Ah, the immortal words of John Lennon, from his classic yuletide ditty, Merry Christmas, War is Over. The words are immortal, he isn’t, he’s still dead even after all these years.
But his music lives on, and perhpas this one more than any other.
Not many people know, however, that the tune was originally written with a view to being sung at Celtic Park, as Lennon realised his other ditty, sunday , bloody sunday, would one day be outlawed by Fergus McCann.
Oh, aye, big tim was Lennon. not one of those pretendy ones you see in the boardroom.
Need to be careful what I say here, it could upset other rock stars if they find out.
Oh, too late.
Not many know about the original lyrics, but we have a copy he asked us to keep , and to reveal at the appropriate time.
Which, of course, just happens to be today.
So this is Christmas, and what have they done ?
The first club is over, a new one just begun.
And so this is Christmas, I know you’ll have fun,
Cos they’ve been defeated, we’ve vanquished the hun.
A very Merry christmas, and a happy new year
Lets hope its a good one, with plenty to cheer
And so this is Christmas ( Gers are finished )
Now we have grown strong ( and they know it )
Now they are the poor ones ( Gers are finished )
The world no more wrong ( and they know it )
And so happy christmas (Gers are finished )
For Green and for White ( and they know it )
The maroon and the red ones (Gers are finished )
Thats the new fight! (now )
A very merry christmas, and a happy new year
Lets hope its a good one, with a treble to cheer.
Of course, when he gave it to the rest of the band at the famous abbey road sessions, the others didn’t like it, and McCartney wanted to work on the bloody turgid Let it Be, which would later mirror the attitude of the Scottish press to the years of cheating once it all came out.
Lennon quit the band in a huff, and re wrote it for the plastic ono band, where the new version continues to haunt seasonal shoppers, along with Jona Lewies crowd disperser Stop the Cavalry-pup a pup a dum dum -to this day.
Christmas eh ?
I’ve been busy this morning, so that i can work on tomorrows hangover as soon as possible, which is why the diary is a little late this morning.
I’ve done the “get something for the wife ” bit-something she might even like this time-and then rushed back to take the dog out.
We’re having a korean themed christmas this year, and you need to be on the ball with the cooking times.
Oh, and while I was out I saw the most hideous christmas sweater-ugh-I said to him, you need to lose some weight Billy.
Ach, I’m just trying to get into the Christmas spirit, like the Daily Express does every year;
I’m not a fan of this commercialisation of the real meaning of christmas, and so i turned to the traditional family values of the Daily Mail to get the true message;
I suppose I’d better mention the football.
We all know the usual, Ronny reckons that we’ll kick in for the run in to trophy time, Scott Brown says we’ll be fine and Craig Gordon backs the boss as well, so we’ll lkeave that aside for the moment, and hope the words turn into action when the hoops visit Tynecastle.
Speaking fo which, BGbhoy noted in the replies late last night that he had a couple of spares, and was offering them to the first caller.
If he gives them to regular contributors Monti and charlie saiz and makes them sit together bagsy I get the seat behind.
I’ll even get them to smile for the cameras.
So, we’ll leave the Ronny in, out, fish fiddler arguments aside.
Either we will win the league, or we won’t. Either we will win the Cup, or we won’t. Either we’ll win the league cup, or we won’t.
Theres none of us here who can alter the outcome, so we might as well just strap ourselves in for the ride.
But there is one interesting little bit of news, from the official website;
EARLIER this week our Celtic Soccer Academy announced yet another new partnership in the shape of the Junior Russia Football School.
This agreement further expands the Academy’s coaching footprint across the globe, with the Russians becoming the 21st country represented within our International Partnership Programme.
The Junior Russia Football School is one of the nation’s biggest, developing skills of young footballers between the ages of 3-10 years old across 64 cities.
The partnership will involve the sharing of club methodologies, coach education, coaching camps and it will also present the Junior Russia Football School with the opportunity to come to Glasgow and experience life as an Academy player here at Celtic.
