View Full Version : New Footy Season 2016/17 ..How's your team doing?
Stratmangler
10-09-2016, 23:30
Talking of Champions League football, our first group game is at home on Tuesday, against Borussia Monchengladbach - I'm looking forward to that.
I wish you all the best at Barcelona.
Likewise mate, against the Germans :goodluck:
Marco.
Nervously waiting to see how many we'll get humped by tonight...... :dummy:
Good luck to Man City! :)
Marco.
Barca got beat last game... may not do so well. Last time they played as bad as that, they continued it for a few games, so there is hope... Of course they may just grape you as well, but I'd imagine Rogers isnt stupid enough to try and out attack them especially in Spain. I will risk a 3-1 win to Barca
Yeah, I certainly know where you're coming from. However, after losing, the top teams always seek immediately to get back to winning ways in their next game, especially at home, so we could suffer for that. I mean, how often do you see Celtic losing back to back games at home? ;)
However, yes, I get you. If given a 3-1 defeat now, I'd take it, as it's a respectable scoreline. The reality for us is to try and win as many points as possible in our home games, and maybe pinch something away in the other two fixtures. and then see what happens from there.
I'm under no illusions, however, over the enormity of the task we face tonight, and in every other game we play in this group - but it's the competition the big boys take part in every year, and Celtic very much want (and deserve) to be in there with them.
I'd just feel more comfortable about it next season, after Brendan's had a year with the team under his belt, building his OWN team, and they have strengthened and progressed properly as he's set out to achieve. But, I've no doubt that one way or another, it's going to be an exciting match to watch! :cool:
Marco.
if he does well this season he will be away next. such is the way it goes nowadays. anyways, good luck; if their big 3 front men play and are in mood then you'll need it lol
BR away next season? Absolutely no chance - no matter how well he does this season! :nono:
He's here to do a job, and take Celtic to the next level, and that job won't be finished in a year... Don't forget that he's a Celtic supporter, through and through, with the club at his heart, and certainly didn't come up to Glasgow for the money!
Also, when he eventually leaves the club, he'll be wanting more than winning (potentially) three trophies on his CV!! ;)
Marco.
I've turned it off at 5-0, lol (I ain't no masochist) ..... :doh:
On Saturday against Rangers, it was men against boys; this is more like professionals against amateurs. Hey, I knew this could happen. It's simply WAY too early in the development of this Celtic team to take on the likes of Barcelona.
Off now to drown my sorrows and listen to some music!
Marco.
I know, I mistakenly took a sneaky peek! :D :spank:
Marco.
I know, I mistakenly took a sneaky peek! :D :spank:
Marco.
dont take any more...or look at the papers...
Stratmangler
13-09-2016, 20:36
Made it to the Wetihad Stadium, got through the turnstile and 20 seconds later it was announced that the game was off because of a waterlogged pitch, and our pitch is designed and constructed to make the water run off.
That gives you an idea about how heavy the rainfall has been this evening.
We find out later on tonight when the rescheduled game is going to be.
Tough one for Celtic, but I suspect that Barca are going to give City and BMG a lesson or two as well.
dont take any more...or look at the papers...
I never read the papers. mate.
Marco.
Made it to the Wetihad Stadium, got through the turnstile and 20 seconds later it was announced that the game was off because of a waterlogged pitch, and our pitch is designed and constructed to make the water run off.
That gives you an idea about how heavy the rainfall has been this evening.
Yeah, I was sorry to hear that. Nightmare for the travelling fans, too! That's the infamous 'Manchester climate' for you - and in September... :rolleyes:
Tough one for Celtic, but I suspect that Barca are going to give City and BMG a lesson or two as well.
Defo, but not exactly unexpected. Even if Dembele had scored the penalty, the goal would've only been a consolation. I know where you're coming from, but no way will City or BMG lose so heavily against Barca, simply because they've got better players and are used to playing at a higher level in their respective domestic leagues.
The consolation is that we'll be a different prospect at home. However, I'm a realist, and tonight Celtic were completely and utterly outclassed by a vastly superior side - but then that's what you get when money's no object!
I'm cool about it, though. The standard of football Barca played was at times breathtaking, and from a neutral/purist's point of view, wonderful to watch. Therefore, it's no embarrassment getting well-beaten by such a great team. I was far more pissed off last season, losing to Malmo and not even making the CL group stages.
As BR says, small steps... One thing though, games like these showcase the level of player you get for the amount of money you spend, and so if Celtic have genuine aspirations of doing anything in the Champions League next season (should they win the SPL and qualify), then the Celtic board are going to have to dig deep and give BR some PROPER money to spend.
When mixing it with the big boys, free transfers and loan deals simply don't cut it. It's no coincidence that Scott Sinclair was our best player tonight, as he's the only new player we've signed so far for a decent transfer fee!! Anyway, we move on. Thankfully, we've got plenty of time to recover from this match before our game against Inverness Caley on Sunday.
Marco.
? hmm...
Wot? :)
Why would I bother wasting my money on reading newspapers, when these days anything I'm interesting in finding out is available on-line for nowt?
Marco.
Stratmangler
13-09-2016, 21:21
Just had notification that our game is rescheduled for tomorrow night.
Nice one. Not too long to wait :)
That is, if it stops raining by then.....! ;)
Marco.
Stratmangler
13-09-2016, 21:35
Nice one. Not too long to wait :)
That is, if it stops raining by then.....! ;)
Marco.
:ner::D
STl224mhlA8
If the match had been played in London today instead of Manchester heatstroke may have bought the players off, its been that hot down here .34 c in Gravesend.
Very strange our weather !
Lol - indeed. Manchester traditionally does get a helluva lot of rain!
Returning to the Barcelona game briefly, I've just asked myself this question... If given the choice, which would I have taken, if I could only have one: winning (or drawing) against Barca tonight, or beating Rangers 5-1 on Saturday?
The answer is a no-brainer, and it's defo the latter, simply because for Celtic right now, at this stage in the team's development, it's far more important comfortably beating your oldest rivals, and getting a foothold at the top of the league, than winning or gaining a point from a CL game, in a competition you're never going to win.
Quite simply, we're not ready yet for competing at this level in Europe. Next season, with probably quite a different team [the majority of the current one still consists of the players Ronny Deila left, and which failed so badly in Europe last season], and the manager having enjoyed a learning curve from his first season in charge, things might be different.
Also, I'm also not sure if Dorus de Vries is any better a goalkeeper than Craig Gordon. I have a suspicion that he might not have the bottle for playing for a team like Celtic. Being the star player at Nottingham Forrest is one thing, playing for Celtic in the Champions League, and being expected to win every game domestically, with the pressure all of that entails, is another matter.
After conceding seven goals tonight (albeit that most weren't his fault), it'll be interesting, purely from a psychological point of view, if he starts between the sticks on Sunday, or if Gordon is brought back. I expect BR to stick with him for the meantime, but the jury's still out on just how good De Vries is, and whether or not he has that 'big team' mentality...
Marco.
How do you think Rangers would get on against Barcelona ?
Who knows? Anything can happen over 90 mins of football! :)
I doubt they'd have done any worse, though.
Marco.
Good wins for Leicester and City tonight; Spurs lost at home, and by all accounts were very poor. They seem to have lost their way a bit
Utd play tomorrow in Europa league, and Rooney has been left out of squad....
Excellent result for Man City in midweek against BMG (4-0) in the Champions League... Surprised Chris hasn't been on talking about it! :)
Also, a rather interesting result came in the San Siro, in the Europa League, where Celtic's defeated opponents in the CL qualifiers, Hapoel Beer Sheva, beat Inter Milan 2-0! :eek:
Shows that they are a quality side that Celtic did very well to beat. I shall be following their other results with interest! Meanwhile, balloon-boy's been at it again:
http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/teams/rangers/joey-barton-apologises-after-rangers-training-ground-bust-up-1-4231687
Rangers should boot his arse out of Ibrox, as the tosser is a total liability!! :wanker:
Marco.
Stratmangler
16-09-2016, 18:14
I haven't been on here mentioning it because I was blown away with City's performance, and it's difficult to say just how good the team's performance was without sounding boastful about it.
This was another level, and it was awesome.
It was great to see Ilkay Dungodan making his City debut too - he was the first to be signed in the Summer, and he's been in recovery from a dislocated knee for what seems like an eternity.
The lad is as cool as they come, and at times the ball seemed to be glued to his foot as he quite literally waltzed his way through a tightly packed Borussia midfield.
Home debut for Bravo too - no glaring mistakes this time, and his ball distribution created some great goal scoring opportunities - pinpoint dead ball kicks to precisely the place where the forward player wanted them, and over distance too.
I haven't been on here mentioning it because I was blown away with City's performance, and it's difficult to say just how good the team's performance was without sounding boastful about it.
This was another level, and it was awesome.
Lol... Boast away - when your team's good, it's good, so shout it from the rooftops, mate! I don't have a problem doing that with Celtic, when the occasion arises ;)
Talking of which, that should be a great match at Celtic Park against you guys - not that I'm saying we'll achieve anything other than getting cuffed, although perhaps this time not by 7 goals :eyebrows:
Marco.
rmcin626
16-09-2016, 19:38
Great goal by Henderson
Which game are you referring to, Robin?
Marco.
Ah, I see. Nothing like being cryptic, eh? ;)
Marco.
Ah, I see. Nothing like being cryptic, eh? ;)
Marco.
:D just a bit, but fortunately I was watching the text coming in at time. Pool 2 up and look like winning unless we have another chelski late show...oops 1-2 now....typical
rmcin626
16-09-2016, 21:04
Apologies was watching the game and a great goal, first half was all Liverpool
Excellent result for Man City in midweek against BMG (4-0) in the Champions League... Surprised Chris hasn't been on talking about it! :)
Also, a rather interesting result came in the San Siro, in the Europa League, where Celtic's defeated opponents in the CL qualifiers, Hapoel Beer Sheva, beat Inter Milan 2-0! :eek:
Shows that they are a quality side that Celtic did very well to beat. I shall be following their other results with interest! Meanwhile, balloon-boy's been at it again:
http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/teams/rangers/joey-barton-apologises-after-rangers-training-ground-bust-up-1-4231687
Rangers should boot his arse out of Ibrox, as the tosser is a total liability!! :wanker:
Marco.
it'll happen a xmas if he doesnt get his act together. Ball is firmly in his court at moment. more lob; less gob.
Stratmangler
18-09-2016, 13:10
Great result for for Watford today.
Watford 3 - Manyoo 1
Last time they beat Manyoo was in 1986.
I always like to see Mourinho with a frown on his face :eyebrows:
Not unexpected after the last 2 results.. he has went the way he did a chelski ....off the handle with the players and such. He,s a spent force it seems as far as man management is concerned.
Good luck to Watford.
Stratmangler
20-09-2016, 15:42
Guardiola doesn't take any prisoners.
He's not happy about recent comments by Yaya Touré's agent http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37420742
Read that. Likewise Warburton with Barton.. hes been suspended for 3 weeks... doubt he will last that time before opening his gob, and he will be gone. He wont play again i,m told, unless he changes his attitude which wont happen.
Good riddence
Well, you know my feelings towards the muppet, and I've been proven right. Also, these 'past their sell-by date superstars' from England, who come up north on big wages, thinking that it'll all be as easy as pie, often get a rude awakening when they discover how difficult it is to play football in the SPL, particularly when you're a 'name' and everyone wants to challenge you - and Barton has discovered that fact in no uncertain terms.
The standard of silky, tippy-tappy football might not be so high in Scotland, but that doesn't mean it's easy to play there! :nono:
Both Rangers and Celtic drew their games at the weekend, and thus dropped points. Rangers are a shadow of their former selves, and if they keep up this form for the rest of the season, will achieve no more than a mid-table finish. Will Warburton last the season? If things don't pick up, I doubt it.
Celtic were extremely unlucky not to put seven past Inverness Caley, as our attacking play at times was breathtaking, but their Welsh keeper had one of those 'miracle' performances, where he saved almost every shot he was faced with - and that coupled with some sloppy defending (yet again), until we get a settled back four, meant that we left the highlands with only one point, when we should've had all three.
Still very unconvinced about Dorus de Vries in goal, as with his 'power-puff' goalkeeping, he looks like a liability whenever he's pressured. I really don't think he's the answer, and BR must do something about that. If De Vries continues to play like that during our remaining CL games, we're in for a few more humpings.
Marco.
Wouldnt surprise me if it was orchestrated by himself and agent to promote his book. Better performance last night without him in the squad.. total change in attitude and thus a performance to savour for the fans. Shows how i mis shaped apple can rot a barrel.
Wouldnt surprise me if it was orchestrated by himself and agent to promote his book. Better performance last night without him in the squad.. total change in attitude and thus a performance to savour for the fans. Shows how i mis shaped apple can rot a barrel.
Yup. He continually seeks to be surrounded by a 'circus'; his idea of the Joey Barton publicity machine, at the expense of all else. I don't think he *really* wanted to play for Rangers in the first place (indeed, he's now claiming Celtic tried to sign him and would've preferred that move), and now he's had a taste of life in the SPL, he doesn't fancy it, and so is engineering his exit.
The bottom line is that in the games he's played, he hasn't shown any real sign of the footballing qualities he undoubtedly has, and for me the desire just isn't there. Like you say, Rangers have played better without his presence and negativity, and they got a good result last night in the cup against Queen of the South, winning 5-0 at home, although the old firm will never get much credit for thumping lower league opposition.
The real test for Rangers will come on Sunday against a buoyant Aberdeen side. If they can win that one, then it could change their season, as it would be a massive confidence boost.
