wish for him to fail.

CeciltheLion
8 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

It’s my fervent hope that Mulgrew will never be fit enough ever to play for us again. He’d have offered nothing to help this hapless manager.

I’d have liked him to succeed and I’d have no difficulty in keeping him to coach some of the youngsters (although I’m far from convinced that he’s a good enough coach based on how he deals with the likes of Stokes and Commons). Stevie Clarke could do a decent manager’s job for us and give Ronny some pointers, too.

Charlie Saiz
8 years ago
Reply to  CeciltheLion

Mulgrew is a better Central Defender than both Boyata and Ambrose.
Or have you forgotten he was playing CB when he lifted the POTY?
Had he been fit he would have added a more settled platform on which to build a new pairing on.

Charlie Saiz
8 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

That in turn would have allowed Deila to focus on the entire setup rahterr than the one bit that continuously plagued us since the Summer.
We were solid in defence last Season in the League that was under Deila,same Manager same approach to defence the only thing that altered was the personnel entrusted to carry out what was required.
Those replacements for Denaayer and Van Dijk have been nowhere near their level.
Therein lays the problem this Season.
Too many of you are overlooking these factors.
It has nothing to do with Deilas management and everything to do with the Boards skin flint approach to transfers.

CeciltheLion
8 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

Long time ago and he’s not exactly improved with age. Afraid I only see a liability.

Charlie Saiz
8 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

Mulgrew offers experience,great delivery on set piece and a threat at the other end on corners.

Vinnie
8 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

I must confess to being sick of RD in, RD out.
I know, firmly and finally where I stand. All 3 of them plus Lawwell, the ‘engineer’ of all this shite, OUT. I now intend to await events.
Anyway, on a happier note, the talk of Charlie Mulgrew on this thread got me thinking. So I watched THAT goal of Charlie’s, and what a time to do it. Remember the date, 29/04/12, THE LAST OLD FIRM GAME, EVER. 3 great goals but Charlie’s was just everything to me. Sen-fuckin-sational. Kris Commons the ‘architect’.
We still play better when Kris is in the team.
I’m off tae ma kip to finish ‘Downfall’.
Sweet dreams, Bhoys, that’s what ah’ll be havin’ tonight. NO MORE HUNS, EVER.
HH

elcormaco
8 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

Charlie I can’t speak for others but I didn’t *want* Ronnie to fail and I d be very surprised if other fans wanted him to fail either.

We all want Celtic to succeed and many of us now having seen him over a period of time have reached the sad conclusion that that won’t happen with Ronnie as manager, a conclusion at are able to reach by using our own eyes and not the because an ex player or journalist said it

Charlie Saiz
8 years ago
Reply to  elcormaco

There are some on here hwo have been at this for nearly 2 years bud.
When we lost the level of demand for his departure increases 10 fold.

bgbhoy
8 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

wrong… we beat partick and that was when we seen the most abuse as it was truly a horrific occasion.. being at the game you would of seen that lad 😉

Charlie Saiz
8 years ago
Reply to  Charlie Saiz

The abuse on line was what I was referring too kiddo.

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