Right, let’s get the April fools joke out of the way first…
There. Better now ?
It will save you the bother of reading through this nonsense trying to work out which bit I’ve made up.
And it means I can confidently move on to the story about the merger with Oxford united, which a drunk guy told us you will be hearing much more about soon.
But there’s more important things to discuss than that, of which details are sketchy, but if Celtic don’t get a result over the resolution 12 issue, then there is a plan B.
Celtic resume league action tomorrow with Hearts coming to town, fortunately for their support it coincides with giro week ( how old are you? -ed ) so their numbers are expected to hit double figures, and you know what ?
I’ve got a good feeling about this game, so much so that i’ll be getting up before the sun does to leap enthusiastically into the tarrier carrier, with a song on my lips and a poem in my heart, to storm up the highways and byways of the country, to gaze lovingly upon the side as they return to the total football of just twelve months ago.
And I will make it into the ground this time.
Speaking of driving, the bloody police pulled me over the other day, and this jobsworth fourteen year old pointed out that the car was weaving from side to side quite erratically…
” I’ve had a fair bit to drink, ten, maybe twelve beers ” I explained
“Thats still no excuse to let your wife drive , sir ” he said.
Thats the misogyny out the way, tomorrow we’ll have a go at immigrants.
Thats if there is a diary tomorrow, as the tarrier carrier will be about an hour before I usually get in on a Friday night.
Seriously, tomorrow Celtic will show everyone what they are capable, and we’ll be left wondering what all the fuss was about.
And here’s why…
Craig Gordon, who had a decent game for Scotland in the week, will take his place between the sticks, as an example of how players at his former club could improve themselves if they work hard and show willingness to learn. They will be too overawed by the sight of someone who has gone on to great things from such a humble beginning as theirs, and will be far too respectful to try any nonsense such as a shoit on goal. So much in awe is gordon held at Tynecastle, that manager Robbie Neilsen tried to get him in before he joined Celtic;
I spoke to him before he went to Celtic because I knew he had issues and he was looking for a club and he was one I would have been delighted to get in,But he had the opportunity to go there. It was a chance to play Champions League football which is understandable
Er, and Premier League football, at the time.
At full back Mikael Lustig will zip up and down the touchline, supporting the forwards yet racing back to nullify any threat down the Hearts left, and over on our left , Keiran tierney will do exactly the same, the two full backs so much in synchronisation that anyone watching will feel sure that the perfect symmetry is actually a trick of the light, and there’s a mirror cunningly placed to achieve this effect.
Erik Svaitchaneko and the ageless Charlie mulgrew will post “No Admittance ” signs in the centre of the defence, using a combination of power, pace and sublety to keep one step ahead of any foraging raids by the Hearts front line.
Scott Brown, now considering going into the world of financial advice on a full time basis after he quits the game…
will adopt his customary role, cajoling and caressing the other players into a performance above their own limits, ably supported by the strength and grace of Nir Biton.
With Patrick Roberts direct running out wide getting to the byline on one side, and Gary Mackay Steven on the other, the evergreen Kris commons could pull the strings, scratch backs and fiddle with knobs in the pivotal number ten role, whilst offering accurate and powerful long range efforts should give that extra option of hearts retreat into their shell to limit the damage.
Wow! all that and Leigh Griffiths too, restored to his solo part up front which has him at his lethal best against the team which it can be fair to say is not one of his favourites.
The Edinburgh side might be proud of the numbers of fans making the arduous trip into civilisation, but the Celtic fans will be even prouder of their side notching up a historic and memorable double figure rout of the Jambos, and doing whilst whilst playing pure, inventive and beautiful football.
Look, the April fool is at the top of the page.
Hearts are going to get a tanking.
We need a good game from Biton anyway, as he’s already decided what he wants to do with his life…
If I got an offer to play in a team in England who were at the bottom of the table, it would be better for me to stay at Celtic, That style of play wouldn’t suit me. But no player from Israel could say no to Arsenal, it doesn’t matter if I would just be sitting on the bench or not.”
Now thats ambition… but you do get the feeling it was a planted question, probably by his agent.
Oh ho, the PR guy has woken from his slumber. A staement from Celtic yesterday outlined the clubs displeasure at misrepresentation in the press, as it appears they feel that Celtic is always the one being picked on by the papers. It only took around 125 years to notice it, then.
IN response to articles which have appeared today in mainstream media regarding a Scottish Government Consultation, Celtic today made the following statement:
‘The SPFL, which has made a submission on this matter, speaks for and represents all 42 professional football clubs in Scotland, so we would question the motivation of media reports which seem to single out and misrepresent Celtic Football Club on this issue.
