Celtic Bloggers

The Celtic Supporters Association are delighted to announce that we will sponsor a match day experience at Celtic Park in conjunction with the Kano Foundation.
The foundation have decided to continue on from the magnificent success of getting Kano’s home in Australia adapted.
They have now purchased 50 season tickets from Celtic and will be taking underprivileged and deserving kids for a match day experience at Celtic Park.
As well as taking the kids to the match, they will provide them with souvenirs to take home with them in the form of a goody bag.
I would like to make it clear that this is not a short term venture, John Paul Gilmarton and his committee intend to make it a long term venture, and with your help that will happen.
There are several ways in which you can contribute to this brilliant initiative, and rather than me trying to explain it why don’t you check it out for yourselves at their web site www.thekanofoundation.com
The Celtic supporters are famous for supporting worthy causes, and I’m sure this will be another very successful one, anyone who needs any more information please feel free to contact me.

I had a meeting on Wednesday at Celtic Park to discuss the new coach park and how its affecting supporters buses using it.
Present at the meeting along with myself were Inspector Alex Kelly, Match Commander at Celtic Park, Celtic’s Head of Operations Ronnie Hawthorn, one of his colleagues Jamie Church, and Association Vice President John Andrews, we had apologies from Alan Horne and Mark Cameron of the Affiliation.
I put the case for a change in policy very strongly to Inspector Kelly, if we don’t make use of a vastly improved coach park, then that indeed would be a crime.
For his part the inspector tells me he has all the local residents to cater for as well as the football traffic, and although we understand their needs we emphasised the need to get coaches to the nearest main route as soon as possible, to that end we made several suggestions, we await a final response to those proposals.
I would say that the traffic situation will be an ongoing one, the new road is not scheduled to open until 2012, until then we need to get a traffic plan which is acceptable to all parties, we are continuing to work towards that; once we have the police response I will update you.

Dear Diary,

Today I procrastinate.

I procrastinate on the decision to stay at Celtic.  I love it here, I love this club and these fans...although I do not understand this booing noise they make, but I’m assured by Johan that they made the same noise for Joos Valgaeren, so I believe it’s some form of affection.

The reason I am procrastinating is that I turned down the chance of a job as the sidekick of my childhood hero – Hercules.  It seemed he needed a hand with his twelve great feats and turned to me for assistance.  With a heavy heart I said “Hercules.  I have long admired your feats in the ancient Greek texts and the stories passed down generation upon generation, but my answer is no, this is where I belong now, I am needed here.”  Hercules seemed a bit perplexed as to my answer (he was probably heartbroken) although I heard several other voices in the background muttering words like “Crazy” and “insane”.  They know how much of a privilege it would be to serve as man companion to muscular demi-god Hercules and must indeed think I’ve lost my mind to reject him.  But I love Celtic.  They do not understand what it means to be at such a club.

 

Here's another new venture from celticunderground - Celtic webcomics. Written by John Paul Fitch and  George Walker. Art by Jim Stewart. Hope you enjoy it.

Click on the comic strip to see it full size.

The annual John Thomson Football Tournament takes place this Sunday in Cardenden on the anniversary of John's death. As usual all the local schools and youth football teams will take part.
After the football at about PM we move to Bowhill Cemetery to leave wreaths and pay our respects at the graveside.
We would cordially invite all supporters to come along and lend your support to this wonderful event, great credit must go to Alex Burns and his committee for their continued efforts in keeping the memory of John Thomson alive.

The idea of playing for anybody else did not trouble Georgios Samaras over the summer

Yesterday ETims published a Guest Spot article penned by The Swiss Rambler from an upmarket chalet in Geneva (http://www.etims.net/index.php?option=com_content task=view id=2985 Itemid=29) on the subject of Celtic's finances. The article...

With the transfer window now closed Eddie and Harry Brady take a look over the players who have joined the club and they try to decide whether our wheeling and dealing has been a success or not. They discuss the 11 players who have joined the club and review the decision making process that brought them to Paradise. They cast an eye over the interesting blog posted on the Swissramble website and they then give Lawwell a light kicking.

