Celtic secured the services of Oliver Abildgaard last night for twelve months on what initially appeared to be a 12 month loan with no option to buy, which meant the news fell a bit flat.
At first, at least.
The club didn’t say that….
We are delighted to announce the signing of Danish midfielder Oliver Abildgaard
Welcome to #CelticFC, Oliver!
The player, speaking on instagram, didn’t sound like he was off on loan….
and when he spoke to the media he seemed to be speaking like someone who will be here for a while…
“This is a day I’ve been very much looking forward to ever since I heard the possibility of coming here. I’ve been following the highlights recently, ever since I heard about the interest, and I’ve also been keeping my eye on Carl Starfelt as well ever since he moved here a year ago.
“He’s been amazed by the club ever since he came here, and the life in Glasgow as well. He’s enjoying it very much and he’s only told me good things about it.
And it seems his grandad, who lives in Aberdeen, and one of his uncles, are Celtic supporters, though there is no suggestion they bought him the Celtic subbuteo team when he was a kid.
The deal does have a bit of a nystery around it, but since FIFA have allowed all players based in russia to effectively suspend their contracts and seek work elsewhere, it may just be that this is the only legal way to get him here, as explained in this example, which despite being from Wikipedia, might have some substance….
I’ll wait until Ange Postecoglou explains it, which means I’ll probably have to wait until someone explains it to him.
Whichever way this ends up, though, he’s here for twelve months subject to international clearance, and , along with a contract extension for Mikey Johnston, though he is still off on loan, which probably surprised even the player, that was about it for yesterdays transfer activity, and now we can look forward to that second season knowing that the cast and directors are all in place, at least until the mid-season break when the ratings are assessed…..
There has been three windows under Postecoglou, although you probably shouldn’t count the first one, and the business he has conducted has been nothing short of outstanding, bringing in players of a quality that most of us probably never expected to see in such abundance at the club again.
He’s removed, quite respectfully and with dignity, the ones he doesn;t want, and farmed out the ones he thinks show enough about themselves to merit a bit more work.
Although that sounds quite simple to do in theory, in practice it’s rather more difficult.
He’s had the support he needs from the board to do so, and for that they deserve credit, but it’s worth mentioning that he’s only spending what it is the pot, raised by previous regimes, but it cannot be disputed that he’s spending it considerably better.
Which leads me to this thought provoking exchange on Twitter….
Best 3 transfer windows in succession I can recall. Ridiculously positive here. I’m pretty sure absolutely no way that any of the 3 would have happened under Lawwell.
Is Lawwell still there, and has this happened under his guidance ?
Of course not, and it’s unfair on Michael Nicholson that there is even a suggestion of interference from the ghost of CEO Past….
Isn’t it ?
Maybe it’s just in our nature that given the disappointments of the past we’re looking for a reason that will explain things when the wheels finally fall off the Ange Express, and this is partly due to the media but probably more a result of our own paranoia.
Which will never go away….
Let’s just enjoy it, and banish all thoughts of a sharply dressed man still having at least one hand on the tiller.
Which means enjoying the prospect of reminding plucky newcomers “rangers ” that despite their rapid rise from nothing to the higher levels of European football, back home in Glasgow they are still very much a poor relation to our good selves, and the best place to do that is on the playing field, even if it has contours that are similar to an Appalachian mountain range.
The old tarrier carrier is being fed and watered as we speak, and will be on the road before the larks have stumbled out of bed .
Yet again, I’ll abstain from the devil drink in order to fully enjoy the occasion, despite one CSC member encouraging me to let my hair down, which seemed particularly cruel when you consider I haven’t got any.
With the hoops firing on all cylinders regardless of who is placed on the starting grid, it’s difficult to see anything except a Celtic win, and probably more significantly, it’s difficult to see any possible surprises from our fledgling opponents.
They’ve lost a couple of key players from last season, both physically and mentally, and although new boy Anton Colak seems to know where the goal is, defender Conor goldson still hasn’t the faintest idea where the one he’s supposed to be guarding is located.
As has been the case for the last few years, and I’m sure I’m not alone in this, I’m not entirely familiar with their first team line up, so I’ve tried to put together a sort of laymans guide to their players, well, at least the one;s I’m aware of.
