Celtic have retained their place in the worlds top thirty clubs , according to the International Federation of Football History and Statistics, which will come as a relief to all of us. Number twenty nine in the hit parade, the club remain above the likes of Manchester United , Milan and Ajax, which should give us grounds for appeal and possible entry into the last sixteen of this years Champions League. Correspondingly, this makes Lennons Lads fifth in Britain, behind Chelsea, Arsenal Tottenham and Manchester City respectively.
The full listings can be found here; IFFHS2 for people with nothing better to do.
Thankfully, the money men at Celtic didn’t realise how good we are, and have decided to keep season books at the same price as last year.
The official website explains;
“We are very proud of the position Celtic is in. We are in great shape on and off the field and we know that we can look ahead to the future and the challenges which face us with confidence.
“We are delighted to have delivered three Scottish titles in a row and we now look forward to adding to this total and also ensuring that we continue to represent Scotland in the UEFA Champions League.
“We understand completely the importance of our fans to the Club in realising this vision. We know that our supporters play such a crucial role in all our successes and we are delighted, therefore, to ensure that next year we can hold season book prices.
“Yet again, we will face big challenges in the season ahead and we will need our fans right behind us. As ever we will do all we can to bring our fans the success which their support deserves.”
Today’s announcement means the following highlights for the coming season for our fans:
• Adult Season Ticket prices still reduced by £100
• Kid’s under 13 Season Tickets only £50 – Just £2.38 per match
• 13-16 years Season Tickets only £105 – Just £5.00 per match
Manager Neil Lennon said: “Our fans are everything to the Club and are a major part of each and every success the players achieve on the field.
“It is great that we have been able to continue to offer our fans this discount for the coming season and we hope as many fans as possible get behind the Club again.
“We have a talented and hard-working squad and myself and the players will be doing all we can to reward our supporters by bringing more and more success to Celtic Park.”
Captain Scott Brown said: “The honour of being captain of Celtic Football Club is one I hold very dear. It is a privilege to lead this great club to success and nothing fills me with greater pride than lifting silverware on behalf of our fans.
“It is something I never take for granted and I know that I speak for the rest of the players when I say that the commitment our fans make to the club is never underestimated.
“We need our supporters to be with us again in big numbers as we aim to do all we can for the Club at home and in Europe.”
Current Season Ticket holders will receive their Renewal Packs by post week commencing Monday, April 21. However, Season Ticket holders looking to renew online can do so now. Anyone choosing to do before April 21, will then be automatically entered into a draw for a chance to win their 2014/15 Season Ticket.
From April 21, Season Ticket holders then have the option to renew for 2014/15 via the following methods; at the Ticket Office at Celtic Park, by returning their renewal form in the post, by telephone, or online.
Cynics will say that the club could hardly bump them back up to the pre-reduction prices, given the fare on offer at home games these days, but that would be unrealistic.
On the one hand, supporters moan that money is not re-invested in players, and on the other complain about the expense of going to the game.
The simple fact, unpleasant as it may be, is that running a football club is expensive, and there are a lot of less publicised expenses, all of which are necessary.
And then theres the tax to pay…
No-one , surely, could say with any justification that the season books are too expensive, especially when compared with prices down south, and they get plenty of tv money, unlike Celtic, who get pennies.
Theres no denying its a dear day out, so credit has to go to the club for trying to keep costs down. They just need to work on the additional costs, such as the burgers, pies and bovrils.
One note of caution however, with various offers being thrown in at different stages of the season, to encourage fans to attend the less glamourous games, care must be taken to avoid making it more economical to just wait for these offers to come along. Catch 22, I know, but perhaps it would be better to give tickets to schools and youth groups than cut price briefs for the casual fan. As long as they attend with a paying adult.
Its not an easy problem to solve. The rising cost of living, despite what politicians may tell us, means that cloth must be cut accordingly, and leisure time is the first to go in any domestic budget assessment.
All the club can do is try. And keeping prices relatively low is a start.
The press continue to link Neil Lennon with a move south to Norwich, while the manager, as respectfully as he possibly can, tells them to stop talking shite.
The Mirror, a sort of English Daily Record with even less credibilty, tells us;
Next Norwich manager: Celtic’s Neil Lennon admits he is ‘flattered’ to be linked with Canaries
Celtic boss Neil Lennon is ready to throw his hat into the ring for the Norwich job.
It’s not a hat. Its a hood.
Lennon has admitted it is “flattering” to be linked with the post after becoming one of the bookies’ favourites to succeed Chris Hughton.
It would be a huge statement to swap the Scottish champions for Norwich, but Parkhead chief Lennon is believed to be keen on moving to the Premier League for a new challenge.
Well, I guess if they say it often enough, someone might believe it. See also, Liquidation, Rangers, Came out of.
Mirror Sport understands that Lennon is the outsider on the shortlist which will also include Malky Mackay and Burnley’s Sean Dyche.
