As a founder member of a successful and dedicated Celtic Supporters' Club in Bristol, I found myself in Bath on business on Wednesday evening, unable to attend the free pre-season Friendly at Celtic park.
Both myself and my wife and another Tim accompanied by a Man City fan pitched up at the Bath "CSC" and Celtic bars listed pub Flan O'Briens's in Bath to watch the game on Setanta only to find Setanta was down and showing the unsunscribed screen. All well and good pre-season and all that but the punter who ran the bar (who was in there the whole day) refused to show the game and proceeded to have a go at me for offering to phone Setanta for him. No he was off duty and "The Celtic game won't be on end of story" he retorted.
Now the bugger was ADVERTYISING THE GAME!!!!!!
I live in Edinburgh again mow so there's no local rivalry. However when I frst took a job in Bristol and before I come across the hundreds of like minded Tims there I would call O'Brien's ask if they were showing a game get a positive answer only to take the train journey and find the EPL or worse the Championship on and a refusal to show our game.
THIS IS NOT THE ACTIONS OF A BAR LISTED ON CELTIC BARS . COM.
Finally thank God for a bar who would normally have the EPL on but showed the Man City game - The Bunch o Grapes you saved the night, we thank you.
As for Fake O'Brien's the train journey shall be made to the only home for Celtic fans in that region where CELTIC comes before anything else - The Foresters in Bristol.
Hail! Hail!
Have a look at the false shameful bar here
http://www.flanobriens.com/
21, Westgate StreetBath BA1 1EPTel: 01225 312914Fax: 01225 447435
mailto:landlords@flanobriens.com?Subject=Website%20Response
Friday, August 8, 2008
Flan O'Briens's in Bath - a FAKE Celtic bar - Thank you Bunch o Grapes
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Shelbourne 1-1 Celtic VIDEO REPORT
The reserves three match tour of Ireland ended tonight with a 1-1 draw against Shelbourne.
Rocco Quinn scored the second half equaliser with Scott Cuthbert, Simon Ferry and Mark Millar the top performers.
VIDEO REPORT
Rocco Quinn scored the second half equaliser with Scott Cuthbert, Simon Ferry and Mark Millar the top performers.
VIDEO REPORT
Friday, July 25, 2008
Newry 1-2 Celtic
Newry 1-2 Celtic XI
The reserves just keep on winning making it four out of four today with a 2-1 win over Newry.
Derek Riordan and Mark Millar got the goals in the first half before the team eased up after the break allowing Newry to score a consolation.
Reports from my man at the match are sketchy but in the first half Celtic turned on the style and really put Newry to the test with Michael McGlinchey impressive in attack alongside Riordan.
On Wednesday the team moves on to Dublin where they face Shelbourne on Wednesday night at Tolka Park.
VIDEO REPORT
Derek Riordan and Mark Millar got the goals in the first half before the team eased up after the break allowing Newry to score a consolation.
Reports from my man at the match are sketchy but in the first half Celtic turned on the style and really put Newry to the test with Michael McGlinchey impressive in attack alongside Riordan.
On Wednesday the team moves on to Dublin where they face Shelbourne on Wednesday night at Tolka Park.
VIDEO REPORT
Friday, July 18, 2008
Livingston 0-2 Celtic VIDEO REPORT
Effectively Celtic's third team beat Livingston 2-0 at Almondvale with Kevin Cawley and Danny Lafferty scoring the goals.
VIDEO REPORT
With the first team squad calling up Paul Caddis and Cillian Sheridan, Willie McStay had to dig a bit deeper into his resources to face Livingston but once again came up with a win.
At this level winning is important, that's what is required of Celtic teams, but it's great to see the development in players and continual emergence of new faces that are ready to take their chance.
Into that category falls Ritchie Towell and Danny Lafferty. Towell is a central midfielder that adapted well at right back while Lafferty looks both commanding and imposing in the centre of defence whilst also showing a good eye for goal.
Thomas Gravesen and Derek Riordan again played with Gravesen looking out of touch as a sole striker during the first half with Riordan playing just off the Dane.
