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Celtic Diary Saturday November 27: High Hopes

The dust has begun to settle after the Leverkusen defeat, and whilst it was exciting and it was entertaining, the bottom line is that we are still very much a work in progress.

 

The support can see what the manager is doing, or at least what he wants to do, the players have taken his ideas on board, indeed some have improved beyond recognition, but there is still a long way to go.

 

Thankfully, we have a board who have the ambition to back the manager, and the vision to strive forward.

 

Maybe if we say it often enough we’ll believe it….

 

Maybe they might even come round to our way of thinking…

 

January will tell us all we need to know.

 

 

If reports in the media are to be believed, and there’s a first time for everything, then there’s quite a few players lined up. and with one or two leaving, the reshuffle should give us a stronger squad.

 

 

There’s no reason to think the board won’t at the very ;east sanction a few quid, and Postecoglou has said negotiations have taken place with potential targets, but as ever we’ll need to wait and see.

 

Although fresh blood is required, there are a couple of players reborn under this regime, and let’s face it, did you ever think you’d have a universal opinion between fans that the game was changed when Nir Biton, who had been outstanding in his natural midfield role, had to leave the pitch, haven given his all ?

 

 

Or that Tony Ralston would continue to keep an experienced and very capable right back out of his natural position ?

 

When looking back at what might be described as another glorious failure in Europe, it’s worth remembering that this team under this manager has only been in business for a few  months.

 

 

Undoubtedly there are better things around the corner, and we’re in pretty good shape.

 

But there are a few tweaks needed here and there, and the rest will come as the unit grows together.

 

Thats why in addition to a couple of new faces, the two loannees , Carter Vickers and Jota, need to be made permanent players as soon as possible.

 

Especially as Jota is happy.

 

“But in my short career I think being with Celtic is the best moment for me. 

 

Hopefully that sums up how a few of them feel.

 

 

 

One of the criticisms post match aimed at the manager were the substitutions and some of that criticism may have been valid, although he does seem to change the front three regularly late in games.

 

That kind of freshness can keep teams on the back foot, but the lack of solidity in midfield proved to be the telling factor.

 

 

But it’s something that can be fixed, and if we continue to progress at the rate we have been, then it’s going to be an interesting second half of the season.

 

 

Elsewhere, it was interesting to see the trials and tribulations of a club who’s board don;t seem to reflect the wishes of fans and shareholders….

 

77.8% of the Bayern Munich members in attendance at the club’s AGM vote for the club to identify itself with “internationally-acknowledged human rights.” The podium, which includes #FCBayern President Herbert Hainer and CEO Oliver Kahn, all voted against the motion.

 

The Bayern fans aren’t happy that the club has a sponsorship deal with Qatar Airlines, and have made their feelings known.

 

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Some of the many banners: “Human rights fly through the window with Qatar Airways!” “Football’s ugly face: Those who take blood money from Qatar!”

 

 

Football these days is all about maximising revenue, about keeping major shareholders happy, as opposed to fans.

 

There’s obviously more to this than meets the eye, and before long, we’re going to have to see fans somewhere turn their back on their club before it changes.

 

 

Hopefully, it won’t come to that at Celtic, but we need to realise we may yet have to.

 

Which is why it’s important to at least discuss the faults of the board, and propose a solution to our grievances…and this piece in the Celtic Star is has probably the best idea yet.

 

Not quite fan ownership, but maybe the next best thing.

 

 

Supporter Membership Scheme

 

 

At least we should be discussing it.

 

 

Elsewhere, and the Pude of Glasgow were out in force….

 

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Pude is a word I’m not familiar with, despite having an extensive vocabulary.

 

So I thought I’d better check….

 

Another name for a pussy, commonly associated with Transvestite guys who are branded the name Dude with a Pude

 

 

It’s also an acronym….

 

Public Utility and Drainage Easement

 

 

The latter probably explains the amount of shite that issues from that place.

 

 

Which reminds me, another Friday and another share issue…

 

 

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More dilution, and more debt to equity, which suggests that they still think they can make it work, despite losing over £100 million since inception.

 

 

Champions League football would certainly help, and they do have assets that, at least on paper, are worth a few quid, but it’s very, very shaky ground.

 

They’ll need all the help they can to keep going, on and off the pitch.

 

 

New manager giovanni van Bronckhurst will have to decide whether or not he wants to keep star performers such as Morelos, Kent Beaton Madden or Walsh, or invest in new talent such as the guy who gave the penalty against Celtic B at the end of the Clyde game.

 

 

Our board need to be put under constant pressure to call out this cheating as and when it happens, win lose or draw.

 

 

Those little subliminal messages in the christmas video are cute, but it’s a bit like calling someone a knob and running away….

 

 

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Of course, the media won’t pick up on it, so it’s all kind of a waste of time.

 

 

Far better to get it out in the open.