Celtic has been open and transparent in taking part in this consultation process.
In the same way that Celtic has continually challenged inappropriate and unworkable Government legislation being used in areas such as the Offensive Behaviour Act, we see no reason why legislation should be imposed on football clubs over this particular matter.
Celtic’s supporters are the lifeblood of the Club. We already enjoy very close, regular and meaningful liaison with our supporters through various means and in fact, as we stated in our submission, we positively encourage supporter involvement and engagement.’
The OBF act is in danger of being deflected away by the other nonsense going on in Scottish football, such as cheating, tax dodging, corruption and the Authorities answer to BBC’s the Two Ronnies-or the No Ronnies as they are now referred to-
Or are they more a sort of Morecambe and Wise ?
No.
Wise is not a word that springs readily to mind when discussing Regan and Doncaster.
It’s important not to let the Offensive Behaviour Act go without comment and protest. It is unjust, it is discriminatory and must be repealed.
so, in that respect, it’s great to hear the clubs views on it publicly, and well done to all involved.
Now, about Resolution 12….
As its April fools Day, I’ve decided to have a look around at some of the more amusing attempts by the jolly japesters in the press, and I can’t find one better than this, from shortly to be skint Record columnist Barry Ferguson..
“….I don’t buy into this stuff about Celtic fans not wanting Rangers back. Any Celtic fan I’ve spoken to about it can’t wait to get it on again.”
Oh, and can I take a moment to apologise to any of those victims of the EBT scandal named in yesterdays Diary, which also featured estimates of how much money they may owe ?
You see, I was wrong. I’d forgotten all about late payment penalties, interest and all sorts of other little bits in the small print.
So it could be much more…
Mind you, I think they’ve found a winner to swell the coffers of the new club, as it battles manfully to avoid the words “Ibrox “and “liquidation” becoming financial synonyms..
Anyway, Brian, not the Messiah won yesterdays caption competiton as well, and here are the two he put forward from the last two days..
So, today, the rest of you need to step up to the plate and knock him off his pedestal, while I sit here mixing my metaphors.
Okay, there is so much potential here…
Oh, you’ll never believe who I saw at the petrol station yesterday. That bloke out of that movie-the human torch guy.
I tried to get his autograph but he just kept rolling around screaming.
Caption: Brian found by using facial recognition being, knocked of his pedestal and taken away by the other etims caption competition contestants with Monti clapping in agreement
Btw, I’m going for 10 in a row
Watch out for honest mistakes if you get to 5.
ralph fuck it ile even take an honest mistake ha ha
Ha. Ha. Ralphy, very good.
Caption,Charlie Mulgrew, arrested for impersonating a fitba player.
Celtic need supporter involvement,with people like the Res.12 guys discussing supporters issues,perhaps that way we would not feel so alienated.
Saw a great prog. on BBC4 last night The Treasures of Ireland, it showed Edward Carsons involvement,suprisingly in the returning of The Broighter Hoard to Dublins Museam and King Billys gauntlet from the Battle of the Boyne,even more illuminating was the fact that he was backed by the Papacy against King Louis of France,well i never shockeroony.
And his horse wasnt white. That was taken from a painting of someone else. Lots of innacuracies there.
Common then Raymobhoy,spill the beans,tell us what the other innacuracies were,i would be interested to know?
The Vatican bells rang out when news of the victory of the boyne was received. Of course the battle was fought on the 1st of July and not the 12th
He never crossed the boyne on his horse it would have been too dangerous.
The pope had supported William as he was fearful of France gaining all of Europe,and in effect forming a new church away from the mother church.
The battle for the pope wasn’t about Irish independence or getting a Catholic King back in Britain, but stopping France.
James was the cousin of Louis so he could call on the French Calvary, who were superb in the battle,ensuring a safe retreat by the Jacobites,even when it looked as if they would be cut off. He was also Williams father in law.
Probably the reason why he survived and was able to sneak away.
James had been courageous in war before,but he was in his fifties now and had dementia,he fled the battlefield in a panic,and even before the safe retreat of his army.
The Irish never forgave him and called him a shite.
The biggest loss to the Jacobites came on the 12th of July, but in Galway. Not the boyne.
Jimmybee,
That is very interesting! I did not know about the Galway battle, nor the dementia issue for Jimmy. The PR wing of History tends to focus on the 45-46 uprising and glamour boy, Charlie.
