{"id":4871,"date":"2014-04-18T10:27:20","date_gmt":"2014-04-18T09:27:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/etims.net\/?p=4871"},"modified":"2014-04-18T10:27:20","modified_gmt":"2014-04-18T09:27:20","slug":"celtic-diary-friday-april-18","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/etims.net\/?p=4871","title":{"rendered":"Celtic Diary Friday April 18"},"content":{"rendered":"

Good Friday ? Its actually taking shape as a very good friday. Virgil van Dijk, for instance, has given us a reason to be cheerful;<\/p>\n

The big defender, who has had his services advertised in the Scottish press pretty much since he pulled on a Celtic jersey, has claimed he has no knowledge of any interest from clubs down south. Thats one good thing. The second is that he obviously never reads the papers, showing a degree of intelligence that sets him above the usual level shown by footballers.<\/p>\n

I wonder if he gets to sit next to Leigh Griffiths on the team bus. Those long trips would just fly by.<\/p>\n

van Dijk told the Sporting Life;<\/p>\n

“First of all I have a contract until 2017 I think, so I don’t have to move, and I think the Champions League is always a big thing for every player. I want to play Champions League.<\/p>\n

“We disappointed this season in the cup and the Champions League and we want to do much better next year. That’s what I want as well.”<\/p>\n

With the World Cup coming up, the big man stills holds out hope-albeit slim-of making the dutch squad for Brazil, but he has a remarkably sensible attitude to it;<\/p>\n

“It was a disappointment a couple of weeks ago but I’m over it and I hope they do well in the World Cup, if I’m not there or if I am there.<\/p>\n

“The Scottish Premiership is not so highly rated by European people but it is a good competition. So you have to play in the Champions League to get some more recognition.<\/p>\n

“If you play well in the Champions League then more people can see you. You can have a bigger chance to play in the Dutch squad.<\/p>\n

“I don’t know how they rate players or how they choose the squad or what the procedure is.<\/p>\n

“But I think if you’re good enough you need to be in the squad. I think I’m not good enough for the squad right now – otherwise I would be in it.”<\/p>\n

van Dijk has had an excellent season, stabilising the defence and indeed proving he is much more than a central defender. The momentary lapse against Aberdeen, when he was sent off for an early moment of unneccessary enthusiasm, shows he still has a bit to learn, but lets be honest, he’s not far away from being a genuine class act. On and off the park.<\/p>\n

( The author reserves the right to change his mind and call him anything he wants if van Dijk does head south. Like he usually does. )<\/p>\n

However, the player sounds happy with his lot, and thats the important thing.<\/p>\n

Kris Commons, who was promised a new contract some months ago, has dropped a gentle hint that he will sign it, when the club actually gets round to offering it.<\/p>\n

Eching Chris Sutton, who received offers to head back down south after his career kickstarted alongside Henrik Larsson back inthe O’ Neill days, the hot favourite for player of the year ( alongside the token———Kris Boyd, insert your own word in the space provided ) \u00a0said;<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not a kid any more.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe grass isn\u2019t always greener elsewhere and I\u2019ve already played down south.<\/p>\n

\u201cMost players might think they\u2019d like a crack at the English Premier League but when you play in the Champions League and try to be competitive with Europe\u2019s elite then that\u2019s the biggest thing for me.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s why I\u2019m going to get myself as fit and sharp and good as I can be for our qualifying ties in July.<\/p>\n

\u201cI feel as though I have unfinished business in the Champions League.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe did really well last season but didn\u2019t do ourselves justice this time out, so I want to get back into the group stage and do better.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt doesn\u2019t bother me that Scottish football doesn\u2019t have a great reputation in England.<\/p>\n

\u201cMost people down there who say that would be jealous of what we have at Celtic.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust about any of our home games has a better atmosphere than everything down south, big derbies apart.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve never felt as good or scored as many goals. I\u2019m enjoying my football so hopefully something will be sorted out sooner or later. But I\u2019m in no rush.<\/p>\n

\u201cAny player going into his last year will hear things out there.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll watch which games Neil Lennon is going to and who he\u2019s supposed to be looking at, although I don\u2019t think that\u2019s concrete evidence.<\/p>\n