Michael McGlinchey and Mark Millar were kept busy in the first half and put in a power of work in the centre of the park tracking back and pushing forward.
The first half looked certain to end goal-less until Celtic took the lead two minutes from the break through Kevin Cawley.
Rocco Quinn threaded a great ball through for Cawley who, coming in off the left flank, showed a real striker's instinct and composure to slot the ball beyond Livi's trialist keeper as if it was the most natural thing in the world to do.
Simon Ferry replaced Gravesen at the break and Celtic really had to dig in and work hard for their win.
The second goal came in the 66nd minute when Scott Cuthbert headed down a Riordan corner, Cawlet sent the ball goalwards with Lafferty cheekily back healing the ball into the net.
I had my first look at Ryan Marshall in goals and he looked the part with a couple of good saves, one point blank header and another acrobatic effort that was touched over the bar.
I've no idea what age Marshall is but he's agile and looks a real natural keeper.
The reserves now head over to Ireland where they face Donegal Celtic in Belfast, Newry Town and Shelbourne.
VIDEO REPORT from Livi
VIDEO REPORT
With the first team squad calling up Paul Caddis and Cillian Sheridan, Willie McStay had to dig a bit deeper into his resources to face Livingston but once again came up with a win.
At this level winning is important, that's what is required of Celtic teams, but it's great to see the development in players and continual emergence of new faces that are ready to take their chance.
Into that category falls Ritchie Towell and Danny Lafferty. Towell is a central midfielder that adapted well at right back while Lafferty looks both commanding and imposing in the centre of defence whilst also showing a good eye for goal.
Thomas Gravesen and Derek Riordan again played with Gravesen looking out of touch as a sole striker during the first half with Riordan playing just off the Dane.
Michael McGlinchey and Mark Millar were kept busy in the first half and put in a power of work in the centre of the park tracking back and pushing forward.
The first half looked certain to end goal-less until Celtic took the lead two minutes from the break through Kevin Cawley.
Rocco Quinn threaded a great ball through for Cawley who, coming in off the left flank, showed a real striker's instinct and composure to slot the ball beyond Livi's trialist keeper as if it was the most natural thing in the world to do.
Simon Ferry replaced Gravesen at the break and Celtic really had to dig in and work hard for their win.
The second goal came in the 66nd minute when Scott Cuthbert headed down a Riordan corner, Cawlet sent the ball goalwards with Lafferty cheekily back healing the ball into the net.
I had my first look at Ryan Marshall in goals and he looked the part with a couple of good saves, one point blank header and another acrobatic effort that was touched over the bar.
I've no idea what age Marshall is but he's agile and looks a real natural keeper.
The reserves now head over to Ireland where they face Donegal Celtic in Belfast, Newry Town and Shelbourne.
VIDEO REPORT from Livi
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Tommy G and the trialist keeper help Celt's to victory
To call last night's Celtic XI interesting is an understatement.
Albion Rovers 1-4 Celtic
Up front we had the dynamic duo of Thomas Gravesen and Derek Riordan while on the bench newly signed Matty Hughes got on to make his debut in front of trialist goalkeeper Daniele Giordano.
How those four players will be remembered in Celtic history is anyone's guess.
There is one consistent aspect about the Celtic reserves and that's that they play good football, it's hard not to when you have Paul Caddis, Mark Millar and Kevin Cawley in your team.
Miller and Caddis have been outstanding for a while now and take every challenge in their stride, getting better week by week.
Caddis is really developing into a great full-back. Sharp in the tackle, pacy and comfortable moving forward he's got everything needed to make a big name for himself with the only variable being how he will develop.
I'd guess that every SPL team would take him on loan in a minute which probably would be best for his development because chances will be limited with Andreas Hinkel and Mark Wilson pushing for the right-back spot.
With Joe Doumbe also around there's plenty of cover and it looks unlikely that Caddis will get much first team football in the first half of the season.
Millar is developing at a great rate, has a good engine, essential for any centre midfielder, and can get himself forward into the box and knows how to find the net.