Rebus
History tends to be written by the winners hence why the history books are full of shall we say crap?
Yes Rebus,
If memory serves me right the battle of Aughrim a village in County Galway on the 12th of July 1691
This was celebrated by the loyalist Protestant community before the orange order formed and celebrated the boyne.
Once again like most of the Jacobite battles.
Poor planning and some bad luck paid the way for defeat.
They had French muskets but the reserve ammunition was British,and wouldn’t fit into the muskets. The battle changed when the leader of the Calvary can’t remember his name now,but a French general,just as he ordered the charge a cannonball blew him up! His infantry got defllated and simply lost their way.
On the flank the williamite forces managed to break through,the Jacobite leader in reserve on the flank retreated as he was on the paybills of the williamite forces. He was later executed at Dublin.
7.000 men lost their life’s in that battle compared to about 2.000 at the boyne.
Sarsfield managed to hold out till the Autumn but surrendered at Limerick.
The Protestant community saluted that victory more as they saw the boyne as an easy victory,whilst this was as bloody and heroic as it could get,against a fine enemy.
Again Rebus a long while since I sat my history lessons so maybe i might be wrong lol
Dementia for me too as I’m in my late fifties now
Jimmybee, thanks for that mate,very much appreciated.My own Historical interest focused on the first world war and i am ashamed to say the Boyne and other Irish historical Battles i have neglected.
For many, many years i was an avid reader,but somehow lost my appetite for reading,your narrative might have rekindled my appetite again.
Cheers Jimmy.
Right! I assume my earlier posting has vanished. Here is a summary. If the OU negotiations are true and have been on-going then there is your reason for the club’s stance on Res 12. No FA would welcome a club that was in the process of destroying its FA….nor would UEFA grant approval for a switch under those circumstances.
Rebus
caption ebt recipient tries to escape over the erskine bridge
Ha.Ha. Charlie that was pure dead brilliant,(anything to beat that wee feckin Brian or his 3pals)
mike why thank you kind sir but its not the winning that matters its the taking part says a guy hoos never fuckin won it ralph
Charlie that was feckin brilliant,oh did i say that before,HA.HA.
BTW put £100 into the kitty tonight for the Bhoys in the van,they clearly, clearly recognize talent,i will settle up with choo later,i will take it oot of ma pension,wait a minuete that is ma feckin pension,disregard the above.HA HA.
mike we will drink to your health wealth and happiness mate but ime no sure 100 will cover it they are a buncha greedy bastards
The Drunkan Bampots.he.he.
Caption: lee griffiths gets arrested for being Celtic’s top scorer the day before the cup semi final against (can’t remember the name? Some new club I heard)
Caption: “Devoy is convinced he can fly but his carers are not convinced…back to the ‘care facility…”
Caption: “I really am Paul Hartley, honest…”
Caption: “Dynamo the magician hired as Celtic midfield maestro. Here he demonstrates his aerial skills…”
Paul Hartley, despite his prodtestations, is brought to Ibrox to manage 4 year old club.
Ralph gets huckled trying to get back to Dunoon
is it just me or do the recent pictures of mc cann and souness suggest weight loss maybe they are worried about something
Caption:
Nadir Ciftci get’s lifted in Dover after walking across the Channel declaring “fuck Griffiths and Fuck Deila I am the Messiah”
Caption:
Mike is talked into not jumping off the Tay bridge, a 7p hike on the price of a Peh was too much for our Dundonian friend!
Ken.
Caption,
Monti, is arrested for trooser tenting in Dunoon,which as everyone kens is the capitol of Bonny Dundee.
There he goes walkin doon the street, hes the bonniest baby,you could ever meet.
Oh hello sailor,di ye fancy a guid time?let me show ye a guid time.The minuet he walks doon the street,hes well ye ken the rest.
Wee question Ralph. I’m curious to know the real story behind that photo, what was it about?
Whats it all about Ralphy?
Without true love we just exist,whats it all about when you shout it out Ralphy.
Turkish prime minister rrscuing s jumper
Great bit of PR that, we should hire their team for Celtic
The moment the wee hijacker guy with the suicide belt gets huckled and said that he only wanted a ticket to see the CELTIC hump that Hun Mob .
Caption : the English could never get the hang of the eight some reel.
Hehehe cracker, that gets my vote!!!!!
