Thats the christmas shopping done, little trinkets for people I don’t even know, but still, it means I won’t have to buy any socks next year.
Theres no need for Celtic to splash out on a striker – Mo bangura has returned from his loan spell at Stockholm and could be the answer to all our problems. He managed five goals over there, but the Swedes don’t want to keep him. He’s an option up front, if every one else is injured.
Ross county are next up at Celtic Park on Saturday, and Celtic look to record two homes wins on the trot since the wins over Renton and Cowlairs some years ago. Alright , so it wasn’t that long, but it feels like it.
Defender Adam Matthews blames it on teams who “come here and make it difficult for us, and so far we haven’t been able to break them down.”
He has a point, and maybe if the cash is to be splashed during the window, a blue chip creative midfielder wouldn’t go amiss.
But thats for another day, because right now all anyone cares about is tomorrows draw for the last sixteen of europes premier club tournament. Because Celtic are in it.
There are seven possible opponents, Schalke, borussia Dortmund, Bayern munich, Paris St. Germain, Malaga, Manchester Utd and Juventus. The complex arrangement means that whereas we can draw anyone, the others can only play certain others. This is to keep the big teams from the big leagues involved as long as possible, and made me wonder, if Manchester Utd and Arsenal exit, will national ITV show Celtic games all over the UK as the only British survivor? And do we then get more tv money?
No, of course not. but some lawyer somewhere could take up the challenge… if it happens, of course.
Anyway, the diary will be published after the draw tomorrow-or at least the interesting bit is done.
So far , in Europe, the team have gained a lot of admiration and respect. There is no reason why they cannot continue in this vein in the knockout stages, as there is no-one we should fear. Strap yourselves in, because the roller coaster ride of proper cup football is about to begin.
(okay, its weeks away yet, but that won’t keep the butterflies away.)
The old rumour mill has been starting to come alive this last couple of days. Nicolas Anelka being the latest daft story to surface. currently playing in china he has been mentioned by people who should know better as a possible Celt in the New Year, as have the usual suspects such as Johnny Russel and Ryan Fraser of Aberdeen. The lure of last sixteen football may tempt one or two bigger names, but that could be a kick in the face to the guys who got us this far, and the last thing Neil Lennon will want to do is upset the team spirit that is a major part of that success.
Bigger names coming to Celtic doesn’t include Stewart Downing, the Liverpool flop who has been told he can leave the club. Brendan rodgers is looking to strengthen his side, and has Gary hooper on his list. rodgers vowed to finish second this season, and so far has done it in nearly every game.
Juventus are also “looking ” at Gary Hooper, Victor Wanyama is wanted by Manchester United, who are going to sell Nani to fund the purchase, and as usual these stories are backed up by no quotes and probably the result of agents looking for more money for their clients. same shit, different day. Wanyama will go to Barcelona. When they are ready. they asked to be kept informed of any moves for him.
Celtic will keep as quiet as possible during this speculation, and any signings will more or less appear out of the blue. Its the way we do things.
Over on the south side, however, Ally mccoist and Charles Green are openly talking about their targets, even though they can’t actually sign anyone for another ten months.
All that money, £22.2 million is already burning a hole in his pocket, and he can’t wait to spend it. He was seen outside Gregg the bakers this morning waiting for them to open.
Charles Green seems quite pleased with the share issue, which he claims was a success. If what he says is right, then they have probably secured the new clubs future for the immediate future. Surely theres no reason to doubt his word? He’s quite a straight talking chap. Might be worth keeping an eye on his share prices, as trading starts today.
Jim Craig was the brains behind the all conquering Quizball Celtic team, and the diary on monday had some great answers, and an excellent discussion after wards.
today, what have Celtic done this year that hasn’t been done since the 69-70 season?
They’re still in every competition they have entered at this time of the year.
Still in the same 4 competitions we entered at the start of the season after xmas.
Still in all competitions we are eligable for. Except the Ramsdens cup_ what do you have to do to get into that?
Stayed in all 4 competitions that they entered into the new year?
It’s christmas and we’re still in all 4 competitions we entered at the start of the season. Hard to believe it hasn’t happened in all those years…
Got to the New Year still involved in all available competitions?
My oul Granda has retired finally at the age of 75. He’s looking for a wee kick about on a weekend no too far away fae his hoose in Clydebank. Gonnae give fat Sally a phone and tell him he’s available to play if he can get a bus in on a Saturday.
Mind you, he’ll no come cheap. He’s looking for a pouch o baccy and a wee bottle of Whyte and Mackay for every goal scored.
Still in all 4 competitions that we entered at New year
Got to Chrimbo still in involved in all competitions we STARTED in. We did were still involved in four under MON but had been pumped out the CL by Basel.
Wanyama wont be going to Barcelona. Not good enough and most importantly would never fit into the system they play. Hes not good enough on the ball. I love the big guy and he is gonna move onto a higher level than us, but his style suits the way Celtic play, not Barcelona. Man Utd might be a better shout, as they arent blessed with many quality centre mids these days.
I think its beating a team home and away in Europe or is my old mind fuddled.
OFT (my new name here so I can be dead cheeky and not get my windaes panned).
Is it get to this point of the season without taking an absolute tanking off the mighty international rescue or whatever the feck they are called this week?
Nah?
Must be what all them clever folk upstairs have said then
“rodgers vowed to finish second this season, and so far has done it in nearly every game.”
this kind of petty, highly amusing, sarcasm is precisely the reason i visit this site
The swedes wanted nothing more than to keep him. They just couldn’t afford him. Mo has been AIK’s best player by far and scored a wonder goal against PSV. Also he’s been used alot in midfield.
I was going say that this season is the first since 69-70 that we wore black socks with the home kit but I think that was actually back in the 30’s
On the subject of socks, does anyone remember us wearing orange socks with the home strip in the game against Leeds Utd in the European Cup in 1970? Someone told me that ages ago but I’ve never been able to verify it.
Not only still in 4 competitions we entered but the 4 premier ones available?
Ralph,
I am playing catch up again so I will keep it short and sweet – cheerio! 🙂
H H