They can also attend our renowned International Coaches Convention in Glasgow and receive a behind-the-scenes look at how we develop young players to achieve their full potential.
Ilya Shteblov, Partnership Development Manager at Junior Russia Football School, acclaimed the partnership stating: “Being connected with Celtic is a great honour for us but also a big responsibility.
“Celtic is a club with great history and we can’t wait to start teaching young football players in Russia to play the Celtic Way.”
Celtic Soccer Academy Manager Tony Massie added: “The confirmation of our partnership with the Junior Russia Football School is fantastic news for both parties.
“It’s great to have our first Russian partner on board and it will be exciting to develop what promises to be a very productive relationship. We look forward to working together on a number of successful initiatives over the coming years.”
Looks like we have identified Eastern Europe as our talent pool, Simunovic will be the start of the big names, which at 50p a letter, can only help with the balance books. (It’s the real reason we sold Ki. )
There is a plan taking shape, of that I am certain. But will it work ?
Anyhow, it is christmas, and if you are lucky enough to be around those who are imprtant to you, then make the most of it. Be nice, and you might find the next couple of days go down as the best of times.
And remember there are people worse off than you.
And it wouldn’t be fair to forget them.
Especially at this time of year;
‘If we played Barcelona tomorrow the fans would expect us
to win’, but Mark Warburton is relishing the responsibility
at Rangers
MARK WARBURTON knows the Ibrox atmosphere can inspire opposition when they face Rangers – but he reckons the Light Blue legions would expect Barcelona to be beaten if they arrived in Govan.
The 53-year-old has become accustomed to life in the Glasgow goldfish bowl in recent months as the spotlight has shone on him like never before in the game.
The visit of Hibernian on Monday is arguably the biggest challenge he has faced as Gers boss as the top two teams in the Championship go head-to-head.
And the former Brentford boss hopes the Ibrox crowd can play their part in helping his side to a crucial three points in the title race.
Warburton said: “When I first came here for the press conference I walked about Ibrox as I was shown around the stadium for the first time.
“All I could think about was: ‘If I was an opposing player coming here I would be playing on the best surface, in a magnificent stadium, to a packed Ibrox, not expecting to win. What a great combination’.
“It inspires the opposition. That is all I could think about. I couldn’t get it out of my head.
“Any team coming here, and they were saying in the last three or four years that certain teams came to Ibrox and we didn’t have the fear factor. You can see why.
“What have they got to lose? If they go away and get battered they say: ‘Well, we were expecting that anyway’.
“If not, people refer to it as having a free shot at it. Rangers have to deal with that.
“Our players have to deal with it. You have to be used to the expectation.
“One of the staff said to me: ‘If we played Barcelona tomorrow the fans would expect us to win’.
“That is a great analogy. It is a great example of the expectation on you here.
“You have got to deal with it, deal with being at a club with this magnificent history and restore the club to its former glories. That is what you have to do.”
Chris Jack, the author, is Senior Sports Writer at the Evening Times, and as he says on twitter
All his views are his own ?
You know, he probably believes that, as its will be what Level 5PR have told him to think.
He did publish an off message article once, but the PR men were on to him.. and it was soon put right..
And then, everything was alright…he was back towing the line..
Christmas capiton competition. Well, after some of the great replies yesterday, we should quit while we are ahead..
Nah. Lets roll with it,
Oh, bloody marvellous. Now I can’t find the puppy. and that snake I got my youngest for christmas looks like its got a tumour.
caption is that the new sons of strewth superstore
Caption: 5PR’s first step after gaining new contract.
Glib and Shamless Liar: “I have a detached Glasgow penthouse with reserved parking, with stunning views of the Glasgow skyline…”
Where is everyone? Anyways Happy Christmas to everyone especially Ralph. 🙂
In the words of Alex Ferguson, a vewwy mewwy Chwissmas to one and all, young and old, pro and anti-Ronny and a big thanks to Ralph and all the contributors and posters for keeping me entertained, pissed off and bemused all in the short space of a typical daily diary!
merry christmas to all you tims any lurking zombies kiss ma arse
wow everyone must be doing their last minute Christmas shopping today….eerily quiet Ralph, anyway i would like to wish all the Celtic fans around the world a very merry Christmas.
