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Celtic Diary Friday August 6: Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow

Amidst all the statistics and analysis on last nights match, only one bears any kind of relevance.

 

Jablonec 2, Celtic 4.

 

Oh, and the fact that for the first time in a long time, Celtic didn’t concede any of their goals from a set piece.

 

 

Let’s face it. analytics are bollocks, and the case for the prosecution rests on evidence such as this…

 

Image

 

 

An outstanding result for the Perth men, made even more remarkable by the fact they never actually had the ball.

 

 

So you’ll forgive me, if as in life itself, I restrict my comments to what I saw during the game, and not how many times a player lived up to his expected goals or matched his average heading count.

 

 

Joe Hart made his debut, and the immediate impact was that Celtic looked optimistic if not confident that corner kicks could now be successfully defended…and they were. Same with free kicks.

 

Hart has a presence, and is fairly vocal as well.

 

Even though it was an entirely new back five, and he was in a completely new environment, he looked in charge, and that takes not only balls, but confidence and experience.

 

Which is what we’ve been missing.

 

 

Carl Starfelt is no shrinking violet either. He needs a bit of help back there, and an understanding with whoever eventually ends up being his two regular partners…Ange wants two more centre halves, not just one…and then we’ll be a little more capable of nullifying that old chestnut of a forward running between our two central men who simply look at each other hoping the other makes a move.

 

That will come, and the manager has clearly decided that during the current rebuild, it’s not fair to throw that responsibility onto the likes of Murray and Welsh, whose time will come.

 

There’s a section of the Celtic support who prefer to criticise rather than praise, and the manager will not expose the youngsters to their wrath.

 

Quite rightly, as well.

 

Ralston and Taylor at full back need to develop their pace to play the inverted full back role, which leaves them exposed a wee bit to counter attacks, but they are willing and able to learn, so whilst they may be deemed scapegoats for now, their mental strength is way beyond their years, and they are coping with supporters who still blame them for not being Danny mcgrain and Keiran Tierney.

 

The key here is to love the ones we’re with….

 

 

In midfield the movement is getting quicker, the desire to move forward when it is safe to do so seems to be becoming almost natural, there’s still a ways to go, but at least that way isn’t sidieways, and this is ably supported by the movement of the front three.

 

It’s difficult to spot off the ball running and movement via the medium of television, and even more difficult to do it with the graveyard whispers of Liam MacLoed and his mournful sidekick Charlie Mulgrew, but if you turn the sound down, you’ll spot that the front three never stopped moving into space, never stopped looking for the ball.

 

Which meant there were plenty of chances, and although it’s been a long time since Celtic scored four goals away from home anywhere, it really could have been more.

 

Which brings me to Kyogo…I know he was apparently a winger, at least according to reports, but he has a  strikers instinct, and if you watch his goal, he chips the keeper after perhaps noticing that previous Celtic attempts indicated that the keeper would go low.

 

 

Perhaps we should check the stats…

 

 

In fact, Kyogos goal was a refreshing move from the usual Celtic strike policy of hitting the ball straight at the keeper, and although a small change, it’s an important factor in the way the players are beginning to think.

 

 

Something else that can’t be measured in stats, while i’m harping on about it, is attitude.

 

Ryan Christie put his head where the boots are normally flying to score Celtic’s fourth goal.

 

The team are ahead away from home in Europe, and he flung himself at the ball to score. Sure, he could have got injured, but the hunger to score is indicative of the way Celtic are going to play.

 

The manager is getting his ideas across.

 

We’re not there yet, there’s a hell of a way to go.

 

But we are at least heading in the right direction.

 

One other thing…the away strip…did it make it easier to find a team mate with a pass, or spot his movement ? There’s a reason why Real Madrid wear white, you know….

 

 

Of course, this new Celtic, the one that is taking root and beginning to flower, is not the one that the media want to see.

 

So , largely, they have ignored it and continued with their own narrative,  which as ever, is only loosely connected with reality.