Well said Hugh67, that gets ma vote also,anything to stop 10 in a row.
back to the real business tomorrow gentlemen, nothing more than a convincing victory will do, it will be interesting to see what team RD goes with, I would go with
CG
LUSTIG rb
ERIC
CHARLIE
KT lb
BROWN, BITON
JOHANSEN
ROBERTS, JAMSIE AND LG
no matter who he goes with, we need spirit, heart, desire, a pride in the jersey and 40,000 tims cheering them on, we all have our part to play, fucking into the cousins of William, if you cant fuck the huns, fuck the hertz
HH
As you have gone with Roberts and Jamesie are you suggesting playing them inverted or as traditional wingers?
i see the court of session has thrown out a complaint by the rst about jim spence writing that deadco recieved an unfair sporting advantage by using the tax system it did
a qc is quoted that they did recieve an advantage, so will we see the titles stripped on monday morning?
shove the semi final right up there backside!!
Ralph,
That was one of your best diaries! A mix of humour and pithy facts on serious issues…excellent stuff! I hope you keep copies so that in later years you can admire it.
That letter is so damning! In my mind, there is now no doubt that criminal charges await in the near future…probably after the final ruling on the Big Tax Case. I suspect this is only the tip of the berg.
I look forward to more on OU. Let me throw out a few “supposings”. Remember I suggested that there must be something that we did not know that was causing the club to maintain silence on the Res? Suppose the club had gone after the SFA with all guns blazing…..It would be a protracted affair. How sympathetic would the media be to the club as this was happening? Meanwhile, Celtic are quietly negotiating with OU, the English associations, and UEFA to make a shift. How sympathetically are other football associations going to be to an applicant that is tearing its own association apart? I am sure they would find a way to deep six the application, and they have lots of options to do so. There is the possible reason for the Club’s stance on the Res! Any public utterance on the issue would be tantamount to shoting themselves in the footsie…bye, bye, the moving strategy.
Alternatively, think of the bomb…..No it hasn’t gone away! People have just found other ways to kill one another at the moment. Back to the bomb……..the real cleverness of da bomba is that it is there, waiting to be used. You don’t want to use it, but you can let your finger hover over the button and cause change.
Now any Board that had devised a strategy like that would either brilliant, or have a CEO called Rebus the deluded.
Think on it,
Rebus
I thought this was lost and I summarised it earlier above!
Rebus
I just dropped a large piece of tripe from a great height onto this blog, only for it to be covered by the shield of an invisible cloak!
Hope it appears since I foolishly did not type it out on Word first! Never again!
Oh, anyone know anything about wireless extenders for my LAN. Are they any good? Which are the best?
Rebus
Some wireless extenders are great. I use the power option using the electric cables in your house. I used to use an old 802.11n router and flashed it with DD-WRT. Depends on your technical experience.
Rebus,sorry to hear about your missing post,i am sure their is
a huge recycling plant somewhere above the earth.
I have heard that if you tie string round your lamb,it willny go very far,either that or a pair of suspenders will do the trick,i prefer the Desperate Dan kind maself.
Mike,
Suspenders have had a bad wrap, especially when worn by men……..on second thoughts they seem to be acceptable amongst certain elements of the Tory party!
I Thought of saying that I needed an extender for the bedroom because, at the moment, it was a deadzone. However, the male animal in me said don’t do it!
Rebus
Ha.Ha, Rebus well said, but on second thoughts,please dont rule out the extender in the bedroom just yet.Medical Science
is continually coming up(if you pardon the expression)with new and varied treatments for same.
My latest experiment contains,the liver of lamb and sheeps poo.I will let you know how it goes.
If that disny work then im fecked,or not as the case in point.
Caption: Police Scotland make first arrest as part of the new Offensive Ventriloquism Act .
Very subtle Sammy,like it a lot.
Celtic tomorrow after two draws against them we really need to turn it on. 532 The blessed Martin way.
Gordon Boyata Eric Mulgrew
Lustig right wing back. Izzy left wing back
Brown centre defensive midfielder.
Forrest right mid. Johansen Centre mid Roberts Left mid.
Commons.
Griffiths.
Lustig and Jamesy doubling up on the right Izzy and Roberts on the left. Tons of room for commons and Griffiths to do serious damage.
But Ronnie will stick rigid so the slow play of Bitton Brown Armstrong etc sideway passes will maybe get us a 1-0 .
But here’s hoping for a 3-0 or 4-0 time to put our marker on this title race.
Lustig, Erik the Viking, Line of Charlie, Prince Tierney
Broony, Wee Mac (Covering wide against counter)
Robert’s (cutting in from the right),
Rogic #10 (holding up ball & quick switch play)
GMS (pulling the defense out left, 2 byline)
Griff
Ronny has called this a 4-3-3, but we know that it’s pretty much a 4-2-3-1 with the players filling different roles.