HAIL HAIL
Merry Christmas to all the Celtic supporters everywhere and a big thanks to the diary and contributors for all the laughs you give me. Off topic – Jim Craig said the other week that the “fullbacks should be defenders first”. They are too far up the field and need to be closer to the central defenders. This would stop all the breakaway goals we concede. I also agree with “jocsoc” about the wingers not getting to the byeline enough- this turns the opposition defence around which creates more chances. It’s not rocket science. Anyways a big thanks to the Diary.
Brilliant Iain I have thought this for years. Bobby Lennox got hundreds of goals by standing off the defenders and scoring from cut backs from the goal line mostly provided by JJ. Today people like Forrest want to cut inside instead of putting dangerous balls across the box from the bye line.They also do not create enough penalty decisions by getting into the box and giving defenders problems.☘☘☘
if jinky was here you could askim
Caption: Christmas Land has to move to new premises after letting rangers pay on credit.
Hope everyone has a merry Christmas.
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.
Bless ye one and all! Good health, peace and prosperity now and in the year(s) to come. Thanks to all who make this forum what it is: ‘lively’.
I’m away for a wee dram—a ‘wee sensation’ as my Hielan grannie used to say. At least I think that’s what she meant!
Have a great xmas all
Caption: Ibrox reopens after long overdue facelift.
Nollaig shona daoibh. Happy Christmas to you all.
king spouting it only took an hour to get ashleys 5 mil, more like 6 months, but hey it’s big bad dave
rumour is there are to many conditions on the repayment and big mike told them to blawum
Ralph, now I know you are a big John Lennon fan and after your piece on 8 December when the anniversary of the legend happened I see now you weren’t too keen on McCartney. Sorry Ralph, Macca is a legend as well and in my humble opinion Let it Be is one of the great anthems of all time. Happy Christmas to you and all Tims everywhere, God bless you one and all.
HH
Ralph
To you and all the ETims team, your kith and kin and to all those who read with or without comment, with or without vindictiveness or humour and above all to all missing puppies and bloated snakes – not a reference to any administrators, club, board or fans – A VERY HALE, HEARTY and most of all HAPPY AND PEACEFUL CHRISTMAS.
H H
Same to you from Bizkaia Basque Country,PB.
Evening E-Tims,
Would just like to thank Ralph and the rest of the E-Tims team for puting up with my rants, I realise I can be a bit raw but don’t take offense, if you knew me you wouldn’t.
Up until I had my Children, Celtic has been everything in my life and my passion has always spilled over, it’s in my blood and it’s in yours……I JUST WANT US TO DO WELL!
MERRY XMAS BHOYS…..COYBIG!
What about the rest of us Monti HaHaHa !! Happy Christmas☘☘☘
Happy Xmas to you and yours Dan!
monti are u a hun
Monti…I was one who complained to Ralph about personal abuse etc etc…..(none of which was directed at me I must add)he made a point about us all being adults and getting the fuck on with it and keepin it semi nice at least……anyway,have a nice Christmas tims everywhere and thank you very much E.TIMS for your hard work that keeps us all ….well some of us, up to nearly 3am on Christmas feckin eve…..where the fuck did my life go???HAIL HAIL…..TAL.
I wonder if the Celtic Soccer Academy Manager Tony Massie has a brother called Chris ?
He must love this time of the year !
Merry Christmas Bhoys and Ralph thanks for your fantastic input on the Diary .
” Those are not lights for a Christmas tree, that’s dark long Kesh son you’ll grow to see,
That Christmas cheer does not mean a thing,
In Magilligan, Armagh or an H – Block wing”!
http://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?&id=OIP.M077e8ba08d6197708bf3e718113b2cd2H0&w=300&h=224&c=0&pid=1.9&rs=0&p=0
Merry Christmas one and all take it away Christie..
https://youtu.be/FwXBtmRTsFs
Fair play Charlie,nice one.Adh mor.
slàinte
Caption…..sevco season tickets 16/17 on sale now……barça home and away included………fuck this patxaran is lethal-hic.
