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Celtic Diary Friday October 12: McLeish Symbolises SFA Ineptitude

International football took centre stage last night, and we all got to see exactly what type of manager the SFA hired when it hired Alex McLeish.

Not just on the field, where his chosen few were beaten by an Israeli team that hadn’t won for quite some time..

but in how he handled the aftermath of an astonishingly piss poor performance, even though it only ended 2-1 to the hosts.

 First of all, he allowed Kieran Tierney to take the blame. One of only two genuinely class players in the line up, along with the Andy Robertson, the youngster was thrown under the bus to join Leigh Griffiths as the manager absolved himself of all responsibility for the shambles.

Incidentally, Scotland, despite having two quality left backs, opted for a system that doesn’t have, er, a left back role.

Which bemused Robertson..

Both of us are out of position,”

“So it’s two positions we need to try and learn. We’ve played there before but we need to learn it in this system. Unfortunately, that will take time.

“Both of us want to play left-back and there isn’t that slot just now.” 

It also appears there is no slot for an in form winger. James Forrest was left on the bench, presumably for being a “bit feniany ” although there was room for the likes of Johnny Russell and Kevin MacDonald.

Alan MacGregor kept his place in goal, as he is apparently the in form player, but that reason doesn’t apply to Forrest.

Then there was the post match interview with the bumbling boss… who explained what was going on in his mind during the game.

He was going to bring on McKenna. Again. That should confuse the opposition.

But the real reason for the defeat ?

In 2017, under Gordon Strachan, Scotland had a system, one that meant the team went the year undefeated.

Then McLeish came in….

At this point, rather than coming back to him later in this Diary, I’d like to award him the title of

Knob of the Week 

I don’t think he can have any complaints, but he will probably blame Calum MacGregor.

Incidentally, Calum will lose his spot in the team as soon as McLeish finds out he’s not Alan’s brother…

 

The anti Brendan media spin continues, with Lisbon Lion Willie Wallace somehow being convinced to have a go, over Daniel Arzani, the young Australian on loan from Manchester City who doesn’t seem to be in the managers plans..

Arzani is a good little player and the manager disappointed me on that one. If I was on the board at Celtic Park, I’d have kicked the manager’s a**e out the door.

“He’s telling me that it’s going to be a while before he plays? Well, why are Celtic paying the wages and not Man City?

“Why would you take him for two years if he isn’t going to play in your team? You’d spend your money in a better way.

“The kid, for me, will finish up a better player than James Forrest. He is quick, takes people on and he reminds me a bit of Jimmy Johnstone. 

If you think thats odd, Wallace continued to have a go at Rodgers..over the manager saying that Celtic won’t win the champions league…

“Maybe I am looking at things the way I did when I played at Celtic. We wanted to achieve everything. We were cheeky a***holes from Scotland, not the glamour guys.

“We wanted to win the European Cup – now we have a manager who says we can’t win it. As a Celtic supporter, that’s c**p. 

“I know it’s a dream but I want to at least see them try. When the attitude is, ‘We don’t need to win, the gaffer doesn’t expect us to win anyway’ well, that’s not for me. 

“Is just being realistic? We were all realistic in 1967. We went down that tunnel in Lisbon and looked at the film stars next to us.

“We could have said, ‘Why are we going out there?’ But if we thought that, we’d have been better off staying in the dressing room.” 

Finally, Tom Rogic didn’t escape either. Well, he could have tried but Wallace reckons he wouldn’t have got far…

“Rogic? I have watched him a long time and I’d beat him a race, even today. 

“He’s a good enough player but when he is out there and has to look at the big picture? To me, he’s not at the races.” 

Whatever prompted that outburst is beyond me, but he’s entitled to his opinion I suppose. Maybe the passing of time has perhaps clouded his judgement a little.

For me, I’ll listen to the words of Scott Brown, which indicate we’re going to be just fine…

“There have been a lot of people trying to put us down but we have a great dressing room and we have a great manager and board and we’re all together no matter what happens.” 

Even Daniel Arzani.

There’s been more news on the scandal breaking in Belguim. The police seem to actually arrest people over there…

October 11, 2018 10:44 AM

Updated October 11, 2018 10:45 AM

Last night we recorded a podcast which explains and clarifies a lot of the issues surrounding Resolution 12, which is going to be back in the public eye over the next few weeks.