Lennon said: “It’s always flattering to be linked with jobs. I think the Premier League is one of the best leagues in the world, but I don’t want to be talking about that.
“I’m in a stable position at Celtic. The Scottish environment is obviously not as good as the English league. But I’m at at a great club and it’s a privilege to be the manager. ”
Remember when you were young, and you asked a lass to accompany you to the dancing ? And she would tell you she was “flattered ” but had to look after her grannys dog for the next six years , before embarking on a ten year stint with christian aid on the other side of the world so she couldn’t come ?
She was just being polite. she wasn’t that keen on spending any time with you.
” Flattered ” is just a synonym for another couple of words, coincidentally one of which also begins with the letter “f” .
I’ve paraphrased the video and caption at the end of the article, which is an attempt to bring in a wee bit of humour. From the paper that brought you the sidesplitting cartoon character “Andy Capp “. , second only to “Fred Basset ” in the “What the fuck was that about ” awards.
Is that Delia on the phone , Neil ?
No, it isn’t. Delia is not on the phone. She might be on the wine, though…
Scott Brown doesn’t think Lennon will go anywhere.
“Somebody may make him an offer but the gaffer’s huge at this club and he loves it here. He enjoys coming into training every day and he loves the facilities we have.
“I think this club means so much to the manager that he will stay.
“It’s hard for us to get Champions League and it shows how well we have done over the past couple of seasons to get into the group stage. He wants to do it again.
”Everyone says the Premier League is the best league in the world and there has only been one team in Scotland winning the title the past three years.
“But people underestimate how big a club we are. If anyone got an offer to go for more money while they have a job they enjoy, it’s a hard decision to make. But everyone here hopes the gaffer will stay.”
” And anyway, he wants the Tottenham job. ” Added Ralph Malph, sniggering at the back.
Last word goes to David McNally, the CEO at Norwich;
“It is all in Neil’s hands, if he wants the big job here it is entirely up to him.”
I think he’s already given up.
Celtic have released a statement concerning the alleged Leigh Griffiths racist singing that took place, or didn’t take place, depending on who you believe, in Edinburgh the other week. ( See, I’m fed up of it as well now )
“Due to an ongoing police investigation we are unable to comment. However, the club takes the allegations extremely seriously and have launched our own internal investigation.”
At a press conference yesterday, reporter Grant Russell from STV told Scott Brown that he ” had to ask about Leigh Griffiths ” , despite a club PR spokesperson telling reporters not to.
There was huge surprise in the room as reporters realised Celtic have a PR spokesperson, but even this revelation was brushed to one side as Brown immediately exited stage left.
“Fucking told you not to ask that, ya dick, ” said the PR, showing why work needs to be done in that department, and bewildered hacks were left to make up their own stories.
Should be a fairly seamless transition for most of them.
Brown was right to leave , the reporters had been told no comment could be made, because of an ongoing police investigation, so any accusations of not answering difficult questions are void.
In one sense, I’m glad Russell asked the question. It shows that certain members of the press have got a pair.
However, they only seem to do it at our press briefings.
As for Griffiths, and his behaviour ?
He needs to grow up. The management team have dozens of other things they could be doing , rather than spend time with this heid the baw.
Compare and contrast his off the field behaviour with that of his team mates.
Virgil van dijk is unable to be at the Celtic store on Argyle street today. Emilio Izaguerre will be joined instead by -Efe Ambrose. The man who needs no rest was only too happy to spend his day off with fans… And we don’t think he’ll be standing on any tables singing the Merry Ploughboy.
Maybe he should spend a couple of days with Griffiths as well.
And do you know something, as I type this, Its dawned on me that Efe is African, and this whole thing is supposedly about racism. Perhaps Griffiths could indeed learn from the big fellow.
Of course, I know where Efe hails from, its just that its not a big deal for me, or for most of us. It won’t be for Griffiths either, unless he truly is a moron. Which is what makes this whole issue a little ridiculous.
Meanwhile, Ally McCoist, the manager of Second Rangers, who pluckily made the final of the Ramsdens Cup, and bravely took a full time team to extra time, expects to be crucified by his fans. He’s ready for it, though.
He decided to go ahead with the post final party, despite his team losing to Raith Rovers, and wasn’t shy when it was his turn on the karaoke.
Back to a caption competition today, and the question is, what was he singing ?
That was from Robyn Walker, who is the partner of David Templeton, of of Allys bright young prospects.
Jimmy Johnstone was the man with the active social life, described by a picture of the Johnstone coat of Arms, and Russ Abbots “Jimmy ” character ” , a hilarious racial stereotype who drank a lot, talked a lot , fought a lot and had ginger hair.
Ridiculous. I mean, how many gingers do you know ?
PS, I know its my own fault, but I can’t get this image of Efe Ambrose standing on a table singing the Merry Ploughboy. Before backflipping out the door into a waiting taxi.
And neither will you now.
Oh, hang on. Its a signing session. Should have read the report more carefully.
