Celtic Diary Monday January 8

Rami Gershon should put pen to paper today and sign for Celtic, providing the cover for Efe Ambrose as the Nigerian is off to sunnier climes to play in the African Nations Cup. Others who are on the radar-and you might have to sit down for some of these-include Helder Barbosa-the Braga winger linked with Celtic a while back, who because he is cup tied for europe could be earmarked for that final domestic push for glory.

Yeah, that makes sense. but on a pre-contract? That sounds more likely, if there is anything in this story. Riquelme-yes, Juan Roman Riquelme – who some would argue is among the finest players ever to play at Celtic Park, when he played for Villareal. Currently 34, and at a loose end saying he hasn’t the energy anymore to turn it on for Boca in his native Argentina, has suddenly appeared on the radar. He has also told Boca Juniors yesterday he aint going back…Thats him in the top picture practising the “Broony”

If he is anywhere near as good as he was, then this could be an inspired Moravcik type of signing to make a serious challenge for the UCL. Using Riquelmes brain and the legs of Brown, Wanyama and Ledley would make a midfield to be reckoned with.

But, of course, its probably nonsense.

As is the story that Mladen Petric of Fulham wants to join, and Sammi Nasri on loan….You just know it’ll be Leigh Griffiths…Or Johnny Russell.

And we have the cheek to laugh at the likes of Norwich, who still seem to think they are in with a shout of landing Gary Hooper.

Of all those we are linked with, Riquelme, if true, would be inspired. If he is still any good. The rest, take with a pinch of salt.

Mikael Lustig, who if you remember, is supposed to be away to Russia to allow prodigal son Aiden McGeady a return to Celtic Park, says he is looking forward to enjoying the winter break, claiming it will rejuvenate the squad and help his body, which is tired. He can “go home and not focus on the football”

As opposed to play on a Saturday and not focus either.

The plans to recharge Scottish football with a new league structure have been revealed in all their glory.

It looks like the 12-12-18 idea will go ahead, which becomes an 8-8-8-18 after the split. The idea is to make all the games meaningful-like they pretty much are in the SPL this season-and thus encourage sponsors, tv and big crowds. The split seems to be something we will be stuck with for the time being, and it can’t be long before a wild card entry is granted to a new club with big crowds and tv appeal to help avoid armageddon.

speaking of the new club, it seems their erratic goalie can hold a pen no better than he can hold headers from Elgin players, as he has turned down a £10,000 a week one year deal , instead holding out for two years. He thinks he should be rewarded for transferring to the new entity, whilst the club think he shouldn’t.

Aussie reserve keeper Matt Ryan was lined up as a replacement, but has since backed out, mainly because someone told him he couldn’t sign for them anyway, and Cammy Bell doesn’t want to join their adventure either. Alexander has them over a barrel really, as they cannot sign a replacement.

The real ramifications of being a new, though well supported club are starting to sink in. what happens when Ian Black or David Templeton get fed up? It could be a long, long time before they claw their way back to top level football, especially as everyone else is having such a good time while they are away.

Ally Mccoist, who is in charge of the third division outfit has been moaning that his players should have a winter break as well, but its not really practical in that league, as all the players of all the other clubs have full time jobs outside the game, so they have to work anyway.

The most sickening thing ever published in a Scottish newspaper also hit the stands this weekend. Hugh Adam, the former director at Rangers who warned of David murrays impending train crash, recently passed away, and his obituary appeared in the Herald. Firstly, let me pass on condolences to his family, secondly, let me register the disgust which anyone must feel after reading the words written by Robert McElroy.

Using the mans passing as an excuse to write pro murray propaganda-“Sir David” as opposed to “Mr Adam”, and how Murrays fall from grace was down to the bank crashing (Although you could argue it was the money Murray owed them that caused the crash), but to imply at the end that Adam was a wee bit senile is truly shocking, and I hope that someone at the Herald sees fit to publish an apology, and then do a proper obituary for the man, who had Rangers in his heart, and never came across as one of the no surrender mob. I’m not going to post a link to it, the piece doesn’t deserve an audience. It is everything that is wrong with Scottish journalism, all on one page.

Anyway, back to the big teams.

UCL opponents Juventus were beaten at home by ten man Sampdoria yesterday, which should cheer you up, as should manager Antonio contes pre match claim that Juve won’t be paying out big money in January. He’s looking for bargains, and Drogba et al are not on his list.

Celtic will play Steaua Bucharest while they are over in Spain, in answer to the teaser on Saturday. Now, todays is a bit trickier. In fact, a lot trickier.

I was having a wee rummage through a box of programmes and so on I found when putting away the christmas decorations-and i found some crackers! (See what i did there?)

Apart from an old Radio times from 1976-or the Sex Offenders Register, as it is now known, there was this publication, which opened with the words…;

“Any expectations that Celtic Supporters have about their teams performance are sure to be matched by the aspirations of Kenny Dalglish, director of Football operations, and Head Coach John Barnes”

It is A4 size, and an “official licensed (sic) product of Celtic Football Club”

What is it?