Alan McGregor seems to have been retired, and he’s been replaced by Joe McLaughlin, who is considerably younger than McGregor, although that applies to most of us.
At right back they have their own captain fantastic, James Tavernier Pen…..he’s easy to spot during a game, as he’s either taking a penalty or frantically racing back to try to catch the forward who has noticed he’s out of position.
On the left it is Borna Barisic, who has made an impression in his time in Glasgow with his laid back approach….. here he is having a sit down after an exhausting few minutes trying to remember what he’s supposed to be doing.
then there’s Conor Goldson, who tried to get a move in the summer , but despite all his efforts , no one wanted him
He could be partnered by Ben Davies, another one who , like Ryan Kent ( more on him later ), left Liverpool because they thought he wasn’t very good.
Or by John Soutar, another freebie, from Hearts.
Or Filip Helander, …..or maybe it will be Helander and Soutar, seen here warming up…..
In midfield they have an embarassment of riches.
Well, an embarassment.
Scott Arfield, it seems , is their top man.
Sorry, this is him, but you can understand the confusion…..
Steven Davis is still there….. and he can still be seen training at a local athletics facility most days…..
And old favourite Ryan Jack….
And we may even see Ionas Hagi….. but since no one knows what he looks like we wouldn;t know.
There is new guy and referees favourite John Lundstrom…. who has a certain degree of enthusiastic amateurism, but he is prone to mistakes….
And James Sands, surprisingly not a big seller in the shop where they put names on the back of replica kits…..
And Glen Kamara, of course, who nearly went to Nice yesterday, having read in the Record that they were going to pay £10m for him. However, as per usual, that story turned out to be bollocks and he’s still sitting at home, bags packed, looking like he’s wondering what to have for his last meal when the guard opens the door and asks….
There was talk of a new signing, but for some reason it hasn’t materialised…..
Up front there is the mercurial Alfredo Morelos, said to be running down his contract by some who are close to the player,
Well, waddling it down….. which I find hard to believe as he always gives one hundred per cent….
Ryan Kent, the £7m signing from Liverpool reserves that highlighted that wonderful sense of mischief on Merseyside is also said to be running down his contract, but Gers fans needn’t worry, he’ll trip over and claim a foul long before he finishes his run.
Anton Colak, Kemar Roofe, Tom Lawrence, another freebie from Derby, Fashion Sakala and Scott Wright, who by now must be thinking he’s Scott got It Wrong complete their fearsome forward line, all of whom will be now wondering what on earth they have to do to get out of there, with the exception of Colak, who will be desperately searching for his agent to place a well aimed boot at his arse.
So, all to play for then, at high noonish tomorrow……
Serious stuff now, and Harry Clark on Twitter is doing a noble thing……
PAIR CELTIC v REAL MADRID TICKETS SALE.
PROCEEDS TO KILBRYDE HOSPICE.
I’m walking the Camino for charity (below).
Have 2 adjacent tkts for sale (N Stand Low, 103).
1st time I’ve “sold” tkts (always foc) but exceptional circs.
Looking to highest bid. If interested please DM me.
Or let us know in the replies and we’ll put you in touch…..
Yesterday, we had this….
John McDermott
Sevco wags in rehearsal for being attacked on Saturday
Today…..
its a red hand salute
honest
If strengthens to the left hand side to the right ratio shall make sense, then.
Caption …
Right Nick raise your right arm and repeat after me… I promise to
Break up the play when the opposition have the ball.
Position myself between opposition players passing ball .
Blow for fouls always in our favour , no matter how soft .
Move their wall 10 yrds + , ours -8 yrds , book any dissenters in green.
Allow robust challenges in blue , book McGregor in the huddle
Don’t forget tav pen , if we are ahead blow full time before 90 mins
Add as long as you like if we are chasing a goal……………………………..
…………………..
Rehearsal starts for, Right hand to God, I never saw it.
Honestly, Celtic win? Fuck me.
It is swore we are not to win tomorrow. Someone is selling to buy. Stewart and Connelly wiped the Queen
s stained backside. Weve a board of so on bum duty..Caption…..
Auchenhowie stalwart looks to get on the end of a Barisic (shitebag) corner.
Us, bang goal.
Turnbull, donk donk, simple ball never goal of the month. He is slow as hell. From one end to the other? That is your position. Other than that during the game, nothing. I think he is trying to convince, though his running. How he does comes from his say, though it looks like, he wants to be watched.