We discussed what it is all about, as well as explaining what it is not about.

Have a listen, get yourself up to speed on it.

As the weeks unfold and further events take place, you’ll have a much deeper understanding of the issue.

With your help, it can then be explained to those who still rely on the fourth estate for their information.

 

 

This , from Lisbon lion, on twitter brought a wee lump to my throat..

An older man remembering his achievements & they were many. it helps to discuss the past with older relatives, we should all do it.

 

As, indeed, it will yours… and the message with it is poignant, especially as winter approaches..

 

Caption competition from yesterday..

The Cha October 11, 2018 at 12:26 pm · Edit · Reply →

Caption “We were bonny young babes when we started out waiting for The Rangers coming”

Today..

Image result for alex mcleish

 

 

 

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BJF
5 years ago

Caption “ Sorry I thought you said he’s it not he’s shit, too late now.”

5 years ago
Reply to  BJF

Caption, And its good night from him,

5 years ago
Reply to  BJF

Listen george.they hands aren,t heating up my balls

Honest hoops
5 years ago

Caption; wait, wait….are you telling me I’m the manager??

D'Fhinnein Mick
5 years ago

CAPTION

Pub’s open,Alex. Offski,see ya there!

D'Fhinnein Mick
5 years ago

Three of us looking at the best players in each position for Celtic in our lifetimes ,proviso that you must have seen them play.

We have now completed the goalkeeper and defence.

Latest offering here…

https://sentinelcelts.com/2018/10/12/international-break-best-ever-11-2nd-central-defender/

Comments and insight much appreciated from serious fellas like yourselves.

HH

Mike Annis
5 years ago

Caption: Right, have I got the handshake tight. I’ll roll the trouser leg up later.

Terry John
5 years ago

Caption

I have a master plan. If we get into trouble I will bring on Scott McKenna to play alongside er, umm, ebt, well Scott McKenna……………..

greenmaestro
5 years ago

Is that McLeish performing a mike drop after another comedy attempt at managing a Scotland team.

Spudscave
5 years ago

Sfa show of newe Scotland manager brains from thunderbirds who replaced brainless from hunland.

Tim Buffy
5 years ago

Caption: “Keep holding me up, Alex. I’m a bit pissed again.”

Uralius
5 years ago

Caption: It’s agreed then no more than 5, that’s right 5 players are too play in their natural position for Scotland.

Martin67
5 years ago

Caption: so that’s what anal penetration feels like

puggy67
5 years ago

Caption: I dpesperately neeed somebody to gie me a haun, naw no you ya numpty!

Hoop hoop hooray
5 years ago

I’m teslly proud to be scotland manager. A lifelong ambition realised. I just wish I had done it years ago.

SteveNaive
5 years ago

Doesn’t sound like Willie Wallace would speak like that. Where did it come from ?
Check out Justin Gallegos, a young CP athlete being offered a pro contract with Nike on you tube. In keeping with requests, I will not post it on here, mainly because I don’t know how to, but for all their dodginess Nike have done a good thing.

Rebus67
5 years ago
Reply to  SteveNaive

Steve,

Totally agree. If he did say these things we need the context.

To an extent I agree with his assessment of Rogic, but he has improved immensely in his ability to read the game. This should take him to a new level once he gets the WC out of his system.

Rebus

Tgriff67
5 years ago
Reply to  SteveNaive

Agree, Willie was my hero as a kid and I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and speaking to him in recent years. This just doesn’t sound like him at all. If he said all this, it must have been taken out of context.

Donnie
5 years ago

Can’t think of a caption as that picture makes me want to puke

Konrad
5 years ago

“Where’s my bloody side-letter???”

Konrad
5 years ago

“Nice to meet you, Scott McKenna….”

Uralius
5 years ago
Reply to  Konrad

“and…. Scott McKenna.”

Monti
5 years ago

Wanted to post a lengthy thing there about Billy McNeill, but i feel a bit sad seeing our leader struggling with his illness.

You are loved Mr.McNeill, twice had the pleasure to meet & take his hand, a true Celtic hero!

God bless.