To the hymn noel
Lawell lawell lawell lawell
Weve got nir bilton from israel
Brown is mising cos hes no well
No well no well no well no well
Lets spend some money you tightarse
Lawell
Just a guy for defence please no more pretence
And a holding midfielder it would make plain
Sense
Get a partner for leigh not a dud on a free
And we will snap up the treble and make europe easy
Lawell lawell lawell lawell
Weve got nir bilton from israel
Merry xmas fellow fenian bassas
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!
Last thing I did before I went to bed last night ( apart from checking the doors and puting the lights out), was watch the Stilian Petrov tribute match……
If anyone can watch that without shedding a tear, let me know.
God bless you Stan!
God bless Tommy Burns. Hail Hail to Tims everywhere.
Merry xmas my fellow tims another great year of the diary, life would be pretty dull without the daily dose of opinion & banter.
And all our thoughts to Tom Campbell who is undergoing major surgery in Canada. You’ve all probably read some of Tom’s books about Celtic.
Warm wishes and good luck, Tom Campbell and family. Sorry, but I just couldn’t keep off the forum on Christmas day! Celtic means a lot to me.
Merry Christmas Bhoys! Especially Charlie Saiz and Monti. I’ve noticed that for Christmas we are serving up mind – games and supposed pressure hopefully our defense are not feeling any of this pressure on the 27th.
Has anyone heard how Tom Campbell’s operation went?
Hope everything went well Tom!! HH
Merry Christmas everyone. 🙂
Merry Christmas Jim!
Monti, I think we will hump Hearts 0-4 on Sunday, we are in a bad mood!
I wish I shared your optimism I suspect more like 2-5. Still not convinced with our CBs
Jim,
I’d just take the win!
2-2. Sheep dropped two points. I see the MIBs have a new script: award Aberdeen a penalty in the last minute. This has happened many times this season and two games in a row and it’s bloody suspicious. C’mon the Celtic tomorrow. Hail, hail.
Perhaps the MIB have some kind of motivation to keep the appearance of a competitive league, you know…. who pays them? Who pays those guys? Why do they get paid etc. Don’t get me wrong I do not condone it in anyway.
i see milne got his payback fur his outburst last week fae the scum today never worry we are all ronny and the bhoys COYBIG
Good luck to the hoops tomorrow against the wee filthy stinking scumbag huns
HH
Wulz,
Hope we are right up for this….
god bless ronny d the gut who is trying his best for the hoops ime proud ae hm COYBIG
The Rebel tunes are on….
Let’s get ripped intae these Hun scum Tomorrow….
And they won’t be marching down Garvaghy Road.
HH
Dear Ronny,
I am sick of hearing how good other teams are and how good our team is going to be. Our team is hands down the best in Scotland! Get a grip Ronny you need to change the tense of your language and choose your words more carefully. Tell the other teams they have potential and are improving, then tell our team they are the best today! Let them improve Monday and Tuesday. You are undermining our teams abilities while bigging up theirs! Furious!
Ivan Močinić footage the DM we are having a look at apparently?
Looks very comfortable on the ball,reads the game well and can certainly pick a pass.
https://youtu.be/n7D6k4ohp_I
Anyone can look good in a few minute clips
This is true though the fact he is 22 has 127 games under his belt and is Captain of his side suggest he might just have more than a few minutes of You Tube clips to offer?
Rafael Shite looked good in a five minute compilation. He could be a top player but i’m not going to judge as I prefer to see full games.
And we need to see how they react when they and their team isn’t playing well.
He’s 22 Captains his side and has just under 130 games under his belt.
The video shows he has good technical ability,can tackle,can pick a defence splitting pass and can read a game.