Two parts to the Diary today, there’s the football, which is what its really all about, and then there’s the SFA, who we’ll get to later.
Tomorrow Celtic can win the league with a victory at Hearts. Thats the bottom line.
In order to do so, a number of players need to step up and grab the bull by the horns. This is our league title, and we want to make sure that it stays that way. Everything else can wait.
You can’t have ten without first having five, and although there seems to be a malaise and perhaps a bit of complacency involved this season, there’s no time like the present to start outting things right, especially as the result will be instantaneous .
We’ll have five in a row…
So, lets go back in time to the last , and only second, time it happened.
Just to get you in the mood….
This is how it finished that year, although it had finished some weeks before the last game.
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Celtic | 34 | 27 | 3 | 4 | 96 | 33 | 63 | 57 |
| 2 | Rangers | 34 | 19 | 7 | 8 | 67 | 40 | 27 | 45 |
| 3 | Hibernian | 34 | 19 | 6 | 9 | 65 | 40 | 25 | 44 |
| 4 | Hearts | 34 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 50 | 36 | 14 | 38 |
| 5 | Dundee United | 34 | 16 | 6 | 12 | 62 | 64 | -2 | 38 |
| 6 | Dundee | 34 | 15 | 6 | 13 | 49 | 44 | 5 | 36 |
| 7 | Kilmarnock | 34 | 13 | 10 | 11 | 62 | 57 | 5 | 36 |
| 8 | Aberdeen | 34 | 14 | 7 | 13 | 55 | 45 | 10 | 35 |
| 9 | Morton | 34 | 13 | 9 | 12 | 52 | 52 | 0 | 35 |
| 10 | Dunfermline Athletic | 34 | 15 | 5 | 14 | 45 | 45 | 0 | 35 |
| 11 | Motherwell | 34 | 11 | 10 | 13 | 49 | 51 | -2 | 32 |
| 12 | Airdrieonians | 34 | 12 | 8 | 14 | 59 | 64 | -5 | 32 |
| 13 | St Johnstone | 34 | 11 | 9 | 14 | 50 | 62 | -12 | 31 |
| 14 | Ayr United | 34 | 12 | 6 | 16 | 37 | 52 | -15 | 30 |
| 15 | St Mirren | 34 | 8 | 9 | 17 | 39 | 54 | -15 | 25 |
| 16 | Clyde | 34 | 9 | 7 | 18 | 34 | 56 | -22 | 25 |
| 17 | Raith Rovers | 34 | 5 | 11 | 18 | 32 | 67 | -35 | 21 |
| 18 | Partick Thistle | 34 | 5 | 7 | 22 | 41 | 82 | -41 | 17 |
Twelve-the equivalent of eighteen today-points ahead of Rangers.
We were also in a European cup final that year, after one of the most momentous couple of games in the clubs history.
Oh, for the days of an eighteen team league….where players could develop at the highest level, and where there wasn’t so much money involved…
Celtic also won the League cup that year, beating St. Johnstone, who would improve massively the following season, but failed in the Scottish cup, losing the final to Aberdeen, 3-1. Aberdeen would go on to be the main rivals for title number six, and it would take a last ditch on the line clearance from captain Billy McNeill to steer the side to title number six.
But all of that was in the future, which did look quite rosy at the time.
today, of course, there are no such dizzy heights, but a title is a title all the same, and it provides the building blocks for future adventures…
If you need no further encouragement to look ahead to a second none in a row, followed by a crack at the elusive tenth, look at how the Evening Times reported Celts hitting a then world record ninth…
Some things never change…”But Falkirk take a point ! ”
Yeah, that’ll teach those pesky tims.
Tomorrows game will probably be reported with much the same enthusiasm among the press, especially the Evening Times, which is more or less a mouthpiece now for whichever entity happens to be operating out of ibrox, but if thats what they want to do, let them.
It’s just a shame the paper itself isn’t just a little more absorbent and perhaps easier to fold into little squares.
Tomorrow could, and should, be a day to remember.