Two years ago Millar found himself behind Simon Ferry, Charlie Grant, Michael McGlinchey and Teddy Bjarnason in the u-19's midfield but injuries and Teddy's departure has given him a chance that he's taken with comfort.
Predictably both Millar and Caddis were in great form against Albion Rovers as Celtic raced into an early three goal lead with goals from Gravesen, Danny Lafferty and Millar.
Riordan scored early in the second half with Rovers getting a consolation from Pat Walker.
In goals for the night was trialist Daniele Giordano, a 17-year-old who has been on the books of Lecce.
He looked a bit older than 17 and had a fair bit of presence without having much to do although that will probably change in Saturday's game against Livingston.
Finally, Matty Hughes played most of the second half after an injury to Scott Cuthbert after signing on Tuesday from Rochdale who Celtic appear to be setting up some sort of informal exchange system with.
Albion Rovers 1-4 Celtic
Up front we had the dynamic duo of Thomas Gravesen and Derek Riordan while on the bench newly signed Matty Hughes got on to make his debut in front of trialist goalkeeper Daniele Giordano.
How those four players will be remembered in Celtic history is anyone's guess.
There is one consistent aspect about the Celtic reserves and that's that they play good football, it's hard not to when you have Paul Caddis, Mark Millar and Kevin Cawley in your team.
Miller and Caddis have been outstanding for a while now and take every challenge in their stride, getting better week by week.
Caddis is really developing into a great full-back. Sharp in the tackle, pacy and comfortable moving forward he's got everything needed to make a big name for himself with the only variable being how he will develop.
I'd guess that every SPL team would take him on loan in a minute which probably would be best for his development because chances will be limited with Andreas Hinkel and Mark Wilson pushing for the right-back spot.
With Joe Doumbe also around there's plenty of cover and it looks unlikely that Caddis will get much first team football in the first half of the season.
Millar is developing at a great rate, has a good engine, essential for any centre midfielder, and can get himself forward into the box and knows how to find the net.
Two years ago Millar found himself behind Simon Ferry, Charlie Grant, Michael McGlinchey and Teddy Bjarnason in the u-19's midfield but injuries and Teddy's departure has given him a chance that he's taken with comfort.
Predictably both Millar and Caddis were in great form against Albion Rovers as Celtic raced into an early three goal lead with goals from Gravesen, Danny Lafferty and Millar.
Riordan scored early in the second half with Rovers getting a consolation from Pat Walker.
In goals for the night was trialist Daniele Giordano, a 17-year-old who has been on the books of Lecce.
He looked a bit older than 17 and had a fair bit of presence without having much to do although that will probably change in Saturday's game against Livingston.
Finally, Matty Hughes played most of the second half after an injury to Scott Cuthbert after signing on Tuesday from Rochdale who Celtic appear to be setting up some sort of informal exchange system with.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
The Bernabeu to Cliftonhill in two years...
Thomas Gravesen... where did it all go wrong?
Two years ago Gravesen was a Real Madrid player that some deluded Celtic fans thought might become a Celtic player.
As the summer transfer window closed in 2006 Gravesen was a Celt as we prepared to defend the SPL title and make our mark in the Champions League.
The title was won in a canter and we qualified with a game to spare in the Champions League only to be knocked out by eventual winners AC Milan after extra-time in the San Siro.
Before then the wheels had started to fall off the Gravesen bandwagon, by the end of the season he couldn't even get a place on the bench in the Scottish Cup Final against Dunfermline while Teddy Bjarnason picked up a winners medal.
After a failed year loaned back to Everton Gravesen is back and set to play for the reserves against Albion Rovers and Livingston.
Another years salary, perhaps a loyalty payment at the end of it awaits unless an expensive pay-off can be sorted out.
It'll be a mystery how the transfer came about and a bigger mystery how the deal fell apart but for the 1,000 fans at Cliftonhill on Thursday the once Great Dane will be the star attraction.
VIDEO REPORT
Two years ago Gravesen was a Real Madrid player that some deluded Celtic fans thought might become a Celtic player.
As the summer transfer window closed in 2006 Gravesen was a Celt as we prepared to defend the SPL title and make our mark in the Champions League.
