Celtic Banter Archive January 04 2016

04 Jan 2016 21:30:46
Hey Ed, hope you and the family had a good festive period and a decent start to this year (only 4 days in I know lol but hey)

The game on Saturday was one of the worst I've seen in a good while and hate passing negativity onto my kids who go to as many games as poss aswell, so his it well.
I'm angry at the way the teams playing and I don't need to go over what others on here have already said, but I was even more angry at the stupid "protest" if it was? Of the flashing of lights on the phones! Boo the team, boo the management or board, but go to the game and watch it, you never know mibe get a last minute goal! And an ugly win is still a win.

Anyway. Few rumours flying about the last couple of days, I don't pay any attention to many of them now until something concrete.
Just wondering on the Tyler Blackett situ? I thought he was away back down the road, did they not want him back either?

{Ed007's Note - Wasn't the phones thing something to do with Police Scotland and the OBF act? It seems that celebrating an ugly win is dependant on who the manager is at the time, John, some supporters were upset that Griffiths' late goal sealed the ugly win and wasted their night, there were even some fans on social media would have preferred we had lost to Thistle. I'm like you, a win is a win.
As far as I was aware Tyler Blackett returned to Man Utd last month.}

04 Jan 2016 22:25:13
I'm not sure Ed, you'll probably know better? again just heard different bits and bobs, would be disappointed if the light flashing was aimed at the manager, coaching staff or board, I'm not happy with some of the things going on with the team on and off the pitch but flashing a light is a wee bit immature if that's what it was?

Blackett played today for the development squad, if it's the same one right enough? Don't think there's 2 (hopefully) if there is then we've kept the right one.
I did think he was away though?

{Ed007's Note - You're right about Blackett, I've no idea what's going on there mate sorry. I see Tierney was stretchered off today, that doesn't sound too good.
Would it really surprise you if the flashing lights was against the manager when you see some of the toxic reprobates that seem to have attached themselves to the support?}

04 Jan 2016 22:30:11
Did you get that rumour about Blackett from 'Only an Excuse' bigbadjohn 😃 a wee drunken flashback me thinks😉.

04 Jan 2016 22:42:21
And where we sit, there was proper "supporters" trying to sing songs or start them anyway but all you get is a dirty look or comment, my kids were told to shut up one week from the hangers on! (That almost done it for me) Seems it's all about the Green brigade?
The booing was the only thing louder than the Away support lol
Was a few trying to start "your getting sacked in the morning" they had left before griffiths scored though.

It's not all roses but RD is far from the blame on some or most of this.

{Ed007's Note - I'm surprised you didn't get a stern letter about your kids interrupting customers's tweeting or selfie taking. You wouldn't be the first to be grassed up by 'one of our own' for making too much noise at a game.}

05 Jan 2016 00:25:23
Once again you assume things even if it social media you don't know. I'm an angry celt but I want wins under Ronny and hope we go from strength to strength I've been hoping for some time.

{Ed007's Note - I hope for your own sake you aren't trying to call me a liar. I know what I seen with my own eyes.}

05 Jan 2016 10:57:01
The split in support and the mediocrity on the pitch again deflects and conceals the true culprits in all of this.
The uber-complacent Lawell and fellow board members have systematically dragged the club backwards and downhill ever since WGS went on his merry way.

Both NL and RD have been given a job., far in excess of their experience and capability, with the added disadvantage of (NL in particular) having top players sold and not replaced with anything resembling similar class.
Budget restraints - even though profits were healthy and bonuses/ dividends were assured to the few.

The disintegration of rangers was dismissed by Lawell as we were self-sufficient and able to generate our own cash; but the well is running dry as we have very few assets left in the shop window and our European 'cash line' card has been well and truly cut in half.

We may well still be in with a chance of three trophies, but - hand on heart - how do supporters see our progress and superiority since 2012?
I honestly believe the board have been treading water instead of steaming ahead - like other teams would have done in our position.

05 Jan 2016 11:15:13
Totally agree JJ2. PL has stated that we don't budget ourselves on CL. Therefore we have just been treading water in the hope we qualify. We should have made consistent strides in Europe without Rangers but the penny pinching has just held us back. Pig sick of investing more in the club than the billionaire owners who call themselves fans.

05 Jan 2016 14:51:54
Ed the Tierney carried off injured was a Thistle player, KT is fine.

06 Jan 2016 18:49:13
Jungle Jim 2 most of us would agree that the board is threading water rather than going full steam ahead .
Just could u explain what full steam ahead consists of . Can the club afford full steam ahead?