And to round us off The Human Torpedo tells us the tale of the greatest villian in Celtic history.

This week the podcast includes some added content which can be accessed by scanning the barcode on the graphic attached to the mp3. Whatever the podcast equivalent of DVD extras are then that's what you've got. You'll need to download the stickybits app for your iphone or android phone. Once you have scanned the barcode you will be able to hear the three extra mini podcasts. You can also add any content you wish to the barcode and listeners across the world will be able to access it once they do a quick scan. Why not scan a picture of where you listen to the podcast or somehing an' 'at?

The feed for the podcast can be found here . Remember you can subscribe via itunes here .

{mp3remote}http://traffic.libsyn.com/celticunderground/cu103.mp3{/mp3remote}

So the transfer window slammed shut. Were you down or were your expectations met? Going by the forums it was mostly the former. To add to the angst Jonathan1312 of KDS posted a link to an article to Swissrambler’s blog.: http://swissramble.blogspot.com/2010/09/celtic-if-you-know-history.html If you’ve not read it sums up the realities of Celtic’s economic situation with the benefit of looking on from the outside, dispassionately, which we all should try to do from time to time. It’s a decent read if you can shake the feeling that you have toothache and you’re poking about at it. The issues are familiar to most supporters and are being debated at a Celtic forum near you. There was one part of Swissrambler’s take on Celtic that I thought he’d called wrong though, and that’s the shoulders he shrugged to the 'Atlantic league' proposal. I’ll make it clear from the beginning that I’m an Atlantic League cheerleader; I’ve bored folk to tears about the merits of this and I’d love to see this idea back in the mix of debate rather than the butt of our jokes. So stop laughing, I’m being serious! True, the Atlantic league, despite CQN’s best attempts, has never been fashionable; it’s as ‘in’ as one of those jackets that tie up at the back. Truth be told the Swiss Rambler hasn't got much time for the Atlantic idea. Neither do many Celtic fans. An uneducated guess would put the majority of Celtic supporters firmly ‘favourable to EPL move’, maybe as high as 70%. Higher still? Maybe it’s the reason why Celtic fans can almost set their watch by the frequency of Desmond, Lawwell or Reid advocating the move to England. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/8954996.stm Other options just don‘t get a look in: ‘EPL is what the fans want, it’s what they want to hear‘. Or maybe it’s just a distraction from the pressing concerns of now: the idea of England being on the horizon (and, depending on where you looking, it is) no matter how far away could help keep you afloat when all about you is turning to shite: ‘As long as we escape, all is well‘. Trying to suggest a fix to the SPL: ’ You jokin, the Sphell?’ So what I’m suggesting is that we, specifically the club’s principal owner, his executives alongside large section of the fan base and media, have neglected the changes needed for the betterment of Celtic within Scottish football and the debate regarding our future and the bigger picture. This has happened against the backdrop of the massive injections of finance to English football & the Champions League from Sky, We were told straight: we could no long compete with the Wigans of this world. ‘Can’t beat ’em so join ’em‘. To be clear about the short term I’m talking about the most obvious things that Celtic (and others) could have done in the meantime to improve Scottish football, that would not cost massive amounts of money, 12 month reports or hindered any progress away from the SPL. You know exactly what I mean: a 16 team league, a reboot to summer football, maybe looking at different media platforms to generate filthy lucre. It could almost take care of itself if there was a will for it and the blame doesn’t just lie with Celtic. Scottish football is in the mess it deserves because of short term, parochial intransigence of chairmen and administrators. We’ve not done this in the understanding that all that Murdoch gold would be coming our way eventually. The EPL has become the sole focus of Celtic and it has blurred the vision of our future as well. Obviously other teams in other leagues face the problem of how to operate alongside the bigger Euro leagues which is what prompted the Atlantic league in the first place. There was murmurs of an Atlantic league alongside EPL hollering, but never the same appetite. Was it that Desmond could only see things in terms of Sky’s monopoly? Were the logistics of a pan Euro league too great? Derision too stiff from the press? We’ll never know as the debate has never had. Problem is that since the EPL move stalled so have we - there doesn't seem to be a plan B. You could describe our current vision as floating in the brown stuff with our thumb out, hitching for a lift to Wigan. There is lot’s to go over in terms of the Atlantic league model, so I’ll just stick to responding to Swiss Ramblers points and leave it there (I‘m already in way over my head). Swissrambler writes: "It would resemble a poor man’s Champions League" In much the same way as the Europa league does now? Probably right but if you frame and market it right, not necessarily. Despite our showing this year, this is our level - the mid tier. We are where we are but we should appreciate that we’d be able to compete and it should stop our decline. He writes: "TV companies would almost certainly not pay much for such limited fare." I think he’s doing a massive disservice to the fans in Holland, Belgium, Portugal and Scandinavia, who maybe don't warrant the same level of attention as the English, Spanish, Italian or German leagues on their own. Together, an Atlantic league would challenge the top dog's dominance if only in potential viewing figures alone. Last of all: "Given that the only rationale for doing this would be financial, there would seem to be little point in going ahead, as it would be like jumping out of the frying pan into the fire." Again I just don’t understand that and so I’ll propose a model of how the Atlantic league could work and see if it makes sense to you: Basically we round up the big fish from the small ponds, the waifs and strays like us, and create a new tier that sits between the Champions League and ‘domestic’ top division. The Royal championships in Scandinavia would be an example of starting point but the Atlantic league would be played over the course of a full season, with promotion to it and relegation back down to the ‘domestic’ league. It wouldn’t be as easy as just joining the EPL, there are logistical problems but it can’t be argued that you’d not be increasing competition. I’d also prefer this framework to English ‘repatriation’ - you can get there by merit, not just the size of your fan base. So what if Dundee United and Alkmaar where there instead of Celtic and Ajax, would broadcasters want to touch that? Of course the same thing could happen in England: Celtic could be relegated and Cardiff could go up. I guess you’ll never know unless you try. It goes without saying we have a greater involvement and history in Europe than in England: our history is something you can’t be careless with. If UEFA were to allow teams from the Atlantic league to be involved in the CL (an important point) then you could argue that with additional revenue behind them, these teams would be more than able to compete against the 'big boys'. So what do you think- does this jacket button up at the back?