 

 

Martin Watt , of BBC Scotland, watched the same game as we did… tweeted under the headline;

 

Postecoglou earns nervy first win as Celtic overcome Jablonec in Europa League 

 

he went on to describe the action….

 

Having fallen in the Champions League qualifiers to Denmark’s Midtjylland, Celtic’s second chance in Europe brought much-needed respite for Postecoglou amid a tumultuous start to this tenure.

The drop in stature from Europe’s premier club competition was illustrated by the sparse, 6000-capacity stadium, with one end populated by trees rather than seats. A glamour tie this was not.

Postecoglou pitched former England goalkeeper Joe Hart straight in for a debut and made a big call at the other end of the pitch by dropping Odsonne Edouard.

The off-form Frenchman could have few complaints after two goals in his last 11 games and his replacement, Furuhashi, marked his first start with a lovely finish for his first goal.

However, two soft concessions undermined Celtic’s positive attacking play and their defence looked ill at ease throughout.

Celtic were in control and cruising – then their defence crumbled. A simple lob down the middle caught the visitors static and Vaclav Pilar strolled through to stab the ball past the helpless Hart.

The Scottish side looked to reassert their authority against opponents who finished a distant third in the Czech top fight last season.

Abada, McGregor and Turnbull all went close and Furuhashi blazed over from four yards after Abada’s deflected effort rebounded off a post.

Celtic should have been out of sight, but sloppiness crept in as Jablonec gained a foothold. Vojtech Kubista volleyed over, Pilar had a drive saved by Hart, and Marek Plasil’s snap-shot took a nick off Greg Taylor to whizz narrowly past.

Forrest quelled the growing unease, with Abada again integral. The Israeli burst through the middle, had a strike parried by Hanus, and Forrest squeezed in the rebound from an awkward angle.

But Celtic were again caught out at the back as Malinsky skinned Carl Starfelt and his curling effort was touched on to the post by Hart, with Bitton’s attempt to clear off the line ending up in the net.

Substitute Christie finally settled a breathless contest, diving to meet Forrest’s delivery and put Celtic within touching distance of the next round. 

 Reading that, we were lucky….. and nervy ?

 You’ll note he dwells on the negatives…whereas all I saw were positives.

 Make your own mind up.

 However, just as a smile was creeping back onto my face, and possibly even yours, we get this…

Celtic Football Club
@CelticFC
#CELFKJ tickets on sale to STHs!  With an increased capacity crowd permitted to attend – it’s time to get Paradise rocking once more, as we are given the green light to bring our supporters home!  Full details,

 

 

 

Instead of seeing it as an emotional return to our spiritual home, and marketing it as such to supporters who have shelled out around 12 to 1500 pounds and have yet to see the product they’ve paid for by announcing it’s free to season book holders, the board have shot themselves in the foot , and pretty much most of the leg, by charging for it.

 

 

As a character created for me when it’s my round says…..

 

 

Image

 

 

If they keep treating us like customers we’ll start to exercise our consumer rights….and stop consuming.

 

 

Friday it is, and so as the Diary gets back to its own somewhat elastic routine, it’s time for that old favourite , the Etims

 

 

Knob of the Week 

 

 

The Scotsman, which along with the Herald, used to be a newspaper of note. A worthy addition to any living room.

 

Their  broadsheet size made them an almost statutory requirement in thousands of households every morning…

 

The Good Old Days with a Coal Fire - Chrissie Blogger - Visit Fylde Coast

 

Sadly, as the years have gone by and central heating has improved our day to day lives, these newspapers have had to rely on content rather than shape, and the Scotsman hasn;t got the hang of it yet.

 

 

Murdo Fraser is an MP at holyrood, which is a mystery right up there with anything Arhtur C Clarke presented, and he produced this drivel for the paper…

 

 

Image

 

 

This contribution to Scottish opinion has earned Murdo the title of Etims

 

Knob of the Week 

 

And i get the feeling it won’t be for the first time.

 

 

And now, your thoughts please, on this….

 

 

Image

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Mitch
2 years ago

Caption: The SPFL Board hold a meeting with four Sevco Directors over the Cinch stand off.