Fields of Athenry
He’s singing Tears of a clown by smokey Robinson
‘Don’t stop me now I’m havin’ such a good time…’ Queen
Non, Je ne regrette rien
The party’s over, it’s time to call it a day
Why no mention of a standing area CP ? I thought our club
were pioneering such a venture.Does the costs this involves
outweigh the advantages ?
We are the best suppported club in Europe. Fact.In terms of
population and season ticket numbers.After Man utd and
Arsenal,out ST number the third biggest in uk.You won’t here
scottish msm broadcasting this info.As it does not suit their agendas.
Armageddon is here.But,it’s only affecting one club.On and off
the park,this new club,is in meltdown. LOL
“Heaven knows I’m miserable now”
” Hearts are going bust going bust Hearts are going bust……” and so on and so on !!!
“Who is Sorry Now”? or “The Final Countdown”. I dont imagine its Young Ned of the Hill.
Who is everyone who says the EPL is the best league,its just Sky propoganda,The spanish is of a much higher standard
The Bundesliga has steamed ahead of the EPL as well Deid.
Ally is singing “All By Myself” to a forlorn Watty at the other side of the bar. Or “Food Glorious Food” from Oliver.
Aye right Ralph. You expect us to fall for another PL statement just a few days after the last one? Pull the other one. You can get the jail for doing April Fools after the 1st.
Leigh really has placed Celtic in an almost impossible position now with his silly braindead antics. How can we take the moral high ground over vile ditties like the famine song and the like and then appear to condone one of their own chanting ignorant idiotic lines? This was my biggest fear when it became apparent we were signing him, not his obvious footballing talent and ability but his general bamminess off the park. Did he REALLY tell someone on twitter to ‘F*ck off back to your own country’? That is not a step too far, it is a headfirst dive into the abyss.
William, It Was Really Nothing!
“Sorry seems to be the hardest word….”
Send in the clowns…
“We’re On The Road To Nowhere … “
Down Down by newquo
Ally is singing “I did it the fllllly way” by old blue nose himself.
It’s that old Abba song Nae Money Money Money.
Ralph
One has to give the club its due – and I don’t mean your ST money. Perhaps there are those who say the product is way over-priced given the standard of football most weeks. But I can only agree that they are at least trying. Besides, I am not so convinced about the EPL standards. The quality is often more in the technical superiority of the TV coverage and certainly in the TV investments than the teams on the pitch. Personally, I think there is a creeping improvement happening in the SPFL. After all, look at how some wee, wee teams can get to the final of big, big competitions playing blow fitba. Never mind, not only can we grin and bear it, we can even sing about it. The creepy crooner’s song “My Old Man’s a Dustman” as a tribute to his rubbish players.
The jury is out on Griffiths and I think people should reserve judgement till it returns with a verdict. It will be a black and white case – if you get my meaning.
Our manager. Desperation breeds stupidity and the media are desperate to “do” Celtic in any way they can. Neil is an obvious target given they want to make out there is no real achievement in the Scottish game. They fail, no do not want to see the man’s love and commitment to Celtic. Thankfully the only people disillusioned are reporters and this Norwich guy.
“Last word goes to David McNally, the CEO at Norwich;
“It is all in Neil’s hands, if he wants the big job here it is entirely up to him.”
“big job”! Did he mean something blocking the cludgy or is he just talking a load of it himself? That TV money has really gone to all their heads down there. I used to like Norwich too. It was a girl from there that first went off to do voluntary work when I asked her out – and she felt I certainly was not worth the bus fare to Motherwell. Now there are legions of them from all over working somewhere, sorry, anywhere in the depths of the jungle. They don’t even send me a smoke signal!
I am still looking for that humour you injected. Was it in soluble tablets form?
H H
Griffith…is he worth it, ah mean really worth it?? Ah dont think so. Our fans and clubs reputtaion is worth more than him hitting the back of the net 15-20 times a season.
HAIL HAIKL N aw that !
I wasn’t keen on Griffiths coming, but have warmed to him when I see the effort he puts in. He is obviously desperate to make it at Celtic. I only saw a snippet of the video clip, but it looks to me as I he has realised he is in the wrong and sat down. Maybe he learnt his lesson himself then & there?
I’ll wait for the official verdict from the club. I wouldn’t trust anything the media write or speak. And the SFA / SPL – would anyone trust their judgement going on their past history?
With regards ST prices, I honestly expected a further decrease. The cup game v Aberdeen was priced at £15, yet the league game v Aberdeen was priced at the usual £28 – I’d have said the cup game was the most important.
Surely reducing the price slightly or even offering an inducement – cup games free? – would have been a just reward for the fan’s loyalty?
Remember, we also need to travel to Edinburgh for CL qualifiers – I appreciate it won’t make a lot of difference to a lot of people who already travel a fair distance, however, the vast majority of fans live in the Glasgow area, so will be seriously out of pocket.
Good to see the season book price kept down. Now onto that living wage…….