I could do the same.
He`s to tell himself? Why, my arse.
Walsh takes the acclaim of the travelling 800 as he issues 3rd Celtic red card.
We sat with Peter Lawwell`s. 18-19 years of it. cost us for that.
Movement of over contested marble temple quote. Sevco sign a jockey heard to have a say, we are in trouble.
I turned them, the new Club, down.
Have you seen that wrestler with bum fluff with an outie belly button ?
Harder they fall.
Caption: Q to Walsh, “so, who was this hero of yours?”
Walsh “his name’s Adolf”.
“And, your hero, was he a big man?”
Walsh, “no, just over 5 feet, same as me.”
And where did he come from, this hero of yours?”
Walsh, “over there!”
Caption; saluting his fellow supporters from Bellshill “bellends” fan club..
Caption:
You`ll get you piece and cheese at the tuckshop over there, kids.
Caption: “sieg heil Ryan”
cause Celtic, no doubt, should.Bankier has bought Murrays wheel chair, on the cheap
He refused to say who went halfies. The bagger Campbell Ogilvie was relinquished and as one`s.
Plicks.
Let`s be honest. Sell me!
Have youse heard about the joke what a brafur is for ?
2 captains score 2 tomorrow.
So you obviously think CalMac will be subbed at some point, Port?
Anyway, as long as both “captains” are playing for the home side I’m more than okay with that.
COYBIG, straight intae them from KO and just ‘never stop’.
Hail! Hail! The Glasgow Celtic, the only honest club in the SPL (if you forget ‘Lawwell’s Lies’)
Ange, pick a player to side the referee.
IOUbrox Clout for 18 months. Job for life, why did the confessional hun walk away?
Give it till tomorrow,.
Was it just me ?
Collum started the game of with the rules of the game, and all and his assistants were all in the same boat, what the hell is going on. Lasted 15-20 minutes then, what is the matter with you Willie.
That`s a fucking shocking call
Dundee approved, and I can`t say a word.
Wir sind das Volk, keine Kapitulation.
Gio ist unser neuer glorreicher Anführer.
Strafe für Rangers.
The Cup game. Collum played by the rules and the world watching were confused. 20 minutes in though, that cretin had to put his spoils out.
There must be a new masonic fable all are to endure.
10 in 20, maybe half an hour, leave it to us.
It is in that Oliver was born in Lurgan and that sure his Mammy wants him back.
Crank your neck for Oliver. He is getting sent off in his first game in Scotchland. No doubt.
Whether routinely known as, you`re to go.
And I seen, thinking back.
Enjoy.
Bugger if you do, useless if you don`t.
Last game I watched Celtic forwards were not up to worrying about the she·nan·igans.
You are to always bid for an Aussie if he is there.Beware of help.
Someone said with a pencil, is Boris still with us ?
On a previous visit to Ibrox, the tannoy suddenly plays…
Es schau’n auf’s hackenkreuz voll hoffung schon millionen…
sevco are physical , shall a 50/50 from us be shown and won?
“Rangers are on UEFA’s watch list for Financial Fair Play, according to an official report.”
At last…even UEFA couldn’t ignore the dodgy financial practices any longer. Squeaky bum time for the “Aye Riddy” club.
Caption: This little piggy went to Parkhead. This little piggy’s not at home. This little piggy booked one team. This little piggy booked n’hun. And this little piggy went WATP all the way home.
Don’t let up in the second half Celtic. Roast the hun basterds Tannadice style.
Whit a shame, it’s no fair, am tellin ma ma. 4-0 but going on a lot better
OH, to see the new huns shown up for what they are, with huns in black trying, but failing, to beat honesty.
Beautiful, just BEAUTIFUL.
Ange Postecoglou and all your squad, THANK YOU.
I never expected to see another MHAN like Jock Stein in charge at Parkhead, not in my wildest dreams in my own lifetime. But I do believe I have.
THIS is what it means to be CELTIC!
Hail! Hail!
An anthem for Ange…..
Ven-itez ador-amus
Ven-itez ador-amus
Ven-itez ador-amus
Ange-Post-e-coglou 🙂
In the Merchant City with big Monti enjoying spoils of the day. he day. We played well within ourselves and still fucked THEM. HAIL HAIL fellow Tim’s.
