Paolo di Canio has told Talksport that he would consider taking over the managers role at Celtic.
“Why not? I follow Scottish football.
“I know it is not the best season for them at the moment and Scottish football is not in a good place generally.
“When Rangers dropped down the leagues there was less interest, because Celtic just won the league too easily. The other teams were not at the same level.
“I am an open manager. Scotland was my first experience abroad from Italy. It’s a top club in the world and I would consider it, if I was offered the chance.”
Well, thank the lord in heaven for that.
If it wasn’t for the fact that he couldn’t wait to take some laxatives and stand over the club with his legs wide open the last time he was here, and if it wasn’t for the fact that he has proved to be nothing but a mercenary since, and if it wasn’t for the fact that he’s completely clueless in the managers seat, then I suppose he could be an option.
I suppose we would take him. If Ally Mccoist isn’t available.
Well, maybe. but you get the point.
Even Talkshite Radio is getting in on the anti Deila act. Which i suppose you can at least partially blame on the lack of transfer activity this window for them to harp on about. The station is notorious for winding celtic fans up because they know we’ll bite.
Speaking of the transfer window, Sky Sports News is hilarious as they find correspondents all over Europe, ask them about possible moves for players to the EPL, and find that its not going to happen. Sooner or later an SSN presenter is going to say “Oh for fucks sake ” as they desperately try to find something to talk about.
They still have Harry Redknapp, I suppose.
John collins has hinted that Celtic will add to the squad this month, he was wheeled out-presumably to keep him away from the players-to tell the Daily Record , when asked about the title race;
“It may well do (go down to the wire). Our aim is to win it as quickly as possible, that would be the ideal scenario.
“We have a good squad and hopefully we will add to it this month and it will get even better. We have had bad injuries. As clubs you go through that and we have suffered with that.”
Injuries. We have certainly had more than our fair share. Charlie Mulgrew does still play for Celtic, despite not being seen for a while, although perhaps it would put our minds at rest if he stopped playing those dangerous games usually reserved for rock stars and hotel rooms.
No, I don’t know either, but what people do in their private time is entirely up to them. I guess what happens in the Canaries stays in the Canaries.
Perhaps they’d have been as well staying at home though, considering the high winds on the island;
Celtic have played an astonishing 34 games this season so far, so maybe a break is in order. Its just the timing thats worrying. Still, its a bugger getting a phone signal down there sometimes, so its possible all just a cunning plan to keep our top players away from agents and the like.
Though we hear our scouts aren’t having a break. The demand for a big striker has lead to talks with an un-named American.
Come to think of it, maybe its worth considering starting the season earlier, maybe in July, and bringing back the January break. We’d get good weather to watch the games in, the clubs would be better equipped for the early European start, and the fans wouldn’t have to pay for trips at what is traditionally the skintest time of year.
We mentioned that the players were reputedly not happy with the facilities over there, and it seems that there may have been something in it.
Apparently the pitches are great, but the drainage ditch next to them is creating a bit of an aroma, and upsetting the lads.
Hah, if he thinks it a little unpleasant there, wait until he stands in front of a few thousand Second Rangers fans. I suppose you could call it conditioning.
However, the management are on the ball, and have hired a local chap with the latest technology to get rid of the flies.
The Scotsman claims that Celtic are considering a bid for Gary Mackay Steven, now that it appears he will not renew his contract in the summer. United are reported to want £2m for the player, even though he will be out of contract at the end of the season, and can actually sign a pre contract with anyone he wants.
For nothing.
Although the Tannadice club have announcd a profit in these post Armagedon days, and don’t have to sell, they will take something rather than nothing. Sheffield united are also interested, so Mackay Steven won’t be in a rush to make up his mind. He’ll wait for a while, think about his options, and then decide what to do.
Kris Commons isn’t in Gran Canaria, so thats a cue for Bolton fans to get all excited;
The Voice of Bolton-which presumably sounds like Kirk from Coronation Street-says that the money from the English cup game with Liverpool will allow Neil Lennon to get his man, but they aren’t as optimistic as you would think, more a sort of clinging hopefulness comes through in the article.
Commons , of course, looked leaner and fitter in his return to the side against Kilmarnock, and maybe he , like Anthony Stokes, has finally bought into the Deila masterplan. If he has, maybe he’ll get the deal he wants.
