{"id":14314,"date":"2019-06-02T14:03:58","date_gmt":"2019-06-02T13:03:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/etims.net\/?p=14314"},"modified":"2019-06-02T14:03:58","modified_gmt":"2019-06-02T13:03:58","slug":"celtic-diary-sunday-june-2-silly-season-starts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/etims.net\/?p=14314","title":{"rendered":"Celtic Diary Sunday June 2: Silly Season Starts.."},"content":{"rendered":"

When there’s no football around the papers still have to fill their pages, and the radio shows still have to find something to talk about.<\/p>\n

There was , of course, the Champions League final, but since it didn;t feature any champions, it was pretty substandard stuff.<\/p>\n

Though with all the Liverpudlians either away in Madrid at the game or in the pub watching it, I figured it would be a golden opportunity to go out on the rob. First house I went to,I got my telly, my laptop and most of my cds back.<\/p>\n

Yeah, I’m only kidding.<\/p>\n

Then again, so are the media.<\/p>\n

We’ve had the usual plethora of players from Perpetual FC-they cannot die, and even if they do we’re told they didn’t- claiming that they are going to win their 55th title next season.<\/p>\n

James Tavernier says it every year, and this year , the new players, such as Jordan Jones and Jake Hastie-google them, I had to- are already jumping on this partcilaur bandwagon.<\/p>\n

Social media is also full of the optimism, as it usually is right up until their team has to play any games.<\/p>\n

Ibrox Noise, which is a weblog, and not another term for sectarian abuse, outstripped all of them.<\/p>\n

To begin with, captain\u00a0James Tavernier<\/b>\u00a0is being touted out for a big-money move to Premier League new boys Aston Villa. Obviously West Brom failed miserably with a \u00a33.5M bid for the former Wigan man\u2019s signature a year or so ago, and given the season and stats he has in his CV now over the past 12 months, his value has at least doubled. Probably a lot more. Rangers, genuinely, would seek at least \u00a310M for Tavernier, especially from a club who just received a whopping \u00a3170M payday.<\/em><\/p>\n

Then we have the\u00a0Alfredo Morelos<\/b>\u00a0story. We\u2019re not so sure about this one \u2013 word has it that it\u2019s a load of hot air, leaked out by Ashley to link attractive shiny names to Newcastle in order to make the club more attractive and lucrative in light of this in-process and potential sale to the Arab rich boys. The numbers alleged hit around \u00a320M that manager Rafa Benitez would be willing to offer for the Colombia international, and if there was even an iota of truth in this story we\u2019d not just bite your arm off but take your head by accident too.<\/em><\/p>\n

Then there\u2019s\u00a0Borna Barisic<\/b>. The Croatian flop seems to be accepting his days at Ibrox are numbered, and while pundits big him up for a pricy sale, those pundits seem to be Celtic-minded and talking to speculation sites. Nevertheless, we\u2019ve previously advocated a big sale for a Croat international at \u00a320M given his global stock, and while we\u2019d obviously love those numbers, we\u2019d be happy with any kind of profit for this disaster of a signing. It\u2019s more likely the club will hold out for \u00a35M.<\/em><\/p>\n

Next up\u00a0Kyle Lafferty<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 Cypriot mob Limassol seem to want him \u2013 unknown if this would be mutual contract or a sale, but he\u2019s finished at Rangers. Pity he never actually started in the first place. If it was to be a sale, Rangers would probably hope for a nice seven-figure tally. He\u2019s hardly old and he\u2019s fairly well known on continental Europe having been a regular international for NI plus plying his trade in Switzerland, Turkey and Italy. So he\u2019s definitely one to make a few quid on.<\/em><\/p>\n

Then we have\u00a0Eros Grezda<\/b>. The Albanian has been miserable at Ibrox \u2013 another feeble Croat league shiny name, one good match aside he\u2019s been utterly horrible. A dreadful waste of \u00a32M and he\u2019s having showdown talks next week with Stevie G \u2013 if the manager can just figure out who\u2019d take him for a reasonable profit we think he\u2019s one we\u2019ll happily dump. We\u2019d even be happy breaking even on this guy.<\/em><\/p>\n

Next we have\u00a0Ryan Kent<\/b>\u00a0\u2013 he\u2019s gone back to Liverpool now and the loan ain\u2019t happening best we know. If Rangers want him, we\u2019re going to have to match or beat Villa\u2019s alleged bid of \u00a312M, but unlike them we don\u2019t have EPL to lure him with. We are, however, a much bigger club. Maybe that would sway him. But even then, even if we did\/do have the cash, \u00a312M is a lot for a Scottish club to spend on one player.<\/em><\/p>\n