I’m guessing you and Monti would have had a ‘day to remember’, if in fact you didn’t get RSoled and then forget? How that shower got to a Euro final defies logic and description but they did. I tried to weigh up and not get carried away with our squad but I really just couldn’t see us losing. I just hope that’s the beginning of them getting fukked over next by Ajax, then Aberdeen and Napoli before dying like their baztard parent. I absolutely despise that scum and all their ‘associates’ for all the right reasons.
Anyway, it’s just Magic what big Ange has brought to us after losing The Ten for which I’ll NEVER forgive the tory scumbag Lawwell. Hail! Hail! Indeed. 🙂
PS We’ve not had a proper look at Haksa yet but the wee bit we did he looks a player. And hopefully ‘Olly’ joins him soon.
Some squad, some Club and with Ange a ‘club like no other’ again!
That’s a fair comparison with Stein’s early days. The proof is in the trophies. And I’m struggling not to get carried away here cause actually despite their European exploits this is a bog average Ragers team. But I’ve got a feeling, that tonight could be a Real good night
Big Ange has got the spring back in our feet and joy to our hearts. We’re playing football the Celtic way and just loving it. I’ve never felt so elated so early in a season and just can’t wait for the next game to watch this glorious football. When I listen to Ange I sense a man of Big Jock’s quality and I see many similarities.
They both had winning front and central in their thoughts but doing it in a manner that delights the supporters. So I just think, regardless of the opposition’s ‘status’ BRING IT ON. We’ll see what tomorrow night brings and we KNOW it’s a huge ask but with a fair wind and a wee rub of The Green, I think we can do it.
If not I’m sure I’ll see a Celtic team playing beautiful football and will be equally keen for the next game. Aye, we should all thank our lucky stars we were born Tims.
Hail! Hail!
I replied but it’s hooked into moderation. Ach well!
Well done lhads, another team of SPFL cloggers comfortably dispatched. Goldson should have got his marching orders (at tje very least a double yellow) after a nasty elbow on Jota followed by that cynical lunge at Maeda when the wee man could have been clean away to set up a very dangerous counter. Hope Starfelt recovers very soon but would prefer to see Jenz, a far more composed player, in against R Madrid.
Well done lads, another team of SPFL cloggers comfortably dispatched. Tuesday can’t come soon enough.
Where’s Bahway (Ferguson) now?
“Gio has Ange sussed” Wit a riddy Bahway.
Come on Ajax…wipe the floor with them on Wednesday lol.
mc-laugh-lin
the davina dug-ina 11 get bown away
Just to let you know guys. Monti and I Spoke to Mike tonight and he is all well and good. Loving Ange all and all that entals. Up the Celts.
Angeball
Evening Henke, a good day Saturday topped off with speaking to our Mike, not that he probably heard a word.
Atmosphere at the game incredible!
Mike if you are looking in, made my day talking with you old boy….I’ll say it again for the hard of hearing ( you and Henke ) great to chat old friend.
Happy to hear that
Really glad to hear that.
I think, from what he’s said on here, he’s a good guy and a good Tim.
HH
What a performance. Takes me back to the six two game but that was a great performance on the day with not a huge gulf between the teams. The gulf in quality today is stunning. But not just that, the energy and commitment is miles beyond anything I’ve seen. We are on the brink of a golden era. Will we lose a domestic game this season?
Ah f@ck it happy days
CELTIC CELTIC CELTIC CELTIC CELTIC CELTIC CELTIC CELTIC CELTIC CELTIC
Ha, ^ the elusive ten in a row! 🙂
If we can make another bit of ‘Paradise Magic’ work on Tuesday
and it IS possible with this squad, those royalists from Madrid will need to get results from the other 2, all in our favour. It’s GOOD to dream of Celtic victories and it DOES happen.
Hail! Hail! The Glasgow Celtic
What was the score?
Sair heid? Ach it’s well worth it!
Who won ?
I have heard there is to be a culling of uselessness ?
Thy colour of a caird shall serve a purpose in Scotchland again ?
How many lighters did youse end up hame with ?
Things work if the left side is strengthened.
Steaming till well after Daddy`s Day.
It`s good to be a nincompoop with an emotional hobby.
Never a bland Tifo
So Happy