3 – 1 victory, but if we play 2x inverted wingers we are stuffed and will be lucky to win.
Caption:
These suited gentlemen insist the bearded Marco Negri fulfils his squash fixture against Sergio Porrini!
Eye, eye….
EEEHHHHHH wtf,he has popped up from nowhere,took you a while to think that yin up,ya wee daftie.I still get it though,maist willny.
Hello, is it me your lookin for,i can see it in your eyes,
i can see it with your pain,is the sun gonny shine,or is gonny feckin rain.
HO Dixie Dixie,Dixie Dixie Dixie Deans.
Island Island in the sun,Mikey 7 monti 1.
…all the Dundonians laugh and sing because their Giro arrived in time.
Oh Fintry in the sun, Monti 7 Mikey 1, think I’ll hae a stroll by the Tay, fuck it, I might hae a peh tae….Ken. 🙂
‘mon the Hoops today, tore right intae the scum from Gorgi…
Ooh Aah….
Im HAPPY,HAPPY,Montinegro,
Cos the sun has got its hat on Hip,Hip, Hooray,the sun has got its hat on and its coming oot tae play.
Mikey 7 Monti i.
Island, Island in the sun, Mikey 7 Monti 1.
OH DIXIE DIXIE,DIXIE DIXIE DIXIE DEANS.
Caption,
Paul Murray attempts suicide,cos hes just discovered hes going bald.
Caption, Houdini Bhoy is escorted from the bridge after another series of death defying stunts.
Muffled voice from under the bridge,Help, Help, let me oot.im still in the suitcase ya daftie,Help, Help.
Caption. Ronny’s enforcers finally traack down Charlie Mulgrew after his injury caused him to storm off the field.
Right third time lucky,Caption, Houdini Bhoy is arrested after completing another series of death defying stunts.
Muffled voice from a suitcase, dangling under the bridge,
Help, Help, let me oot,Help, Help.
Caption I’m telling ya its the magic hat that did it
Says dynamo after his gig.
Celtic 4 Hearts 1
Griffiths 3
Commons
Ambrose o.g.
Celtic 2 Hearts 0
Kidd 2
Caption:
Nacho Novo is huckled away after trying to steal giant canvas of “Fishin Boat in Rothesay Bay” painted by celebrated local Artist Billy want tae buy a pikchur Van Eyck
Reporter’s notes
When the former Celtic striker Craig Beattie smashed the ball past Fraser Forster in the Scottish Cup semi-final almost exactly four years ago and embarked on his famous topless celebration in front of the delirious Hearts fans, little did those supporters know just how long it would be before they would celebrate another win against the Glasgow side
bbc website,snippet from match preview,fuck me pink,apart from makin no fuckin sense at all,if it did ,but it doesn’t…..where’s the fuckin relevance???…..good morning fholks from a warm and sunny Euskal Herria…..sorry about the negativity but these fuckwads do my head in……enjoy the game and the weekend .Slainte…….Mike its fuckin glorious over here.haha haha.
Basque,get a grip of yerself, ya wee Bassa,oh Mike its fuckin glorious over here.
Well Basque its even better over here,cos
The sun has got its hat on Hip,Hip, Hooray,the Tic have played just brilliant and im gonny have ma tay.
Have a Happy Hoopy Weekend Basque Baby.
xxx.
WHOOAAAHHH, the sun would melt you today,what is it 30 in the shade,i will need to go indoors for a lie doon omg its so very, very warm.
He.He.
CELTIC (4-2-3-1) Gordon; Lustig, Sviatchenko, Boyata, Tierney; Brown, Johansen; Roberts, Rogic, Mackay-Steven; Griffiths.
Subs: Fasan, Ambrose, Bitton, Commons, McGregor, Kazim-Richards, Forrest
Broony is very poor in possession and defending his back 4 cracking game though no way will this finish with 11 v 11. Broony I think odds on to be sent off. I would sub him at half time.
I would love to see Broonys pass success rate… He was AWOL today.
HH
Just leaving the ground now great 3 points
Atmosphere brilliant today.
Coybig Hail Hail
jimmybee
Great to read this. Such a positive.
And while I am at it here’s to the caption nonsense
“Mr. White, Mr. Blue and Mr. Orange pull of another King con by grabbing one more high flyer out of thin air right in front of the noses of Police Scotland while Doncaster and Regan see no evil in the background”.