04 Jan 2016 17:13:41
Evening ED.
I was wondering what's your view on the way things are going at Celtic at the minute. I know Ronny is in a difficult position at the moment the team are not playing well and nothing like the fast attacking play he always said he wanted. I really don't think we have the players to play that way but was wondering what your thoughts are the on things that are going at Celtic right now and how safe is RD position. I always enjoy your opinions as you tell it the way you see it. Cheers.

{Ed007's Note - RD's position is 100% safe for now, there's never been any doubts about that. We won the league and a cup last season, should have won a treble, and we played European football after Christmas, AND we beat a lot of CFC supporters second favourite team at Hampden. This year we had a disaster in Europe and are sitting top of the league with both cups still to play for.
To get the team playing the way RD wants we need to bring in players who can play that way rather than the dross that John Park is bringing in. How do you expect to make a mark in Europe with players from Dundee Utd and the lower leagues of Scotland?}

04 Jan 2016 20:23:26
For me ED you have hit a home run with that summary. It's exactly the case but the trouble is people are not accepting that because they want the European success but forget about the quality in the 11 that play. For me there's no need to get rid of the manager unless he has got the funding to buy good players- he wants - and fails in Europe and domestically. I'd would sack him then. Not as it stands now.

{Ed007's Note - But it's not European success Pedro, participation seems to be the be all and end all for some. I said for years a club our size should be aiming for a minimum of 3rd place in a CL group and drop down to the EL but we never invested the money to kick on to that level and have went backwards apart from the odd spike in our fortunes.
The reality is that it doesn't matter who the CFC manager is we are going to struggle to qualify for the CL and the blame for this lies firmly at the door of Peter Lawwell, what we are seeing is the the impact of long term neglect on his part to wisely invest in the team.
Why didn't he bring in Simunovic earlier to play alongside VVD in the qualifiers, why did he allow our two main CB players to leave during the same window? That's just bad, even amateur, planning. Did people really expect a brand new defence to just slot together over a couple of training sessions?
It's as if the fans can't see what's straight in front of them, PL will always gamble on the CL with what's already at the club, he covers it with the BS about buying in January so the players are bedded in for CL qualifiers. If we go out he says there's no money but if we qualify the spending on the playing side doesn't rise any - and it never has. What happened to the money from the new 'record breaking' deal with New Balance, where's the money from Wanyama, Forster and Ledley went, did that any of that get reinvested in the team? Why aren't we looking at Bosman's of the quality of Ledley and Mathews any longer but we're buying players like Scott Allan from the lower leagues in Scotland, did John Park really push for Danny Wilson, another player from the lower leagues of Scotland, to be brought in to replace VvD?}

04 Jan 2016 20:51:55
Absolutely 100% agree with what you have to say ED. I no RD is having a nightmare time at the moment with all the Celtic fans wanting rid of him and as you say Europe never went right this year but we're still in the hunt for the treble which we have a good chance at winning. I remember watching his seminar a few months ago and thinking this man knows what he's talking about and what he wants to do. I hope he stays true to his way of wanting to play the game and if it doesn't work well he will fall on his sword. Really hope that he does nail in a treble and then that may change so many of the haters and give the man some backing. As for John park the last few years his signing policy has been absolute terrible and it's been a while since the likes of wanyamma, Ledley and co but always hoping we can pull something special from somewhere. Just don't let him near the strikers.

04 Jan 2016 21:32:40
I agree 100% you can't make an omelette without eggs or a cake without the correct ingredients just like you can't play a style of play with the wrong players.

04 Jan 2016 21:35:44
RD and JC have to go and Dermot must decide a business model for Celtic bcoz as every year passes CFC are in decline. Look at the apathy and empty seats. If the board thought that treading water until Sevco returned was a smart move we are in worse shape than I thought
Using the possibility of a Double/ Treble are masking over the gaping deficiencies of our team. We are expected to win our league by football fans across the globe.

04 Jan 2016 21:58:42
So what do you think the new barometer / yard stick / even plan is Ed (Or is there even that! ) ?

Do enough to stay ahead of everyone else domestically? Sign everyone that would slightly improve sevco?

Obviously RD had some input in the united three even young Christie we are never going to get into europe again at this rate Ed if RD continues to play this way, if we are signing players that cannot play it IMO

He needs a rethink and tinkering this system 2 holding midfielders is killing us @ home.