Things are hotting up over at Ibrox. As expected, Robert Sarver has increased his bid;
Rangers International Football Club plc
(“Rangers”, “RIFC” or the “Company”)
Revised Proposal
The board of Rangers notes the announcement this morning by Robert Sarver of a revised proposal “Revised Proposal” which contains the following summary:
“The revised proposal involves investing up to GBP20 million for a majority shareholding by way of a placing of new ordinary shares in Rangers at 20 pence per share (“Placing”) followed, if the Placing is completed, by a mandatory offer for the remaining issued and to be issued ordinary share capital under Rule 9 of the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (“Code”) at 20 pence per share. As part of the revised proposal GBP6.5 million would be made available to Rangers in immediate short-term funding by way of a secured loan to be repaid in 90 days or out of the proceeds of the Placing.”
The Directors thank Mr Sarver for his continuing interest in Rangers. They are studying the Revised Proposal which was received last night, and are consulting with major shareholders, to understand whether the proposal is capable of being implemented. A further announcement will be made shortly.
So , he’s offered a bit more, and they are thinking about it.
Wait till he does his due diligence. Despite what he hears, summed up by Burt on twitter,
a glance through the books, and a bit of due diligence might make him think again.
Sarver has thanked the Ibrox hordes for their encouragement in his bid, though he was careful to admit he didn’t always get the “Scottish sense of humour “
Aye, I’ll bet. Remember this, from those witty scamps in the crowd ?
The best answer to yesterdays subbuteo pic was the team that beat Benfica. Gary Caldwells oversized head means it couldn’t be the Seville team. I’ve no idea what it is. I was hoping you might tell me.
Why’s Bertie so happy ?
It would be wrong not to mention the events in Paris yesterday, where journalists and cartoonists were gunned down in an attack on the offices of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. Thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.
Yesterdays Diary was a sarcastic look at censorship via the legal system in this country, and made a point about the threat of being dragged through the courts for saying ” the wrong thing ” . Legal action pales into insignificance compared to the tragedy yesterday.
Without doubt the press should remain free to lampoon who they want, without doubt they should not be bullied into censorship, and of course there must be condemnation of the murderers for their ruthless action yesterday.
Although the act was done in the name of Islam, the Qu’ran says that the murder of one man is equivalent to wiping out the whole of mankind, and the prophet himself suffered persecution, neither he, nor his companions felt the need to avenge themselves.
As ever, it appears those on the extreme fringes of religion are causing murder , mayhem and distrust. Quite what their aim was is beyond me. Surely we should simply respect each others faiths, and not try to impose our own on those outside it ?
What kind of world are we living in ?
In Scotland, of course, we can say what we want, and we can do what we want.
We have complete freedom of choice.
Sometimes.
Did somethin’ happen tae Resolution Time ?
Have reset it to appear later on…lunchtime is Diarys slot…Ralph was just running late
1970 – celtic have just reached their 2nd european cup final in 3 years having beaten the mighty & apparently unbeatable Leeds Utd in the semi final – pity it all went to rat shit thereafter!!
Thoughts & prayers with all those in Paris. A wonderful city.
“We had climbed the mountain ( by beating Leeds ) , but we fell over the molehill at the top. “ Billy McNeil post Feynoord defeat.
Was yesterday’s picture to do with the first strip that Celtic had to wear numbers on the back in Europe as before the numbers were only on the shorts?
My hopes for this window..
Out Permanently:
Zaluska Ambrose Kayal Bitton Balde Boerrigter Pukki Tonev Wakaso
In:
Darren Randolph -Out of Contract in Summer
Matt Mills- Bolton Solid CB With aerial threat on corners.
Would use Commons as dealmaker.
Stuart Armstrong CMF to replace Kayal
Mackay-Steven to replace the loan wingers
Peter Pawlett to replace Commons long term
If Guidetti fails to sign Contract buy Ciftci and fuck Guidetti off.
I’d be happy with that lot. both out and in.
I’d Keep Bitton but basically agree with the rest of your post!
Lol Bittons an okay player just a bit lightweight for my liking Monti.
He’s not the quickest across the turf either.
Lets buy players that play well against us.
We really are the new Rangers.
No Desi let’s buy players who have ability,have proven themselves decent in our League and are still young enough to be improved and developed further.
Mills is exactly what we need at CB he’s a no nonsense solid Defender who is also effective on corners at the other end..
So far we have created 157 Corners on the Domestic front and have scored 6 goals.
That needs addressing.
The rest of them have proven a cut above the rest in the SPFL we also need strengthening in these areas I feel.
The reasoning behind Bitton being punted I think he’s a lightweight in a 50/50 and as a DM you need to be putting the boot in at times.
Armstrong would be a much better partner for Brown in there I think both are mobile box to box players who are as happy tracking back as they are getting forward.
Can Mills walk a ball out from defence?