The title was won in a canter and we qualified with a game to spare in the Champions League only to be knocked out by eventual winners AC Milan after extra-time in the San Siro.
Before then the wheels had started to fall off the Gravesen bandwagon, by the end of the season he couldn't even get a place on the bench in the Scottish Cup Final against Dunfermline while Teddy Bjarnason picked up a winners medal.
After a failed year loaned back to Everton Gravesen is back and set to play for the reserves against Albion Rovers and Livingston.
Another years salary, perhaps a loyalty payment at the end of it awaits unless an expensive pay-off can be sorted out.
It'll be a mystery how the transfer came about and a bigger mystery how the deal fell apart but for the 1,000 fans at Cliftonhill on Thursday the once Great Dane will be the star attraction.
VIDEO REPORT
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Tommy Johnson VIDEO INTERVIEW
I had the pleasure to catch up with Tommy Johnson at the Masters football at the weekend where the Geordie Genius was the top Celt.
VIDEO INTERVIEW WITH TOMMY JOHNSON
TJ finished up as joint top scorer but once again Celtic lost out in the final, this time to Rangers with goalkeeper Kevin McKeown hardly covering himself in glory.
As ever it was good to see some old faces, Mark McNally, Darren Jackson, Regi Blinker and a real blast from the past with Jim Duffy called into service.
Johnson had a strange Celtic career, playing under Tommy Burns, Wim Jansen, Dr Jo, John Barnes, Kenny Dalglish and Martin O'Neill.
It was certainly a lively time at Celtic Park with TJ almost always playing with a smile and capable of the occasional spectacular goal.
He'll be best remembered for the title-clinching goal in 2001 against St Mirren and he's happy to laugh about mishitting that shot.
After Celtic he moved onto Sheffield Wednesday, Kilmarnock and others, at Rugby Park he scored a couple against Rangers before winding up his career playing for Sheffield United, Gillingham and Tamworth.
Tommy is now coaching at his first senior club Notts County and doing whatever he can for a local charity that is helping to educate kids in Guatemala and elsewhere.
Enjoy this VIDEO INTERVIEW with Tommy Johnson
VIDEO INTERVIEW WITH TOMMY JOHNSON
TJ finished up as joint top scorer but once again Celtic lost out in the final, this time to Rangers with goalkeeper Kevin McKeown hardly covering himself in glory.
As ever it was good to see some old faces, Mark McNally, Darren Jackson, Regi Blinker and a real blast from the past with Jim Duffy called into service.
Johnson had a strange Celtic career, playing under Tommy Burns, Wim Jansen, Dr Jo, John Barnes, Kenny Dalglish and Martin O'Neill.
It was certainly a lively time at Celtic Park with TJ almost always playing with a smile and capable of the occasional spectacular goal.
He'll be best remembered for the title-clinching goal in 2001 against St Mirren and he's happy to laugh about mishitting that shot.
After Celtic he moved onto Sheffield Wednesday, Kilmarnock and others, at Rugby Park he scored a couple against Rangers before winding up his career playing for Sheffield United, Gillingham and Tamworth.
Tommy is now coaching at his first senior club Notts County and doing whatever he can for a local charity that is helping to educate kids in Guatemala and elsewhere.
Enjoy this VIDEO INTERVIEW with Tommy Johnson
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Celtic reserves, pre-season schedule
Reserve pre-season friendlies
While the first team head off to the Algarve via Southampton and Fulham and onto Rotterdam it's a little less exotic for the reserves and youths.
Albion Rovers, Livingston and Berwick Rangers will all be facing Celtic XI's as well as a visit to Ireland taking in Donegal Celtic, Newry Town and Bohemians.
Glentoran will be visited at some future date, but not in July I suspect.
FULL PRE SEASON LISTING
Albion Rovers, Livingston and Berwick Rangers will all be facing Celtic XI's as well as a visit to Ireland taking in Donegal Celtic, Newry Town and Bohemians.
Glentoran will be visited at some future date, but not in July I suspect.