{Ed007's Note - The plan is to gamble and see whether we qualify for the CL or EL, that's it and won't change no matter who the manager is. Why would it change when it's been the same for years, when was the last time we went into a season stronger than before?}

04 Jan 2016 22:17:17
A few points 1) I don't believe people who want rid of Ronny are haters we just don't rate him as highly as some "lovers"
2) it's not European success we want it's reaching our potential with what we have ie beating Maribor,Malmö,molde etc
3) being good at seminars and knowing what he wants to do doesn't mean he can deliver it and this season in particular we have had far too many pathetic performances to brush under the carpet by saying we could still win a treble. If you take celtic out of Scotland's coefficient we are playing in one of the worst rated leagues in Europe so winning domestic trophies is good but not a barometer of how good we are.
4) Ronny must take some responsibility for transfers as there is no doubt he had an influence on denayer, Cole and gms at least so why not the others? The reason I say gms is he was cup tied for both cups and we were always going to win the league so why pay money when we could have got him for nothing?
I've said before I'm all for getting rid of lawwell perhaps a new top man would reassess our approach or perhaps a new manager would get more out of our squad or have a better input to transfers.

{Ed007's Note - I know what are we like wanting to win trophies, the shame of it!}

06 Jan 2016 01:09:04
Jools 71 Dermot Desmond has his plan for Celtic, he sees it as a love from his heart his plans for Celtic are for the club to continue, perhaps making a small loss one year and then try to recoup that this next year . He has no intention of risking a large amount of money unless Celtic are playing football in an invironment were vast sums of money are available to all. He has too much love for Celtic to seek to a dodgy Russian, American or middle Easterner who wouldn't have the club's interest at heart .
The problem with Celtic could very well fall between DD and RD, recognising get and employing better could be a major problem.

04 Jan 2016 18:27:57
Jimtim, paddymcguire.

Fell awkwardly damaging his shoulder.

Macabre came as substitute, it will be a good test for any of them

Celtic won 4-1.

04 Jan 2016 17:07:20
Hi guys if any of you are interested, Bailly who was to be in goals for the suspended Gordon at Stranraer wad taken off injured today in the development game against Access.

04 Jan 2016 17:29:41
Any idea why? Was hoping he'd come in, have a good game then stay there but will be a big chance for Fasan too.

04 Jan 2016 17:38:55
Fasan or young hazard big chance for the young lads.

04 Jan 2016 18:19:01
Fasan made the bench against Motherwell, It may have been because Bailly was injured but I thought personally it was on merit as for how well he played against Chelsea and Liverpool

Months ago I suggested playing one of the other keepers in the cups

IMO Fasan is ready, slight worry is his kicking in terms of shot stopping, penalty saving and agility he is the BEST keeper we have.

04 Jan 2016 18:58:12
Jamiebhoy7 its times like this where youth can step up and make a name for themselves.

To be honest I've always thought Fasan was Forsters long term replacement, with Gordon brought into bridge the gap till he was ready.

04 Jan 2016 19:33:41
DN30 I been watching this lad for more than two seasons

This lad could be in the Italian set up in the next 5 years

Last season I seen him save a penalty against the Pars he starts to dive the wrong way, realizes its going the other way, steadies himself dives the other way and STILL fkin saved it! You needed to see it to believe it, it was fantastic said many a time on here he is as agile as a cat!

04 Jan 2016 13:13:21
Reckon a lot of people will get what they wish for at end of the season with RD being replaced but we will be back to square one, in fact potentially further back as it is not inconceivable to see Bitton and Johansson both being cashed in on (I expect the latter to really kick on Jan to May with a view to shop windowing himself) Moyes will not come to Celtic, our board will not change their ways and no one would really want to buy a Scottish club, even us as there's not much scope to develop your investment making EPL/ Championship clubs far more attractive prospects. At least it's not raining, oh wait.

04 Jan 2016 14:00:22
He will only be replaced if he fails yet again to qualify for CL! If he fails again do you think he should be allowed to continue? So will it be that he is allowed to continue until we fail to win the SPL? Where is the cut off point. For me it has to be the CL qualification. You say we go back to square 1 but if you don't think he can Qualify next time he should surly be replaced now!

04 Jan 2016 14:41:49
Hand on heart the only manager in my time supporting Celtic, I never wanted was Lou Macari - an ex-player that had given me some very good memories in the hoops.
The most important thing is obviously success- as in our league it has been taken for granted for so long, but we expect good attacking football with style along the way and a sprinkling of quality, skill full entertainers on the pitch.
The club have these values in its blood and tradition and any manager has to realise the expectations and demands associated with the job and identify with the supporters.

There is not a problem restructuring and bringing in new ideas etc, but the players have to be totally committed and convinced in order to perform at their maximum and the fans need to appreciate and witness definite improvement and at the moment neither seems to be happening.