Thats the first requirement of a modern team, not a big carthorse. Reminds of Ramon Vega scoring 2 on his debut.
Could we develop these SPL players to fit a budget model that will see 3-400% return on investment to meet current economic demands? ( or do you have a good strategy to change current economic model?)
If you wish to have decent SPL players, expect nothing in Europe. Happy with that?
Desi,
Strategy to change our current economic model ? Yip,make sure we qualify for Champions League groups EVERY season.As of next season,there is an extra 8M,courtesy of BT.With the group’s being worth a potential 35M from next season onwards.
Mills does not need to walk a ball out of defence all he has to do is pass it 10 yards to someone who can.
What he can do is defend.
Which for a defender is the primary objective I should imagine?
Efe tries to do both and generally fucks it up now and again..which has cost us.
I think we need to find a balance in our approach otherwise we will ind ourselves getting further and further behind the rest in Europe.
Speculate a bit and try buy a few players who like Brown will stick around for more than 10 minutes.
Now zero debt bullshit mantra only serves one purpose…to maximise the percentages for those who have Invested for gain and not pleasure.
The approach has been counter productive in my opinion and we were a much better side with manageable debt than without.
Desi Mond,
The difference is we would be buying them with our own money, whilst paying our bills and taxes.
Charlie, as far as I am aware, he’s been told to sign a contract now or he wont play in the first team again.
Guidetti or Commons andy?
If it’s Guidetti then I can see the logic in that myself he has great potential but the fact is Ciftci is doing it week in week out just now and has given our defenders problems when he’s played.
I mean I’d rather we went and spent £5-6m on a Finnbogason but needs must under Lawwell and co I don’t think they will spend big.
If it’s Commons I would either let him run down his Contract or use him as bate for Mills.
Lenny could have Ambrose thrown in for good measure 😉
Guidetti.
Charlie, I have to side with Monti on this. Your thoughts on Bitton against Killie were correct, he was pulling out of tackles, particularly I recall a header just outside the Kilmarnock box in the second half. However to cast him out for a failing is harsh; his reading of the game is good, not only against SPL dross and he breaks up a lot of play. His passing is simpler granted, but more often than not reaches a Hoops player. His baws can hopefully be found, so I wouldn’t throw him out, but certainly that element of his game needs work.
It’s something I have noticed before Gerry if he’s going to be deployed as a DM he needs to be more assertive in the challenge I would rather we signed Armstrong to play alongside Brown and keep Mulgrew as backup.
Charlie,
Futile exercise,Lawwell at the start of the season,said,”our guys have looked at Scottish based players,and they are not good enough”
Unless there has been a change in thinking,don’t look for Spfl players.How Mackay-Steven,isn’t good enough,I’ll never know ?
I don’t listen to Peter Lawwell he’s a flannel merchant.
The man that said we don’t owe the Co-Op any money then produced a set of Accounts stating we currently owe them £14.4m.
Pete will get his Bonus as the ground empties that is all that matters to Pete and the rest of the Divid End Brigade.
Great,hilarious pics as usual.
Could Guidetti be holding his nose,due to Lawwell’s offer ? Rumour is,he is looking for 35k and the bold Peter won’t go higher than 22k.
This is what might be causing the stink!
Who is having a laugh with Mackay-Steven at 2M ?
Max 400k,or sign him on a pre-contract,he is a good player.
I liked Paolo,the player,until he started his shit! We used to sing this ditty,going to away games,on our supporters bus;
Sideburns and golden boots,
and he wears Armani suits,
he came down from Heaven,
to play number 7,
it’s Paolo di Caniooo
Imagine a club with Paolo the fascist as manager and snoop Dogg as majority shareholder or boardmember (or whatever position he apparently wanted).
Post lost in transit!
Found, retrieved and approved
Cheers,I like the approved!
See Mulgrew taking up his usual position, hidin behind Broony…. except for when Scotland played Ireland he played like an over zealous hun! Anyhoo
Hi
Id keep Biton, hes still a bit lightweight looking, but is a player. Efe I d keep for the squad, we are short of defenders and he can “play” at CB & RB.
Kayal Id drive to the airport, and would be not the least bothered if Derk, Pukki, Balde, Wakaso, Tonev left, and I ve never been tha crazy about Guidetti, he’s decent, but no more, so if he really wants £35k I d wish him luck getting it elsewhere – Scepovic hasnt been great but I d still give him more of a go – he got 24 goals in Spain’s second division last year, so clearly has some ability
Do we really need guys like Biton and Kayal? Would prefer to see guys like Henderson and McGregor break into the team. Would rather have a McGeouch than a Boerigter or Wakaso.