So the transfer window slammed shut. Were you down or were your expectations met? Going by the forums it was mostly the former.

To add to the angst Jonathan1312 of KDS posted a link to an article on the Swissrambler’s blog. If you’ve not read it, it sums up the realities of Celtic’s economic situation with the benefit of looking on from the outside, dispassionately, which we all should try to do from time to time. It’s a decent read if you can shake the feeling that you have toothache and you’re poking about at it. The issues are familiar to most supporters and are being debated at a Celtic forum near you.

There was one part of Swissrambler’s take on Celtic that I thought he’d called wrong though, and that’s the shoulders he shrugged to the 'Atlantic league' proposal.

I’ll make it clear from the beginning that I’m an Atlantic League cheerleader; I’ve bored folk to tears about the merits of this and I’d love to see this idea back in the mix of debate rather than the butt of our jokes. So stop laughing, I’m being serious! True, the Atlantic league, despite CQN’s best attempts, has never been fashionable; it’s as ‘in’ as one of those jackets that tie up at the back.

 

The annual Jock Stein Friendship Cup match between Albion Rovers and a Celtic XI takes place this week end at Cliftonhill Stadium.
The match kicks off on Saturday September 4th at PM, the admission price is £6; and you can pay at the gate.
This annual charity match has become very popular especially among the local supporters of both clubs.
All the money raised at the match goes to worthy causes, so i would encourage anyone who can attend to get along there and lend your support to the organisers; and more importantly; to the worthy causes.

“Celtic's majority shareholder Dermot Desmond has forecast that the Scottish champions will be playing in the English Premiership within four or five years.” – BBC report “Celtic set for English...

While Honduras is recovering from the recent losses of Marathon and Olimpia in the CONCACAF Champions League, it has some good news.

Celtic FC has recently welcomed Emilio Izaguirre to its team. His debut with the team received applause from the team's manager, who sees a bright future.