FULL PRE SEASON LISTING
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
That's why we're champions... no pesky Champions League qualifiers
Yesterday somewhere in Europe lots of wee teams were put in the draw for the Champions League dreaming of battling all the way into the real competition, picking up a few euros before getting turfed out as the big bhoys make their way into the last 16 and the proper knock-out.
TITLE WINNING VIDEO
When we won the league the euphoria and joy was real, an amazing comeback from the seemingly dead as Rearangers wilted as they finally caught up with those pesky away fixtures that they had been avoiding.
Behind the sheer joy of winning the league was a very attractive prize, straight into the Champions League without having to visit Moscow or anywhere like that.
Twelve months ago the season's build up was all towards being ready for the Champions League qualifier and despite being seeded it couldn't have been any tougher than getting CSKA Moscow away.
Remember the tension? Artur Boruc out injured, John Kennedy playing on a plastic pitch, the joy of Paul Hartley's header, the dismay as CSKA murdered us down the left at home, cancelling out our away goal, Boruc and Lee Naylor squaring up (a bit one sided), Skippy's equaliser, extra time, Derek Riordan appearing, Maciej Zurawski and Riordan scoring, Boruc saving and we're through.
Well this year it will be nice and quiet as others scrap and battle to join the real teams in the Champions League, even Arsenal and Liverpool face qualifiers and we won't face AC Milan for the third year running because they're in the UEFA Cup.
Every title win is sweet, demolishing big Eck's dream team and Hearts in 2006, seeing Paul LeGuen back across l'channel in 2007 but 2008 was very, very special, especially after too many scary home performances against too many teams to mention (such as St Mirren, Hibs, Aberdeen, Dundee United, Hearts and Motherwell)
There was no more margin for error when Walter's gladiators came calling, and twice they were turned over losing their cherished discipline as they ended both games with ten men.
Barry Robson and Paul Hartley were on fire, Gary Caldwell playing out of his skin, Aiden McGeady and Shunsuke Nakamura dazzling as we rattled off win after win and on to Tannadice.
Remarkably it was in our own hands, no outside help required and bhoy did we deliver as the other lot crumbled with another red card collected as they feebly fell at Aberdeen while the party started down the road at Tannadice.
It's six weeks now since we won the league but the dividend continues through the winter as we enjoy another Champions League campaign.
Enjoy the VIDEO FROM TANNADICE and sit back and prepare for a third consecutive Champions League campaign.
TITLE WINNING VIDEO
When we won the league the euphoria and joy was real, an amazing comeback from the seemingly dead as Rearangers wilted as they finally caught up with those pesky away fixtures that they had been avoiding.
Behind the sheer joy of winning the league was a very attractive prize, straight into the Champions League without having to visit Moscow or anywhere like that.
Twelve months ago the season's build up was all towards being ready for the Champions League qualifier and despite being seeded it couldn't have been any tougher than getting CSKA Moscow away.
Remember the tension? Artur Boruc out injured, John Kennedy playing on a plastic pitch, the joy of Paul Hartley's header, the dismay as CSKA murdered us down the left at home, cancelling out our away goal, Boruc and Lee Naylor squaring up (a bit one sided), Skippy's equaliser, extra time, Derek Riordan appearing, Maciej Zurawski and Riordan scoring, Boruc saving and we're through.
Well this year it will be nice and quiet as others scrap and battle to join the real teams in the Champions League, even Arsenal and Liverpool face qualifiers and we won't face AC Milan for the third year running because they're in the UEFA Cup.
Every title win is sweet, demolishing big Eck's dream team and Hearts in 2006, seeing Paul LeGuen back across l'channel in 2007 but 2008 was very, very special, especially after too many scary home performances against too many teams to mention (such as St Mirren, Hibs, Aberdeen, Dundee United, Hearts and Motherwell)
There was no more margin for error when Walter's gladiators came calling, and twice they were turned over losing their cherished discipline as they ended both games with ten men.
Barry Robson and Paul Hartley were on fire, Gary Caldwell playing out of his skin, Aiden McGeady and Shunsuke Nakamura dazzling as we rattled off win after win and on to Tannadice.