H H
Good team performance against the ‘kick anything in green and get away with it” Roberts demonstrated how to be calm in front of goal, hope we can sign him permantetly….
You know that’s not happening right? The only reason we got him is because they felt bad for shafting us 3x.
The game is closing out as the Hearts LB is sent off to make it look as if the Ref is even handed.
A very good test for Celtic after losing the first goal against a strong Hearts team.
It could have gone either way in the first half but Celtic went in 2-1 up due to GMS and Roberts. A quick goal in the second half killed Hearts as Celtic thereafter throttled the game, playing rope a dope. Hearts had lots of possession in the second half but rarely threatened. When they did Gordon was there to save.
Specific observations:
On this performance Brown should not start. He has lost a yard and his tackles are often late.His timing seems to have gone, but do we have that can replace him.
KT is excellent and no flash in the pan.
GMS seems a bit stronger and not as easily brushed off the ball. His defensive work has improved. However, he is in and out of the game.
Roberts was electric and his two goals were a contrast. One a chip over the goalie; the other a thundering shot into the corner from an angle.
For the first 20 minutes Hearts had control of the midfield and could have won the game then. Their manager clearly has a plan and that was hitting the ball behind Celtic who struggled. Dont want to be impressed by Neilson but he is a good manager.
Rogic was clearly in trouble and should not have been allowed to continue. He did not know if it was Thurso or Thursday.
The game was a classic exercise in how a ref can influence a game. His bias was naked, so much so that he nearly lost control of the game when Rogic was head butted.
A good win for the Bhoys with Roberts providing the class.
Rebus
Crafted a match report but got a duplicate post message twice. I guess it has gone.
It’s no fair.
Rebus
Well, must say I’m very happy with that today and thanks to Hearts (FC, not their fans) for making it a real good end-to-end scrap (until young ‘Paddy’ scored our 3rd).
3 great goals in response to their opener, so onwards and upwards to 5-in-a-row. Don’t want to lower the tone but hope we play GMS and ‘Paddy’ when we shred the hun tribute act in a fortnight.
HH
PS To prove I’m a supporter of equal rights, my wife has asked me to include a very short video link. Volume up, enjoy. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAf6wW0Bzc0
PPS I’ve given Boyata some (deserved) stick but he showed some promise today. Probably his best game in the Hoops. Ah, it’s just grand to be a Tim.
COYBIG
Vinnie, i want one of those mobile fridges,my, my, your poor wifie,you need to diet.
HaHa, I’ll see if I can get you a good deal on the fridge but it’s the voice and charm that really make it work. 🙂
BTW, it’s not me in the vid, it’s my, er, ‘big’ brother. (Smooth fucker, he is.)
What a difference a decent performance from the Bhoys makes to life. Cheers, Mike.
HH
Cheers Vinnie, enjoy the rest of the weekend.
H.H.
Welcome back Celtic,where have you been hiding?Get Tom Rogic signed asap.
Cellic played with skill,determination and fight,just what we wanted.
Paddy Roberts,star of the sea,pray for the Wanderer and pray for wee MONTEE.HE.HE.
H A P P Y,H A P P Y,H A P P Y.
Good to see all 3 goals coming from both wingers coming inside.
It was also seem that there is no reliance on Griffiths scoring the goals.
Some might say Deila might actually know what he’s doing…though obviously Chris Mutton would disagree 😉
Charlie Saiz, While I have not seen all goals I did see Patrick Roberts’ first and will watch the full replay later on. Of that I goal I noticed the following Roberts was sitting inside about 2 yards from Leigh Griffiths. Tom Rogic was providing the width on this occasion battling on the right. Leigh looked round and saw Patrick basically sitting on his shoulder he dated towards the corner flag dragging a defender with him, opening up the space that Roberts ran into. The pass was perfect. This goal was created not by an inverted winger cutting in, but rather by tenacity, creativity and an off the ball maturity that Leigh Griffiths has been growing into over the this season. Not taking anything away from Roberts he did strike and place the ball well.
Uralias, that pretty much summed up that goal,Rogics determination to win the ball and his majestic pass,superby weighted,Griff creating the opening and Roberts finish.
Majic.
Goal 1 both Mackay Stevens and Johansen are obviously instructed to hold a position either side of the D at the edge of the box on corners.
That’s been worked on in training.
The second goal you will notice Mackay Stevens comes into support Roberts as he enters the box Griffiths has gone out to take the pass it;s Rogic who’s spotted the run by Roberts who of course puts it in with a sublime finish.