Emilio Izaguirre was born in Honduras on May 10, 1986. He started his career with Club Deportivo Montagua in 2004.

His first victory was Montagua over Denli, which lead to subsequent victories in his career with Montagua such as the 2006-2007 Apertura and the 2007 UNCAF Club Championship.

His first international game was between Honduras and Costa Rica on February 9 2007.

Izaguirre has 42 international caps and participated in the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup as well as the 2008 Summer Olympics, held in Beijing, China.

He also participated in the 2010 FIFA World Cup representing his country. It remains to be seen how he will fare in Celtic FC, but at least Honduras as well as Mexico and the USA are starting to receive attention.

Read more Celtic news on BleacherReport.com

The Bhoys defend Jock Stein Cup on Sat 4th September

Celtic and Albion Rovers have agreed a date for the annual Jock Stein Friendship Cup Match which has in the past been played as a Pre-Season game but which had to be held over this year due to the late appointment of Neil Lennon as Celtic Manager.

The game will now be played at the Rovers Cliftonhill Stadium on Saturday 4th September with a 3pm Kick-Off time. Admission will be at a flat rate of £6 for all and will be via cash at the gates.

Saturday 4th September is a “free weekend” in the season due to International Football commitments and the Celtic Development Team manager Danny McGrain has promissed to bring along a side made up of some first team players who are not on international duty and also some of the very highly rated youth players coming through the ranks at Lennoxtown.

This match has traditionally been a real fun day with both clubs celebrating the legend that is Jock Stein. So get yourself down to the Coatbridge San Siro where Patrick Rolink and all at Albion Rovers will give you a fantastic welcome.

Hail Hail…The FRP….22 August.

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Another Opportunity To Show The Celtic Park Thunder!!!!!

When The Saints from Paisley coming calling to Paradise today our very own Saint Neil of Lurgan has disregarded all the media talk of The Bhoys looking to exact revenge for the 4-0 humbling we suffered in Paisley which ultimately cost Big Mogga his job and ironically got Lenny his.

Lenny has instead deflected all talk away from that and said he is now “only looking forward with Celtic” and also to gathering another three points to add to the first three of the season we picked up away to Inverness.

We do have some selection worries today especially in the full back positions which could even result in young Irishman Richie Towell making his competitive debut but no mater who is selected I am sure that The New Celtic Management Team will have the Bhoys firing on all cylinders and that our New Bhoys will fire us onto a good win.

Here’s to another happy day in Paradise……Let’s get right behind The Bhoy’s from start to finish!!!!!!!

Hail Hail….The FRP…..22nd August

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At the end of this month Neil Lennon will get his first true test as Celtic manager, when the might of Timdom take on tough opponents in the second of three rounds of a difficult and possibly even downright unfair qualifying schedule. Still, if you can manoeuvre your way out of a trip to the dark east or turf out a club from the big five, no-one among Europe’s finest should hold any real fear.

If Celtic overcome one of Zenit St Petersburg (Uefa Cup champions 2008), Ajax, Fenerbahce, Dinamo Kiev or Portugal’s Sporting Braga, one of the fourth-placed teams from Europe’s top five leagues await, and that could mean Arsenal again.
It all sounds like deja vu: Tony Mowbray’s first task was to condemn Dinamo Moscow to the early stages of the Consolation Cup. This he accomplished but did little else for the remainder of the season. Which is why Lenny, of course, is in the hotseat.

Much has been written about his appointment and the task ahead to unseat Rangers from their privileged position atop Scottish football’s hierarchy. Much has also been written about his past in the Celtic top, but there’s not a great deal known about Neil Lennon the manager or his back-up team. At least under Tony Mowbray that was something Timdom could afford: we knew his roles with Hibs and West Brom. Lennon, on the other hand, is the most inexperienced Celtic manager since John Barnes and we all know what happened with him.

There, the comparisons with the ex-Liverpool player end. Lennon knows Celtic in and out, as a player, captain, reserve manager, assistant to Gordon Strachan and caretaker manager, albeit for just nine games.