However, whether they can get all three points remains to be seen, especially if Celtic win their game against Kilmarnock on Saturday, thus going seven points ahead of Rangers (with a game in hand), as the pressure will be immense. Rangers failed their last big test badly at Celtic Park, so they'll have to do much better to get anything from Pittodrie.
Tonight, in the same League Cup competition, Celtic struggled to break down a stubborn and very well-organised Alloa defence, but went onto win 2-0, after creating enough chances to win three games of football. An amazing 40 efforts on goal, but only 15 were on target, and most of those saved yet again by an inspired opposition goalkeeper! :doh:
Still, we wore Alloa down in the end, and Dembele's second was spectacular. Craig Gordon should've been sent off for an almost Kung-Fu like lunge at one of the Alloa forwards, but the referee bottled sending him off. However, other that that he had a fairly solid game, and for me although Gordon is still prone to making the odd howler, De Vries looks that way almost every time he touches the ball!
Therefore, if it were me, I'd start with Gordon in goal, on Saturday against Kilmarnock, and if he plays well keep him there for the Man City game on Wednesday, but we'll see what BR does. TBH, IMHO, both Celtic's 'reserve' keepers, Belgian, Logan Bailly, and Italian, Leo Fasan, are better (less error-prone) than the so-called 'first choices' of De Vries and Gordon.
Celtic are also badly missing the presence of Leigh Griffiths, who's currently out injured, and for me is the reason why we're not putting teams away as well as we did earlier in the season, as he's such a clinical finisher. If he's fully fit for Saturday, then fine play him, if not I'd save him for the CL match against Man City.
Anyway, another exciting week of football awaits! :cool:
Marco.
A bit like Utd it seems. The double act of Moyes, then Van Gaal seem to have destroyed the players to the core of any coherent ability. Its going to take some sorting now I think. Glad Gers have(hopefully) got the root out before too much damage is done.....or thats how it seems to me.
We'll see how they get on against Aberdeen, mate. Let's face it, they've beaten 'no-one' so far, and were completely outclassed against Celtic. If Aberdeen do the same to them, then for me, Warburton will do well not to get his jotters, even this early in the season.
Conversely, if Rangers beat Aberdeen, especially as it's away from home, that will be a massive confidence boost for them, and will send out a signal that they have something in their locker. It's a MASSIVE game for Rangers, and a test they have to pass if they're going to be taken in any way seriously this season as title contenders.
Marco.
No rush for me that way. Its a new side and bedding in tbh, and almost all playing at a different league level. Dont think Warbs is in any danger of getting the heave ho. They are currently on a tight budget, and winning is not really the target; it is top 4 and a decent progress. Kranjar is coming into fitness now after being injured for a long time, as is the striker. Genuine progress is the aim imo.
That's fair enough, and entirely realistic, but I don't think the majority of Rangers fans would be happy with a 4th place finish, They have rather loftier ambitions, and the press are certainly still treating Rangers as the team they were, before being demoted to the third division, which is the complete opposite of entirely realistic! ;)
A new team bedding in or not (and Celtic are in a similar position with their new manager), if you're Rangers or Celtic manager, the onus is on your team to win every domestic game they play, and to win trophies every year, so you have to hit the ground running.
You simply aren't afforded the luxury of being given 'time to get it right', which is why I think Warburton will be under immense pressure if Rangers don't take something from Pittodrie on Saturday....
Marco.
And just returning briefly again to the JB thing, it's quite clear, no matter who approached who, that Barton would've rather signed for Celtic (as indeed he's intimated before):
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37416127
And now that's out in the open, there's no way that the Rangers fans will accept him. The irony is, if he wasn't such a clown off the park, I think he could add something positive to the Celtic midfield and showcase the footballing talents he undoubtedly has, playing for a team he wants to play for. Celtic's style of play would undoubtedly suit him better.
Celtic won't entertain it, though. They simply don't need the grief, and I'm not sure that even Joey could handle the backlash he'd be subjected to in Glasgow of 'doing a Mo-Jo'! :eek: ;)
Marco.
After Aberdeen beat St Johnstone tonight, with a last minute goal, this is the draw for the semi-final: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37446719
Aside from the obvious, Morton have done exceptionally well to get this far.
Marco.
I saw the draw. another old firm meeting, which was airly obvious. I would have put money on it lol/// no idea when they are played though or where...Hampden I suppose
Yeah, I know. It was destined! The ties will be played the weekend of 22 and 23 October, and yes, at Hampden, where in semi-finals Celtic have a less than wonderful record! :)
Marco.
Utd won the early match I see, by 4 to 1 as the Yanks would say.... apparently a great first half, and a forgettable second lol. still its a badly needed 3 points and out of a slump.
City, Spurs and liverpool all won and stay in top 3; Utd up to 5th for a short while. Going to be a good league this year if City dont run away with it, which I'm not sure they wont. Seems to be playing very, very well.
and for marco i see his side wone by a margin again, so stay well clear in the one horse race.
Think Arsenal are 2 up already in the London derby.
Pleased to see both Liverpool and Man Utd winning today, as they are my 2nd and 3rd favourite teams respectively.
I'm beginning to think that Liverpool might be the main challengers to the two Manchester sides for the title, instead of Chelsea, as Conte may need time to get used to English football and build his side, which Klopp has now had and done, or is well onto the road of doing. Arsenal won't be far away either.
...and for marco i see his side wone by a margin again, so stay well clear in the one horse race.
Yup, we won 6-1 at home today against Kilmarnock. I've still to watch the match, but apparently in the second half, the football Celtic played was breathtaking and just blew Kilmarnock away, in a game that they could have won with double figures.
Very glad to see Leigh Griffiths return from injury, and come back with a goal, as he is a HUGE player for us, and also Dembele continue on his impressive scoring run. Furthermore, it should be noted that FIVE different players scored our goals today. There's no doubt that middle to front we're on fire, and it's likely we'll be thrashing a few more teams in the SPL like that, before the season ends.
Defensively too, we're starting to improve, as Simunovic returning to the side has made us look more solid and purposeful at the back. De Vries was subbed at half time, apparently after another howler, although the Kilmarnock goalscorer apparently hit a screamer from 35 yards, which was next to unstoppable. Some folk are saying it was the former, and that De Vries should've saved the shot, and some are saying the latter.
I'll need to watch the match later on Celtic TV, in order to make up my own mind. Brendan Rodgers has since come out and said that De Vries picked up a chest injury in the first half, so that's why he was subbed, but I suspect the real truth is that BR has finally accepted that at the moment De Vries simply isn't up to the job and looks very nervous playing for a club the size of Celtic, and so will need more time to adjust.
Either way, I'm pleased that Craig Gordon will be in goal on Wednesday night against Man City, as otherwise we would've definitely lost goals. We may still do with Craig Gordon, but at this moment in time he's ahead of De Vries, certainly in terms of confidence - and that, along with ability, is something that we'll need in spades from our goalkeeper on Wednesday night, as it will be a very difficult game.
I also think it will be a very different game from the Barcelona one. Firstly, because Celtic are at home, and thus are always a different proposition there, compared with when playing away, where their record is poor. Therefore, unless City really turn on the style and Celtic play very badly, I don't see us losing a barrowload of goals, although we could definitely still lose the game.
However, I think we'll be really up for this one, not just because of winning 6-1 today (after all, we beat Rangers 5-1 before the Barca game and still got cuffed), but because it'll be Brendan Rodgers' first CL group game at Celtic Park, so he'll want it to be memorable for the right reasons, and also Celtic will want to make amends to their fans for that 7-0 drubbing by Barca. Furthermore, I think that Sinclair will want to show what he can do against his old club, where he never got a chance.
Couple that with Roberts also wanting to do well against the team who owns him, and Dembele and Griffiths being on great form and keen to show that they have the ability to compete against top quality opposition, then finally factor in the 'Battle of Britain'/England vs. Scotland thing, and I think we'll be in for a cracker!! :eek:
I remember, during the Martin O'Neill era, what everyone thought Liverpool would do to Celtic, when we played them in the UEFA cup, during that great run we had to the cup final in 2003, and we drew 1-1 at Celtic Park, and then beat them 2-0 at Anfield.... Who knows - maybe the script is written for BR to follow in his fellow Irishman's footsteps? As a Celtic fan, I can only hope and pray that is the case.
Chris will no doubt have other ideas, and deservedly so, as City (on paper) are the far superior side. One way or another, it's certainly a match not to be missed!
Marco.
i heard it was unstoppable. But folk will have knives out for him I guess.
Yup, I'll let you know what I think after I've watched the game. I'm sure that De Vries is a good keeper, but the step up from Notts Forrest to Celtic is huge, and some players just need time to settle before showing what they can really do :)
Will be watching the Aberdeen vs Rangers game tomorrow with interest!
Marco.
Stratmangler
24-09-2016, 18:35
the two Manchester sides
?
City and Utd of course! :)
Marco.
Stratmangler
24-09-2016, 18:42
The other lot you mentioned moved out of Manchester in 1910.
There's only one team in Manchester :)
Lol - you know what I mean! :D
What are your feelings for Wednesday night?
Marco.
Stratmangler
24-09-2016, 18:57
Wednesday night should be a decent game.
KDB was subbed off late in the game today, after receiving medical attention on the pitch, so that's one question mark player for us.
Vinnie K is obviously laid up again following last Wednesday night's game.
Nolito is eligible for selection, even though he can't play next Saturday.
Expect a high intensity, high pressing game.
Attack is the best form of defence :cool:
Yeah, there'll be goals, that's for sure! :eyebrows:
To save me from Googling, who's KDB?
Marco.
I see Barca won away 5-0 again. looking a dangerous side at moment.
PS Kdb is Kevin De Byrne
Ah, right. Cheers. I'm not au fait enough with players from teams from the EPL to know their names, solely via initials.
Yeah, Barca right now are on a different planet. They're capable of giving ANY team in this competition a royal doing, especially at home.
Marco.
Defensive lapse in final seconds and poor finishing in first half so rangers got beat 2-1. It was a decent display and Aberdeen were bossed for long time but if you dont put it in net then expect them to do it agin you. So instead of second its 7th.. such is life
rmcin626
25-09-2016, 16:07
Was painful watching this afternoon
The free kick, which led to Aberdeen's winner was never a free kick, as Tavernier won the ball cleanly. The referee somehow saw it differently, and such is life and the nature of football.... However, it's still poor from Rangers, as they've failed their two big tests of the season so far, against Celtic, and now Aberdeen.
It's all very well beating the Queen of the South's of this world 5-0, but if Rangers have any notions of getting back to being the team they once were, they'll have to start winning the BIG games that matter!
Nine points from seven games so far is a very poor show, which is why they're sitting in 7th position in the league - and if they don't start improving drastically, that's where they could end up finishing.... Celtic will earn multiple millions from playing Man City on Wednesday night in the Champions League, while the Rangers players sit on their bums doing hee-haw.
That alone, aside from the ever-growing points and goal difference between the two teams in the SPL, even this early in the season, highlights the massive gulf right now between both sides of the old firm - and the reality is that gap doesn't look like narrowing any time soon.
Indeed, the opposite is more likely, and so I'm afraid that's just something the Rangers fans are going to have to get their heads around for the foreseeable future, unless Dave King can find an investor willing to plough multiple millions into the club, allowing the manager to sign players who deserve to wear a Rangers jersey, because that's what it's going to take for them to catch Celtic!!
:exactly:
Marco.
rmcin626
25-09-2016, 16:21
We are a long way off with competing with Celtic, probably worth a draw today but that was about all.
Hi Robin,
It's sad days, mate - and I say that as a longtime Celtic supporter, craving the times when we used to have to work hard to compete with Rangers, and fight to win the league. I wonder whether those days will ever return? We certainly need the challenge.
Also, and I'd appreciate your educated opinion here, out of the players in the team today, how many would you honestly say were genuinely Rangers class?
Marco.
rmcin626
25-09-2016, 16:35
Apart from the captain, a fully fit Kranjcar is a good player and Josh Windass looks promising although appears injury prone. The others are just decent players but unless we find some money that's what we better get used too. Barrie McKay is good in flashes but then can't pass the ball 20 yards.
Depends on the times... i remember some awful old firm sides. Lol ...truely awful. But if you look at both sides best teams then i doubt any in either side would get in...much more so rangers at moment.
As Robin says, these are the times we are in and at least the side is still playing and trying hard. That is at moment the important thing. After that you just have to hope players and the youth coming into club will mature into real prospects.
Football for most sides outwith the epl is really stuck with this scenario. Rangers too... there will be no multi billionaire pumping massive cash in
Apart from the captain, a fully fit Kranjcar is a good player and Josh Windass looks promising although appears injury prone. The others are just decent players but unless we find some money that's what we better get used too. Barrie McKay is good in flashes but then can't pass the ball 20 yards.
Okies, fair enough. I rate Tavernier, whom I think is a class act. Kranjcar undoubtedly has skill, but for me, fit or not, lacks the energy and physicality needed to play in the SPL. The rest, for me, wouldn't have had the slightest chance of getting into what I'd call 'proper' Rangers teams of the past, managed by the likes of Graeme Souness, Walter Smith and Dick Advocaat.
In those days, you had players of the quality of Chris Woods, Andy Goram, Stefan Klos, Trevor Butcher, Artur Newman, Lorenzo Amoruso, Richard Gough, Ray Wilkins, Trevor Stevens, Frank de Boer, Giovanni Van Bronckhorst, Yorg Albertz, Davie Cooper, Brian Laudrup, Paul Gascoigne, Barry Ferguson, Ally McCoist, Marco Negri and Mark Hateley, deservedly wearing a Rangers strip.
Those players are what I'd call 'genuine Rangers class'. Compare those guys with what you have now! :doh:
Marco.
Depends on the times... i remember some awful old firm sides. Lol ...truely awful. But if you look at both sides best teams then i doubt any in either side would get in...much more so rangers at moment.
