Celtic Diary Friday September 5: A Week Is a Long Time In Football

Actually, it seems more like an eternity, to use the well worn cliche.

On Monday, we were relieved that the international break would take some of the pressure of the club, and give us supporters something else to think about for a while.

Now, with the signing of Stefan Scepovic and John Guidetti, I wish the Aberdeen game was this Sunday.

We really are a fickle lot.  Well, I am.

But thats all a part of supporting Celtic. When its good you are walking on air, and when its bad , well, you start a diary on the internet.

Back to Guidetti, and he was absolutely delighted when FIFA gave permission for the year long loan-which means he’ll be out of contract when its finished, and free to talk to other clubs in January- to go ahead;

The words don’t actually convey the enthusiasm he spoke with, and later that afternoon he was asked to leave the bowling club on London road as his continual jumping up and down on the grass and shouting “fucking yes ” was damaging the green.

“I’m delighted to have finally signed and I cannot wait to get out there and start playing in front of those fans.”  

He’s getting the number seven jersey, he used to play for Feyenoord, and he’s Swedish….

Of course, it can. Thats because whatever attracted it in the first place, attracts it a second time.

Celtic Park is a particularly attractive place for Swedish strikers. As long as Guidetti has never heard of Mo Bangura.

The Daily Record hints that the good old SFA helped Celtic to get their man, ignoring the fact that all the paperwork was sent to them in time, and it was their fault it didn’t go through in the first place;

Guidetti was lined up from Manchester City on transfer deadline day but failure to get paperwork finalised in time left the deal in limbo.

The SFA helped take up Celtic’s case with FIFA in a bid to clear the 22-year-old’s move to Glasgow and the striker was given confirmation as he prepared at the national team hotel for tonight’s Under-21 clash against Greece. 

 Whereas a FIFA spokesman worded it slightly differently, and leaves a couple of questions that need to be asked…

“After checking the documentation received and the information contained in the international transfer matching system managed by FIFA TMS, the Scottish Football Association was informed today that the envisaged loan deal may proceed.” 

 Note the “SFA (were )  informed”, and not Celtic. Its almost hinting that the Hampden mafia were the ones who tried to stop it.

 Of course, thats a ludicrous suggestion, born of a paranoid and delusion mind. Why would the SFA try to hamper the champions of Scotland ?

 Those days, like Farry himself, are gone now. The SFA is run by a different breed these days;

Different breed. Same DNA.

 The new look Celtic promises exciting , attacking football, and there might be a few 6-3 games, or 5-4, as the open style of Ronny Deila takes shape. Hell, we might even win some of them. Whatever happens, it’s not going to be dull.

Guidettis late signing means he cannot play in the group stages of the Europa League, unless we appeal on the grounds that it wasn’t our fault.

 We hear that Celtic have made an initial enquiry, but the guy at UEFA answered the phone by asking

” Now what the fuck do you want ? ” which put our man on the back foot and he screamed and slammed the phone down.

This Sunday sees the Maestrio challenge match, to raise money for charity.

Paul McStay, whose name is always mentioned in revered tones, spoke about his return to paradise;

“I’m looking forward to the whole occasion and catching up with a few old team-mates – and probably using the word old in the right way as I’m sure one or two will be looking a bit aged.  

“But hopefully they are still all nice and fit as looking at Rio’s team we are going to have to be on our toes.

“I haven’t done anything at all. I have been low-key sports wise and I’m just looking forward to the occasion.

“It’s for a great cause, or else I wouldn’t be travelling halfway around the world to be here. A lot of people are going to benefit from it, especially kids, so it hits the right note.” 

 McStay lives in Australia these days, which means opportunities to see one of the best players to ever wear the shirt will be thin on the ground, so if you get a chance, go to the game. Younger supporters especially should have a look at a man who epitomises the Celtic player both on and off the field.

 He wasn’t one for talking much to the press in his playing days, save to tell us there was a buzz about the place when Tommy Burns was in charge. But he’s making up for that now…as he remembered those grim times before Fergus McCann rode into town…

“You just can’t compare where the club is now to where it was in ’94. Celtic Football Club was nearly out of business.

“I was club captain back then but everyone who lived through it – fans and players alike – knows how horrendous it was.”

Er, alright, maybe he is still the same quiet guy. On his own playing career, the great man reaches for his trumpet, and begins to blow furiously…

“I enjoyed my football, I was a decent player. I did okay.” 

Cast your mind back to the centenary season, Celtic 2, Rangers 0 , and the Sunday Times description of a particular pass…

Celtic made a sparkling opening to the match, which began their centenary year, threatening to over-run Rangers, who seemed the more afflicted by nerves. Their early control and passing was below standard even from experienced players like Souness and Wilkins, but with half an hour gone, Rangers were tightening, quickening and getting back into the match.

But a few minutes before half-time, Celtic scored a lethal goal. McStay hit a stunning cross-pass through the defence to the right wing. Morris’s run and first-time low cross were perfection. McAvennie volleyed a quite shimmering goal. 

The pass is on this video, after about five minutes. But don’t fast forward to it. Get a coffee, some biscuits and watch the whole thing. Because this is what a complete midfielder looks like.

Paul McStay

 Did okay ?

Thats like saying Michael Palin pops out for a walk every now and then.

 Paul McStay and Danny McGrain. Perhaps the last two of a particular breed, where the DNA should be stored for when we need it.

 John Hughes, 1965 League cup final, on the 23rd of October 1965. That was yesterdays teaser, and todays picture commemorates the anniversary of  one of the clubs saddest events.

 Who is it ?