 

 

 

Ach, let’s have a caption competition….

 

 

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Jinky58
2 years ago

Cash register call not until 5-30 even that won’t save for club

Jinky58
2 years ago
Reply to  Jinky58

Save your club

The Green Machine
2 years ago
Reply to  Jinky58

For summer nights and moon and stars above ..?

Tim Buffy
2 years ago

Caption: Take your tranny to the game.

BornCelt!
2 years ago

Guess the only ones who are complaining four months and one window in after inheriting chaos should be those spouting we are the peeple. And they are the ones worrying after Stevie G ended up sick to the teeth of it and upped any sticks that were not bought on HP. I will laugh and also will continue to enjoy Ange-ba’ each and every kick. Yes, I was in Paradice at 2-1, hopeful at 2-2, but looked back at the ride when it went 2-3. The Germans are in a far more competitive league than we and we gave them a fright, should have left Jinky Jota, who I am sorry, will be off with a smile as soon as a big league comes in so enjoy him now, on, Mickey Johnson needs to grow up and be more effective, but has has injuries, Callum Mac has been outstanding, but the Scotland game and his all or nowt attitude is tiring him out, Ajeti missed an equaliser, again, Welsh and Rolstom are massive as is Callum-Vickers whose control and distribution is with as solid a touch as his tackling, love him, Rogic’s majestic touch has been missed, Hart, loved that double save, massive, the Choir-Bhoy looks with tough attitiude and gives his gloves to wide eyed kids, adore him. Could go on. This is good stuff. If you ain’t enjoying this, Ibrox is down the road! HH!

BornCelt!
2 years ago
Reply to  BornCelt!

Sorry Ralston, who has shown just what Neymar has missed now he has been given a chance to shine, and he has! HH!

The Green Machine
2 years ago
Reply to  BornCelt!

You’re enjoying get humped out of Europe again?

Don’t you get a bit sick of it after these past 18 years of continuous underachiev8ng almost constant embarrassment?

10 minutes to hold on for a last game decider against Betis and they Fvck it up through gung ho kamikaze managerial madness yet you’re claiming that those of who ARE sick of it should go and watch Sevco ..?

Thats what you’re saying, yeah, that we should just swallow it down as plucky Have A Go losers again?

The Green Machine
2 years ago

2003, that was exciting and entertaining tae, right?

The problem is that I still can’t quite get the taste of sick out my mouth every time I think of how we were robbed by the refs in both Scotland & Seville, which tends to ruin both the excitement & entertainment aspects of the whole show.

Same as I felt on Thursday when I knew Ange would do something stupid to fvck it all up.

Which he duly did, by insanely replacing our brilliant front three with proven dreck.

He needs to cop on to where he’s going wrong or soon enough the support will get a bit fed up getting humped by two or more goals just so we can all be tagged as Gallant & Valiant Losers again.

Cos I am fvckin sick of it.

BornCelt!
2 years ago

Can’t blame Ange for what has been after last years ship-wrecked season with some real quality in some players, with at least two new signings in January hopefully. Celtic simply cannot match far richer leagues but signings such as Kyogo and Jota show we can compete, but you simply cannot quit after 4 months. And the league is the priority I would hope. HH!

The Green Machine
2 years ago
Reply to  BornCelt!

I’m not blaming him for ya of that, I think he’s largely done an excellent job, particularly with the two seemingly tenured hangers on as ‘assistants’, and he has my full support.

What I am blaming him for is his insane folly of again taking off our lethal front three and replacing them with dreck when all we needed was a point to set up a grand finale against Betis in the last game.

Attacking football is great but not when it’s costing you goals, games, points and further progression in prestigious European competition.

And that’s where he has to get savvy or forever be known as an heroic loser who doesn’t know how to best see a game out without conceding and losing everything.

Bognorbhoy
2 years ago

Caption …

Let’s do the time warp again

Monti
2 years ago

Juranovic must be used at right back & a left back bought in January.
Ralston is decent backup.

The Cha
2 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Bang on the money.

Ralston and Biton as first picks are a damning indictment of our recruitment/squad depth and that’s nothing to celebrate.

Cesar
2 years ago

Qatar Polis Chief demonstrates how to spot yer typical Scotland fan, it’ll be taps aff, lobster pink flesh and yes sir I can boogie blaring.

Woof Charlie
2 years ago

Caption: Get your hits out for the lads.

Woof Charlie
2 years ago

Caption: Charlie flashes his woofers.

TonyB
2 years ago

The Pudenda of Glasgow – a bunch of f@nnies supporting a klub managed by a guy called

Giof@nny. How apt.

Drew
2 years ago

100% Monti the only reason Ralston is keeping an experienced RB out is because we don’t have a decent LB, when we do then Ralston is and will be a very good back up, what we also need up front is a Sutton someone who can hold up the game when trying to see out the last 15 mins.