In recent times, if you take the early to mid 90s out of the equation, Celtic have always had good (successful) teams, packed full of great players.
However, I take your point and mostly agree, although I think that the likes of Kieran Tierney, who's on course (at only 19) to become one of Celtic's and Scotland's best ever left-backs, Kolo Toure, Scott Brown (at his peak), Scott Sinclair, Moussa Dembele and Leigh Griffiths, would've graced almost any Celtic team of the past, as they are all REAL quality.
You could also put a case together for Tom Rogic and James Forrest. Furthermore, I predict that in time the central defensive partnership of Sviatchenko and Simunovic will blossom into one of the best ever for Celtic, as they are both top-notch players, and only young.
As Robin says, these are the times we are in and at least the side is still playing and trying hard. That is at moment the important thing. After that you just have to hope players and the youth coming into club will mature into real prospects.
Football for most sides outwith the epl is really stuck with this scenario. Rangers too... there will be no multi billionaire pumping massive cash in
Not Celtic. That's what separates us from the rest of the teams in Scotland!
Although we don't have a fraction of the spending power of the top teams in the EPL, we're still more than capable of signing multi-million pound players, and indeed have done so, and the longer we keep qualifying for the CL group stages, and perhaps progressing further, earning tens of millions of pounds in the process, the stronger we will become and subsequently leave the other teams in Scotland further and further behind...
That is the reality.
We've also got a fantastic youth system, which is producing a veritable conveyor-belt of talent, such as O'Connell, Tierney and McGregor, many of whom would get into the starting line-ups of most SPL teams, so for us, the future is bright :)
However, as I've said before, a successful Celtic needs a strong Rangers, to provide them with the challenge that they need domestically, which is why I'd like to see Rangers have more quality in their ranks than they've got now.
Marco.
rmcin626
26-09-2016, 09:53
I was going to name something similar Marco but it just reminds me of how far we dropped.
Yup, although I guess you could argue that the cost of assembling some of those players (especially during the Advocaat era) is the reason why Rangers are in the state they're in now...
I'd just love to get back to the days when winning the title was genuinely exciting, as you really had to *work* for it, when Rangers were good. Bring back those 'helicopter finals', where winning the league went down to the last day of the season! :exactly:
Never mind, I'm certain you'll give us a hard game at Hampden, in the league cup semi-final. There's no way that one will be a walk over! :nono:
Marco.
rmcin626
26-09-2016, 10:17
Hopefully better than the league meeting a couple of weeks ago, would be good to give Celtic a game but not holding out much hope.
Rangers were ok during the first half of the league meeting, until Celtic eventually wore them down, later in the match, and showed their class.
You've certainly got a better recent record than us at Hampden, and I think that will be a factor in the game, coupled with Rangers' (arguable) greater need to win the match, as this could be their only chance of getting a trophy this season, and desire to make amends for the 5-1 result at Celtic Park. It certainly won't be hard to motivate the players...
On the other hand, you've got the desire of Rodgers to win his first trophy for Celtic, which is always the sweetest, and if Celtic get to and win the final, begin the hunt for a treble.
Marco.
Btw, regarding the De Vries so-called 'blunder' against Kilmarnock... Having watched the incident umpteen times now, IMO, he was simply caught out by the flight of the ball, which dipped right at the end, while standing on his line and not expecting anyone to shoot from that distance.
De Vries was blameless. Credit goes to Coulibaly for an amazing strike! :)
Marco.
It was one of those unstoppable shots really. Doubt any goalie would have got it tbh.
Indeed, although listening to Gordon Dalziel on Saturday, on Clyde Superscoreboard, reporting on the game at Celtic Park, you'd have thought that De Vries deliberately missed it! :doh::rolleyes:
He even went as far to say that it was a "terrible blunder" and that from that distance De Vries should've seen the ball coming and caught it, and quite incredibly that BR should sub him at half-time and bring on Craig Gordon, which of course is what happened, but not because of any "goalkeeping blunder"...
Then later on in the show, after the match when BR explained to the media the reason for the substitution, which was due to a chest injury to De Vries, he claimed that BR was "telling a white lie", in order to protect his goalkeeper from the embarrassing error he'd committed, and that he would've needed to have "come down the clyde in a banana boat", in order to have believed that excuse.
Honestly, the lengths some ex-Rangers players (turned radio commentators) will stoop to, in order to paint Celtic in a negative light!! :mental:
Marco.
Dont think its just ex rangers players...i raise you Chris Sutton. Lol.
But, no, it was a normal place for a keeper to be incase of a passback it to have to come out to clear. 45yards is not a area where any normal shot would fly like that. Was a marvellous goal tbh and totally takes away from the players achievement
Dont think its just ex rangers players...i raise you Chris Sutton. Lol.
Ha - that's only because he hated Ronny Deila! He's very different towards Brendan Rodgers, as he rates him highly.
But, no, it was a normal place for a keeper to be incase of a passback it to have to come out to clear. 45yards is not a area where any normal shot would fly like that. Was a marvellous goal tbh and totally takes away from the players achievement
I completely agree. All that bollocks devalues how good a goal it was. You must've watched the highlights, then - what did you think of Celtic's performance, especially in the second half? I don't think I've ever seen such a one-sided game of football! :)
Marco.
I didnt just the goal today. I couldnt get the hightlights to work on pc.. the browser classed it as advertising and blocked it... i thought, GOOD ON YOU !;) But got goal on ipad this morning. I might find hightlights later on. Been trying to find out what is2 or whatever its called this trial dac uses so i can run it . Got no replies from anyone. Doh. The full thing says the amp uses a 19v supply but no psu was supplied. The 5 v one is 3 amp for the sparky i guess but has no 3 pin option... not a satisfactory trial so far...
Stratmangler
27-09-2016, 14:57
I thought it might be appropriate to post this ahead of tomorrow's game http://www.mancity.com/News/First-Team/2016/09/27/celtic-v-mancity-game-28-september-2016-uefa-club-connections/1474981950905
Like it, Chris!
Most of that I was aware of, but some of it I wasn't. Nice one :)
Looking forward to the game, then? It's on BT Sports 1, I think.
Marco.
Stratmangler
27-09-2016, 15:19
It's on BT Sports summat or other :)
I've always rated Rafa Benitez, so as a toon supporter I'm looking forward to us winning more matches than we lose this season .... for the first time since KK's time.
OTOH, given the club's talent for self-destruction, I could be proven wrong :rolleyes:
Leicester and Spurs both won 1-0 in champs league tonight. Well done to both. Spurs were away to CSKA and Leic at home to Porto
RobbieGong
27-09-2016, 20:41
Leicester and Spurs both won 1-0 in champs league tonight. Well done to both. Spurs were away to CSKA and Leic at home to Porto
That's a very good result for Leicester, Porto have a great history.
Stratmangler
27-09-2016, 21:54
Leicester and Spurs both won 1-0 in champs league tonight. Well done to both. Spurs were away to CSKA and Leic at home to Porto
I noticed that CSKA had a full stadium. They must have behaved themselves lately :eyebrows:
Spurs are doing well across the board. Not scoring a lot but not conceding either. Good to see Leic win again. I like Ranieri . Big games tomorrow so this place may be quiet.
It's on BT Sports summat or other :)
There's an interesting game on at 5pm, on BT Sport 1: Man City vs. Celtic under 19s... Nice 'prequel' to the big one later! :cool:
Marco.
There's an interesting game on at 5pm, on BT Sport 1: Man City vs. Celtic under 19s... Nice 'prequel' to the big one later! :cool:
Marco.
Whos fav for that? Dont follow the under 19 scene in this country that closely. I know City have good academy though and have a number of decent lads although many are out on loan.
No idea who's favourite, mate. However, it'll be interesting to see where both teams are 'at' in that respect. Celtic have some very talented youngsters, as no doubt do City! :)
Marco.
Scottish kids usually do well at this level. They just seem to often go backwards as they get older...might be the wrong type of training put on them, and a demand of physique
Stratmangler
28-09-2016, 10:41
There's an interesting game on at 5pm, on BT Sport 1: Man City vs. Celtic under 19s... Nice 'prequel' to the big one later! :cool:
Marco.
Thanks for the heads up.
I get to see our younger teams quite regularly, so I'll look forward to this.
No worries, mate. Thought you might be interested :)
Anyway, may the best team win tonight... Craig Gordon's in goal for us, instead of De Vries, so we should only lose 4-0, instead of 8-0!! :D
Marco.
Just looked into the euro scoreboard and Celtic doing well v City, although seem to be tiring a little now... 3-3 at moment so no matter what happens theve done the fans proud... nice one.
Arsenal are 2 up on Basel, and apparently playing well too. Barca losing to Gladbach too at moment so its all happening.
rmcin626
28-09-2016, 20:46
Although it pains me to say it, outstanding performance by Celtic
Stratmangler
28-09-2016, 20:58
Cracking game!
First goal was offside, but sometimes you get the decision. In this case the liner was out of position and wouldn't have seen it.
Fernandhino's equalising goal was coolly taken.
Tierney's effort was decent enough, but the deflection from Sterling is what put it in the net.
Sterling's equaliser was an incredible display of having a cool head and the confidence to tuck it away.
Dembelé's overhead kick was a belter of a scuffed shot. It hit the back of the net, and that's all that matters.
Nolito's equaliser was down to due diligence and following an attack in towards goal.
It's was the toughest game we've had so far this season.
Well done Celtic!
Although it pains me to say it, outstanding performance by Celtic
Cheers, mate. Not too bad a game, eh? :eek: :eek:
I'm still recovering from the intensity of it all! The important thing for us is that we've got our pride back as a big club in Europe, after the Barca result, flown the flag well for Scottish football, and most importantly shown that we're capable of mixing if with the big money boys!
So well done to Brendan and the lads - you were immense throughout, as were our amazing fans, who acted as our 12th man :clap: :clap:
Marco.
rmcin626
28-09-2016, 21:27
Great atmosphere and a good result and a well deserved draw
Cracking game!
First goal was offside, but sometimes you get the decision. In this case the liner was out of position and wouldn't have seen it.
Fernandhino's equalising goal was coolly taken.
Tierney's effort was decent enough, but the deflection from Sterling is what put it in the net.
Sterling's equaliser was an incredible display of having a cool head and the confidence to tuck it away.
Dembelé's overhead kick was a belter of a scuffed shot. It hit the back of the net, and that's all that matters.
Nolito's equaliser was down to due diligence and following an attack in towards goal.
It's was the toughest game we've had so far this season.
Well done Celtic!
Cheers, mate. City were fab, too, although I think they underestimated Celtic a little in the first half, and were caught out by our intensity.
Both teams showcased how to play pressing, attacking and entertaining football, aided by the fact that both sides are significantly better in attack than defence. Although in that department, Toure was immense for Celtic.
Now you know why I think Celtic deserve to play in the EPL. Given time, and access to the multiple-millions of pounds afforded to the teams there every season, Celtic would be capable of competing with anyone in that league. However, we know it will never happen.
One of the interesting stats to come from the match is that the current Celtic team cost £8m to build, and the Man City one, £300m - yet you wouldn't have thought that from watching the game. Quite simply, we competed superbly on what isn't anything remotely like a level playing field!
Anyway, I'm off to bed now, as I'm knackered, so will summarise my thoughts on the match properly tomorrow :cool:
Marco.
Stratmangler
28-09-2016, 21:35
One big notable point about tonight's battle - there was committed, tough play all over the field, yet there was not one single booking.
Yup, I thought the ref had a great match and allowed the game to flow.
Right, until tomorrow.... :goodnight:
Marco.
Ok, a couple of points:
First goal was offside, but sometimes you get the decision.
Yes, I agree, it was fractionally off-side. I think it was Dembele's leg that made it so. However, those are the kinds of decisions that usually go against us in Europe, especially when playing a team considered as more of a 'big cheese' than us! ;)
Fernandhino's equalising goal was coolly taken.
Indeed, but he was also rather fortunate for the ball to ricochet and land so kindly at his feet...
Tierney's effort was decent enough, but the deflection from Sterling is what put it in the net.
More than decent - he's been rampaging up and down that wing all season for us, and hitting his final shots off of the opposition's posts and crossbars, so his effort was very well practiced, and due a goal! I also think the ball would've gone in without the deflection, as it was heading with some pace for the R/H corner of the net.
Sterling's equaliser was an incredible display of having a cool head and the confidence to tuck it away.
Superb finish, from a quality striker, benefiting from a new lease of life under a manager who knows how to get the best from him. However, it was Dembele's mistake, giving the ball away in the middle of the park, which ultimately led to the goal. This is an area, and indeed overall ball retention, that we need to improve on, especially at this level.
Dembelé's overhead kick was a belter of a scuffed shot. It hit the back of the net, and that's all that matters.
I agree it was slightly scuffed, but he still had the technique to execute the overhead kick in the first place. Plus he knew exactly what he was doing and where the goal was! Dembele's going to be an amazing player for us, and an absolutely ridiculous steal at £500k!!
The trick will be trying to hold onto him at the end of the season, when no doubt one of the Premiership clubs will come in. If he continues scoring goals at this level, and in the SPL, he could be worth £10-15m by then, which we'd use to sign his replacement, so it would be a great bit of business by Celtic.
I'm hopeful though he'll stay for another season, as he's only turned 20, and so needs the useful experience he'll get at Celtic, before undoubtedly moving onto a team with more money to spend than us. Note how I didn't say a necessarily 'bigger' team... ;)
Nolito's equaliser was down to due diligence and following an attack in towards goal.
Indeed, but again (like Fernandhino in the first half) was fortunate that the ball landed right at him, after Craig Gordon had superbly saved Aguero's shot. The expertly crafted, Barcelona-like build-up to the goal from City, however, is what was most impressive!