P.S. seen a recent picture of Fernando Ricksen yesterday, as much as i hate ” rangers ” & despite the vast majority of their support…i can only wish Ricksen well & the same to his family, horrible seeing people struggle with ill ess.
All the best Fernando!

HH

Tourtenay
5 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Hi Monti, I read the diary every day but seldom comment but I must say reading your comment today, what a touching comment and from the heart.
I do believe that many of us feel the way you do regards our greatest captain and would love to pen an adage to the exploits of his achievements but seeing him in the condition that he is in emotion usually takes over and we would rather hold close the wonderful memories that he has given us down the years.

Illness touches many of us and our loved ones and few of us are immune from the suffering this brings, Fernando Ricksons situation is heart breaking but may the Good Lord bring to him and his family His spirit that may sustain them through this troubled time.

Anyway, can someone explain to me how a Scotland team with so much potential left to the new management team from the previous incumbent produce such an abject performance against a piss poor Israeli outfit.
Bad, sorry, worse days ahead for Scotland.
In Celtic we trust.
HH

Uralius
5 years ago

Caption: Scotland will be playing a 3-5 fucking 2. The squad list is as follows:
Scott McKenna, Aberdeen
Scott McKenna, Aberdeen
Scott McKenna, Aberdeen
Scott McKenna, Aberdeen
…..
Ally Buck, Cove Rangers
Billy Fast, Arniston Rangers

Rebus67
5 years ago

Back in the sixties Scotland had a team that some believed could actually win the WC. In the late seventies, Ally McLeod convinced a nation that his team could win it. Today, and for many years, we have a shambles of a team on the park, and a poor infrastructure off of it. Many of us no longer care about the national side……it is so sad and those responsible for managing this decline should hold their heads in shame.

Throughout all of this we have witnessed institutional bias towards selecting players(Catholic or otherwise) from Celtic. When the national side was competitive, this bias was not obvious to fans from clubs other than Celtic. With the current shambles, it has become very clear that this bias has made a bad situation even worse. It seems the drowning SFA would rather sink than grab a lifeline that has a Celtic connection.

Rebus

FredDDobbs
5 years ago
Reply to  Rebus67

Ally McLeod convinced a nation that his team could win it

fuck off. It was a fucking farce and not a single celtic player in the squad. The dafties that paid to wave at the sctland team at hampden were the minority.

SteveNaive
5 years ago

To be fair to him he said they would at least get a medal Rebus. Never heard him say they would win it.

Rebus67
5 years ago
Reply to  SteveNaive

Steve,

If you are talking about Ally, i owe him a debt. That WC campaign taught me some skills in how to spot style over substance. I loved his pressers, his language and the overall way he bigged up his players. However, with that level of hype you have to deliver something positive. We nearly came back against the Dutch but, again, it was another glorious failure.

After that I made sure that no team would affect my emotions to that level again.

My main point, tho, is about the institionised bias against Celtic players in the national team. Check out the number of caps that some of the Lisbon Lions got.

Rebus

Monti
5 years ago

I don’t think i’ve ever been as detached from supporting Scotland as i am today, i’m disappointed to feel like i do but it is what it is.
Celtic football club & our support are being treated with contempt, from the SFA, the SPFL & the Police.
I’ve had it up to here with these cheating cunts, McLeish’s presence in the dugout is winding me up, i can’t even listen to this cunt on tv…had it now, fuck them!
The treatment of Griffiths by Mcleish has been fucking shocking & if i were Leigh i’d tell Mcleish to fuck off!
I genuinly wanted Scotland to lose last night & that bothers me greatly.

Maybe one day my passion for the national side will return…..but it isn’t going to be any day soon!

FUCK THE SFA!

Rebus67
5 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Monti,

Did you see “Groundhog Day”? That is what it is like with the SFA appointments of a manager for the national side. Firstly, it has to be said that there is a dearth of talent for the team. Each new manager then sets off on a tour of the lower leagues in England in search of hidden gems. Rarely does he find any but plays them anyway. Next the system used by the previous manager is thrown out because the new manager has to impose his method on the unfortunate players. Strachan was starting to get it right, based on a core of Celtic or former Celtic players, but this has been thrownout. So, McLeish effectively trashed the midfield and took out an effective striking option.

If you did not see it with your own eyes, you would not believe it!

Rebus

Monti
5 years ago
Reply to  Rebus67

Rebus,
It’s quite scary actually….