What we need, to restore a feel good factor that has diminished as the weeks go by, is a swashbuckling adventurous Celtic, sweeping majestically to a convincing win, and perhaps thats how we’ll remember this season.
We need the defenders to defend, the tacklers to tackle, the passers to pass and the strikers to strike.
And most of all, we need the captain to lead.
Come on Celtic, give us something to cheer about…
Actually, he said, moving on to the second part of the diary, those not on the park tomorrow can give us something to cheer about as well.
Yesterday, a number of you sent emails to the SFA, letting them know that their behaviour over the Resolution 12 issue, and their reply to the requisitioners, is simply not good enough, and does not show honest and transparent governance.
I have to tell you that no-one has received a reply, as at the time of typing, and so therefore, regrettably, this club should now be at war with the SFA.
Curiously, the spectre of the old firm was seen in the courtroom yesterday as mike Ashley withdrew his case against the SFA, where he demanded to know how on earth they could decide that Dave King, a convicted fraudster from South Africa, could be a fit and proper person to be in charge at ” Rangers ”
To be honest, I actually think that the answer is in the question there, but others may differ, considering the previous holders of that role…
Ashleys lawyers got to se why, and he withdrew his case.
Curiously, the lawyer acting for the SFA asked the judge..
would a shareholder in Celtic be able to sue SFA if King does well hence leaving to a drop in value of his investment?
Not sure why Celtic shareholders were even mentioned, but it could be a sign that Celtic are in the back of their minds ….
so, they do not want to talk to us, or the public, and they are continuing to maintain that they did nothing wrong in granting the licence to a club to participate in the champions league which did not meet the criteria.
Heres what needs to happen.
Peter Lawwell, before tomorrows game, should announce his retirement from the SFA. Anyone else from Celtic involved at any level in any office of the governing body should also resign.
To take effect immediately. Without explanation.
That should get the cisterns flowing at Hampden.
More importantly, that will get everyone connected with Celtic back behind the club, which they feel , and so do I, has been a wee bit distant from the fans of late.
Then next week, early next week, Celtic should announce they are taking up the battle on behalf of the resolution 12 guys in order to ensure honest and transparent governance of the game, which cannot possibly be a bad thing.
Maybe a wee apology from Lawwell, along the lines of, look , we got it wrong, we didn;t quite understand the depth of feeling here, but we are going to put it right now.
Because, in truth, thats what matters. Putting it right.
Lawwell is more than capable of dealing with the SFA, and he shouldn;’t worry. If he wants his job back at Hampden, i’m sure there will be plenty of vacancies when all this is over.
Over to you, Peter. Show everyone the real old firm is the one which contains those from Hampden and those from Ibrox, looking out for each other.
Because they sure as hell aren’t looking out for anyone else in Scottish football.
Storm the doors of their offices, and show them how you, and we, feel.
Go crack some skulls.
I think we might be pleasantly surprised at what happens next….
Anyhoo, Pensionerbhoy won another caption competition, his comment about shredding the evidence not actually meaning the love child a clear and unopposed winner.
now, I’ve no idea whats happening here, perhaps someone could tell me…
Caption – careful kids, Packie Bonner is practicing goal kicks today.
the Pied Piper, maybe a lesson about paying your bills! shame the good burghers of Hamlyn had no SFA to protect their reputations!
Ah dear old Hameln good times…. 😉
I think we should give Peter “enough room to hang” himself. The thing about Peter is that the ‘richer’ he has got, the more ‘beady eyed’ he has become (fact). His silence throughout this rigmarole, has proved to me anyway, that he has become, the ‘enemy within’.
caption: As Peter the pied piper of Parkhead leads Celtic fans in a merry dance, no one followed. He was then heard under bated breath grimacing, “how can they not be more like ‘Rangers fans’. HH
On to 5 in a row Ralph, there’s no stopping us now….is there?
Disagree with Peter retiring from the SweetFA, we need to keep a man? in there (for a the good it does! Strange that Ashley withdrew, wonder if SYP had anything to do with it? The masons investigation branch maybe (MIBs)
Great layout BTW 🙂
Caption: Celtics new manager say’s he will give youth a chance as he takes them through there paces.