It's was the toughest game we've had so far this season.
Cheers, which says something considering the multi-million pound sides in the Premiership you've played so far this season! Like I've always said, and as our record shows, at home we're a match for anyone. Arsenal and Notts Forrest are the only English teams to have beaten Celtic at home in Europe, and that was nearly 40 years ago!
So, did Celtic surprise you at all? I think they surprised quite a few of the pundits down south, who'd all predicted a heavy win for City... You can see now why we've been beating sides in the SPL, 5 and 6-1, as the team carries a serious goal threat going forward.
As far as the games in the rest of the group go, and our chances of doing something positive, which I feel will likely be going for third spot, and thus into the Europa league, I'd like to see Barca run away with it, thus taking them out of the equation, and leaving second spot *possibly* up for grabs...
If we play as well as we did last night, or better, then we can beat BMG at home, and shock horror, possibly get a draw against Barca, which would give us 5 points, and that might be enough, not including anything we might take away to City and BMG. although I'm not holding out much hope there, as our away form in Europe is abysmal.
Still, plenty to play for, and no doubt some more exciting games and further twists and turns to come! :cool:
Marco.
I couldn't agree more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37512115
If Celtic were in England, they would be in the top four/top six clubs there. If you are another club playing in that league or Championship, or League One, would you want that type of threat coming in? I don't think you'd want it and that's the reality.
:exactly:
Marco.
Both Rangers and Celtic won today, Rangers 2-0 at home against Partick Thistle, although listening to the radio phone-ins afterwards, the Rangers fans were saying that the match was dire and that their team played very poorly. I think the most important thing for them, after back to back league defeats from Celtic and Aberdeen, was getting the three points!
However, at the moment, Rangers only seem capable of beating the weaker sides in the SPL, and are struggling against the others. They've got another big test in two weeks, away from home, against Inverness Caley. It'll be interesting seeing how they handle that.
Celtic collected three hard-earned points away against Dundee, winning there 1-0 and getting their first clean sheet of the season, also showing that they're capable of grinding out a result, as it's impossible to win every match by 4 or 5 goals. Plus, it was always going to be difficult recovering from the efforts they put into the game against Man City. The spark wasn't quite there as it usually is, even though they completely dominated possession. 1-0 wins like that, however, are the mark of champions.
Liverpool and Chelsea both had good wins today, so it'll be interesting seeing how Man City get on away from home tomorrow, in a difficult and no doubt testing match against Spurs.
After that, it's the international break, so we'll see how the home nations do in their respective fixtures, especially currently manager-less England.....
Marco.
First half they were poor and scored twice, second half quite good and got nowt... sometimes you have to win ugly ;)
A wasteful Man U only got 1 point from bottom team, Stoke and sit in 7th spot. Very poor for a side who spent so much. The quote that moyes and van gaal broke utd is an apt one in a mental sense. Until all the players broken are out of old trafford then i doubt it will get better.
Indeed - I think there's something in that. 'The special one' will need to be given time to build his own team, and on which to impose his style of play. A 'three-year plan', much like BR's been given at Celtic. Also, look how Klopp has benefited in that respect, and how Liverpool are playing this season, as opposed to last. That's what Mourinho needs to happen.
The big one today kicks off soon... I'm looking forward to seeing whether Spurs have taken a few tips from Celtic on how to press and attack Man City, or whether City will have learned from their experience at Celtic park how better to counteract teams who do that to them! ;)
Marco.
Sours defence is solid so im going to give them advantage today, and went for a 2-1 win
Oops - 2-0 to Spurs... Didn't see that one coming! :eek:
Looks like they took a leaf out of Celtic's book, and with a better defence than us, secured the victory.
Marco.
I was close :eyebrows: fancied them i did . Good side and youngish too. Age where it matters.
Stratmangler
02-10-2016, 19:12
Oops - 2-0 to Spurs... Didn't see that one coming! :eek:
Looks like they took a leaf out of Celtic's book, and with a better defence than us, secured the victory.
Marco.
Spurs have been playing like that since before the middle of last season.
They took a leaf out of their own book.
The best side won.
Fair enough, today was the first time I've watched Spurs properly, and I could see similarities in how they played, compared with how Celtic did against City at Celtic Park, (intense, pressing, attacking football, and not allowing your players time on the ball), but coupled with a more solid defence, which is something we'll be aspiring towards in the seasons ahead :)
I also think that City were rather flat, a bit like Celtic yesterday, as that game in midweek undoubtedly took it out of both sets of players!
Marco.
Stratmangler
02-10-2016, 20:17
We did look a bit flat today, and we did have a chance or two that we should have done better with.
I truth the scheduling could have been better for us.
Spurs were playing CL football in Moscow last Tuesday, so they've had a day more to get back and prepare for today's match.
We have been out for the best part of two weeks. All four games we've had have been away games, and it helps if you can spend time at your home base - I believe our players trained in Glasgow on Thursday, then flew down to London for today's game.
With luck we'll have Kevin de Bruyne and Fabien Delph fit to play by the time the league resumes, and maybe even Vincent Kompany will be in the frame by the time we get to play Everton.
With a bit more luck we don't have any absentees through injury on international duty.
Stratmangler
05-10-2016, 21:21
This had me giggling http://www.101greatgoals.com/news/man-united-fan-sue-pizza-shop-sees-man-citys-pep-guadiola-pie-sunday-sport/
The American disease is destroying our culture. Sue for anything nowadays.
Stratmangler
06-10-2016, 00:25
I'm just overjoyed that a Utd supporter can't look up at the sky because he can't stand seeing sky blue :eyebrows:
Lol - what a tosser. I can't stand ludicrously obsessive idiots like that! :mental:
Meanwhile, talking of idiots.... http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37567674
Will he ever get another game for Rangers?
Marco.
His first bet was day he joined, and was averaging about 5 a week, so had a problem. Obvious the English FA were not monitoring him. He is due back to training on Monday i believe.
If he plays again, he will have to alter his attitude(unlikely)
Going back to the Lescott thing. We found he had knee probs that caused him to fail his medical. Villa and lescott forced us to not reveal this as is the norm. He said it was that he didnt want to travel with family so far away, then he upped and went to Greece...his knee has gone, so right desision made... bullet avoided!
Pity we didnt give Joey the mouth a mental medical ;)
Wales had 2 uninspiring draws so they are feeling the pressure a bit of being "up there", but Austria lost tonight so sure they will take it overall. Scotland alas, did as I expected and came out with all guns bunged up. Played very adly by all accounts too, with Strachan showing himself up as not really international class. Mind you with what he has to work with, its not all his fault. We wont qualify for a major in my lifetime ....
Back at the Barton funny farm, as expected he is on another week suspension. obviously awaiting his plea
I think I'll stick to supporting Italy... :doh::rolleyes:
Heaven help them (Scotland) at Wembley!
Marco.
disgraceful performance and scoreline didnt flatter opposition. England didnt do an awful lot better tbh, but at least they took 4 pts from the 2 games.
rmcin626
14-10-2016, 20:55
A wee win tonight and a great goal by young Kenny
Good result, Robin, especially away from home at a notoriously difficult venue :)
Meanwhile, it looks like 'The Mouth' has played his last game for Rangers: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37661118
You're well-rid, mate!
We secured a good 2-0 win today at home against Motherwell, which was our second shut-out in a row, proving that fielding a settled and unchanged defence - a luxury we've only recently been afforded (with the excellent Simunovic and Sviatchenko at the heart of it), is the only way you're likely to keep clean sheets!
That improved tightness at the back bodes well for the remainder of our CL campaign, and the 'must win' match at home against BMG on Wednesday night, which is sure to be a cracker :cool:
Meanwhile in the EPL, I see that Chelsea got a good and much needed win against Leicester, and Arsenal won a 5-goal thriller at home against Swansea. It was disappointing for City today only managing a draw at home against Everton, with City missing TWO penalties in that game - and of course we've got the big one between the 'two reds' on Monday night!
I'll defo be watching that one, as I suspect it could be a classic...
Marco.
Just settling down now with a few beers to watch the Liverpool vs. Man Utd game.... I'm expecting a cracker! :cool:
Marco.
seems to have been a damp sqib of a game marco. 0-0 and very few chances. Dare say Morinio will be happy though as its a hard place to get a point, and keeps utd in the frame....nearly.
Yup, a veritable bore-a-thon, and most disappointing!
Mourinho set out his stall, the same as he did last time with Chelsea, to try and frustrate Liverpool and counteract their pressing and high-tempo style of play, which worked, although at the expense of both his team getting a win this time, and most importantly, the fans of both teams enjoying some entertaining football!! :rolleyes:
Sir Alex will be crying into his soup, as that is NOT the Man Utd way and how they traditionally play football, which is with attacking flair and pace. Liverpool were also below par, but should've won the game as they had the better chances. De Gea, in the Utd goal, made a few top-class saves to keep them in it.
The result suits Man City, who also drew at the weekend, and so allows them to stay top on goal difference. However, right now, Arsenal are the only team in the top four who seem to be firing on all cylinders.
Marco.
As you say, not the Utd way, but its probably never going to be the "free from fear" (bar fear of manager) Utd way again. way too much cash in it, and no time to mould a new team. Its a conundrum in the highest echelons of footy and very hard to fix under current regimes. TBH it exists in Sccottish footy to in its level... no time; you need to hit the ground running, and run faster every day. Sad.
I don't know... So far Celtic seem to be managing it, and are playing their best (and most entertaining and attacking) football for years under Brendan Rodgers, which they ably demonstrated recently at the highest level against Man City.
He's hit the ground running and successfully transformed the Celtic team in a very short time, so why can't the 'special one' do it with Utd, with 50 times the available budget?
I can tell you for sure there's NO WAY on this earth that Celtic fans, weaned on watching attacking football since the club's inception, would put up with seeing their team play like Man Utd are now! :nono: There'd be a revolt.... Apart from in European competitions, against the very best teams, Celtic go into every game they play expecting to win.
That's the mentality the Man Utd team always had under Alex Ferguson, but sadly it's one that's absent now from the current squad of players, simply because the team lacks 'winners', and so they've lost the hardened mindset instilled in a team who aren't used to losing, which is so important to winning titles.
Unfortunately now, too many of them are used to losing, or happy to settle for mediocrity, and coupled with a manager whose innately defensive tactics are completely at odds with playing traditions of the club, it's not a recipe for success. For that to happen, things will have to change!
However, I do accept the point you've made and consider it valid. It's a sad indictment of the modern game, where ultimately money controls everything :rolleyes:
Marco.
Leicester City won again in champs league...that is 3 from 3.. pretty good from a new to it side, who are also struggling in league. Often the way in a second season after a season of near invincibility. Folk get to know how to beat you I guess. Spurs drew I think. Big game for Marco's side tomorrow v Gladbach at home. Probably a must win for both sides in many ways, if getting the europa spot is the target. I believe the foals have some injury troubles and dont travel well so got to fancy Celtic to win this.
The Foxes are doing well, however they were rather fortunate to land in what is arguably the easiest group!
I'm pretty sure that Celtic would've topped that group too, and perhaps even more convincingly, but credit where credit's due, as it's Leicester's first time ever in the Champion's League.
The big games are tonight, and it'll be very interesting seeing how Man City get on in Barcelona. Who knows, they might cause a shock! I definitely think they can get something out of the game. Chris, you've been rather quiet on this thread recently. What gives, mate? :)
And of course Celtic vs. BMG... For me, this is Celtic's only chance of winning 3 points in their remaining CL fixtures, so they've really got to go for it at home in front of those magnificent fans, and produce another one of those magical nights at Celtic Park, with a performance full of verve and passion, creating an atmosphere that truly gets the hairs standing up on the back of your neck.
If we play as well as we did against Man City, and defend better, then we can do it, but nothing less will do... COME ON BHOYS!!! :clap: :clap:
Marco.
You would have a chance yes... porto are pretty highly ranked at 13th to celtics 43 so second would be easily attainable. Copenhagen always seem to do well too for a relatively small side. Like Ranieri, i find their league form a bit overly poor. They are a decent side imo. Bought well again.
Anyways, i see no reason not to win tonight, unless celtic just dont turn up, which is unlikely. I would expect celtic to have scored 2 or 3 by half time. Its the second half that might cause problems if they do as they have a habit of going to sleep at back.something you cannot afford at this level.
Also looking forward to the barca/city game. Could be a cracker
Stratmangler
19-10-2016, 16:20
I'm still stunned by KdB and Sergio missing penalties on Saturday.
We gave Everton an almighty battering, and they scored with their only attacking move.
Thankfully we ended up managing to snatch back a point with a late goal.
Everton sat deep and defended for much of it.
Their goalkeeper had an amazing game, saving many on target attempts on goal.
Tonight's game should be a good one, much more open than Saturday.
Barca carry a huge threat going forward, but they'll also leave space at the back to exploit.
We have our work cut out, but I'm hopeful of us coming back with something.
Hey-ho, a bad night for both of us, mate! :doh:
I'll go into this more tomorrow....
Marco.
rmcin626
19-10-2016, 21:37
Not a great night for the Celtic defence, might have been different if Sinclair had take the chance in the first half.
A very good point, Robin, which must give you hope for Sunday! ;)
I'm off to my scratcher now, but will offer my thoughts tomorrow on what I thought went wrong with us defensively (and in pretty much every other area of the park) in that match.
:goodnight:
Marco.
Stratmangler
19-10-2016, 22:03
Things were looking pretty good up to the point that Bravo got himself sent off.
The first Barca goal was down to Messi picking up a ball let loose by a City defensive error, but barring that it was pretty even, and there was a constant threat that City would get themselves back into it.