Remarkably it was in our own hands, no outside help required and bhoy did we deliver as the other lot crumbled with another red card collected as they feebly fell at Aberdeen while the party started down the road at Tannadice.
It's six weeks now since we won the league but the dividend continues through the winter as we enjoy another Champions League campaign.
Enjoy the VIDEO FROM TANNADICE and sit back and prepare for a third consecutive Champions League campaign.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Pat McCourt- our first winger since Davie Provan?
Welcome to Celtic Paddy
There's something about Pat McCourt other than the Davie Provan 70s haircut.
VIDEO THOUGHTS
He's confident not arrogant, assured and very talented.
How that develops at Celtic is anyone's guess but he seems a sensible sort and at 24 knows that he's not going to get another crack at the big time.
Rochdale seems a strange place for a great talent to develop at, so it proved with the early promise fizzing out and ending in a free transfer to Shamrock Rovers via an unsuccessful stop off at Motherwell.
The not so shy Dublin duo of Roddy Collins and Stephen Kenny restored Pat's belief and set him on track for the move that few Rochdale free transfers ever make... to Celtic.
Genuine wingers have been thin on the ground at Celtic where wide midfielder have been the norm or win-backs, it's difficult trying to recall the last Celtic winger... was Davie Provan ever replaced?
Steve Guppy and Ross Wallace were both sort of wingers but mainly noted for crossing the ball, usually outswinging from the left.
McCourt seems to offer more, a directness, ability to cut inside with an eye for goal and two footedness.
It'll be interesting to see if he fits in, how he develops, if he can flourish like Didier Agathe and Evander Sno two recent bargain signings that went on to make an impact in the Champions League.
It's a lot to ask for but from his demeanor and from the clips that I've seen of him he won't feel intimidated or out of place, welcome to Celtic Paddy.
VIDEO THOUGHTS
VIDEO THOUGHTS
He's confident not arrogant, assured and very talented.
How that develops at Celtic is anyone's guess but he seems a sensible sort and at 24 knows that he's not going to get another crack at the big time.
Rochdale seems a strange place for a great talent to develop at, so it proved with the early promise fizzing out and ending in a free transfer to Shamrock Rovers via an unsuccessful stop off at Motherwell.
The not so shy Dublin duo of Roddy Collins and Stephen Kenny restored Pat's belief and set him on track for the move that few Rochdale free transfers ever make... to Celtic.
Genuine wingers have been thin on the ground at Celtic where wide midfielder have been the norm or win-backs, it's difficult trying to recall the last Celtic winger... was Davie Provan ever replaced?
Steve Guppy and Ross Wallace were both sort of wingers but mainly noted for crossing the ball, usually outswinging from the left.
McCourt seems to offer more, a directness, ability to cut inside with an eye for goal and two footedness.
It'll be interesting to see if he fits in, how he develops, if he can flourish like Didier Agathe and Evander Sno two recent bargain signings that went on to make an impact in the Champions League.
It's a lot to ask for but from his demeanor and from the clips that I've seen of him he won't feel intimidated or out of place, welcome to Celtic Paddy.
VIDEO THOUGHTS
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Championship memories, the forgotton 'lap of honour'
How the month of May turned around.
Remember the feeling, hitting some form, winning back-to-back games against Rangers but still having the league out of our control.
VIDEO lap of honour
Sure they had a lot of games to play but after the McCurry-inspired 3-1 win over Dundee United we knew that Rangers would continue to scrape by and get the points needed to win the league whatever it took and whatever we did.
Our home defeat to Motherwell was so costly, if only we had won that, or beaten St Mirren or Hibs at home in December, if if if if.
And horror of horrors as well as losing the league our Seville experience was under threat from the most boring, defensive, miserable collection of anti-football as somehow Rangers had snarled their way to the UEFA Cup Final where all they had to do was bore Wee Dickies Ruskies to death, win on penalties and life in Scotland and beyond would be unbearable.