Lennon’s coaching role under Strachan brought immediate success, the winning of the League in 2008, in dramatic circumstances with the little Irishman providing a spark to a team that had seemingly bottled it and gifted the title to the Govan mob.

But he couldn’t help Strachan deliver a fourth title in a row the following season and after the gaffer went south, Lennon was given the reserve team manager’s shellsuit.

Unfortunately, we can’t glean anything from this, as the SPL had ridiculously suspended the Reserve League so Lennon’s boys had to make do with non-competitive matches against selections from Drogheda United and Queen of the South.
After the St Mirren debacle Lenny was elevated to caretaker manager and won all the eight remaining league games, but realistically there was nothing to play for, the title chase ending in Paisley and it’s fair to say the Board weren’t expecting a great deal from the new man in charge.

But he did the job with aplomb, a 2-1 defeat of Rangers at home being the most significant result, not merely ending a string of dismal results against the Enemy but it could signal the turning point, reversing Rangers dominance in the derby games.

Just as pleasing were the come-from-behind wins, such as the 3-2 against Hibs, and the 2-1 versus Motherwell. Hard to think of Celtic fighting back after going behind under Mr Motivation, aka Mogga.

Lennon’s done his job, putting some pride back into the team, if not a trophy, but it may have been asking slightly too much for him to win the Scottish Cup. Or was it? Would Celtic fans rather have had the Cup in the trophy room instead of the League results? Poverty isn’t always a bad thing, it makes you think about what don’t have and appreciate what you once did.

Since moving up from the second-string, Lennon has said all the right things: “I want us to instill that (team ethic) into us.”

“I want us to be be hard to beat. I want them (the players) to go out and give everything for the shirt and I will try and make them realise what the shirt means for so many people.”

“I want my players to go to war every time they go out on the pitch.”

Sterling stuff. Just what the faithful need to hear. He’s berated poor referring decisions, ran the riot act after the loss to Ross County and re-ignited the club’s Irish connection. On the touchline, Lenny, like Martin O’Neill, moves like a man who has a ferret down his trousers.

There’s no doubt the new gaffer is a Celtic man through-and-through, but it’s also clear that he won’t be putting his head in his hands (a la Mogga), or be singing to the Laptop Loyal’s songsheet.

His relationship with the press has started off well, but the attack-dogs of the Fifth Estate are only sharpening their teeth: why bother having at go at Lenny when the league’s all but over. This is the same bunch that made light of the brutal attack on Lennon in Glasgow. The real test of this relationship will be before, during and after the first derby game of the season.

As for the rest of Team Lennon, there is little experience there either. This will be Johan Mjallby’s first coaching job. Alan Thompson, was the academy coach at Newcastle United and Garry Parker has the longest coaching CV of the lot, having been involved in the staff at Leicester City since 2001 and also scouting for O’Neill at Villa.

As for signings, Lennon is aiming high if some of the names linked with Celtic actually sign on but speculation is nothing more than that and at the time of writing Charlie Mulgrew and Cha Du-Ri are the only actual signings so far, while Zheng Zhi and Koki Mizuno have been offloaded and N’Guemo hasn’t signed on.

Mulgrew didn’t make it the first time round with Celtic, although he, like Michael McGlinchey was one of the young players not given a real chance by Strachan. We need a left-sided player like a baby needs a breast but I am doubtful if Mulgrew is that man. Cha was in the back four for South Korea at the World Cup but comes from the largely unknown German club Freiburg where he was nicknamed the “human weapon” although it’s difficult to determine if that’s the dry Teutonic humour coming out.

Often experience isn’t essential, a naturally-born manager will prove their management skills anywhere, anytime.

Lennon is a cheap option for Celtic, who’s board have a get-out clause already by offering him just a one-year contract. I don’t expect miracles, a treble is asking maybe too much, and the Champions League may be beyond a team being rebuilt (again). I’d be happy with regaining the league from the neanderthals and a return ticket to the group stages of the Moneybags League. One of the cups and a run in the Consolation Cup would be a bonus. But that may not be enough to satisfy an increasingly demanding fanbase and a board that has little guilt in seeking scapegoats for their own failings.

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