Bravo gets himself sent off and it's game over. Finito!
Southampton on Sunday .....
Only ray of sunshine was Arsenal's big win. They seem to be playing their socks off at moment . A few weeks, and I'm sure it'll all change though. Long ways to go. Gladbach seemed to have the right isea on how to handle Celtic's pressing game, so maybe Warburton can take some of those ideas home with him.. As for the Barca game it seems 3 players were sent off. Not sure how often that happens :scratch: Messi is still the man, and another hattrick to his name.
Stratmangler
19-10-2016, 22:16
As for the Barca game it seems 3 players were sent off. Not sure how often that happens :scratch:
Not the case.
Bravo was a straight red.
The Barca player sent walking picked up a second yellow.
The third player to get sent off was........?
seems they have changed the report.. sorry initially the report said city lost 2 men. :D
Stratmangler
19-10-2016, 22:27
I spotted the nonsense about Silva being sent for a 2nd yellow - someone had a Chris Kamara moment ;)
A good win for Utd tonight 4-1 in Europe. About time they played some footy. Ibrahimovich was dropped and Rooney back it. Pogba played well and they scored goals.
Apparently Southampton played well too but they lost to Inter
Big Scottish cup tie at weekend coming up too with the dreaded 2nd meeting of the old firm; this time at national stadium. Irrelevant of the score I hope the fans and players all behave and the game gets remembered for the play. No idea how it will go, so wont be offering any predictions. Rangers wont at least be burdened by Joey" he's got a big mouth" Barton, so will maybe have a better chance ;)
rmcin626
23-10-2016, 12:54
Not long now, interesting team selection from Warbs, hopefully will be better than a few weeks ago.
May the best team win, Robin! :cool:
Marco.
rmcin626
23-10-2016, 13:21
Of course
May the best team win, Robin! :cool:
Marco.
Slipped my mind again. Shows my interest these days. Yes hope game is remembered for right reasons. Playing Tavs further forward is a wise move imo. He cant defend for toffee. Its a slightly over catious lineup in many ways i suppose but just might help, especially in first hr
rmcin626
23-10-2016, 15:39
Could have been a lot worse
Could have been a lot worse
Last i noticed it was 0-0. Take it celtic won
rmcin626
23-10-2016, 15:50
Yes Grant, they scored with a couple of minutes to play
Last i noticed it was 0-0. Take it celtic won
Cheers. Better than last time... if they keep improveing then you never no. :eyebrows: badly need a few players of a higher intensity in. A big striker for a start. Maybe a Hately lol. Money is still the main issue though as the regrouping of finances is still precariously poised. Walk before running.
Man U and Jose Mourinho got a royal gubbing at Chelsea...4-0, and left with the chant, your not so special now ringing in his ears.:eyebrows: Not been doing well after a decent start, Utd, and although only 6 points behind in 7th, there is 5 sides above, all within a point of each other. Would not be surprised if the current top 5 are the eventual top 5.
rmcin626
23-10-2016, 19:16
Bit of a lesson by Chelsea, will be a painful trip back up to Manchester
Stratmangler
23-10-2016, 19:50
City were dreadful in the first half today.
Couldn't pass for toffee.
Southampton attacked us a few times, but never really threatened our goal, apart from the one where they scored.
Southampton's goal was a gift, thanks to one godawful pass from John Stones. They wouldn't have scored if the pass had been a decent one, because they wouldn't have got the ball.
What we thought was the equaliser was deemed to be offside.
Second half was much better, with Kelechi Iheanacho replacing the distinctly off colour Kevin de Bruyne at the start of the second half.
City upped the tempo of the game, and showed more than a few glimpses of what they're capable of.
The equaliser came from some incisive and decisive passing, with Kelechi prodding in a low pass from Leroy Sané.
Despite many efforts we failed to produce a winner.
We now look to our second encounter of the season with our near neighbours at The Swamp.
Ok, I've been meaning to contribute properly to this thread for a while, but until now haven't had time. Firstly, in reference to Celtic's 2-0 home defeat in the CL to Borussia Mönchengladbach...
We've been crying out for a creative, goalscoring/playmaking midfielder for sometime; someone in the same mould as Shinsuke Nakamura or Lubo Moravcik, and that was also obvious to Brendan Rodgers when he took over, and indeed who tried to sign one before the summer transfer window closed, but unfortunately failed. Bitton is an ok player, but simply not creative enough with his distribution of the ball to hurt the opposition at CL level. He's also prone to giving it away, and at that level you'll always be punished.
IMO, it's a significant reason why the Celtic defence has continually been under pressure in their CL games so far, simply because the team lacks that type of player in the middle of the park, who can dictate play and make accurate forward passes for our strikers and attacking fullbacks to run onto [like John Collins and Paul McStay did in the old days], and crucially, hold the ball upfield in the opposition's half, so that the it's not continually pinging its way back in towards our defence, thus highlighting our frailties until recently in that area.
That style of play is crucial at Champions League level, and why, if we're still in European football at Christmas, BR *must* sign a quality creative midfield player in the January transfer window, and pay the necessary money (which the club will have earned from this season's CL exploits), if we're both to stay in Europe for as long as possible this season, and bed such a player properly into the team in time for next year's CL qualifiers, should we win the SPL. It has to be a major priority if the team is to evolve and make genuine progress next year!
Also, for me, the following is equally as crucial to Celtic's success or otherwise in Europe: BR must curb his tendency of drafting in Kolo Toure for every CL game, thinking that he's automatically the best option, thus disturbing a (now) settled Celtic defence. No matter how good Toure is, or indeed any other player coming 'in from the cold' like that, it creates indecision and confusion, simply because the thinking/organisation amongst the players in defence always changes when new personnel are employed - it's inevitable, and that's when mistakes can occur.
Now I'm not saying that's necessarily what happened against BMG, and what caused Toure to make those two crucial errors, which effectively denied us a point, but it wouldn't have helped. The fact is, Sviatchenko and Simunovic before that had developed a good understanding and combined to help Celtic keep three clean sheets in a row, so why disturb such consistency simply to bring in Toure for one match??
It doesn't really make sense. Unfortunately, Rodgers has become accustomed to doing this, which stemmed from earlier in the season when the team had injuries to key defenders, so Toure was brought in as cover. That's not necessary now, as all our defenders are fit and ready to play, and I'm not sure that at 35 years of age Toure is overall better than either Sviatchenko or Simunovic, when both are on their best game.
In my view, if BR had played those two together against BMG, we wouldn't have lost the goals we did, and likely secured a point from the game. The fact is defences benefit from continuity of selection, so IMO, if a particular defence is playing well together and there are no injuries, then the manager should stick with the same players, game in game out, in order to cement a good understanding between the players involved.
It's no coincidence for me that Celtic secured another clean sheet yesterday against Rangers, playing Sviatchenko and Simunovic together at the back, and if the same applies in the next game against Ross County, then BR should stick with the same defence for the away game in Germany against BMG. I shall certainly be making that point (amongst others) to one of the Scottish radio football phone-ins on Saturday!
Ok, now to yesterday's League Cup semi-final at Hampden....
First of all, I'd like to say something that no doubt will have our resident Rangers fans in uproar, but it's something I *truly* believe, based on years of experience and evidence, is that there is an ingrained bias/'old boys network' present at Hampden Park, innately in favour of helping Rangers, and this 'tradition' manifests itself no more so than the biased officials (possibly hand-picked by the authorities) chosen to handle the game, ably showcased yesterday by Craig Thomson, who's performance, quite frankly, was shocking!!
Read about it here: http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/craig-thomson-should-never-allowed-9111332
The disallowing of a perfectly good goal from Sviatchenko aside, which was bad enough and could've easily cost Celtic a crucial win, almost none of the major refereeing decisions in the game went Celtic's way - and historically it's always been the same at Hampden, especially when the team are playing Rangers. I'm sorry, but the blatant bias is simply NOT being imagined and there for all to see! Something has to be done about it - and soon.
That aside, and although Celtic only won the game 1-0, they were by far and away the superior side, especially in the second half, where it was virtually one-way traffic towards the Rangers goal, and so but for the performance of their goalkeeper, who made some superb saves (and the blatantly biased refereeing), the scoreline could've easily ended up the same as it was last time the teams met in the league, where Celtic won and scored five goals.
Therefore, I had to laugh at Warburton's comments after the game (a manager whom incidentally I admire) about the "gap between the teams being narrower"... Yes, the gap was narrower, but only in terms of the scoreline, not in terms of the huge gulf in footballing ability between both teams! In that respect, it was once again 'men against boys', such was the near-total domination by Celtic, although Rangers did play much better than last time both teams mert, without really creating much.
Ok, one final point, which actually I forgot to mention earlier when discussing the game against BMG, and it was equally as evident yesterday... It is absolutely ludicrous that a striker who scored 40 GOALS for us last season is currently warming his bum on the bench!! Yes, I understand it's a system thing, and so playing one up front requires the team to be organised differently than playing with two strikers, BUT it was patently obvious yesterday that when Griffiths came on, Celtic were a different team and carried much more threat up front!
This guy is not your average striker, or indeed one simply to be used as back up - he's a GOALSCORING MACHINE, especially in the SPL, and so too important to be given merely a part-time role in the current first team :nono:
Quite simply, apart from scoring goals, Griffiths creates them, which is precisely why Dembele got the winner yesterday, and I'm almost certain that if he'd come on earlier, Celtic would've won the game rather more convincingly. He's also a superb free-kick taker, so when he's not on the pitch the team is missing his goalscoring ability in that respect, as Dembele isn't as good at free-kicks, nor in my opinion is anyone else in the team, even Rogic or Sinclair.
Furthermore, the longer Griffiths remains on the bench, the less match fit he'll be, and consequently when he comes off the bench to play, he won't be as sharp - and I can see evidence of that in his play already, and it must be stopped.
Strikers, more than any other players, need regular games to stay sharp and keep confidence levels high, in order that they can continue scoring goals. Therefore, as Celtic are clearly capable of playing effectively with two up front, I think that BR needs to alternate between systems more, simply to keep Griffiths match fit and for the team to benefit overall from his presence on the field. I feel certain that results will improve further that way.
For me, in the long term it won't work keeping Griffiths permanently on the bench, even if Dembele is playing well. Rodgers has to find a way of ensuring that Griffiths features regularly in the starting 11. I feel certain that, much like yesterday against Rangers, had he played more of the game against BMG, Celtic would've threatened up front more. And also while we're on the subject of goal threat, what has Patrick Roberts got to do to get a game these days? :hmm:
In my view, he's an overall better player than Forrest, and so should be the one getting a starting place. When Roberts came on against BMG, he offered more threat going forward in the last 15 mins than Forrest has done up till that point in the whole game! And I didn't think that Forrest had a particularly good game yesterday against Rangers, yet Roberts remained on the bench...
Ok, I know that Forrest is our own player and has just signed a new contract, and Roberts is only on loan from Man City, so BR will be intent on rewarding his own player and keeping him happy, but not to the detriment of the team, which I feel is what's happening now. So for me, both Griffiths and Roberts (providing both are fit and playing well in training) have to start figuring more in Celtic's starting 11 this season, or the team won't reach the heights it's capable of!
That's it - just wanted to get all that off of my chest.... Robin and Grant, I'd now invite your comments on my thoughts about the Rangers game and/or anything I've just written :cool:
Marco.
rmcin626
24-10-2016, 14:56
It was clear that the better side yesterday won and that there is still a gulf in class between them. However for most of the first half Rangers had most of the ball - well that was according to figures displayed by BT sport. Yes the disallowed goal should have stood, but by the same token McKay should never have been booked for diving when it was clear that was not the case. Howard Webb's comments on the referee were good and enjoyed the input from Terry Butcher, even the odd comment from Sutton was ok until he starts one of his rants.
As for the conspiracy theory - no comment.
Should Griffiths be on the bench - not the way he scores goals, although both his club manager and national manager always start with some else, there must be a reason.
Hi Robin,
However for most of the first half Rangers had most of the ball - well that was according to figures displayed by BT sport.
Well, both of you must've been watching a different game from me!
Yes, Rangers had a decent amount of possession, but created very little. There's not much point in having a lot of the ball if you don't do anything with it. Craig Gordon hardly had a save to make in the whole game. The difference is, when Celtic had it (and I'd dispute the possession stats, as they simply don't reflect what I watched), they produced something creative.
Yes the disallowed goal should have stood, but by the same token McKay should never have been booked for diving when it was clear that was not the case.
Yes, that was one decision the referee got wrong, in favour of Celtic! There were about 20 others I could cite, which Thomson clearly saw through his blue-tinted specs... Remember that he has previous 'history' in these games. Given that was the case, he was a bad choice for this particular match, but clearly favoured by 'the powers that be' :rolleyes:
Sutton is outspoken and very opinionated, which I like even if I don't always agree with his views. He's also clearly biased towards Celtic, but then so are Butcher and McCall towards Rangers. I don't have a problem with biased pundits, who are ex-players of both teams, as you know what to expect; just biased referees!!
The old saying (although I dislike the bigoted tone) of 'Who's that mason in the black?' doesn't exist by accident, I can assure you. I've got friends who are ex-professional referees, and I know which team the vast majority of them support, and it's a similar case amongst the SFA! ;)
The fact is that Scotland is very much a protestant country, therefore there will always exist the chance that referees will have leanings more towards Rangers than Celtic, and evidence backs this up.
Should Griffiths be on the bench - not the way he scores goals, although both his club manager and national manager always start with some else, there must be a reason.
Well, the reason why Strachan hasn't started him recently is because he's not been starting for Celtic. Rarely do players not currently in their club's starting 11 get into the Scotland starting 11.