As we went to the final home match of the season we only had hope, hope we could beat Hibs, hope that luck would run out in Manchester and hope that they'd trip up in one of their three remaining games but with the season over for Motherwell, St Mirren and Aberdeen there really wasn't much to hope for.
A 2-0 win over Hibs delivered some more points but it still felt a bit empty, out of our hands as the players made their way around the park, not so glorious failure to a poor Rangers team or a preparation for celebrations to come at Tannadice?
Thankfully, oh how thankfully, it all fell into place, Zenit won the UEFA Cup, more Rangers points were slipped away to Motherwell then gloriously at Tannadice Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink's header brought us a title that we could only have dreamed of a few weeks earlier as a nightmare unfolded.
The summer has been a joy, complete pleasure basking in the pleasure of three-in-a-row, reliving the highlights whilst trying to blank out the scary bits.
Enjoy this VIDEO of the premature lap of honour after beating Hibs 2-0 on May 11, little did we know that some real celebrations were just around the corner.
Remember the feeling, hitting some form, winning back-to-back games against Rangers but still having the league out of our control.
VIDEO lap of honour
Sure they had a lot of games to play but after the McCurry-inspired 3-1 win over Dundee United we knew that Rangers would continue to scrape by and get the points needed to win the league whatever it took and whatever we did.
Our home defeat to Motherwell was so costly, if only we had won that, or beaten St Mirren or Hibs at home in December, if if if if.
And horror of horrors as well as losing the league our Seville experience was under threat from the most boring, defensive, miserable collection of anti-football as somehow Rangers had snarled their way to the UEFA Cup Final where all they had to do was bore Wee Dickies Ruskies to death, win on penalties and life in Scotland and beyond would be unbearable.
As we went to the final home match of the season we only had hope, hope we could beat Hibs, hope that luck would run out in Manchester and hope that they'd trip up in one of their three remaining games but with the season over for Motherwell, St Mirren and Aberdeen there really wasn't much to hope for.
A 2-0 win over Hibs delivered some more points but it still felt a bit empty, out of our hands as the players made their way around the park, not so glorious failure to a poor Rangers team or a preparation for celebrations to come at Tannadice?
Thankfully, oh how thankfully, it all fell into place, Zenit won the UEFA Cup, more Rangers points were slipped away to Motherwell then gloriously at Tannadice Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink's header brought us a title that we could only have dreamed of a few weeks earlier as a nightmare unfolded.
The summer has been a joy, complete pleasure basking in the pleasure of three-in-a-row, reliving the highlights whilst trying to blank out the scary bits.
Enjoy this VIDEO of the premature lap of honour after beating Hibs 2-0 on May 11, little did we know that some real celebrations were just around the corner.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Celtic reserves set to visit Ireland next month, Glentoran, Newry and Bohemians
There's been quite a lot of internet debate about a Celtic XI playing against Glentoran on July 23 but I believe that a few other, perhaps more appealing, Irish fixtures are being lined up.
VIDEO REPORT
With the first team squad over in the Algarve and then moving on to Rotterdam it will almost certainly be a very young side that travels to Ireland.
Newry Town on July 26 and Bohemians on July 30 gives the Irish based Celtic support a chance to look in on the next Aiden McGeady or Stephen McManus.
The reserves have won seven titles in a row providing a platform for emerging youths and competitive environment for first team squad men looking for fitness and sharpness.
After two lost season's due to injury this season will be crucial to Simon Ferry and Charlie Grant, hopefully they can get off to a good start over in Ireland.
VIDEO REPORT
With the first team squad over in the Algarve and then moving on to Rotterdam it will almost certainly be a very young side that travels to Ireland.
Newry Town on July 26 and Bohemians on July 30 gives the Irish based Celtic support a chance to look in on the next Aiden McGeady or Stephen McManus.
The reserves have won seven titles in a row providing a platform for emerging youths and competitive environment for first team squad men looking for fitness and sharpness.
After two lost season's due to injury this season will be crucial to Simon Ferry and Charlie Grant, hopefully they can get off to a good start over in Ireland.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Stage set for Henrik or the last hurrah? VIDEO REPORT
Poor old Artur, he more than did his bit, but the Poles just weren't at the races as they departed Euro 2008.