Monti
5 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Weered,
I have been up & down with Scotland, politically it’s hard to be a Celtic supporter & support Scotland.
The Celtic support is an educated & politicised support, ok maybe not Charlie Saiz….but most of us 🙂

portpower
5 years ago

Why not,
See Hymn,again and a gain.

Push.

Brencelt
5 years ago

Dumb and dumber. They’re dumbelievable

Cartvale88
5 years ago

Caption
This is the fast track to oblivion Leckie.

What irked me last night was the misuse of good professionals, what KT and Robertson were supposed to achieve? Playing O’Donnel before Jamsie the guy is a moron.
Celtic should tell this shower of misbegotten fools that they have had enough of their bigotry.
Like how the so called medium hang it around KT
Not interested and do not care if Scotland sink into oblivion with McLeish

Monti
5 years ago
Reply to  Cartvale88

4-4-1-1

Gordon

O’Donnell
Souttar
Mckenna
Tierney

Forrest
McGregor
McGinn
Robertson

Armstrong

Griffiths

* Griffiths not available(last night)i know, this would be my starting line up in general.

Alternate Tierney & Robertson throughout the game…the opposition left back would require an oxygen bottle at half time.

Monti
5 years ago
Reply to  Monti

*right back

5 years ago

Caption: Jongleurs unveils Scotland very own comedy double act – Arsehole & Prick.

Cortes
5 years ago

People are, wholly properly, sympathetic to the plight of those dealing with dementia and other age-related conditions.

Alex McLeish does not look like or sound like a well man. His employer should think of his welfare and have his health assessed.

Monti
5 years ago
Reply to  Cortes

Cortes,
I have thought that myself…he seems distracted…like he has something on his mind, he looks taxed to me.

Desmond and the Dekkers
5 years ago

caption: cove rangers are delighted to announce Alex McLeish as their new manager

Bognorbhoy
5 years ago

Caption …

Harry Worth and Hardly Worthit…

A right pair of cunny funts…

The Cha
5 years ago

“To me, to you”

Philly
5 years ago

God bless Leigh Griffiths for taking a stand. I innocently supported Scotland when I was a kid but grew to detest them. I have tried to bring my kids up differently and encourage them to support their national team because it’s the normal thing to do. Unfortunately I’ve had to sit them down this week and explain to them that they are a bunch of anti Irish and anti catholic and anti Celtic corrupt cheating bastards. And if I ever see a Scotland strip in this house I’ll burn it. I know that’s probably wrong but it wouldn’t be right to keep encouraging them. The truth hurts but it’ll do them no harm.

Philly
5 years ago

God bless Leigh Griffiths for taking a stand. I innocently supported Scotland when I was a kid but grew to detest them. I have tried to bring my kids up differently and encourage them to support their national team because it’s the normal thing to do. Unfortunately I’ve had to sit them down this week and explain to them that they are a bunch of anti Irish and anti catholic and anti Celtic corrupt cheating bastards. And if I ever see a Scotland strip in this house I’ll burn it. I know that’s probably wrong but it wouldn’t be right to keep encouraging them. The truth hurts but it’ll do them no harm.

Monti
5 years ago
Reply to  Philly

Philly,
Well said m8

Monti
5 years ago
Reply to  Philly

Fuck off

Level 5 plant
5 years ago

Your top 2 players are left backs and you play a system without 1! Jesus what’s that all about? Not that I give a toss about Scotland. McLeish is a joke.

jimmybee
5 years ago

Caption:How did you get the job Alex I told the board didnt I no more of 5 of them cunts in my Scotland team. Job was mine.
Fuck the SFA

portpower
5 years ago

International friendlies…
But where are the snows of yesteryear?

There`s a game changer.
And he`s from the constellation of Leo Mazis.

I hear the moon`s on the bite for summer Football.

Would a Scotchman chip-in for a pitch of green grass?
Let alone the roof of the big hoose?

They`ld sell their Granny,they of the SFA.

Caption:
We are the Protozoans.

Dziekanowski’s nightclub child
5 years ago

Caption ‘what did he say, no left backs?, FFS’

portpower
5 years ago

Yet Scotland are English playerz you know.

The manage of money is being found out.
We`re bystanders of shite and we know we are.