Caption: “Rangers” fans blindly following the “magic hat”.
great article ralph if celtic deal wae resolution 12 they will have a waiting list for season tickets next season
Charlie you’re 100% correct. And if he does nothing and doesn’t realise the depth of feeling on this our club will implode.
The SFAs reply to Ashley today is gobsmacking and you’ll take it apart tomorrow.
Caption: Orange Order young team away day.
Caption…. Goose stepping sevco youth prepare for the marching season.
Where are all the supporters of other clubs voicing their frustration and anger at the SFA?
This is their chance to do something, will they grasp it?
It will be a grave mistake to allow this to blow over, to let it all fade away.
Disband the SFA!
Warburton’s Youth Policy seems to be paying Dividends – he just needs another four to make a team. . .
Caption (simple) “Follow, follow….” With a bit of goose-stepping and such like.
Paul Lambert.Stevie Clarke.Brendan Rodgers.They all have their good points.I like what I’ve read about Rodgers’ style of football, high pressing, passing, winning and keeping the ball, etc. 3-5-2, 4-3-3, 4-4-2 etc.All of them know something about Europe with Lambert probably the most experienced.It’s looking good. WGS, MON, Keane won’t come. I think of the three I’ve mentioned Lambert probably knows too much to take the job.Bhoys, give me some feedback on Rodgers/Clarke/Lambert and also Michael O’Neill. Cheers. Resolution 12. We need a good lawyer and people outside Scotland to make the case. How we miss Paul McBride.
I would be gobsmacked if Rodgers took it,but over the moon. Stevie Clarke I believe to be a great number two. Paul Lambert in an interview said he wouldn’t manage in Scotland when he was manager at Norwich. Maybe a change of heart now.
Roberto Di Matteo with Stevie Clarke would be my choice.
Caption.
Crowd outside Hampden watching Tom Rogics penalty.
that cup final another cheating orange bastard of a referee bobby davidson stil hate the sod
We have a bad, bad habit of appointing terrible Managers,we got so,so lucky with Big Jock,imagine if he had gone over to the dark side,does not bear thinking about.Please Dermot get it right and watch the team go.
Well done to Pensionerbhoy,yet again,Greet,Greet,my own view on all his caption victories is that he is Ralphy faither.
Well,Whats that all about Ralphy? if you dinny deny it we will ken its true.
Caption,whats the feckin point,he will win it again.
Has Peter Lawwell resigned from the SFA board yet?
Has he stopped supplying Police Scotland with details of our supporters?
Is he going to fight for our club and support!
Fergus Mccann, I would love to hear your thoughts on this fucking Circus and what you would have done about it.
I wasn’t always a big fan of how Fergus did things, but he is a fighter and I always respect that.
Someone needs to emerge as our leader….now!
Fergus McCann,alias The Bunnet,(The Bhoy from Croy).
Arrived at Cellic Park and spent 70% of his fortune some 9.5million pounds to save from bankruptcey his beloved Football Club Glasgow Celtic.4th march 1994.
He got rid of Farry at the SFA and would not take any bullshit from anybody but especially them at Hampdund.He so angered a lot of players DiCanio,(he threatened to take him to court)they settled outside court,Viduka,he went away in the huff,Van Howdrunk,he was so enraged that he moaned to the Dailly Hun,how could he survive on 10 grand a week.Lastly
Jorge Cadette (He puts the ba in the Nette)that he named his Budgie,the Bunnet,
Fergus now runs a posh people bus in north America called
Limo Line.If you wish to speak to Fergus make a donation of £50 to ralphy for passing on to me.
It is a lovely thought, Peter Lawwell redeeming himself but given his propensity towards having another strong Glasgow club with a big support which play in blue I would guess that he probably knew the state Rangers (IL) were in.
My fear is that when it comes out in the wash there will be evidence that Lawwell or Celtic signed off on it to preserve the status quo. Lawwell is a businessman, the duopoly was best for business.
One wonders if his status within the SPFL and SFA was reward for his complicity? I sincerely hope not as the ramifications would be disastrous.