Likewise with Georgios Samaras, Greece put up a poor defence of the trophy and our bhoy was unable to get into the side.
Big Jan looks as if he's in an Alan Gow position with Holland, how a striker breaks into that team is beyond me but it's a great achievement to make the squad.
And onto tonight, is it the last hurrah for the King of Kings or will Henrik take Sweden into the last eight of the competition?
He's only been playing to 99% of his best, time has taken something from his game but during the first half alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic Larsson made the Spanish defence look fairly ordinary.
Let's hope that Sweden make it through tonight to retain a Celtic link through to the last eight.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
New Ibrox dream-team: Kylie and Kenny VIDEO
Yikes
They've signed Kyle Laugh-at-me from Burnley, the prolific 5 goals a season marksman for £3m or thereabouts.
Add that to Kenny 8-goals-a-season Miller and it looks like Rangers have got themselves a strike force capable of scoring half the goals that Kris Boyd does for a cool £5m!
It's a laugh seeing these signings coming to Ibrox, I almost forgot Lithuanian goal-machine Andrius Velicka. The former Jambo is at least half decent by SPL standards but these signings, plus Andy Webster indicate the direction that Rangers are moving in.
I'm looking forward to our own Champions League signings, with a gentle start to the SPL season things are looking good for the 4-in-a-row bid and if we can again reach the last 16 of the Champions League it'll put further daylight between the hoops and the rest.
Welcome to Rangers KENNY n KYLIE VIDEO
They've signed Kyle Laugh-at-me from Burnley, the prolific 5 goals a season marksman for £3m or thereabouts.
Add that to Kenny 8-goals-a-season Miller and it looks like Rangers have got themselves a strike force capable of scoring half the goals that Kris Boyd does for a cool £5m!
It's a laugh seeing these signings coming to Ibrox, I almost forgot Lithuanian goal-machine Andrius Velicka. The former Jambo is at least half decent by SPL standards but these signings, plus Andy Webster indicate the direction that Rangers are moving in.
I'm looking forward to our own Champions League signings, with a gentle start to the SPL season things are looking good for the 4-in-a-row bid and if we can again reach the last 16 of the Champions League it'll put further daylight between the hoops and the rest.
Welcome to Rangers KENNY n KYLIE VIDEO
Friday, June 13, 2008
Celts at Euro 2008
The Celts at Euro 2008
EURO 2008 VIDEO REPORT
Poor old Artur, he's doing his best to get Poland through but his team-mates just aren't of the same calibre.
The holy goalie was again in top form with three great early saves to keep Poland in the match against Austria but after taking the lead a dodgy injury-time penalty left Poland with one point out of six.
It looks like an early exit for Poland with Artur likely to be heading back to Celtic unless a monster bid comes in and the current climate doesn't suggest that that's likely, it seems that only Premiership clubs could afford Artur with only the top four holding any appeal to the 'keeper.
Elsewhere the King of Kings continues his magical career, forcing Sweden to a 2-0 win over Greece and showing Zlatan Ibrahimovic how to score again.
Georgios Samaras never really stood a chance in comparison to Henrik but then not many can be compared favourably to the King of Kings he's in good company, who can compare with the magnificent 7.
Poor old Artur, he's doing his best to get Poland through but his team-mates just aren't of the same calibre.
The holy goalie was again in top form with three great early saves to keep Poland in the match against Austria but after taking the lead a dodgy injury-time penalty left Poland with one point out of six.
It looks like an early exit for Poland with Artur likely to be heading back to Celtic unless a monster bid comes in and the current climate doesn't suggest that that's likely, it seems that only Premiership clubs could afford Artur with only the top four holding any appeal to the 'keeper.
Elsewhere the King of Kings continues his magical career, forcing Sweden to a 2-0 win over Greece and showing Zlatan Ibrahimovic how to score again.
Georgios Samaras never really stood a chance in comparison to Henrik but then not many can be compared favourably to the King of Kings he's in good company, who can compare with the magnificent 7.
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