Last but not least, despite his return to fitness,\u00a0Graham Dorrans<\/b>\u00a0is not in Steven Gerrard\u2019s plans and he will either be released on mutual consent or a miracle will be achieved in finding a buyer. It\u2019s been a disaster of a signing, one of the worst in Rangers\u2019 history given the hype and the price, and despite his high talent and our high rating of him on Ibrox Noise, we can\u2019t see him ever being part of the club again.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

So, when we look at the numbers, if all of these were to be sold, Rangers could well be looking at a massive injection of cash in the region of \u00a335M+ to use on players going forward.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Image<\/p>\n

There are no words.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Meanwhile, the optimism that is injected into one side of Glasgow is balanced by the pessimism that is spread on the other.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers talks up Celtic winger<\/h1>\n

The Foxes are in the market for a winger this summer\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I got to Celtic, James had only six months left on his \u2028contract and the feeling was he\u2019d leave,” Rodgers told the Daily Record.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

He\u2019d been inconsistent for a couple of years, in terms of his form and his training between games.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cHe didn\u2019t have the consistency \u2028but always had the quality. He\u2019s a \u2028remarkable player and I\u2019ve always watched him from the outside.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was just about trying to maximise that and bring more efficiency to his game.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cJames had the talent but the season before I arrived he\u2019d only scored two goals. The year before that it was four.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cBut we got him right physically then helped him mentally.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

He trained every day and enjoyed the work we did with him.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cYou could see him developing and it was then about pushing him to be the best he could be.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cHe got 11 goals and nine assists in the league alone last season. So in terms of efficiency, he\u2019s played consistently now at a high level for three years.\u201d\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Thats kind of hinting that Rodgers made Forrest into the player he is. Arguably he has improved him, but then again, Rodgers tells lies, and is concerned only about Rodgers, something the Record hack failed to point out.<\/p>\n

But it all leads to unrest, certainly among the support.<\/p>\n

With Keiran Tierney and Tom Rogic also apparently on Leicesters to do list, it’s easy copy for lazy hacks.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There are several other stories around, most not worth commenting on. though it’s interesting that one paper is already speculating on who will replace Neil Lennon as manager..just days after the Irishman was confirmed as the gaffer.<\/p>\n

Rafa Benitez admits he would consider managing\u00a0Celtic<\/a>\u00a0in the future – according to a report.<\/em><\/p>\n

The\u00a0Newcastle<\/a>\u00a0boss was heavily linked with becoming the next Hoops manager before Neil Lennon was appointed.<\/em><\/p>\n

He was heavily backed at the bookies to take the post, at one stage emerging as favourite.<\/em><\/p>\n

But the Spaniard admits there was never any contact with Celtic as he attempts to sort out his future on Tyneside, although he did consult former Rangers scout Frank McParland about the post.<\/em><\/p>\n

According to ITV journalist Peter Smith, who spoke with\u00a0Benitez<\/a>\u00a0in Madrid this weekend, the former Liverpool gaffer did not rule out a move to Glasgow in the future.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Of course not.<\/p>\n

He didn’t rule out a move last month either. Problem was, he also wouldn’t rule it in.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As we approach the campaign for the 19\/20 season, the new man is in place. It is what it is, and I’d venture most of us are fairly happy that at a crucial stage in our history we’ve gone for a safe pair of hands who knows what the club is all about, and what a couple more titles will mean to the support.<\/p>\n

If I were on the selection panel, that would have been the most important criteria.<\/p>\n

All these big name managers would have been using us in exactly the same way as Brendan Rodgers, and they, too , would have upped sticks as soon as more money was in the offing.<\/p>\n

We’re not the attraction we once were to outsiders, but for those of us who’ve been inside, we’re the only option.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Another story that is set to dominate headlines is the abuse at Celtic Boys Club that has led to criminal convictions for those involved.<\/p>\n

Lawyers have been making noises about compensation claims, and certain aspects of the media have amplified the cries.<\/p>\n

It’s a long, complicated and expensive process, which suits lawyers, to bring private prosecutions, and it’s difficult to see how the victims would get financial recompense this way.<\/p>\n

One SNP MSP, James Dornan has attempted to make political capital from it, and the Evening Times said;<\/p>\n

A GLASGOW MSP has published a scathing letter written to\u00a0Celtic<\/a>‘s chief executive Peter Lawwell.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

The SNP’s James Dornan posted correspondence sent to the club boss, in which he accuses him of bringing “shame” upon the club, and said Celtic showed no sings of being a “caring club”.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

The letter itself was sent to Mr Lawwell on May 16, following the jailing of\u00a0former\u00a0kitman Jim McCafferty, 73, for sexually abusing young players at the Celtic Boys Club.<\/em><\/p>\n

