Thats the christmas shopping done, little trinkets for people I don’t even know, but still, it means I won’t have to buy any socks next year.<\/p>\n
Theres no need for Celtic to splash out on a striker – Mo bangura has returned from his loan spell at Stockholm and could be the answer to all our problems. He managed five goals over there, but the Swedes don’t want to keep him. He’s an option up front, if every one else is injured.<\/p>\n
Ross county are next up at Celtic Park on Saturday, and Celtic look to record two homes wins on the trot since the wins over Renton and Cowlairs some years ago. Alright , so it wasn’t that long, but it feels like it.<\/p>\n
Defender Adam Matthews blames it on teams who “come here and make it difficult for us, and so far we haven’t been able to break them down.”<\/p>\n
He has a point, and maybe if the cash is to be splashed during the window, a blue chip creative midfielder wouldn’t go amiss.<\/p>\n
But thats for another day, because right now all anyone cares about is tomorrows draw for the last sixteen of europes premier club tournament. Because Celtic are in it.<\/p>\n
There are seven possible opponents, Schalke, borussia Dortmund, Bayern munich, Paris St. Germain, Malaga, Manchester Utd and Juventus. The complex arrangement means that whereas we can draw anyone, the others can only play certain others. This is to keep the big teams from the big leagues involved as long as possible, and made me wonder, if Manchester Utd and Arsenal exit, will national ITV show Celtic games all over the UK as the only British survivor? And do we then get more tv money?<\/p>\n
No, of course not. but some lawyer somewhere could take up the challenge… if it happens, of course.<\/p>\n
Anyway, the diary will be published after the draw tomorrow-or at least the interesting bit is done.<\/p>\n
So far , in Europe, the team have gained a lot of admiration and respect. There is no reason why they cannot continue in this vein in the knockout stages, as there is no-one we should fear. Strap yourselves in, because the roller coaster ride of proper cup football is about to begin.<\/p>\n
(okay, its weeks away yet, but that won’t keep the butterflies away.)<\/p>\n
The old rumour mill has been starting to come alive this last couple of days. Nicolas Anelka being the latest daft story to surface. currently playing in china he has been mentioned by people who should know better as a possible Celt in the New Year, as have the usual suspects such as Johnny Russel and Ryan Fraser of Aberdeen. The lure of last sixteen football may tempt one or two bigger names, but that could be a kick in the face to the guys who got us this far, and the last thing Neil Lennon will want to do is upset the team spirit that is a major part of that success.<\/p>\n
Bigger names coming to Celtic doesn’t include Stewart Downing, the Liverpool flop who has been told he can leave the club. Brendan rodgers is looking to strengthen his side, and \u00a0has Gary hooper on his list. rodgers vowed to finish second this season, and so far has done it in nearly every game.<\/p>\n
Juventus are also “looking ” at Gary Hooper, Victor Wanyama is wanted by Manchester United, who are going to sell Nani to fund the purchase, and as usual these stories are backed up by no quotes and probably the result of agents looking for more money for their clients. same shit, different day. Wanyama will go to Barcelona. When they are ready. they asked to be kept informed of any moves for him.<\/p>\n
Celtic will \u00a0keep as quiet as possible during this speculation, and any signings will more or less appear out of the blue. Its the way we do things.<\/p>\n
Over on the south side, however, Ally mccoist and Charles Green are openly talking about their targets, even though they can’t actually sign anyone for another ten months.<\/p>\n
All that money, \u00a322.2 million is already burning a hole in his pocket, and he can’t wait to spend it. He was seen outside Gregg the bakers this morning waiting for them to open.<\/p>\n
Charles Green seems quite pleased with the share issue, which he claims was a success. If what he says is right, then they have probably secured the new clubs future for the immediate future. Surely theres no reason to doubt his word? He’s quite a straight talking chap. Might be worth keeping an eye on his share prices, as trading starts today.<\/p>\n
Jim Craig was the brains behind the all conquering Quizball Celtic team, and the diary on monday had some great answers, and an excellent discussion after wards.<\/p>\n
today, what have Celtic done this year that hasn’t been done since the 69-70 season?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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