New Footie season - 2018/2019

[Marco]

I think appointing Lennon was the easy option, for the last few years I have with several guys who are season ticket holders at Parkhead and to a man not one of them wanted him as the full time manager, theses are educated guys who have been watching their team for decades, and although they have been happy to give me abuse for the last few years about the state of my team, they are not happy about the new appointment.

It was only an 'easy option' because he was already in the job. However, that doesn't mean that it wasn't the right one.

Fair enough, the Celtic season ticket holders you know are paying their money, so they're entitled to their opinion, although perhaps next time you could ask them to outline exactly why, according to them that Lennon, given sufficient money to spend on players in the summer (as indeed will be the case), won't be capable of winning another two titles for Celtic, as he did last time he was in charge? Especially when his biggest rivals still have a rookie manager learning his trade, even though he's shown signs of ability.

It's *that* bit I don't get, as I'm not talking about progress in Europe. The Celtic fans I know (including me) would gladly swap any kind of European success whatsoever, in the next two years, for securing 10-in-a-row, which is *precisely* why Lennon is there, so tell me why, when as Celtic manager before he's been up against more proven and successful managers than Gerrard, he's not capable of doing that job?

Btw, that's not to say that Gerrard won't get the better of him (and Celtic) next season - that could well happen for a variety of reasons - but not because Lennon's fundamentally not up to the task, or doesn't have the right credentials, as history both past and recent suggests otherwise.

I missed what Brown did at the end, as I was watching the game late last night, on catch-up, on Celtic TV, and fell asleep towards the end... So what did he do?

Regardless, Broony is still a very capable captain/leader and player, and who would grace most teams in Britain, even some in the EPL. He's certainly no angel though, as indeed many others aren't. The fact is, he gets a LOT of abuse, which he largely takes on the chin.

There have been plenty of Rangers players in the past who's actions on and off the field have left a lot to be desired, and who weren't under the constant spotlight and scrutiny of social media, as Brown is and other players are today. The truth of the matter is that Scott Brown largely gets up the noses of opposition fans and players, because they're jealous that they don't have someone like him in THEIR team!

What would Rangers give now for another Andy Goram, Richard Gough, Ian Durrant or Barry Ferguson?

Marco.

[rmcin626]

Interesting I have just been going through the Sunday papers, and I quote “ his goading of Uche Ikpeazu showed a lack of class”, I just think that any leader/captain of a team should some class.
I think the teams is Scotland should be trying to follow the Ajax example, we need to have Scottish football league and national back at a much higher level.
Until we see who comes in and goes out our respective teams, I will reserve judgement on how well we will do next season, hopefully the Rangers manager has learned from his first season.

[Marco]

Interesting I have just been going through the Sunday papers, and I quote “ his goading of Uche Ikpeazu showed a lack of class”, I just think that any leader/captain of a team should some class.

You mean like Barry Ferguson had, behaving no better than a ned, around Glasgow, while captain of Rangers?

Seriously though, I get what you mean, and as you know I don't condone that type of behaviour, but how often do other players set out to goad Brown? He's only human, so can only take so much provocation without reacting. In terms of Ikpeazu, you don't know what history exists from their previous encounters on the pitch.

This, however, I full agree with:

I think the teams is Scotland should be trying to follow the Ajax example, we need to have Scottish football league and national back at a much higher level.
Until we see who comes in and goes out our respective teams, I will reserve judgement on how well we will do next season, hopefully the Rangers manager has learned from his first season.

I'd certainly settle for Celtic emulating Ajax on the pitch, as I'm sure you would with Rangers, as they are the definitive example of what can be achieved by a big club in a small league, compared with the the likes of the EPL or La Liga, but I don't think you can ever 'tame' players with a natural winning mentality/competitive streak, and who are usually a bit of a handful, and in reality you don't want to, as it would dilute their effectiveness and what makes them special.

I'll similarly reserve judgement on how well either team will do next season, until I see what happens this summer in the transfer market.

Marco.

[Alex_UK]

Just watching the L1 playoff - Charlton v Sunderland. Never seen anything like the first goal! Equaliser was a stunner, Phillips relieved! Comeback to win with virtually the last kick - great game (for a neutral - hard luck Sunderland.)

[struth]

Just watching the L1 playoff - Charlton v Sunderland. Never seen anything like the first goal! Equaliser was a stunner, Phillips relieved! Comeback to win with virtually the last kick - great game (for a neutral - hard luck Sunderland.)

Good to see Charlton get promoted. Always had a soft spot for them; not sure why, but used to be a big club attendance wise when i was young.

[struth]

As for NF Lennon getting offered the job at Celtic; it was on cards and I guess Rangers fans will be happier with him than a Benitez type, but he is an experienced man and knows club so should be fine. Might not have the charismatic draw to new signings that Gerrard has but I think Celtic want to try and get 10 so are going safety first.
Whether it falls flat or not is irrelevant as a Benitez could have too, then everyone would be saying they should have gone with NFL. Catch22.

I will say this, the pressure on all involved will only increase, so it may be more difficult than many supporters think.... I wont say good luck tho

[struth]

Big well done to the villa for getting promotion at Wembley today. My brummy mate is ecstatic

[Marco]

Never mind that pish, cop a load of this....









Marco.

[Cyrus]

There's no-one there.

[Marco]

Did you miss the first picture? Plus there are other pics I could post, showing the streets lined with 1000s of fans, but I wanted to show a close up of the bus

The weather didn't help either, as it was pissing down!

Marco.