“As soon as players start taking their minds off what they\u2019re paid to do and start believing other clubs are looking at them, that\u2019s when their performances start slipping.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s hard to say I\u2019ve got a luxurious lifestyle. I train every day and I\u2019ve got three kids.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I don\u2019t want to leave Glasgow. I love the people and I\u2019m very happy here. My kids are in a good nursery and, as long as they\u2019re happy, I\u2019m happy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Commons also insists speculation over his manager\u2019s future won\u2019t affect his position as he added: \u201cI haven\u2019t looked at Neil\u2019s contract situation.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m just working on a day-to-day basis and have a great deal of respect for the way Neil goes about things.<\/p>\n

\u201cEver since I\u2019ve been here, I\u2019ve loved every single day of working with him. I\u2019ve previously been with managers who didn\u2019t like me and who I didn\u2019t like.<\/p>\n

\u201cNeil has his own agenda. He\u2019s a young manager getting through the game. I don\u2019t think it\u2019s in my job description to ask him if he\u2019s staying before I decide to sign.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would probably get a slap in the face if I did ask him!\u201d<\/p>\n

See. Its a very good friday.<\/p>\n

Then theres a couple who might be joining us. Richard Stearman, pictured below, of Wolves is out of contract, which immediately puts him on our radar.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Movie star looks ?<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

He seems keen, and has already taken his Wolves shirt off ready for a replacement<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

But is he any good ? To be honest, I have no idea, because when researching him i got distracted by pictures of his partner, the lovely Beth Lay;<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

So you can look him up yourself. And then when your wife catches you looking at her modelling photos, you can say you are checking on her mans stats. All the way to A and E probably.<\/p>\n

Another who has been mentioned by our illustrious press is a chap called Aatif Chachehouhe<\/p>\n

\"Aatif<\/p>\n

Here he confronts a particularly vicious earthworm which has popped its head above the soil.<\/p>\n

Hang on, look at his file. Pay particular attention to the goalscoring at his last two clubs…<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Full name<\/th>\nAatif Chahechouhe<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Date of birth<\/th>\nJuly 2, 1986\u00a0(age\u00a027)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Place of birth<\/th>\nFontenay-aux-Roses<\/a>,\u00a0France<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Height<\/th>\n1.76\u00a0m (5\u00a0ft\u00a09\u00a01<\/sup>\u20442<\/sub>\u00a0in)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Playing position<\/th>\nMidfielder<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Club information<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Current club<\/th>\nSivasspor<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Number<\/th>\n92<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Senior career*<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Years<\/th>\nTeam<\/b><\/td>\nApps\u2020<\/sup><\/b><\/td>\n(Gls)\u2020<\/sup><\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2005\u20132006<\/th>\nRacing Paris<\/a><\/td>\n5<\/td>\n(0)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2007\u20132008<\/th>\nSedan<\/a><\/td>\n5<\/td>\n(1)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2008\u20132009<\/th>\nSannois Saint-Gratien<\/a><\/td>\n6<\/td>\n(0)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2009<\/th>\nNoisy-le-Sec<\/a><\/td>\n19<\/td>\n(4)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2009\u20132011<\/th>\nNancy<\/a><\/td>\n7<\/td>\n(0)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2012<\/th>\nChernomorets Burgas<\/a><\/td>\n15<\/td>\n(10)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2012\u2013<\/th>\nSivasspor<\/a><\/td>\n50<\/td>\n(20)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 25 February 2014.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

Boy, do those leagues need a strong Rangers. Thats a hell of a return for a midfielder.<\/p>\n

If I was Kris Commons I’d take Neil Lennon out for a pint tonight, and bring a pen with me.<\/p>\n

Commons, of course , has nothing to worry about, but thats a player that should be, on those figures, snapped up before anyone else notices him. Oh. too late. Marseille and Besiktas are interested…<\/p>\n

I’ve sent them the picture of when he saw that worm.<\/p>\n

Elsewhere, the competition everyones talking about, “Hotline “, from where the next James Traynor will be plucked continues to delight.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Today , contestants were asked for their views on Hearts recent emergence from administration, and another prime candidate rose to the occasion..<\/p>\n