There is much discussion on the blogsphere about the part Celtic are playing in resolving the issues raised by what is commonly known as Resolution 12. Until very recently, I was 95% decided that I would not be renewing my Celtic season ticket with the whole Res 12 thing being central to my decision making. I was and still am appalled by the at best blatant mal governance and at worst (alleged) corruption within the SFA, SPFL and former SPl. I note the flak Jimmci is taking from some quarters for not disclosing what was discussed during a private conversation. I understand the frustration but fully support Jimmci’s stance and reasons for it. What follows will explain why.
I attended a meeting at Celtic Park on Thursday 28th April, accompanied by a life long friend and fellow season ticket holder. We met with two high ranking officials of Celtic PLC to discuss various matters concerning Celtic and Scottish Football governance in general. This was a private meeting and confidentiality will be respected.
However, I will share this. My concerns over the perceived inaction regarding the issues raised by “Resolution 12” have been allayed. I will now renew my season ticket confident that, regarding this particular subject, the custodians of Celtic FC are acting in the best interests of the club and its supporters. I’ve seen the evidence.
This message will be posted elsewhere.
Very curious. I take your word for it Al but I am sure that there are thousands of other season ticket holders who have NOT seen the evidence that you have been party to who will still retain their current levels of cynicism re the board. I know that you are bound to maintain a degree of confidentiality of what was disclosed at the meeting but can you categorically state that the board ARE definitely acting in the fan’s best interests or that they are incapable of taking this matter any further for the reason that they are embroiled in the whole sorry saga?
Frank, I am satisfied that Celtic are acting in an appropriate manner regarding the Res 12 issues. Like many others, I previously thought the club had sat on its hands and ignored the matter. I now know this is not the case. I am sure Celtic PLC are NOT embroiled in the whole sorry saga, as you put it. We may or may not get the outcome we desire from Res 12 but it won’t be for the lack of trying.
Did the club give you assurances that titles will be vigorously pursued by a club who won them by cheating?
Althetim,
You say ” I now know this is not the case “?
What evidence do you have that the board are fighting this?
Cheers for the reply Al. I have so many questions to ask but I fully respect the confidentiality issue and realise that it may be far too delicate a matter to prevaricate over on an ‘internet bampot’ website. (No offence Ralph and the lhads. Honest! There’s no bigger exponent of bampottery than myself). Can I ask in what capacity were you and your friend invited to Celtic Park? Was it an official fan representation meeting? If so, why were more supporters/shareholders not in attendance. Are there more of these consultations scheduled to take place?Surely the fact is Celtic have to clarify their position on the issue(s) at hand without going into too much detail to give assurances to fholk like myself who are at the same crossroads as yourself when it comes to the subject of ST renewal.
Problem is that there’s a feeling amongst the fans that the board believe that it’s “in the best interests of the club and it’s supporters” to have A version of rangers in our league .
Afraid it’s maybe a little too late for the “nudge nudge ,wink wink ” stuff ;Celtic need to be seen to be doing something pro-active re- this and other matters , and I mean seen by all the fans as opposed to a chosen few .
Caption:
First Kid, “My daddy chris says whenever you meet a stranger who promises nice prizes just go with him n see how it pans out!”
I think di mateo would be an excellent choice , hes done well in about every job hes had, and has the highest honour a club boss can get. Would do for me
Best one yet!☘☘☘
Well done Althetim, and thanks for sharing that.
The whitabootery, was proven by the verdict at The Hillsborough enquiry. How could a few senior police officers perpetrate this cover up, or was it the secret handshake mob that caused twenty seven years of lies and bile against the innocent.
It seems a bit like this were great country of ours, where certain elements stick together to ensure that the entitlement if the establishment continues, without a toss towards honesty and equality.
Caption ‘ the mason plays a merry tune!’
Caption:
Pensionerbhoy leads the Etims community in the Caption party conga
A thought provoking suggestion. On the one hand keeping your enemy’s close springs to mind but our dear leaders assessment of the Shambolic Fraud Associates (SFA) is one of partnership. They are of the view we can prosper together. So whilst I like the proposal re Peter I think I will win the lottery first and I don’t buy a ticket. Talking of tickets, of the seasonal variety, I am done. Can’t be part of the fix any longer after 20 years.