StellaCeltic
2 years ago

100% bang on…

Pic….

Well it’s not a real lions den isit..eeeeee.
That would have real lions init… oh shit…..eeeeee

Admin
2 years ago
Reply to  StellaCeltic

Bravo!

Iancelt67
2 years ago

Caption
Hey Elsa get her eyes aff the one in the green shell suit he’s mine

AntonDeclan
2 years ago

Caption:
Meanwhile, on the Planet of the Lions, mum, dad and the weans enjoy a day out at the safari park…..

PS Fully aware Dad is not there but if the Scottish football ‘journalists’ can get away with talking bullsh#t then…….!!!!!

Rolling Stone
2 years ago

“Let’s face it. analytics are bollocks, and the case for the prosecution rests on evidence such as this…”

This article was brought to you by the 1970s where ‘wanting it more and ‘knowing the city’ are the top traits you look for in a player or manager.

Jeez, some real dud articles recently, Ralph.

Analytics are such bollock that the mighty Brentord went from League 2 to the PL in roughly 10 years.

Someone get PL on the phone. He knows a player.

Christifart
2 years ago
Reply to  Rolling Stone

I couldn’t agree with you more, Rolling Stone. Analytics aren’t even the future, they are the present.

Honest Hoops
2 years ago

What…I’m up here and you had a key all the time!!

2 years ago

A win away in Europe is always appreciated, but we were poor in most of the 2nd half, oor fitness levels look terrible, ok its only the start of the season, but thanks tae Lennon and his pathetic style of management the last 18 months, with no sports science team and piss poor training methods, the squad from last season look like it will take far longer than normal tae get fitness levels where they should be..And i cant see for 1 second how “Developing their pace” is going to benefit Ralston as an inverted RB, he could be Usain Bolt and still be a very poor player, his ability tae do the basics is so bad, but Kyogo looks like the type we desperately need, pace and movement, everything Eddy doesn’t offer us anymore.. So Ange’s shopping list will still contain..2xRB..1xLB…2xCH…1xStriker…And hope they hit the ground running….HH

Sack the Board Sack the Board Sack the Board
2 years ago

Caption…….

Whoever thought giving Lions a mobile phone with a Just Eat app was a good idea………

alzyerpal
2 years ago

Caption – “Where’s Leo?”

“He’s gone to fetch the tin opener; then we’ll be eating like kings.”

BornCelt!
2 years ago

Caption – And the Lisbon Lions arrive in town to put Murdo and those responsible in their place. HH!

BornCelt!
2 years ago

Good result if not great. Sets us up for a decent night at Paradise where the board should their contempt and fear by getting in Hart and McCarthy, who I like by the ways, to stem the supporters uprising, they know they are in for it. The goals will bring confidence and starting with Kyogo will give French Eddie a good much needed swift kick up the crack. Slowly taking shape, needs the points Sunday and love that Hart insisted on flying out and playing rather than picking a new three-piece as Ange was happy for him too! Am I the only one who noticed Joe saved, hit the bar and Bitton knocked it back in. Not blaming Bitton, but that was an own-goal. HH!

Martin Garrity
2 years ago

Caption: Oi bhoys you told me that’s where the lion sleeps!

Woof Charlie
2 years ago

Caption: How much is a double nugget, a mint cracknel and 3 Chelsea whoppers?

Cartvale88
2 years ago

Caption
Green Brigade discover Police Scotland new Ketteling procedure,

There are too many doom seekers on Celtic websites, Angie has been flung a curved ball by the board, but overall the new signings have improved the team. Four of the players last night had just arrived, this will give the whole team a confidence boost. He still needs at least three quality players, but as the media rubbish him constantly especially the radio, he has done better in an away game than the mighty Sevco with all their fantastic signings.
Last Sunday the Madhun was involved in cheating we will suffer that all season as the Lanarkshire Loyal and media buddies attempt to get them the League, but starting so far back in the race there is a lot to look forward to

TicToc
2 years ago

Caption: Lion (on right) sits in wait until the silly cnut at the back with the camera comes round for a shot from the other side! Yum! Yum!