The 3rd is again a result of ROberts cutting in note again Mackay Stevens has made his way almost into an identical position in line with the left hand post.
It’s no coincidence they kept doing this the movement by the front 4 today was excellent I thought and ey much the way Deila has insisted we set up and play.
The only draw back for me was Brown again he was very poor today again and now beginning to look like a shadow of the player he was say 3/4 seasons ago.
We could be witnessing his decline now I think and it may be time to start looking for his replacement.
Todays Goals
https://streamable.com/nrud
Agree Charlie, its just taken a bit longer to sort out this season.Rogic has good feet and a physicality about him and with a good reading of the game as well as a good shot. Roberts is very calm in front of goal and plays like an old fashioned winger,he hugs the touchline and gives us width.GMS for me has been v.g.he has a good shot although could fight harder to retain the ball,but everything considered has been equel or a better buy than Armstrong,although to be fair on him is never an outside left.
@Mike I actually thought we brought Armstrong in to play in DM role but for Stokes lack of application I still believe this was the plan.
He’s is better through the middle therre is no doubting that and provided GM-S can find more form he may still end up in there.
Thought Johansen looked much improved today plenty of movement and energy.
Charlie,Armstrong no doubt about through the middle but i never saw him as a defensive mid.cannot tackle and with not much pace,i still think he is better in the no 10 role but truth be told,there is so much competition their that i am not sure where he fits in,good player though no doubt but back problems not helping him.Squad player at present,i still think a lot of the squad will move on in the summer,poss. as much as 7.
Charlie Saiz, I agree on some fronts, the 3rd is a result of Roberts cutting in undeniably. In fact you could argue the 2nd had Rogic cutting in… I still stand by what I said that Griff realized he and Roberts were too close to each other and opted to run wide pulling a defender with him. Bringing GMS into the mix claiming he cut in is a bit of a stretch as it is his job to attack the far post and the cutting in of a wide player does not normally refer to them doing so off-the-ball.
I have emailed a lot of trips to Ralph with reference to this game hopefully he gets a chance to upload it soon.
Tripe I meant Tripe.
Charlie Saiz, Do you recall a couple of weeks ago I spoke of Germany and Nigeria? Well I mention it in my piece without examples. Hearts did not Park the bus today therfore I don’t think it would have mattered even if Ronny had opted for 2x inverted wingers.
Well that’s the grandson home a very happy bhoy.
A great game to be at today.
Hearts gave it all they had,and it was actually great to be at a game,where teams have a go.
Their system worked really well in the first half and at least should have been level at half time. Our 3rd goal was very important and knocked the stuffing out them.
It also allowed our players to calm down a bit.
Lustig gets involved in a lot of nonsense,and he needs to concentrate on his own game as he and broony are the weakest link at the moment.
But no need for negatives tonight.
Here we go 5 in a row.
Jimmybee,
Hope you and the wee man enjoyed the game and result today!
Hail Hail!
Cheers Monti,
Loved it m8 and he got in beside the green brigade,he had his best day so far this season.
Hail Hail
Great singing and atmosphere. I wouldn’t want to defend against Paddy Roberts at all, at all! Nervous until our first goal. No complaints. Job well done. A few Jambos were lucky to stay on the pitch. Lots of good performances, just a few dodgy ones.
Well said Devoy,it would be hard to mark Roberts when you are drawing your pension,but 40 years ago it would be no problemo.
Sorry Devoy but back behind the sofa is not an option,enjoy whats left of the weekend.
Take Care.H.H.
Let’s try again to summarise the match. Jimmybee is correct, it was good spectator sport. Hearts were well organised and understood Celtic’s weaknesses. I do not want to like Neilson, because he was a thug as a player, but he has produced an effective team with little resources. He looks like he has a real future as a manager. He spotted Celtic’s weaknesses…..the defence getting caught on the turn from high balls over the top, and the fact that the defence does not like players running at them. What happened to effective tackling? Maybe the players were bothered by the green whistle of the ref, but their tackling was poor…just poking at the ball and hoping it would spin away from a Heart’s player. Hearts controlled the first 20 minutes of the game and could have won it then. The second half was Celtic’s as we throttled the game after scoring the third goal.
Specific observations from my POV:
Brown should not be starting. He has lost a yard and his timing is off in his tackling. Pity, but perhaps we need to look for another option for the future.
GMS helped out in defence and seems a bit stronger on the ball…not as easily knocked off of it. He is still in and out of a game and should have been subbed earlier.