McCafferty became the fourth individual to be convicted of sexual abuse against boys at the club when he was jailed for six years.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Writing on May 16, Mr Dornan said he would publish the letter in full if he did not receive an acknowledgement.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

As a result, he decided to reveal his thoughts to the Celtic chief on social media.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Posting the letter on Twitter, he wrote: “On the 16th May I wrote to Peter Lawwell at Celtic FC on the issue of Child Abuse at Celtic Boys Club, all I asked for at this stage was an acknowledgement of my letter within a week, to date I have received no reply. Therefore, as promised on the letter, I am posting it today.”<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Last week, Celtic released a statement\u00a0expressing regret for the actions of the paedophile.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

However, the club did not offer an apology to victims and survivors.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

He wrote..<\/p>\n

It is with great sadness I feel compelled to have to write this letter. I have been a Celtic supporter for 60 years, as was my dad before me and his dad before him. I remember being brought up to believe that Celtic stood for something more than just football, created to feed the poor, the club of the dispossessed and the club with a heart.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

“Well, I’m sure I’m not alone in wondering whatever happened to that Celtic FC as we see no sign of a caring club in the way the aftermath of the scandal of the, apparently endemic, sexual abuse over the last four decades at Celtic Boys Club has been handled.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

“I hear the constant refrain that Celtic FC and Celtic Boy Club have always been separate entities, and that description may legally be correct, but as a father of a boy that played for both of these institutions, it is in no way accurate in describing the actual relationship between the two.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

“Boys were sold the idea of playing for the Boys Club as having a foot into Celtic FC, this from Celtic scouts. The relationship between the coaches, including Messrs Torbett and Cairney and high-ranking Celtic officials, was clear for all to see. Every Celtic Boys Club annual event was full of Celtic players and officials, generally giving out prizes to the lucky young players who saw themselves as close to signing or had already signed for the club.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n
\n
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<\/p>\n
\n
\"View<\/a>\"View<\/a>I accept that there may be some legal distance between the two but given what I and many others have seen Celtic have without doubt a moral responsibility to compensate for what happened under their watching eye.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

“I urge you to take on this responsibility, not blame, apologise for what happened to these deeply damaged young men, accept that you can’t undo what has been done and offer compensation for those who were treated in such a terrible way by people using, and abusing, the proud name of Celtic FC.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

“After seeing the latest in a far too long line of Celtic Boys Club coaches being found guilty of the foulest abuses you continue to abrogate your responsibilities as you have to date on this isssue then, in my view, you bring nothing but shame to the reputation of Celtic and the wider Celtic family.\u00a0\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

The club, and Peter Lawwell in particular did respond, and pointed out that a two year investigation was already underway.<\/p>\n

This revelation wrongfooted the MSP, but not as much as it did one of the lawyers, Patrick MacGuire, who acts for some of the victims.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve certainly not heard about this and it would be good to know the motivation for revealing this now.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s been no attempt for dialogue from Celtic.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s an\u00a0insult to survivors<\/a>\u00a0and seems to be a way of working out a legal strategy as opposed to carrying out any investigation.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThere have been plenty of investigations already, including from the police and the Crown, that have led to convictions.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is more pressing is for Celtic to set up a compensation scheme for the victims. The time for action is now.\u201d\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

An investigation is being carried out. It most certainly could not have been revealed whilst criminal prosecutions were underway.<\/p>\n

As MacGuire said, their have been investigations that have led to prosecutions. And convictions.<\/p>\n

I’m not concerned by any of this legal toing and froing, but I am concerned by the words the lawyer used..<\/p>\n

What is more pressing is for Celtic to set up a compensation scheme for the victims.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

No, what is more pressing for Celtic is to help the victims who have suffered, to encourage them and possibly even provide the help they need to help recover from this ordeal.<\/p>\n

His emphasis on the financial aspect tells me exactly where his priorities lie.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The media have reported largely on the blame aspect of this, and whilst any investigation into the apportioning of blame must be undertaken, perhaps it’s indicative of the silly season that there is little to report on this matter, but plenty trying to get themselves heard talking about it.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/em><\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

When there’s no football around the papers still have to fill their pages, and the radio shows still have to find something to talk about.…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":14315,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/etims.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/media-press_conference-media_conference-press_release-media_release-public_statement-aron91_low.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p2J7If-3IS","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/etims.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14314"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/etims.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/etims.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/etims.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/etims.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=14314"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/etims.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14314\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14316,"href":"https:\/\/etims.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14314\/revisions\/14316"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/etims.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/14315"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/etims.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=14314"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/etims.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=14314"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/etims.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=14314"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}