Andy
2 years ago

On last nights game. It is a start, nothing great but a start. We should not forget, Jablonec looked a poor side, poorer than Midgtyland and that is saying something……….I suspect AZ Alkmaar will not be so forgiving.

We still managed to concede 2 goals. One day there will be a dvd of the softest goals conceded in European football history, Celtic will surely feature in most of them. We MUST stop conceding daft goals or were going nowhere.

One last thing, what’s happened to David Turnbull?

Delbhoy
2 years ago

I don’t think you can count Welsh as a youngster who shouldn’t be exposed , he came in late season when it was a shit show and was a shining light in defence , he was also excellent in the cl qualifiers . Guys miles better than biton and should be playing . For me long term we need a left sided defender beside starfelt like ikatura who would be a brilliant loan signing

Joe KSG
2 years ago

Lion on top of the cage “right guys they think they’re safe. I’m gonny have a shite and a pish on them”

Uralius
2 years ago

Caption: Three lions couldn’t do it, so we’re trying 4. Especially after Celtic fans reminded us that beating Italians in European finals wasn’t for everyone.

Andrew Coyle
2 years ago

Caption,The Celtic fans goodbye present to big Peter arrive on his heated driveway

R.St.Parsley
2 years ago

Caption – Pupils from St Fenian’s are welcomed to Ibrox as part of inaugural ‘Everyone, Anyone’ open day.

George Lazenbhoy
2 years ago

Caption : the lion on the right “let’s here you belt out Hakuna matata now”

Mike
2 years ago

Jelly Baby defending, if the defence shirts shrinks any further the support will be buying the tops in Tiny Tots.
Bitton, been there never done it, still there. Though it must be pointed out that Starfelt playing left sided centre back is a right footed player. We need more left fitters. Turnbull’s got some way to go before he matches Stuart Armstrong, Armstrong’s timed runs into the box were brilliant (intelligence)
Anyone who thinks that we didn’t miss Forrest should look again at his calm and placed finish, that takes experience. But the biggest thing the team missed was confidence, let’s hope that, that is the start of it. Well done Saint Johnston, many a muscle makes a muckle and to think that they were scared of losing Tommy Wright, Callum Davidson has been a revelation, hugely underrated. Seeing Broony wearing a red top just isn’t right, we all know that the “Red Tops” are sh!te.

Yoker Bhoy
2 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Good points Mike. Turnbull’s spectacular form slump is a cause for concern. He’s become far less effective, more mistake prone and still has fitness issues. Expect to see a new right back come in over the next few days (could be either Buta from Antwerp or, even better, the Argentinian guy Bustos from Independiente), which would make a massive difference. Bitton should be nowhere near the team (Welsh is a far better option for now) but the positive changes in playing patterns, attitude and energy are starting to become more and more visible. Postecogliu is very much his own man and isn’t afraid to make sweeping changes in his player selections when he deems it necessary.(a far cry from Kennedy’s repetitive habits). Early signs are promising but a lot of patience will be needed. Great result for the Perth Saints (I’ll just take in the highlights now) and still haven’t had a good look at Broonie turning out for the Dandies. The old wolf in sheep’s clothing still has a lot to offer and while it would be strange seeing him play against us it could be fun wathing him raise his game against the huns. Hope you’re good mate.

Mike
2 years ago
Reply to  Yoker Bhoy

Yoker, Turnbull went thru a lot to reach Celtic, but yes he does seem to be tiring after 75 minutes, might take him a wee while to build his fitness up. Thing about Bitton is that I think that Ange play’s him before Welsh as Bitton takes the ball out from defence better,while Starfelt get’s a nose bleed when he goes forward. To be honest I think that we need two full backs,both left and right sided, there’s a lot of dross in that defence, that’s going to take at least two windows to change it properly. The lateness of the new manager coming in, has set us back big time. Looking forward to watching McCarthy playing, he has a more physical presence than Soro, though I thought that he played quite well in the circumstances. It’s painful to watch Broony in red, the Dandies have what looks like a good striker in Ramirez and he has been knocking them in recently albeit against lower quality teams. With Ferguson in midfield as well, so, they like Saint Johnston and Hibs, might need the watching. We are not too shabby mate, though age has it’s disadvantages as well as it’s benefits. Still trying to figure out the benefits though. All the best M8.