Roberts arrived today. He provided the skill and will be important in the run in to the championship.
Rogic should have been taken off when injured. What happened was irresponsible.
Griff is still an asset even if he did not score.
Jo Hansen looked lost at times, but we need him to take up the slack caused by Brown.
Boyata had some good moments and some bad. He seems to want to stoll through a game and sometimes gets caught, but judgement at the end of the season.
Eric had a good game and, apparently, a new arrival.
KT as usual. What refexes!
Gordon made some difficult saves look easy.
Lustig is relying on his experience to hold his position.
The ref was simply shocking…….until today I was not sure if he was just a poor ref, and he is, but he was biased today. His bias nearly rebounded on him, causing him to almost lose control of the game.
Final comment, is it time to introduce a rule regarding forwards blocking goalies? I know the existing rules could handle it but they are not imposed. It was blatant today with the big Hearts centre restricting Gordon.
Rebus
Rebus, excellent summery,fully concur with all your points.
The only detail i would argue is re Broony,i totally agree with you about his loss of pace and his tackling but he brings so much more still to the team.My own view is that Celtic will look at his replacement next year, but we still need his leadership and experience till seasons end.
You are correct about the obstruction of Gordon but Broony was the player who marshalled the Hertz forward.
Excellent summery Rebus.
Rebus good summarisation as always.
After a couple of beers now and a rerun of the match, I have to agree with you on most points.
Robbie Neilson switching to 532 was a great tactical move,he nullified the wings that Lustig and Tierney usually tear up and down. The extra midfielder had us at sixes and sevens,and we were outfoxed the first 20or so minutes. Great goals by the bhoys,and the second in particular very pleasing.
Onto the ref,what made it special for me today,was the fact that he decided as best he could or maybe he is just useless,but to try and let the game flow.
I am old school and the tackles that went flying in I loved it,for him to let it go unpunished even better. It got the fans up and off our seats. I have been waiting for a game like this to fire the passion in the crowd. The grandson loved it,couldn’t wipe the smile of his face all the way home. So really he done us a favour. Stop starts would gave played into the hands of hearts.
Broony could have walked, the guy who slapped Leigh should have walked,the guy who brought down Patrick could have walked instead of yellows,and the Hearts player who did walk must fell really unlucky.
Great saves by both goalkeepers kept us on our toes.
All in all best of the season so far.
Jimmy,
Nothing better than seeing a game like that with your son or grandson! Never experienced it, sadly.
Power to you, enjoy it.
Rebus
Rebus i posted earlier today agreeing with your summation.
Jimmybee,same and i am glad that your grandson witnessed an exciting game, a good crowd and although i thought that the ref. was poor at least it looked like he let the game flow.if it had been C.Thompson it would never have got going,team played well with a bit of fight and determination and the bonus was 3 cracking goals.Onwards to Bonnie Dundee on tuesday.H.H.
Yes Mike agreed m8 and they had a cracking result today as well,so should be a test.
Is it on the telly ask I will be working down Brighton way next week.
Hail Hail
Jimmybee, dont think that tuesdays game against Dundee is on the telly unless on BT sport, although i believe that Sky is showing the Murderwell game on Sat.
Seven games to go Jimmy,i hope that we are clicking into gear at the right time,it always amazes me but its the sign of champions that they respond when required.
H.H.
The Journeymen Peepo have now conceded 10 goals in their past 4 games
Morton 1
Falkirk 3
QOS 3
Raith Rovers 3
Charlie,when you think back a couple of weeks, their was much wailing and gnashing of teeth,the mark of champions is to respond when needed,Haugh/Spittoon will be wetting their knickers.
CS
Really hope we go for it against them Charlie, giving them a thumping would be bliss, we’re well capable of doing it
HH
Wulz,
If the Celtic side turn up with the right attitude, Sevco will be pumped out of their tiny little minds.
The drain dwellers are conceding 3 a game at the moment, not exactly the form needed before facing their superiors.
I think if we put our mind to it, we could be hitting 4 or 5 here.
As you can tell I’m not confident 🙂
Monti
If we go for it from the of, we’ll destroy them bud
HH
I’m looking forward to the “basket of assets” game. Charles Green’s Basket of assets” a new chant for them. Actually time is closing in on them legally, monetarily and morally as the pressure from the rest of Scottish football is focused on their Dodgy deals, past cheating, perhaps illegall purchase of assets and the conflict of interests not to mention fit and proper rules!! Where is wee Minty Murray noo! Bring on Chucky Green’s Basket of assets I say