Good luck to all you supporters, my final game will be against that mob from South Lanarkshire. If our humble leaders come out and challenge the continuity myth then count me in.. But not until..
HH
To Althetim: are they thinking of enlightening the rest of us prior to asking us to fork out again? I’d be delighted to know what inspired your confidence; cause I’ve NANE!
Just watched the Celtic press conference ahead of the visit to Tynecastle tomorrow, embarrassing and cringeworthy shite from Deila.
Yes you have a wee laugh and talk about 10 in a row Ronny, a wee joke about coming back to Celtic as Real Madrid manager, wow great stuff.
Let me tell you something Ronny, I am still burning inside with embarrassment and humiliation at being beaten by Sevco in a national cup semi final, when I say burning Ronny,I mean burning with a desire to see Celtic improve again and see our great club take it’s place with the other giants of the game, this will be done without you, that day can’t come quick enough!
So you’ve your wee laughs Ronny, kick back and enjoy yourself, me? Bitterly, bitterly disappointed with your tactics and your inability to change a game, did we really lose to a tribute act? Did that fucking really happen?
monti you see that is now a man that dosent give a fuck anymore. a lot of fans wshed him well after he came out and said he was leaving but i cant do that, i am angry at what he has done to our team and players…ran us into the ground and leaving us in a mess
Absolutely!
Monti don’t watch him on the telly, turn the radio volume down when he is on, just ignore the fuckwit and he will be gone soon and a professional competent manager will replace him and the embarrassment will stop
that is disgraceful talk about a man who tried his best for the celtic you should be ashamed
Celtic team for tomorrow 4-4-1-1
Gordon
Lustig
Sviatchenko
Mulgrew
Tierney
Forrest
Brown
Bitton
Mcgregor
Christie
Griffiths
Forrest isn’t in the squad.
For fuck sake??
Deila and Collins, couple of tossers.
Andybhoy,
I find it hard to boot the boot into John Collins, I don’t know what goes on behind the scenes at Celtic, but I’ve always had a lot of time for JC.
Maybe Deila just doesn’t listen to him, who knows?
Monti, I like your 11. However, Ambrose is a better right back than Lustig!
Devoy,
Not in the mood for being wound up m8…
One thing which I would like to touch on is simply Celtic’s world famous Green and White Hooped shirts.
Does it still mean something when it’s pulled on over a players shoulders? How does it make you feel? Do they (the players) feel anything or is it simply a job?
Whoever comes in as manager, can they please sign players who want to play for Celtic, who have a feeling for the club?
I can forgive a player not being the best, I can forgive a player having a bad game, but I can’t forgive any player who doesn’t bust a gut for us, our club and our shirt.
So a wee message, no a fucking big message to our squad tomorrow, go out onto that pitch at Tynecastle tomorrow, take a minute to yourselves and look at our support AND BUST A FUCKING GUT FOR US!
Monti, I have tried to send a message, but of course I doubt they read it.
Great post Monti. .I feel the exact save way.
I will be pleasantly surprised if we get a reaction and a display to thrill the fans.
I predict we will get more of the same, I would take a draw right now.
Why would they suddenly turn it on tomorrow ?
Sid,
Unfortunately I feel as you do, just want the league won now and the curtain drawn on this season!
i think hearts will win quite easily tomorrow and i hate saying that, we will have no fight or desire, we will be flat and predictable …. hope i am wrong but with Ronny and Jonny in charge thats all i can see, the sooner there gone the better.
ha ha ha ha
caption: spot the dick
Can you imagine how embarrasing and flat the title party at celtic park will be, ronny speaking to the fans and the players doing there parade of honour, it will be a complete anti climax , the seasons been a catastrophy at all levels from start to finish , only winning the league because aberdeen capitulated. The sooner this seasons over the better, hopefully we get a manager that can lift the place and bring back the fans
deal wae res12 and the kew excuse ma spellin will be doon to the barras
Ralph
I see you are revealing your soft side in the diary today. I am not sure anyone in either part deserves to be let down lightly. Our players should be pilloried for their disgraceful performances. It is high time they realised what they are playing for. It is not Peter Lawwell’s or Dermott Desmond’s club. They should not be doing it for a manager or, even worse, for win bonuses but to fit the jersey with traditional pride and to play games to entertain the fans, the constant in the Stein philosophy.