Mike
2 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Caption, Where’s Daniel? wheres Danny Bhoy? there’s a call for him, whose calling him? The pipes, the pipes are calling. Where are they calling him from? The Glen.

portpower
2 years ago

Caption:
Harsh but fair culling solution to anti-vaxxers. Who`s a vegan now, eh ?

portpower
2 years ago

Bitton was chosen over Welsh because of Jablonec`s tall lump of a center forward. Though the one important thing he did forget was how to diversify as a center half.

Charlie Green
2 years ago

I have never seen more “schoolboy” defending than Celtic at the moment. They all run towards the ball and leave attackers, lurking unmarked on the edge of the box. I take it we can presume Kennedy is still doing defence?
Caption: The one on the top is saying,” Nip back to the den and get a tin opener, Leanne”.

Bognorbhoy
2 years ago

Caption …

Away section at the millwall den

Weered
2 years ago
Reply to  Bognorbhoy

🙂

Iancelt67
2 years ago

Caption
Anges new signing is in here somewhere. We can help tear him to bits before the msm gets him

Iancelt67
2 years ago
Reply to  Iancelt67

Caption
Hey Elsa ? Is that Arlene foster? Let’s just drag her out. She’ll feed us and the Cubs for a week !

Woof Charlie
2 years ago

Caption: Lesbian regrets paying for a float on the Serengeti Pride march.

JimboH
2 years ago

Won’t bother with a Caption entry thank you very much.
Cartvale88 wins hands down. Beat me to it.
Polis Alba to a ‘T’.

Salad queen
2 years ago

Brilliant

the real Anton Rogan
2 years ago

Catption (see what ah did there?) As fans return to Celtic Park, there’s a bit of a scramble to “watch yer caur”

Mike
2 years ago

Gawn yersell Bonny Dundee Utd. GIRUT.

Bgbhoy
2 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Get in there.

Mike
2 years ago
Reply to  Bgbhoy

Mon The Mo, the Malmo.

2 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Lovely result for Dundee United there Mike, watching them wether it was due to D. U. they were **** poor and if Malmo play as though there lives depend on it then we may get an even more joyous result than last Wednesday night, referee and officials permitting

2 years ago
Reply to  Gerald Allen

Somehow cut short on that comment :TBC, they couldn’t even win against D . U. with Don Robertson giving them every assistance. That was a definite penalty when it struck Rangers players hand but Kris Boyd and John Rankin said it wasn’t, so it can’t have been. Hoping for a win at Celtic Park tomorrow Mike Hail. Hail.

Mike
2 years ago
Reply to  Gerald Allen

Gerald, I don’t think they even turned up until well after half time, Robson’s scored before they began to play. I’m praying for another good victory tomorrow to get our confidence levels continuing on an upward trajectory. Hail Hail Gerald.

Funkyy
2 years ago
Reply to  Gerald Allen

I staggered oot my bed with my nose running and feeling drained of energy…then I caught the Dundee Utd result on-line and I was tap dancing roon the living room. A good win tomorrow by a few goals and we can put them behind us for the rest of the season.
But the signs are there that they’ll get all the help that the corrupt officials can give them (as usual)…we get a definite goal chalked off against Hearts for an “offside” and Dundee Utd get denied a penalty for a definite arm blocking a shot in front of goal….and we all know it would have been given if it had happened at the other end. Hope Malmo hammer them in midweek.

2 years ago
Reply to  Funkyy

Very true Funkyy, Who’s the MIB tomorrow? and what tv channel is it broadcast on?Hail.Hail.