Rodgers isn't starting Griffiths because Dembele's in such good form, but by doing so he's simultaneously harming his match fitness and sharpness in front of goal, which you could see on occasions yesterday, even during the short time he was on the park - and that will only get worse the longer he remains on the bench, which will also be counterproductive for Scotland...
Like I said, BR needs to rotate the team system more, in order to accommodate Griffiths and play with two up front sometimes, a system which the team is clearly comfortable with and capable of successfully implementing. He should also play Roberts more, while Celtic have access to his considerable talents, because I doubt we could afford to sign him.
Marco.
rmcin626
24-10-2016, 15:52
To be honest Marco, yesterday was very similar to a lot of games involving Rangers, they can have huge chunks of possession but create nothing at the end of it.
Celtic were they better team by a mile, not sure why they keep playing Forrest instead of Roberts apart from he may track back more.
Never been a fan of Craig Thomson, just out of interested I have just checked the coverage by the Herald, which runs to 6 pages however the mention of him is one sentence referring to the disallowed goal.
To be honest Marco, yesterday was very similar to a lot of games involving Rangers, they can have huge chunks of possession but create nothing at the end of it.
I agree, and it's simply because of a lack of quality up front. What you need is the likes of another Kenny Miller, only in his prime! I thought that Dodoo guy looked capable of creating something when he came on, so perhaps he could turn into a good player if he started more games?
Celtic were they better team by a mile, not sure why they keep playing Forrest instead of Roberts apart from he may track back more.
Perhaps, but as Celtic are such an attack-minded team it makes sense to utilise their greatest available attacking talent.
Like I said earlier, the defence wouldn't be coming under such scrutiny (and thus needing wingers to track back) if they had a Paul McStay-type figure controlling the midfield. Quite simply, Wanyama or Nakamura have never been properly replaced, and that frailty in midfield has been exposed in our CL games this season, particularly against the high calibre of opposition we've faced.
Rodgers knows that though, so I'm confident he'll address the issue sooner rather than later, and we'll become a much better team for it :)
Never been a fan of Craig Thomson, just out of interested I have just checked the coverage by the Herald, which runs to 6 pages however the mention of him is one sentence referring to the disallowed goal.
So why don't you like Craig Thomson? He's clearly fond of giving your team the 'rub of the green'... ;)
As for the Herald, different journalists will naturally have different takes on proceedings. Now, I've already tackled biased refs, don't get me started on biased journalists!! :D
Marco.
Grant, what are your views on all this? :)
Marco.
Not much really. The old refs and sfa are against us i always rearing its head ... could just as easy be the other way round tbh. Mcay got booked for sim. Dembele one was worse but didnt. I dont much go with it, and inclined to say if you need to win 2-0 to beat the team and the ref, then do so,
Not much really. The old refs and sfa are against us i always rearing its head ... could just as easy be the other way round tbh.
Oh I'm sure it happens sometimes, and most often from refs of both 'persuasions', with the smaller teams who always get unfair/biased decisions against them when playing either of the old firm. They're the real 'victims'.
However, for me, there's no doubt that in Scotland there are more Rangers-minded officials, overall, than Celtic ones, as experience tells me that that bias exists within the whole infrastructure of Scottish football, including the media.
Like I said before, statistically it's bound to happen, as Scotland is predominantly a protestant country, and up there who you support boils largely down to religion. It's just the way it is, and why historically Celtic, out with of the football playing side of things, will always have to fight harder than Rangers to win anything.
To think football isn't corrupted is like saying the same about politics! ;)
Marco.
Excellent result for us away from home at a notoriously difficult place to win! :clap:
However, the scoreline flatters us a little, as the game was sitting at 0-1 until the last 15 minutes, and up until that point Ross County had given us a very hard game - harder than Rangers gave us at Hampden on Sunday - (although BR made 8 changes to the team that started against Rangers), and Craig Gordon had produced two superb saves to keep us in the game.
He also was lucky to stay on the park after coming out and colliding very hard with a Ross County player, which was deemed as reckless play by the ref, not excessive force, which I agree with, and Gordon was yellow-carded but stayed on the park. However, with Celtic having brought on Dembele and Sinclair, their class eventually told, and after Stuart Armstrong had scored a superb second, two late goals from the former two players mentioned respectively completed a great win for Celtic.
Patrick Roberts was immense throughout, and not only scored a superb opener, but was a constant threat all night down the righthand side of the park. Like I said before, he simply *must* be in Celtic's starting 11 because he is an overall better player than Forrest, and after this performance I expect that to be the case and him to start against Aberdeen on Saturday.
Griffiths started the game and showed flashes of his ability, but he's not the player he was since being put on the bench after coming back from injury, which as I said before is because he's lost sharpness, due to lack of match fitness. The longer this goes on the worse the situation will get, so BR has to find a way of playing him and Dembele together. Quite simply, Griffiths is too important and skilled a player to be left on the sidelines.
Anyway, all's well that ends well... All our nearest league rivals lost their games, and Rangers drew 1-1 with St Johnstone at Ibrox, so Celtic are now 7 points clear at the top of the SPL with a game in hand. The Brendan Rodgers bandwagon rolls on! :cool:
Marco.
No thoughts on yesterdays games, Granty, Robin? :)
Marco.
Aye, yet again the celtic biased refs come to your aid eh;).
I noticed the game was tight til near end, but matches last for 90 mins +. Good to see, well for you anyway, that your side is still playing 95 min. Gers struggled to create again although were probably the better side. Also got caught cold at back again. I mean its hard enough to win these games without giving the oppo a goals start:doh: just as well im not their manager ;)
Still as ive said, the basis of this years campaign was to be competitive and think we are just about doing this. Top 6 target still and hope to get 2nd was plan. Fans dont like it but they are not realists. Some calling for managers head already. Thats plain stupid.aint gonna happen either, but i understand the frustration. They have to remember that a whole team came in at one time, and they were mostly free or close to free. Some of them are good enough, or will be. Some, maybe not but at least they are giving their all, unlike Barton who just wandered around like a dick.
Rant over..... celtic will win league by min 18 points
Lol - no idea whether he was Celtic-minded or not, although I thought he got the Craig Gordon decision right. It's like I said though, if biased refereeing exists (and I'm certain it does) then the teams liable to suffer most against BOTH of the old firm, are the smaller ones, such as Ross County.
Difference is, we don't need refs to try and help us win games - we've got enough footballing talent to do it by ourselves! :ner:;)
Rodgers has the players super-fit, and we have a big squad (full of quality players), so that means whoever's playing can keep going to the bitter end! Apart from, that is, Tom Rogic! :scratch:
Yup, sadly at the moment Rangers are well short of what's required to finish in the top three, let alone challenge Celtic, which at the moment is almost akin to us challenging Barcelona. I predict a mid-table finish for Rangers, so yes top six is achievable.
The problem for Rangers is that Celtic are only going to get stronger and stronger, as more money comes into the club every year from their CL campaigns, and fans turning up in their droves at every match, with season tickets selling out, to watch the scintillating attacking football on display. Without a major cash injection from someone, Rangers are destined to be in the doldrums for YEARS, just like we were throughout most of the 90s...
Therefore, "the gap" [read as gulf] currently existing between the clubs is destined to turn into a cavernous chasm..... For Rangers, it'll be like trying to catch a runaway train with a skateboard.
If in the January transfer window Celtic successfully sign the type of playmaking midfield player I outlined earlier, and keep all their big players fit, then they'll walk the league title and could put it to bed long before the adverts for Easter eggs start appearing on TV. That might even happen sooner if we miss out on the Europa League and are left only with the treble to concentrate on! :eyebrows:
So come on King (or someone else suitably wealthy out there, with blue blood running through their veins) for the sake of Scottish football, get yer wallet out and turn Rangers into a team that can seriously challenge us - and soon!!
:exactly:
Marco.
They are only 2 points from 2nd top i think so its achievable. Not even half way through season and there may well be(read better be) additions to squad.
rmcin626
27-10-2016, 11:57
Yes well done to the Celtic reserves last night, although the main men were brought on to finish Ross county off. Another disappointing display at Ibrox especially in the second half. Time for Mr King to live up to all his promises and open his wallet although I'm fairly sure that's not going to happen. We need to string a few wins together and get a bit a confidence as Grant mentioned not too far behind 2nd place.
They are only 2 points from 2nd top i think so its achievable. Not even half way through season and there may well be(read better be) additions to squad.
Yes, but apart from Celtic at Parkhead, where they were hammered 5-1, who from the top three have Rangers played so far, and how did they get on? They lost at Pittodrie, too. I don't think they've played Hearts yet, have they?
For me, the way Rangers are now, I can't see them beating Aberdeen or Hearts this season, either home or away, and perhaps the same could be said for St Johnstone, so if that happens, all those teams will finish above Rangers, and Celtic will be above them, thus making Rangers fifth.
In my opinion, the ONLY way things will change, and they'll have a hope of finishing second, is if Rangers spend some money in the transfer window and drastically improve their team, as quite simply most of the players there now aren't good enough to wear a Rangers jersey.
However, even with their respective dealings in the transfer market, there are gulfs in the success of both Celtic and Rangers.... Therefore, I'm not sure I'd trust Warburton's judgment with serious cash! I give you James Garner, signed for £1.8m [how many goals has he scored so far?] and Moussa Dembele, signed for £500k..... Need I say more? ;)
Marco.
Yes well done to the Celtic reserves last night, although the main men were brought on to finish Ross county off....
Lol@Celtic reserves.... TBH, without Patrick Roberts they'd probably have huffed and puffed and not done much. It took the big guns to come on to notably change the game, but that's what happens when you disturb team harmony so radically with so many changes.
Make no mistake though, as a fellow Irishman, Rodgers is out to emulate Martin O'Neill's first season at Celtic, and so will be happy with no less ;)
Marco.
Early days mate. 5-1 wasnt really a true reflection on day. There will be some signing activity i think. Be very surprised if not. Chairman has to open the wallet a bit on players or the season tickets will drop off next year. David knows this, as does his partners. Winning scottish cup would be a bonus of course but closer to top the better for them at moment. We still have major financial restraints due to that rediculous deal that Green etc i think it was did with sports direct. That,ll get sorted eventually but its a big hindrance, as is all the work being done to stadia as everyone else didnt bother for many moons.
There will be a reckoning when some of these characters go to meet their makers
I agree it's early days, and lots can still happen. However:
Early days mate. 5-1 wasnt really a true reflection on day.
Lol... You're joking, aren't you - did you watch the game? :D
Actually, I agree. 7 or 8-1 would've been a true reflection. Rangers were murdered, mate. I'm sure even Robin would agree - and the same scoreline at Celtic Park could've easily happened at Hampden, without the help of the crossbar and heroics from your goalkeeper.
There will be some signing activity i think. Be very surprised if not. Chairman has to open the wallet a bit on players or the season tickets will drop off next year. David knows this, as does his partners.
I agree, and I sincerely hope it happens. However, Warburton still has to prove that he'd spend it wisely, and unfortunately his dealings to date in the transfer market suggest otherwise.
Marco.
rmcin626
27-10-2016, 18:06
I agree it's early days, and lots can still happen. However:
Lol... You're joking, aren't you - did you watch the game? :D
Actually, I agree. 7 or 8-1 would've been a true reflection. Rangers were murdered, mate. I'm sure even Robin would agree - and the same scoreline at Celtic Park could've easily happened at Hampden, without the help of the crossbar and heroics from your goalkeeper.
I agree, and I sincerely hope it happens. However, Warburton still has to prove that he'd spend it wisely, and unfortunately his dealings to date in the transfer market suggest otherwise.
Marco.
At the first game once we had Joey Barton at center half anything could have happened. We are still in touch with the main pack of teams if there is no money available at the New Year there could be trouble, I am a firm believer of given people time too many managers are binned after a few weeks.
I completely agree, Robin. Can't stand the 'bin the manager after 6 months' approach some clubs adopt when things aren't going well :rolleyes:
In my view, it takes a minimum of three years for a manager to properly implement his strategy on a club, but these days there's so much at stake for bigger clubs that the panic button is hit long before then!
How long's Warburton been in charge for now? :)
Marco.
rmcin626
27-10-2016, 18:43
I completely agree, Robin. Can't stand the 'bin the manager after 6 months' approach some clubs adopt when things aren't going well :rolleyes:
In my view, it takes a minimum of three years for a manager to properly implement his strategy on a club, but these days there's so much at stake for bigger clubs that the panic button is hit long before the
How long's Warburton been in charge for now? :)
Marco.
Warbs has been there about 18 months now, who knows how long he will be there, there is always the Wigan job. The players are fitter than they have ever been my jury is still out on his tactics although I was pleased to see him change things for the Celtic game.
I still think if they can win a couple of games back to back things will improve , a few away games might help less pressure.
Sure, I agree. I'm just not sure he's the man to take Rangers forward to the level where they need to be.
Marco.
Stratmangler
28-10-2016, 06:01
http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/37793016 :D
Ha - that's quality! :eyebrows:
'Yon wee Gerry team'....
Marco.
rmcin626
29-10-2016, 16:08
Well look what team is now 2nd top of the league
Lol - that's only because Aberdeen and Hearts right now are rank rotten, and can't buy a win between them, which is what's making Rangers look good at the moment! :lol:;)
All joking [just a bit] aside, Rangers played very well today against Kilmarnock [a team they historically have a good record against] and produced their best performance by far of the season so far.
So hopefully that's a sign of things to come and they can now achieve some consistency and push for second place in the league, and with it qualify for Europe - and they'll do that if Aberdeen and Hearts don't pull their socks up, and soon! The fact is, both teams so far are a shadow of themselves last season.