Barra Stevens, Edinburgh\u00a0, said: \u201cHearts have been given an easy time and treated lightly in comparison to what happened to Rangers.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The competition is being featured in the Daily Record, who have recently lost a few of their scribblers to the opposition, showing that just as in the world of football management, it doesn’t matter how bad you are at your job, theres always someone stupid enough to offer you another one somewhere else.<\/p>\n

However, the emergence of Keith Jackson, once responsible for more fiction than Stephen King, on twitter seems to have had an effect on his reporting…<\/p>\n

Rangers fans demand to know if Ibrox chief<\/h1>\n

Graham Wallace is in line for a whopping<\/h1>\n

\u00a3300,000 bonus<\/h1>\n

Although not actually ringing the club and asking the question being asked by the Second Rangers support, at least Jackson gets the story out there. Its a start, I suppose, but if the new club are to suddenly have to answer questions honestly and clearly, then there will be a few squeaky bums not only in Govan but across the city at Hampden.<\/p>\n

Elsewhere in the paper, the hilarious Billy Moshni-he really is adapting to life in the city-has his say..<\/p>\n

But before we indulge in this little comedic gem, its worth commenting on the counter balance employed by publishing Jacksons demands on the board, with this ludicrous shite. ( Part of the joy of putting together the diary is trying to find exactly the right words to express exactly what I want it to say, which is why occasionally there slips in a swearie word or two. )<\/p>\n

Ladies and Gentleman, from Good Froday to Ridiculous Friday. I give you Billy Moshni<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\n

” THE former Southend defender wouldn’t swap a day at Ochilview for a game at Old Trafford and says that team-mate Lee Wallace is good enough to play for Arsenal.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

BILEL MOHSNI insists even an offer from the English Premier League couldn\u2019t lure him away from helping Rangers back to the top.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The French defender claims he has found a new family at Ibrox since arriving from Southend last summer.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Mohsni has made 32 appearances this term to help Gers run away with the League One title. He scored his 10th goal of the season in Tuesday\u2019s 3-0 win over Forfar and the 26-year-old admitted he has been blown away by the passion of the Light Blues\u2019 support \u2013 even though a fans\u2019 signing session left him on the brink of collapse.<\/p>\n

Paris-born Mohsni also insisted team-mate Lee Wallace is good enough to play for Arsenal.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The centre-back said: \u201cIt\u2019s impossible to realise just how touching and pleasing it is to be surrounded by so many Rangers fans.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cMy dream is to take the club back up to the top and into Europe where it belongs.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d prefer to be at Ibrox 100 times more than playing for a club in the lower half of the English Premier League. That is despite the fact I would earn more money down south.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe levels of support for Rangers are unbelievable.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople have so much love for this club and I can only imagine what it is like in the Scottish Premiership and for European games.<\/p>\n

\u201cMadjid Bougherra has told me it is something he misses and would like to experience once more some day. The club asked me to do a midweek signing session in the megastore.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Oops, signing, not singing…<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cIt was meant to last two hours and given that I am not a big name like Lee McCulloch I didn\u2019t think many people would come along.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\u201cBut I was wrong. The queue stretched for dozens of yards and I spent hours signing shirts, calendars and footballs non-stop as well as posing for photos. I heard fans who had waited for hours saying, \u2018There\u2019s still people behind us \u2013 I\u2019ll buy an extra shirt and get Bilel to sign it for my uncle.\u2019 I was shocked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAs for Lee Wallace, he is good enough to play for any Premier League team, even Arsenal.<\/p>\n

\u201cKieran Gibbs or Wallace? Waldo would fit into their side no problem.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

That was Stephen Crainey in yesterdays picture, and in todays we have a man who fortunately for him didn’t make it at Stoke…<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Who couldn’t chuck the ball far enough to be a legend on the banks of the Trent ?<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Good Friday ? Its actually taking shape as a very good friday. Virgil van Dijk, for instance, has given us a reason to be cheerful;…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":2364,"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\/2013\/03\/good-friday.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p2J7If-1gz","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/etims.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4871"}],"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=4871"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/etims.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4871\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4872,"href":"https:\/\/etims.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4871\/revisions\/4872"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/etims.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/2364"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/etims.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4871"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/etims.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4871"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/etims.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4871"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}