Initially, I thought it was really foggy this morning, but in fact its actually my eyes.<\/p>\n
A fantastic day yesterday, a league title finally in the bag, and a cup final still to come.<\/p>\n
Its a great day to be a Tim, actually, its always been great to be a Tim, but you get the point.<\/p>\n
Celtic stormed to a 4-1 win over Inverness, which prompted scenes of joy and exultation with the second of ten consecutive titles in the bag.<\/p>\n
After a nervy first half when things didn’t quite seem to go to plan, James Forrest, who managed a credible 45 minutes before hurting himself, was replaced by Emilio Izzaguerre, and the team had more balance about it, and the goals kept coming.<\/p>\n
Celtic immediately cut the prices for the St. Johnstone game, where the trophy will be presented, to just \u00a320, \u00a310 (concessions) \u00a0and \u00a35 for kids under thirteen, causing howls of anguish amongst season book holders, and although the gesture is appreciated, there may be one or two people who hesitate when the renewal form comes through the door.<\/p>\n
Whilst it would have been nice to get the trophy yesterday, it means another day out on the jelly and ice cream next month.<\/p>\n
Spare a thought for Inverness though, only the runners- up this year get a place in Europe, and it doesn’t look like being them.<\/p>\n
Anyhow, Neil Lennon had to wait fifteen minutes before he could come on to the pitch to join in the celebrations. The touchline ban meant that when he finally bounded out of the tunnel, he got a fair idea of the esteem he is held in by the support. And when he was handed the microphone, he resisted the urge to swear and left everyone in no doubt that he is, indeed , one of us;<\/p>\n
“The supporters are just unique in world football. They give the players an extra step, they inspire the team. Winning the league is a very special moment, I want the players to enjoy it.We were okay in the first half, second half we really came through. Its a great way to win the championship. While I’m here I want to win things and winning the championship is always very special. Its a privilige to manage this club and to win the championship again, I’m so proud for the players and the fans-they’re the people who make this club what it is.”<\/p>\n
He also thanked the board for their support, his missus and son for coming to the game, and you kind of got the feeling that he would be in the pub later thanking the bar stool for letting him sit on it.<\/p>\n
Anyone who ever had any doubts about his commitment to Celtic only has to watch his speech post match.<\/p>\n
Bombs and bullets didn’t shift him, and neither will money.<\/p>\n
Gary Hooper, having had a microphone thrust in his face, replied “We’ll see” when he was asked if he’d be here next year by a desperate interviewer who clearly wasn’t enjoying the occasion.<\/p>\n
Neil Lennon says he wants to keep him and has “made his submissions to the board”<\/p>\n
Sometimes its hard to remember he is only 24, and may not have reached his peak yet. Celtic took a chance on him when he was centre forward at Scunthorpe, when no EPL side-bar a couple of the duff ones-was prepared to, and it might be an idea to remind him of that when agents fill his head with stories of big pay packets and rainy nights in Stoke or Sunderland.<\/p>\n
Joe Ledley, who many think is already house hunting in Cardiff was refreshingly honest;<\/p>\n
There will always be ins and outs in football at every single club. We have a fantastic team and I’ll be very surprised if everyone stays. Everyone has watched us in the Champions League and theres going to be a lot of interest in the majorityof the players. But if we can keep it together we have a fantastic future and Celtic will go forward and hopefully qualify for the Champions League again. Theres nothing new with my own situation at the moment but I’ll sit down near the beginning of next season and try to sort somthing out…..I love it here at Celtic and obviously want to stay.<\/p>\n
I think most of the players want to stay but you just never know in football.”<\/p>\n
His words also point-perhaps i’m being a little paranoid- to the remit given to journalists yesterday when speaking to players;<\/p>\n
“Congatulate them on the win, then ask them when they are away.”<\/p>\n
Keith Jackson has also just secured a second consecutive Reporter of the year crown, which is some going considering the opposition. If the race to the Scottish title can be dubbed a one horse race-(like the EPL) then the reporter of the year contest must be the only race on the list to have no runners whatsoever.<\/p>\n
Jackson clearly won it because those who chose had lost everyone elses phone number.<\/p>\n
All in all, its been quite an eventful few days, New Rangers lost to Peterhead, shortly after losing their chief executive, who was photographed shortly before going into hiding;<\/p>\n
Oops, thats not him<\/p>\n I think thats him, on the right, with a bloke he’s never met except or worked for, except for the last twelve months or so.<\/p>\n Anyway, the row over who actually owns Ibrox continues, and manager Ally McCoist has revealed exactly what the clubs status in the famous old stadium really is<\/p>\n![\"arfur\"](\"https:\/\/etims.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/arfur.jpg\")
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