As for us, we got a very good 0-1 win today away at Pittodrie, which further cements our position at the top of the league, and out with of Europe so far, shows how much more solid we are now as a team. The players are learning, developing and getting better all the time, and it's really exciting to think how far Rodgers can take this Celtic team, especially when he really starts to stamp his personality on it, in terms of signing his own players.
In that respect, next season is where he'll be properly judged, especially in Europe...
Let's hope that Rodgers sticks with Sviatchenko and Simunovic in central defence on Tuesday night against BMG, and plays with Patrick Roberts on the wing, and gives Griffiths enough time to make a proper impact, along with Dembele, as for me it's the only way we'll have a chance of getting anything from the game! :cool:
Marco.
Well look what team is now 2nd top of the league
So i see Robin. Decent result and one i predicted for once lol. Killy been playing well too so a nice leap into 2nd, irrellevant of what our critic says:D;)
rmcin626
29-10-2016, 17:28
Managed to catch the second of the Celtic and Aberdeen game, good to see Stuart Armstrong get a game, got a wee bit feisty towards the end as expected. Now that Rangers have won a game hopefully this the start of a run.
Credit where credit's due, Rangers played well today and deserved their win. Like you say though, Robin, the acid test will be whether they can go now and build on that. Their next match at Ross County will be a tough one.
Anyway, despite what anyone else says, both Scottish football and Celtic need a strong Rangers!
As an aside, what do folks think about Scott Brown making a one-off comeback against England at Wembley?
Marco.
Think He has a bloody cheek tbh, but I'd say that of Pele.
rmcin626
29-10-2016, 18:10
Once you have gone your gone, although I might change my mind if we beat England
City, Liverpool and Arsenal are all top on 23 points tonight, with Chelsea a game and 4 points behind. Utd , although having all the game and plenty shots failed dismally in a 0-0 with Burnley. Hate to say this so early in season, bu Jose better watch his job. I think Blanc fancies it and wouldnt surprise me if utd jump ship soon. He spent a lot of cash and there seems little improvement results wise tbh, although they are playing better.
rmcin626
29-10-2016, 20:06
City, Liverpool and Arsenal are all top on 23 points tonight, with Chelsea a game and 4 points behind. Utd , although having all the game and plenty shots failed dismally in a 0-0 with Burnley. Hate to say this so early in season, bu Jose better watch his job. I think Blanc fancies it and wouldnt surprise me if utd jump ship soon. He spent a lot of cash and there seems little improvement results wise tbh, although they are playing better.
I thought the teams Jose was sending out for the cup games were better to watch and won.
As you say, they at least won; Utd had 37 shots and missed them all, and with that record you will get nowhere. as the Chelsea fans chanted, "Jose, you aint special anymore"
Fancy Blanc to take over in the relatively near future. Jose is not happy living and working in Manchester and his job is not going well. all adds up
rmcin626
29-10-2016, 20:48
Things might improve for Jose if the big Swede could hit the bag of the net. Could be all change in the new year.
Stratmangler
31-10-2016, 23:05
I'm really pleased that Wilfried Bony bagged a couple tonight - it's the first time he's hit the back of the net since Boxing Day last.
If he carries on like this he might be able to salvage something of his reputation.
I hope so, for his sake.
I'm really pleased that Wilfried Bony bagged a couple tonight - it's the first time he's hit the back of the net since Boxing Day last.
If he carries on like this he might be able to salvage something of his reputation.
I hope so, for his sake.
Noticed that. yes he was a prolific striker for a while then it just dried up on him. Happens to most strikers for a while, but thats a biggie. Moved Stoke up to 12th I think, and a few weeks ago they were about bottom. I fancied Stoke to do well this season as well so maybe they are over their problems.
Chelsea won well the other night too to keep it competitive at top.
Now there's a result!! Well done, Chris :clap: :clap:
Shows that away from home Barca are perhaps not quite so invincible... Or did City play an absolute blinder? I missed it :)
We also got a good result in Germany by drawing 1-1 with BMG, keeping our hopes of European football beyond Christmas alive. If only Toure hadn't gifted BMG those two goals in the match at Celtic Park, we'd be sitting on three points, and in a much stronger position.
We still have a faint chance of getting through to the last 16 of the CL (although that would take a minor miracle), but more realistically of Europa League football, from finishing third in the group.
In terms of our fate, much will depend on what BMG do in their final two games... Still, it keeps things interesting! :cool:
Marco.
rmcin626
01-11-2016, 21:57
Good display by Celtic thought they were going to sneak at the end, probably deserved the win.
Did you watch the game, Robin? I've still to do so, as I was otherwise engaged this evening. I heard that Sinclair was unlucky...
Marco.
Slept right through lol. Good results all round tonight then, with the Gunners winning 3-2 as well and have qualified now.
rmcin626
01-11-2016, 23:03
Did you watch the game, Robin? I've still to do so, as I was otherwise engaged this evening. I heard that Sinclair was unlucky...
Marco.
Watched most of the game Marco, Celtic did have the chances to win
Stratmangler
01-11-2016, 23:26
I'm still getting to grips with the idea of having beaten Barcelona 3-1.
It's bloody fantastic!
Leicester C drew with Copenhagen and are very close to qualification, while Spurs got beat 0-1. They are not scoring enough goals at moment Spurs. Still, it is pleasing For Leic to be doing well in this.
A continued stoorie is going on with Poppies, which I have to say I think,, yet again Fifa are wrong in their assumption that they are a political symbol. They are not and never have been. Becomeing a world I neither recognise or want to.:doh:
I'm still getting to grips with the idea of having beaten Barcelona 3-1.
It's bloody fantastic!
I know the feeling, mate. We did it a few years ago, at Celtic Park, under Neil Lennon. I think the return match between City and Celtic at your place has all the makings of another cracker! :)
Marco.
Soton beat Inter 2-1 in Europa league... nice win for them, and they seem to just keep getting better even if they lose players to other sides. Considering where they were, its nice to see.
Man Utd unfortunately lost in Turkey even though they had most of the game again. Players seem to be again in a malaise. Something stinks in Old Trafford and its killing them. Dont know what the answer is but they will soon be losing a lot of their Euro points and be a less attractive place to get players to come to. A big turnaround with them and City. Boot on other foot ....still think Jose will not make season end
Great win for Chelsea v Everton...5-0 is very impressive. They are currently top, a point ahead of City. Arsenal still to play. Chelsea having a good period, and be interesting to see how long it lasts.
rmcin626
06-11-2016, 12:15
Good start by Rangers
I forgot about this...AGAIN. :lol: was more interested impn me amp . Will check the bbc webpage for score
rmcin626
06-11-2016, 12:28
Should be 3 up by now but it's 1-1
That leaky defence again. Needs jan work as does up front. Not scoring enough considering chances made.
rmcin626
06-11-2016, 12:39
That leaky defence again. Needs jan work as does up front. Not scoring enough considering chances made.
Summed up well
Think they need a bit more tbh. Very poor performance from any rangers side, and quite frankly not good enough irrellevent of where the club has been. Wages paid, and fans support are not being repaid on field. Should all be up in front of the CO on monday on a charge
rmcin626
06-11-2016, 15:19
Think they need a bit more tbh. Very poor performance from any rangers side, and quite frankly not good enough irrellevent of where the club has been. Wages paid, and fans support are not being repaid on field. Should all be up in front of the CO on monday on a charge
Another 90 minutes of my life I'll never get back, shockingly poor, apart from the captain they were all really below what's needed.
That leaky defence again. Needs jan work as does up front. Not scoring enough considering chances made.
Sorry guys, like I said last week, when you were 'glowing' at being in second place after one decent performance against Kilmarnock, it's simply not good enough from Rangers.
The fact is, they've beaten no-one this season of any significance. Teams are no longer 'scared' of playing Rangers, even at Ibrox, which used to be a formidable fortress. Sadly, those days are gone, and this current Rangers team is easier to take points from now than any other I can think of since I've followed Scottish football.
The unpalatable truth is that they'd be further behind in the league if Aberdeen and Hearts had been able to demonstrate some winning consistency, instead of dropping silly points, willy-nilly. And that's why, if no significant investment is made in the team soon, Rangers will finish this season no higher than mid-table.
We got another good win yesterday, beating Inverness Caley at home 3-0. That's our sixth clean sheet in a row, and so we're 10 points ahead at the top of the league, with a game in hand. Now, it's time for a deserved rest for the players, with the break for international football, before our game against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park - and then the return match against Barcelona at Celtic Park! :eek:
Marco.
rmcin626
06-11-2016, 16:17
Sorry guys, like I said last week, when you were 'glowing' at being in second place after one decent performance against Kilmarnock, it's simply not good enough from Rangers.
The fact is, they've beaten no-one this season of any significance. Teams are no longer 'scared' of playing then, even at Ibrox, which used to be a formidable fortress. Sadly, those days are gone, and Rangers are easier to take points from now that at any other time in the club's history.
The unpalatable truth is that they'd be further behind in the league if Aberdeen and Hearts had been able to demonstrate some winning consistency, instead of dropping points willy-nilly. And that's why, if no significant investment is made in the team soon, Rangers will finish this season no higher than mid-table.
We got another good win yesterday, beating Inverness Caley at home 3-0. That's our sixth clean sheet in a row, and so we're 10 points ahead at the top of the league, with a game in hand. Now, it's time for a deserved rest for the players, with the break for international football, before our game against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park - and then the return match against Barcelona at Celtic Park! :eek:
Marco.
The second in the table was very tongue in cheek by me because I know how poor and off the pace we are, might be time to watch Morton in the championship
Management team needs to carry a lot of blame tbh. They have had ample time to get the team gelling. A bit like delia at yours... new guy has mostly same squad playing much better.
I was , and am willing to give warbs til end of season i guess, as the season is basically a write-off now, to sort it. Chaiman needs to help with funds as we have spent basically nothing on transfers. If this is not sorted soon though the fabled season ticket sales will do what Deilia did to yours.
Dont think anyone was glowing by way, but we are still 3rd and only a point of the fabled Dons. As you oft say you can only beat or win league agin who your playing so where they are is not the problem. It is the manner in which they are playing....or in this case NOT PLAYING. My namesake would destroy them, and god knows what Jock Wallace would have done :D
Ps my grandkids were at Celtic game yesterday
Ha - my best mate's favourite team! How did they get on yesterday? Last week they came back from 0-1 down at Ayr Utd to win 2-1 :)
Marco.
rmcin626
06-11-2016, 16:35
Ha - my best mate's favourite team! How did they get on yesterday? Last week they came back from 0-1 down at Ayr Utd to win 2-1 :)
Marco.
1-1 yesterday at Falkirk, I have seen them hundreds of times over the years split loyalties to be honest, they would have a good support if they made the leap but would need to spend some serious money but that won't happen.
Management team needs to carry a lot of blame tbh. They have had ample time to get the team gelling. A bit like delia at yours...
Yes, but he won three trophies with Celtic in Scotland's top flight in the two seasons he was there. How many trophies do you think 'Warbs' will win this season, or next if he's still here? ;)
Deila wasn't a real failure at Celtic, just not the best manager we've ever had. However, he was a damn sight better than Warburton, and his record, even in terms of wins alone, proves that. Sorry mate, comparing the two doesn't really support your argument.
I was , and am willing to give warbs til end of season i guess, as the season is basically a write-off now, to sort it.
For me, if Rangers continue to produce strings of poor results in the league and don't reach the Scottish Cup final, he should get his jotters. Trouble is, with how things are now at Ibrox, what decent manager would take the job?
Dont think anyone was glowing by way, but we are still 3rd and only a point of the fabled Dons.
My comment was of course tongue-in-cheek, but there seemed to be an air of 'well, things aren't really too bad 'cos we're in 2nd place', which for me was misplaced optimism, as last week's win against Killie only papered over some very significant cracks - and ones that need fixing ASAP...
As you oft say you can only beat or win league agin who your playing so where they are is not the problem. It is the manner in which they are playing....or in this case NOT PLAYING. My namesake would destroy them, and god knows what Jock Wallace would have done :D
Indeed, but I were a Rangers fan I'd be very pissed off with how things are going, and particularly the return on player investment, which is a primary reason for why the team's playing so poorly. How much has been spent on Barton, Kranjcar and Garner in total, on signing fees and wages? And to date what have they achieved??
I'll tell you, next to hee-haw! And that's Kranjcar out now for SIX MONTHS with cruciate ligament damage - a player I said from day one wasn't physically strong enough for the Scottish game.
If Warburton is to remain at Rangers this season and/or next, then apart from anything else, he'll need to start proving that he's capable of signing more than just duds, especially if the board are to give him the money he needs to rebuild the team with players who are actually fit to wear a Rangers jersey!
Ps my grandkids were at Celtic game yesterday
Nice one, mate. Hope there was no trouble :)
Marco.
rmcin626
06-11-2016, 16:56
Yes, but he won three trophies with Celtic in Scotland's top flight in the time he was here. How many trophies do you think 'Warbs' will win this season, or next if he's still here? ;)
Deila wasn't a real failure at Celtic, just not the best manager we've ever had. However, he was a damn sight better than Warburton, and his record, even in terms of wins alone, proves that. Sorry mate, comparing the two doesn't support your argument.
For me, if Rangers continue to produce strings of poor results in the league and don't reach the Scottish Cup final, he should get his jotters. Trouble is, with how things are now at Ibrox, what decent manager would take the job?
My comment was of course tongue-in-cheek, but there seemed to be an air of 'well, things aren't really too bad 'cos we're in 2nd place', which for me was misplaced optimism, as the win against Killie only papered over some very significant cracks - and ones that need fixing ASAP...
Indeed, but I were a Rangers fan I'd be very pissed off with how things are going, and particularly the return on player investment, which is a primary reason for why the team's playing so poorly. How much has been spent on Barton, Kranjcar and Garner in total, on signing fees and wages? And to date what have they achieved??