Who here thinks having umpteen youth teams has helped Celtic in the last Decade?
I don’t think we produce enough quality to justify the time effort and finances that go into having so many sides at youth Level?
I think if we streamlined our Development to an u19’s and reserve squad that would be far more cost effective myself.
Target players at other Clubs who are already
making the breakthrough and showing promise.
Pay theses Clubs accordingly.
This way the best talent comes to the best Club and we take them on from there.
We have a stupid amount of Coaches at Celtic..as well as a womens team that serves no purpose whatsoever as far as I can see?
I do, Forrest and Mulgrew both went through our youth system (Kennedy could still be playing if it wasn’t for injury). McGeady, Marshall, Bannan, Caldwell and McGlinchey are all current internationals.
I would rather we scrapped the the younger teams and concentrated all our efforts solely on Scouting and developing the older age Groups with a view to keeping them on and developing them further into Bona fide first team players.
I look at the players that have come out of other Clubs like Hamilton and Dundee United and wonder why it is we are missing out on these kids?
Perhaps if there was more of a chance of making it at Celtic with thee being less emphasis on numbers and more emphasis on quality these parents might be more inclined to head to our doorstep first?
Parents know there’s more chance their boy will stand out at a smaller Club.
But Isnt the problem between u19s and reserves making it into 1st team…seems they need to leave Celtic to go make it elsewhere at main level
You can only pick from what you have Desi and over the past 10 years there has not been that much to choose from worth shouting about.
I think if we were to streamline the entire Operation,keep the best coaches and scouts and allow them to focus on one main age Group we might not pick up so many who are not up to making it to the end goal.
Investing properly in this area will reap further rewards down the line I feel.
Ralph
Excellently balanced Diary today. Your ironic piece on freedom of speech yesterday was somewhat adversely prophetic. Tragic events in Paris and all our thoughts and prayers should be with those and theirs as well as for understanding why these people do what they do. Nothing funny about your words today “What kind of world are we living in ?”
As for the rest, it pales into insignificance not only in comparison but because it is difficult to find any worth while stories in any of it. We have heard the window fairytales a thousand times and speculated on who and who would not be a good buy. One thing I do know is that many a silver bullet in provincial clubs has turned out to be a dud when loaded into the big teams’ guns. I am never convinced about the real potential of so called talent at provincial Scottish clubs and that is from a man who would love to see all transfers remain “in house” nationally.
And so we reach the next phase in the roller-coaster of Sevco life savings. If it was human it would have been pronounced brain dead months ago. But when you look at the doctors in charge it is not difficult to decipher how reality easily becomes science fiction. Time to send them into a black hole some place and gie us a’ peace.
Yes sir, that was a night to remember. Charlton, Hunter, Lorimer, Bremner and Revie too, all bit the dust. Almost up there with Lisbon as I was physically present at both Leeds and Hampden.
H H
We’re you not present in St.Marys hall at our formation :-)?
I don’t understand how Lawwell can say Scottish players aren’t good enough?
They ARE good enough!!
We used to buy players from Stirling Albion ( John Colquhoun) Kilmarnock ( Davie Provan) Murdo Macleod ( Dumbarton) Andy Walker ( Motherwell)… Just a few players who graced the Hoops coming from Diddy teams.
There may not be the gems anymore that there used to be but we shouldn’t turn our nose up at our own market!
McGarvey McClair Johnston Rambo …Brown.
I totally agree Monti.
Were Gauld McCarthy and McArthur sub standard too?
We had McCarthy deal agreed…family left Peter Lawwells office with deal agreed…then Peter failed to follow up with signing..hes never confirmed why…tsk
McCarthy & McArthur deals were agreed but Tony Mowbraw didn’t fancy them – PL went with Mowbray’s decision.
Mowbray cost us a lot more than just a league.
This re-inforces the point that the manager has the final say in transfers / signings – so Balde, Pukki & Boerrigter were all approved by NL
Not quite!
Lawwell puts a lot of faith in Park’s
judgement.The fact he was going to make him Director of Football,at the start of the season,tells you this.
And what do they do?
Lenny also accepted his months of scouting reports,’re the above 3.
Did Lenny go and watch any of these players? NO.
So,Andy,your argument,is rather flawed,to say the least.
Finally,why did Lenny unexpectedly leave?
However made the decision not to sign james mc carthy would want to seriously question their judgement,he has proved with his displays with Ireland and everton he is a class player,he would be the ideal successor to brown and keep out of the team the substandard central midfield players in the squad I include mulgrew in this as he has been substandard all season and looks like he could’nt pass water,but on the other hand it is the manager who picks him to play there.