04 Jan 2016 14:55:49
A large element depends on what he can't control though johnny.

04 Jan 2016 18:19:00
Jim Tim Benitez has just been sacked at Madrid. Did he deserve to go? Debateable but the board were not content with the results and neither were the fans. Moiriniho sacked at Chelsea. Did he deserve it? Debatable but the board were not content and neither were the fans. Were they in charge of recruitment or not? Who knows but probably not. Regardless new manager in at Chelsea and already signs of improvement. Same players. So clubs expect you to work within the structure they set out and they expect you to succeed. I also know the financial differences between Chelse, Madrid and Celtic. So it's not like for like. I understand that.
Ronnie is not getting the best out of the players. It might be the system or the training or the motivation. Either way all of those elements are controlled by RD. So he also needs to be judged by what he delivers on the pitch which currently is poor.

04 Jan 2016 19:00:48
Johnymac Are u for real? No matter how u understand difference between Chelsea and Celtic, you don't demonstrate it by discussing Mourinho's department and whether RD should be got rid of .
RD has Celtic top of table, not fighting relegation .

04 Jan 2016 15:25:28
Jim Tim I agree that he needs to be in control of signings. None of us know the extent of that. However the lack of ambition from the bosrdroom is disgraceful and that lack of ambition is now flowing over into some of the support. Supporters on here are stating if he gets sacked there is no one else who is any use who would take the job. Supporters and Ed is saying that too much emphasis is focuses on CL football! Why should supporters limit themselves to just winning in Scotland. We are very proud of our European heritage. It brings better players to the club. It drives income and it gives us something to dream of instead of just a wet windy night at Kilmarnock. The apathy is therefore not just with the board it's with the supporters who are willing to allow our great European heritage to be wasted. We understand signings are poor however RD should be getting better performances out of this squad. It's a vicious circle. The board have no ambition, the fans see the signings and then say well what can we do. Well we can do better. So as I said, where is the cut off point for any Celtic manager because once we start accepting that our lot is winning the SPL and maybe a cup then we are going backwards as an entire organisation. So it would be good to hear from RD supporters as to where the line is? As I asked is it failure to qualify for CL? We know PL's business plan is 3 years out if every 5. If he wants that then he has to get in a manager and players who can deliver. So if we fail again does RD carry on. If he dies then PL may have to rewrite his business plan.

{Ed007's Note - Our European heritage? That's a belter!!! That's like something a Zombie would come out with.}

04 Jan 2016 20:58:19
Ed tell you what. Why don't you tell the supporters we have no European heritage. Over the last 10 years we have done ok in Europe under Strachan and MON but maybe you don't count that. We also had a bit of success under Lennon. Count up the amount of games we have played in Europe since the Sevill season? So yes we do have European heritage. Maybe you want to argue against that for whatever reason you have.

{Ed007's Note - A 10 year old heritage, really? And yeah that really stands up against Real Madrid and Barca, a couple of last 16s and a UEFA Cup Final - a tournament you do nothing but bad mouth - which was before the 10 year thing you mentioned.}

04 Jan 2016 21:02:05
OldBhoy read the post. Never mentioned relegation what I said was that all club boards make decisions about managers staying or going. Managers at Chelsea have won the CL and still been sacked. Managers at Madrid have won the league and still been sacked. The point is can RD qualify for CL at 4th attempt. If not he has failed to achieve one of the targets from PL and that may be enough to get him sacked.

06 Jan 2016 01:26:48
Johnnymac
Chelsea this year were in free fall. From been an EPL winning team built on millions and millions of Russian money, Mourinho allowed she EGO to get the best of him and he fell out with team doctor and key players and had brought the team within striking distance of relegation .
He seem to be back yapping about RD not qualifying for Champions League four times . I suppose you are too young to remember Tommy Burns who many reckon should have a statue erected, well he didn't make European football after Christmas for all his time.

04 Jan 2016 10:17:36
Investment is a thing alien to Celtic. We can all see where decent players are required but to hope we spend any money, is utter folly.

Prepare to take another step down on the ladder lads.

As for playing more young players? If they aren't good enough to replace what we currently have then we have what we always do, future Dundee players, aberdeen at a push.

Happy days are faraway again.

Shambles.

04 Jan 2016 12:39:02
Hi Magic

Two things for me

A. We have spent decent money, just wasted on the wrong players

B. We have decent players, playing in an alien formation to them and also out of natural positions

Another manager could possibly get better performances out of the group of players we have. Imo :)

04 Jan 2016 19:07:06
Based on what has happened with most of our previous managers this century, a new manager hasn't bought any better success .