The Cha
2 years ago
Reply to  Drew

Don’t laugh but Giakoumakis performed the latter role very well against Ferencvaros.

He was unavailable and his confidence would have taken a hit after Livi.

Of course, home to the bottom team and away to the top one are vastly different propositions.

The Green Machine
2 years ago
Reply to  The Cha

‘Don’t laugh’’ you say ..?

pilsbury dough bhoy
2 years ago

Caption:
“Early Robocop prototype goes tits up.”

Mike.
2 years ago

Winter tale, by Walter de la Mare.
Clouded with snow,
The cold winds blow,
And shrill on leafless bough,
The robin with it’s burning breast,
Alone sings now.

A rayless sun,
Life’s journey done,
Shed’s its last ebbing light,
On fields in leagues, of beauty spread,
Unearthly Green and White.

A last goodbye to Bertie Auld,
His smile infectious and wide,
We stood in numbers in sun and cauld,
To say farewell, to a legend,
A champion among a champion side.

Iancelt67
2 years ago

Caption 3rd proclaimer limbering up for the 500 mile walk

The Green Machine
2 years ago

AlQaeda Airlines!

Fly you straight to your desk!

The Green Machine
2 years ago

Caption:

Pudestock 69: Trannies Galore.

SteveNaive
2 years ago

‘Henry Kissinger previews the Watergate tapes’

The Green Machine
2 years ago
The Green Machine
2 years ago

It wasn’t the board who made the Xmas video so those wee in-jokes were most likely by the production crew.

Why anyone thinks anyone of those useless orange Huns on our board would actually get involved in something that requires them to be at the ground after dark is beyond me though I’m surprised Peter wasn’t seen scoffing the whole tray of succulent lamb as he seems to have quite the liking for it.

The Cha
2 years ago

Its in keeping with their other comments, “not half of anything”, Rory Bremner, far away Galaxy etc.

Its all messaging to say to fans ‘we know exactly who they are’ whilst doing nothing about it.

The Green Machine
2 years ago
Reply to  The Cha

I doubt the board have either the brains, wit or desire to even bother trying to come up with such stuff and am certain it was the pranksters on the production crew’s idea.

That is, after all, what they’re paid to do, to be creative and that’s what they’ve done.

Peter & the board probably choked on their cornflakes when they saw these wee in jokes break on Twitter last week, scared that they were gonna get a severe reprimand phone from their oversized mate Douglas Park for making fun of his highly expensive joke of a ‘baby‘.

The Green Machine
2 years ago
Reply to  The Cha

It wos the production crew wot did it.

The board haven’t the wit to go subliminal.

The Cha
2 years ago

Caption – Having a party when Rangers died.

The Cha
2 years ago

After the hilarity of last weekend, it looks like the Huns got a new manager bounce, in the same way we didn’t last year.

Whether this is them “back” time will tell but talk of crash and burn is wildly premature.

They’re at Livingston tomorrow but I think they tend to do well there, as opposed to how horrendous we are there.

we’re still a significant 4 points behind so relentless focus required. If we genuinely took off the front 3 to protect them for league games and we go on and win the league then it won’t have turned out too bad.

I’m sceptical about major changes in January, as that has never been in our DNA. Short term loans have been the order of the day and perhaps converting loans to permanent and spinning as “like a new signing” but adding nothing new.

Its also gone quiet on the DoF front with Ange seemingly involved in everything and although he seems capable this is the situation we had under Rodgers ie does it all fall apart when he goes?

Iljas Baker
2 years ago

You are right Ralph for the most part: January will tell us a lot – it will tell us whether the Board will support Ange at least in the short term but after that? They don’t have a good track record and Ange is ambitious(as was Rodgers) for the club whereas the Board don’t appear to be. Bankier’s comment that Celtic didn’t do well in Europe in the past because the players didn’t give their all says a lot – either he doesn’t understand football or he doesn’t understand football. January will also give us a big insight into Ange thinking, especially about the existing squad. Clearly he doesn’t really fancy (at this point in time at least) Scales or McCarthy who were DD signings but if he gets in a really good left back and defensive midfielder of his choice it may be the the two aforementioned players will never become first team regulars and I wonder how DD will react. I don’t think he realy has much confidence in Mikey Johnson or Ajeti but through lack of choice has to play them. So if he gets good alternatives in January I think these two guys will be out in the wilderness.

I don’t think Ralston is keeping Juranovic out. What’s keeping Ralston in is the lack of a good left back. I am a great fan of Ralston but I think Juranovic is a better player and if we get a really good left back in January Tony will be on the bench and Juranovic will start at right back. I don’t think Tony needs to worry too much as he will still get game time, will learn from juranovic and and when Juranovic leaves Tony will be a starter again and will probably cement his place there.

Paddybhoy67
2 years ago

Kissinger’s breast implants revealed!!!

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