FC Celtic.

portpower
5 years ago
Reply to  portpower

*ment

portpower
5 years ago

I don`t know what the fuss is…
anyone can play fullback.

Now a keeper that can pass a ball? Miracles`ll happen.
There`s a reason God gave you hands.Roll the ball in front of the players directional locomotion.

portpower
5 years ago
Reply to  portpower

It creeps into the game.
If the keeper`s lackadaisical…

Beautiful 26.2°C.

Enjoy.We`re to blame.

Uralius
5 years ago
Reply to  portpower

25.5°C here all your hard work is paying dividends now ye auld buggers.

portpower
5 years ago

And your point is moderator?

“Let’s Twist Again”

Come on everybody!
Clap your hands!
All you looking good!

I’m goona sing my song
It won’t take long!
We’re gonna do the twist
And it goes like this:

Come on let’s twist again,
Like we did last summer!
Yeaaah, let’s twist again,
Like we did last year!

Do you remember when,
Things were really hummin’,
Yeaaaah, let’s twist again,
Twistin’ time is here!

Heeee, and round and round and up and down we go again!
Oh, baby, make me know you love me sooooo,
And then:

Twist again,
Like we did last summer,
Come on, let’s twist again,
Like we did last year!

TWIST! YO!

Who’s that, flyin up there?
Is it a bird? Noooooo
Is it a plane? Noooooooo
Is it the twister? YEAAAAAAAHH!

Twist again, like we did last summer,
Come on, Let’s twist again,
Like we did last year!!!!

Do you remember when, things were really hummin’,
Come on, let’s twist again,
Twistin’ time is here

Heeee, and round and round and up and down we go again!
Oh, baby, make me know, you love me sooooo!
And then:
Come on, twist again, like we did last summer,
Let’s twist again, like we did last year!

Come on, let’s twist again,
Twistin’ time is heeeere!

portpower
5 years ago

Alopecia areata alkie SCOTCHLAND:

The Scotland manager has sole responsibility for all on-the-field elements of the Scotland team.

SFA:
There`s a large inconsistencies in selection; however, and players were often picked without some or all of the selectors having watched them play.
These of the committee was made up of officials from thy sevco Scotland.

Wider amateur issues are in play.

portpower
5 years ago

Sauce for a fortnight.

Hibs`re in for a humpin`.

Hava Nagila.

portpower
5 years ago

sevco:To put by fraud in the place of another.Granted.

Bloo bakers dozen…why the Karma?

One’s life,I suppose.

portpower
5 years ago

Play Dermot at his own game.
Don`t show up.

What am I thinking?
It`s a Cup game.

We`re Ding-a-Lings.

portpower
5 years ago

G`day Monti,
Boyata`s just signed a new 4 year deal.

One hundred and eightyyyyyy…

portpower
5 years ago

Cam,bronze dog & your tea`s oot;

1972(IL) was the beginning of the end of youse.

By default.

Somebody needs a Hummel hun hug.

portpower
5 years ago

Let`s Go!
There`s a decision in the makin`.

The new home kit will be worn for the first time in a friendly against Bury on July the 6th,2018.

The Green founding Father that was to start your new Founding English Club.

Financial difficulties? Who`re gonna call?Close Brethren?

Who`s answering the phones sevco?

sevco beam splitters FC.

portpower
5 years ago

sevco Scotland pay the wages.FACT.

portpower
5 years ago
Reply to  portpower

NB:All wages via a wee hoose in Airdrie.

Leigh Griffiths for PM.

We`re all proxy. Roll on November.HH

portpower
5 years ago

They flatten sand and roll effortlessly where normal wheels will dig ditches.

SMSM`re to wheel out Elizabeth II.

portpower
5 years ago

The answer is…

No we`re no.

5 years ago

Tbh I used to site on Scotland during the days of lorimer dalgliesh and Eddie gray. I remember Murdoch scoring a cracker v Germany to draw the game. Now all I feel is detachment McLeish is an obvious Celtic hater with makes me a McLeish hater thus a Scotland hater. It’s not even hate it’s indifference. Of the so called home teams Scotland are by far the biggest underachievers. The SFA need to go and be replaced by genuine people. A new body that recognises what good for the game. Scotland won’t get anywhere with the current set up.

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