Funkyy
2 years ago
Reply to  gerald allen

Since I cannae swim 11,000 kilometres I’ll be watching it on hesgoal, hopefully

TicToc
2 years ago
Reply to  Funkyy

So ‘Funkyy’, what would you do about it, what are you PREPARED to do about it?
Wring your hands? Shout at the tele? Speak vehemently? And do NOTHING?
Aye okay, but unfortunately, you’re in a majority and that’s why arseholes like Lawwell have been Permitted to exist and continue. DD’s puppet!
It was ALL about the (extinct) Old Firm…….get intae the EPL and the stock goes mentally up. Desmond and Lawwell make a financial killing. It’s STILL possible, even probable.
Except for Brothers in Arms.
It’s only US that can reclaim OUR club.
I’ll be there……….will you?

Funkyy
2 years ago
Reply to  TicToc

Kinda hard for me to get there TicToc seeing as I’m nearer the South Pole. But my heart and soul belong to Celtic.

TicToc
2 years ago
Reply to  Funkyy

I’m absolutely sure you would if you could Funkky. Please don’t be offended by my comment. Unfortunately we’ve large numbers of hand-wringers and even clowns who back/did back Lawwell (who’s still hanging about like a bad fart as far as I know) and Desmond. A ‘billionaire’ says it ALL for me, the bastards are fleas on humanity’s ‘body’. Anyway, crucial that we gubbed Dundee (a game I didn’t get to see) and leap-frogged the New Huns. Come On Yopu Bhoys In Green! (and come on Malmo, then you’ll have done BOTH versions of “rangers” and probably cause another, er, em, “financial meltdown”. HaHaHa, aren’t the SMSM scum too?

Woof Charlie
2 years ago

Oh dear, how sad, never mind.

TicToc
2 years ago

Charlie Mulgrew, Charlie Mulgrew…..
GIRUTOBs

BornCelt!
2 years ago

A week ago the MSM are doing us doon with everything we do leading to chaos, now we have Hart and McCarthy and Robson dumps the sevconians back into chaos. Get in there, now for 3 points! HH!

Iancelt67
2 years ago
Reply to  BornCelt!

Has brightened my night up somewhat. They’re not that good.

MabozzaRitchie
2 years ago
Reply to  Iancelt67

same as last season, sh!te and better than us

Woof Charlie
2 years ago
Reply to  MabozzaRitchie

Cheer up and give the Bhoys a chance

BornCelt!
2 years ago
Reply to  MabozzaRitchie

Give it a bit if time! Abada looks a find. HH!

TicToc
2 years ago
Reply to  MabozzaRitchie

Heh, Yerbozza, Lawwell’s dropped AP right in the middle of a huge shite, abundant wi’ horse-flies.
We’re already seeing better football (on the eye), but AP can’t work miracles without some time. Kyogo looks good to me as does Abada. We’ve still got defensive frailties and Kennedy’s still here, as is his master, Peter The Bastard Lawwell. But THAT will change soon. Young Welsh could partner Starfelt, there’ll be more incoming.
If it’s really possible to be positive in these circumstances, then iyt is, and I am.
Straight talkin’ Postecoglou, I wish TF you’d come when Brendan left.
On THAT note, Brendan went when ScumbagLawwell interfered.
That scumbag wont walk away from this…….but he may be helped to. Who knows?

The Green Machine
2 years ago

Caption:

Covid takes on new form in attempt to cull even more idiots.

portpower
2 years ago

WURLD RECORD:

Dundee United win 55-0.

Woof Charlie
2 years ago
Reply to  portpower

Belter

Iancelt67
2 years ago
Reply to  Woof Charlie

Get filip benkovic on loan. He was good for us big and good on the ball.

TicToc
2 years ago
Reply to  Iancelt67

I totally agree Lance. He was elegant (Alan Hansen?) and tough, positionally aware and one of the best we’ve had since big Virgil and Jason. I think Welsh should now be holding a place down beside StarCELT. Turnbull’s a real question mark this season but it’s ‘keeper and defence that must be sorted 1st.
Hail! Hail! The Glasgow Celtic.

portpower
2 years ago

Thy Kirk vitamin juice hath runne its course.

sevco epistles FC.

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