As for the circus performers monkeying about on the high wires of office at the SFA, their silence is a symptom of their innate dumbness. Nor should Mike Ashley be left untouched. I fear he has completely misunderstood the historic rational of Scottish football’s governing bodies, keep it from the public domain at all costs and damn the consequences. He failed to recognise the treacheries and manipulations of the governing Untouchables that have allowed Regan and his subordinates and their predecessors for years to walk away from their responsibilities and to dictate what, when and how things are done without question or pause. He may even be a fool to expect that brood of charlatans to release any information exposing them for what they are. Or, perhaps, being English, he is too far removed from the reality and believes the SFA know something about “not being cricket, old chap!” Whatever his thinking, I hope he will come to realise he let a massive shark off his hook and, without his exposure, it could disappear into the murky depths for ever. I pray he has the evidence and will be angry and brave enough to release it if there is nothing forthcoming from Hampden – and soon.
Email time. I will post the guaranteed reply. Surely they will respect an auld man ‘s dying wish. I’ll cough and splutter like feck just to appear convincing. Wait a minute I’m always doing that anyway and, besides, they will be well used to gunge and slabbers all over their laptops. Ach, I need to have a laugh even if it is only me.
Thanks for another corker of a Diary and here’s to the next title – my caption one I mean. Need a hanky mike? Eat ye’r hat or a bit o’ Dundee cake. Just be careful with the currant buns 🙂
“Preparations in full swing at Murray Park for the 12th July Mandarin Walk.”
Bed time again. I must be up sharp ra morra. Besides, the wife has her curlers in and I heard a loud clink in her glass of water.
H H
🙂
AWE ta FECK, sob, sobin, mair sobin,greetin wails of anguish,cries of despair,mair greetin and sobin.
I tried to delete your caption,but it disney work,the only thing left is to bribe Ralphy,or trawl the streets of the Toon.I have a pal in the Pensions office,i will try and trace you through that,just to congratulate you,mind.
Take care Pensionerbhoy,you and the gumsie wan.
Enjoy the weekend.H.H.
your gon naewer auld yin we need crackpots like you
” my dicks fallen out” said the one at the front.
Caption,Pensionerbhoys victory parade,
With a toot on the flute and a twiddle on the fiddle,
with a haugh and a cough,he runs doon the stairs for a large jimmy riddle,well he is gettin on a bit aint he?
caption all our great grandkids dancing in the park cause good fenian men wouldnae lie doon
excuse ma spelling ime already spending ma winnings on 3-0 to the champions and drink has been taken fuckit the card players can take it oot ma nose ha ha ha ha
and if that caption disnae win the bhoys in the van are smashing ralphs windaes ha ha ha ha
monti dae yerself a favour take drugs ha ha
Wish they’d hurry up and get a manager lambert Keane oneill. Rogers yootha Joyce’s remains. Hurry up
My money is on yootha joyce,man she was a cracker,i still get a stirring in ma lions when i think about her,george was putty in her hands.
George and Mildred,they dinna make them like that any mair.
Just get tae Ronny. http://www.footballfancast.com/football-news/ronny-deila-reveals-surpass-candidate-to-replace-him-at-celtic
Told you lot before it is going to be Roy the bulldog Keane,or yootha joyce.My lolly is on Keano.
May get some belly laughs. What about Harry rednapp ?
Mike,
If it’s to be Roy Keane then I will get behind him, the man is a born winner and if he get’s it right at Celtic he will enjoy hero status.
I do have a few concerns about him but listen, if Ronny fkn Deila was worth a ” Gamble ” then so is Roy Keane.
It’s time Celtic started bullying our knockers!
What about him?
As manager