I'll tell you, next to hee-haw! And that's Kranjcar out now for SIX MONTHS with cruciate ligament damage - a player I said from day one isn't tough enough for the Scottish game.
If Warburton is to remain at Rangers this season and/or next, then apart from anything else, he'll need to start proving that he's capable of signing more than just duds, especially if the board are to give him the money he needs to rebuild the team with players who are actually fit to win a Rangers jersey!
Nice one, mate. Hope there was no trouble :)
Marco.
Hope the gran kids had a great day yesterday at Celtic park Marco, when they are bad you can always sent to Ibrox as a punishment
Lol - I hope you guys don't think I'm being too hard on Rangers. I'm just being honest, and also (I suppose contrary to most Celtic fans) genuinely disappointed at the current malaise at Ibrox.
TBH, if we win the league at a canter, which looks more likely as every week passes, that'll be eminently less exciting for me, or a cause for celebration, than if a proper Rangers team had been pushing us all the way till the end!
I trust you can see where I'm coming from? :)
Marco.
Matter of opinion but deila was in celtic terms maybe not a failure but going nowhere and most fans i know wanted rid. He never really won much as he was playing against poor sides :ner:
Celtic have their mojo back and thats good for all concerned imo. Dunno how long manager will stay, but you can say that about most now. Better job comes along etc, big fan or not. So enjoy while you have..i would.
Warbs has done ok, but so far has been unable to get the side together in the games bar the occasional, and thats whats not acceptable. Players have shown in part that they have ability, but dont have a clue what to do if they are being pressed. Warbs doesnt seem to know either so imo, he can stablise ship, and go in summer unless he shows an ability to have more than plan A. ... not that it particularly bothers me but i hate to see them playing like diddies. Had enough of that under greig lol
Not heard how they got on. Their uncle was taking them.... apparently he is a celtic supporter now. Was a rangers supporter all his life but has turned. Not sure how you do that but must have been a fair weather fan eh? Sure you never fancied supporting gers coz they were playing better than youz? Lol
I will say i dont really know him.
Matter of opinion but deila was in celtic terms maybe not a failure but going nowhere and most fans i know wanted rid. He never really won much as he was playing against poor sides :ner:
Wot, the same "poor sides" Rangers are playing now but can't beat for toffee? :ner:;)
Dunno how long manager will stay, but you can say that about most now. Better job comes along etc, big fan or not. So enjoy while you have..i would.
Lol - not that one again...
Unless the likes of Man Utd, or a major club in Europe come in for Rodgers (which is highly unlikely), I guarantee you that he'll be at Celtic for at least three years. And even when he eventually does leave, Celtic will be in a far better position than they were when he first took over, and able to sign another manager of similar calibre, because they'll have the money and status to do so :)
Warbs has done ok, but so far has been unable to get the side together in the games bar the occasional, and thats whats not acceptable. Players have shown in part that they have ability, but dont have a clue what to do if they are being pressed. Warbs doesnt seem to know either so imo, he can stablise ship, and go in summer unless he shows an ability to have more than plan A. ... not that it particularly bothers me but i hate to see them playing like diddies. Had enough of that under greig lol
I think he's an ok manager, but has spent too long in the lower echelons of English football, to be able to attract/sign genuine quality players, those able to sort Rangers out. It's a fact in football that the quality of the contacts a manager has at his disposal, and the players signed from that, is testament to the quality of the manager himself - and since you've mentioned BR and Deila, that fact is highlighted no more so than there! ;)
Not heard how they got on. Their uncle was taking them.... apparently he is a celtic supporter now. Was a rangers supporter all his life but has turned. Not sure how you do that but must have been a fair weather fan eh?
Wow, that's madness, and haven't heard of that before. I'd always support Celtic, no matter how or where they were playing, much like Robin's been doing with Rangers over the last few years!
Marco.
rmcin626
06-11-2016, 17:41
Matter of opinion but deila was in celtic terms maybe not a failure but going nowhere and most fans i know wanted rid. He never really won much as he was playing against poor sides :ner:
Celtic have their mojo back and thats good for all concerned imo. Dunno how long manager will stay, but you can say that about most now. Better job comes along etc, big fan or not. So enjoy while you have..i would.
Warbs has done ok, but so far has been unable to get the side together in the games bar the occasional, and thats whats not acceptable. Players have shown in part that they have ability, but dont have a clue what to do if they are being pressed. Warbs doesnt seem to know either so imo, he can stablise ship, and go in summer unless he shows an ability to have more than plan A. ... not that it particularly bothers me but i hate to see them playing like diddies. Had enough of that under greig lol
Not heard how they got on. Their uncle was taking them.... apparently he is a celtic supporter now. Was a rangers supporter all his life but has turned. Not sure how you do that but must have been a fair weather fan eh? Sure you never fancied supporting gers coz they were playing better than youz? Lol
I will say i dont really know him.
I blame my late dad who would take me to watch Rangers or Morton which ever one was playing at home although that was a bit confusing in the mid sixties when the played each other in the League Cup final. Jumping the fence to support Celtic that would never happen , no matter how bad things get at Ibrox.
I am also pleased to say that my son is a blue nose and his best pal and very soon to be best man is a Celtic fan, friends for nearly 30 years and the never a problem with the football.
I blame my late dad who would take me to watch Rangers or Morton which ever one was playing at home although that was a bit confusing in the mid sixties when the played each other in the League Cup final. Jumping the fence to support Celtic that would never happen , no matter how bad things get at Ibrox.
I am also pleased to say that my son is a blue nose and his best pal and very soon to be best man is a Celtic fan, friends for nearly 30 years and the never a problem with the football.
I was third lanark initially but they went bust due to thievery lol. Tbh i came from the borders and i was rugger only til i came to central belt. None of my family knew anything about footy. Have a few international rugby players at different levels in family tree though including capt and coach mr telfer .
But up here first thing you got asked. Whit team do you support, said with menace lol.
Some more good news... My other team, Liverpool, have now gone top of the EPL, after thumping Watford 6-1! :yay:
Marco.
get the feeling its gonna be a multiple close finish this year, with the lowest points tally ever. such is the competition. Thats the way a league should be but rarely is anywhere.
rmcin626
06-11-2016, 18:32
I was third lanark initially but they went bust due to thievery lol. Tbh i came from the borders and i was rugger only til i came to central belt. None of my family knew anything about footy. Have a few international rugby players at different levels in family tree though including capt and coach mr telfer .
But up here first thing you got asked. Whit team do you support, said with menace lol.
You would think there are only 2 teams in Scotland
For many, thats the case Robin. For the record, my older brother chose Hearts. said he felt sorry for them as they hadnt won anything lol. He went to Tynie for a few years but grew out of it. I chose Rangers as one of the boys at new school was a fan and we seemed to get on well. but tis early 60's time there were a lot of good sides.. Airdrie were a big side. Morton, dumbarton etc were bigger too. We had fans of all sides at the school including Celtic. One of my mates who had same name, was a tic supporter. It never caused any problems in general. The divides between teams grew up in the 70s around here.
I still follow Gala rugby team. and Melrose coz I lived there
Man Utd up to 6th with a 3-1 away win v Swansea. Ibrahimovic scored twice. brings his dearth to an end. Decent win and much needed. The baggies managed an away win v Leicester as well and boy they needed it after a good start to season they were drifting into relegation spots.(still an honourable Baggie:eyebrows:)
Oldpinkman
07-11-2016, 06:22
Liverpool are now in a position in the league table where they have snow on them
Joey Barton is gone. Contract terminated. Glad to be rid, as he was a devisive figure, and never kicked a ball. Let that be a lesson to the club; dont buy smart mouthed has-beens;)
of course with Niko out for season and may not play again with us, who knows; which was a shame as he was playing very well, and had the guile to get that perfect pass away, it leaves gers a little short of potential matchwinners. I expect some decent signing in jan. and a lot more in summer.
rmcin626
10-11-2016, 19:17
Joey Barton is gone. Contract terminated. Glad to be rid, as he was a devisive figure, and never kicked a ball. Let that be a lesson to the club; dont buy smart mouthed has-beens;)
of course with Niko out for season and may not play again with us, who knows; which was a shame as he was playing very well, and had the guile to get that perfect pass away, it leaves gers a little short of potential matchwinners. I expect some decent signing in jan. and a lot more in summer.
Yeah very pleased Barton has gone, and as you say Grant Nieco was just beginning to show what he was was made of. Not quite as confident as you about decent signings in January but live in hope think they will be loan deals if anything.
Until this moment, I never understood how easy it was to lose something you never had:D
rmcin626
10-11-2016, 20:45
Warbs must have thought it would be a good idea, there have been a lot worse and expensive mistakes in the past
McParland did anyway. Just proves that just coz someone is a big name and a free transfer, doesnt make it work. But as you say there have been worse....on both sides lol
rmcin626
10-11-2016, 21:06
McParland did anyway. Just proves that just coz someone is a big name and a free transfer, doesnt make it work. But as you say there have been worse....on both sides lol
There have been a few "bumper" signings
Well last nights whacky races is behind us now, thank goodness. We have been proven to be Malta class as i suspected, and can now get back to some decent spl hatred and good footie in epl:eek:
Stratmangler
12-11-2016, 14:27
There's an England friendly against Spain on Wednesday night, so the Premier League is on hold until next weekend.
All of City's fixtures are away for the rest of the month :(
R of Ireland beat Austria away to go top of their league.. nice one; and Wales are currently winning 1-0 and could go 2nd. Now why cant Scotland do things like that?
rmcin626
12-11-2016, 21:44
R of Ireland beat Austria away to go top of their league.. nice one; and Wales are currently winning 1-0 and could go 2nd. Now why cant Scotland do things like that?
Wales has ended 1-1 and they have at least have a 3 or 4 really good players but so do Serbia unlike Scotland
Bravo to Leicester city for winning their group with a game to go. their first bash at European Champs League too. Alas Spurs are out.
Indeed... Just a pity Leicester can't translate that success to their current league form. I guess it was always going to be a huge ask for them to compete again this year for the title.
Big game tonight at Celtic Park... Can the Bhoys get something at home against Barca? We've done it before, but this time I doubt it!
Marco.
rmcin626
23-11-2016, 09:41
Indeed... Just a pity Leicester can't translate that success to their current league form. I guess it was always going to be a huge ask for them to compete again this year for the title.
Big game tonight at Celtic Park... Can the Bhoys get something at home against Barca? We've done it before, but this time I doubt it! S
Marco.
You never know Marco, hope it's a good close game
Indeed... Just a pity Leicester can't translate that success to their current league form. I guess it was always going to be a huge ask for them to compete again this year for the title.
Big game tonight at Celtic Park... Can the Bhoys get something at home against Barca? We've done it before, but this time I doubt it!
Marco.
depends how both sides play mate. If Celtic try what they did v Man C they might give em a wee shock:eyebrows: if they put 10 men behind the ball then its only going to end one way, so as well having a go, and testing them.
Indeed, mate. I wouldn't expect Celtic to play any other way at home, no matter the opposition. The hard thing though will be getting hold of the ball! ;)
Tune in, folks, for what should be a great game: 7pm BT Sport ESPN (kick-off 7.45pm) Channel 426 on your Sky box :cool:
Marco.
You never know Marco, hope it's a good close game
Indeed, mate. A good performance tonight from Celtic is the main thing, as I suspect our sojourn in Europe is over for this year :)
Marco.
Stratmangler
23-11-2016, 17:23
I hope Celtic manage to stuff Barcelona :)
It was gratifying to see Messi with a face looking like a slapped arse last time he was on this island, and I'd like to see it again.
Cheers, Chris. Good luck in Germany tonight. Should be a piece of piss for you guys, given that you cuffed them 4-0 at home, and we were rather unlucky not to win there. A win will put you in a good position of winning the group, especially if we can take something from Barca :)
Marco.
Celtic didnt fair to badly last night and made a couple of good chances v barca, but lost honourably at least. Well done to them for a big effort. they seemed done in by the 70 min mark though. Forgot the city score now.. think it was 1-1. Celtic got to city in last game, which if anything like last meeting will be a cracker.
tonight Utd at least are winning 2-0 but still 20 mins to go there. Southampton lost alas.
edit Utd finished 4-0 winners. go second 1 point of leaders fernabache
ABERDEEN 0 CELTIC 3
Scottish League Cup Winners 2016: GLASGOW CELTIC FC
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/921/FRMdbc.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/plFRMdbcj)
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/924/YOoHjH.jpg (https://imageshack.com/i/poYOoHjHj)
WELL DONE, BHOYS!! :clap: :clap:
:yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :champagne: :champagne: :champagne: :champagne:
Roll on the next two!! :thumbsup: :cool:
Marco.
Good, comprehensive win then. Treble is on. 100 majors is not bad...bit to go to catch us mind ;) and youve all got a long way to go to catch me as i won my 249th yesterday :ner:
Cheers, mate :)
100 majors is not bad...bit to go to catch us mind...
Is that including all the ones those dodgy refs helped you win? :lol:;)
...and youve all got a long way to go to catch me as i won my 249th yesterday :ner:
Wot - the 249th jobby you've dropped down the pan this year, lol? :D
Hope you're feeling a bit better today, btw.
Marco.
Stratmangler
27-11-2016, 22:35
ABERDEEN 0 CELTIC 3
Scottish League Cup Winners 2016: GLASGOW CELTIC FC
WELL DONE, BHOYS!! :clap: :clap:
:yay: :yay: :yay: :yay: :champagne: :champagne: :champagne: :champagne:
Roll on the next two!! :thumbsup: :cool:
Marco.
Well done on today's result.
May your opponents push you hard for the remaining two - they're worth nothing if you don't have to fight for them :cool:
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