What price for the Lucky General ?
It just doesn’t get better than a Euro night , under the lights , opposition freezing their brass monkeys off , getting bombarded ( theres no other word for it is there ? ) vocally by everyone and their uncle ( usually literally ) and to top it off it was a must win affair and all !
These special midweek nights bring new exotic names to our midden , players and clubs , with tactics we would not face otherwise and also offer a good gauge of where we as a club stand in footballs unofficial hierarchy .
And so it was that in the final group game Brendan lead his table topping leaders against the might of Red Bull’s financial advantage . We were not underdogs according to the cream cookies amazingly yet were always going to be up against it , but at home especially , we will have a spell of pressure at least . Usually we give it a right good go having won both our previous home ties in the group .
The usual caveats applied , do not lose a goal in the first 15 mins ,, start quick and fast to get the crowd awake early ,, attempt a few early chances before they get time to settle and the noise has them unnerved ,, etc etc
The line up seen only the one change from the weekend which was an obvious one with K.T. returning to his beloved left back slot .
The ref blows ,,, Boom ! What a night ! Infact what a last 10 minutes !
Despite being nowhere near our best we go through , unbelievable !
BUT what a price to pay !
Lustig injured early on allied with Ryan stretchered off in a leg brace literally puts us 2 first choice players down . Thats a big blow and will give those with ambitions on lifting the title hope , especially now they are all out of Europe and can focus solely on domestic affairs .
Then the keeper . He kept us in the game , and cost us the game !
Other notables ,,,,Ajer , who was called into action 21 minutes in , was guilty of a very slack back pass that almost cost a goal ,,, and also guilty of a how did he miss it over the bar howler !
Olivier scored , and missed a pen !
Tom played 90 minutes!
Scott returned to Captain us for 45 mins!
Both goals we gave up we embarrassing , the first childs play ffs , striker between the 2 central defenders , and that was his 3rd goal against us this group .
The second was another schoolboy error , and though Craig can be said to have kept us in the game , perhaps his position as first choice needs looked at . I did mention similar on Monday .
And just when you were sitting there thinking ah well we are out , and you did , the news filtered through of an equalizer that puts us through despite defeat !
Brendan says he delighted for the players and it was a tough group ,, very statesman like but I suspect inside he cant believe the footballing Gods have smiled on us in a big way .
He might also be thinking I will be getting that striker I want for sure now !
There will be a school of thought that we were just pure lucky , but ultimately it was the 9 points achieved outside of last nights game that did the damage , and Brendan and the players earned every inch of those points .
So yeah while we did get the roll of the dice , we had to be there to collect , and that took hardwork which they all can be proud of . From this point forward we have nothing to lose as we probably shouldnt be here anyway , might as well just enjoy it .
We have until the next round to try and find some form , possibly drop a few current first teamers , and possibly , nae probably , be integrating our new striker and hopefully defender also . Right back too Santa if youre real .
So the show rolls on , and February will see hearts palpitate again no doubt . Some big scary names rocking around the last 32 at a glance . Some I would fancy our chances against though. Remember that old saying about lucky generals . Would you write us off next round ? No chance ! Bring it on ! We live to fight another day !
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Big shout out to Rosenberg the only team we can beat in Europe. I love them. I knew we would go through when Brendan threw on all of our striker from the get go. Considering that yesterday we lost Griffiths, Lustig, Christie and were playing the best team in the group who if they go one better this year will make the final then I have to say that it is delightful to be going through in these trying circumstances. Especially when we have the chance to draw Eintracht Frankfurt . I might have to compromise on my Celtic Park boycott. I also was seeing the Old Firm exit Europe together hand in hand equally as pish type of coverage so that´s positive.
Boyata, Griffiths, Christie (FFSakes), Lustig all out just when we need them most. Domestically the next two months is going to be tougher than it normally is.
I agree with Brendan that the group doesn´t lie and that the players have earned the right to be there. The club however very lucky.
To be down to one rookie ahem 9m pound striker at this stage of the season when Leighs problems have been known about for some time due to a battle of ego´s when the money is there is shocking. Forward top class strategic planning my erse. Certainly not bonus worthy for anyone involved.
It was not a good performance from the first minute to the last. Sinclair & Rogic were passengers, meaning we played the first half with none men – to go in level was a miracle, totally down to Craig.
In order to try and get a grip of the midfield, we substituted Sinclair for Brown at half-time. It made little difference as Rogic’s performance meant we were still a man down.
We were unable to do to them what they were doing to us….press every player in our team in every area. A press on Gordon produced the second goal.
There really is nothing positive to write about our performance on the night, however to contradict Mr Scott Mullen of the Daily Record, we did not “scrape through”, we qualified by being two points better off than Leipzig. We beat Rosenburg home and away, Leipzig couldn’t. Leipzig won two games in the group, we won three. So positives to take over the campaign with a place in the 32.
Success this season has now become more difficult, with injuries, doubts over our two first choice centre-backs and added fixtures. We must have a good window in January – no it’s, or, buts.
Finally I think we should look at playing both Tierney and Izzy together, with one of them on the right – let’s give it a try, firstly in training, who knows it could be a masterstroke.
Is Roger Mitchell and Peter Lawwell now a couple ?
are
The best that can be said about last night is that we earned our 9 points, and got a decent slice of luck in Europe. For a change.
For that we should all be very grateful.
Glad I was persuaded not to post, until I had a sleep…
We have a few bhoys on European night that either don’t follow instructions, or cannot.
Either way, the team needs significant surgery if we are remotely serious about competing at that level.
As a few have already said, January is going to be intriguing.
HH
AWENAW
After seeing Eddie a couple of times by October,I was demanding that Lawwell just pay the £4m asked for by PSG. How he ended up costing £9m is obviously down to The Great Negotiator.
Just think,we could have used that spare £5m,maybe used it on another young striker.
Wasting £5m of your employer’s money onviously entitles you to a bonus,so who am I to argue?
Btw,look out for a mail from me re an article over Christmas. Your biting satirical wit may well be suited to it ideally!
majoc,
pretty convinced that this was the main issue between Peter and Brendan this summer.
My supposition.
Peter thought;
It was over indulgent (I´m inclined to agree .. and I said so at the time)
That he could use it as leverage (with regards to being Dembele´s replacement – he did)
That 9m could be bandied about (when there´s no chance that 9m has exchanged hands – he has )
It is such abjectly poor management to be dependent on a young inexperienced rookie. He will get there of that I have no doubts. He has demonstrated that he will be good enough – one day
Christie replacing Armstrong was not Brendans strategy
Broonie being dropped was also not Brendans strategy
Not starting with him last night shows the universal sized chasm between Killie and Salzburg
The blindness towards strengthening the defence also an issue.
yup January transfer window is going to be fascinating
AWENAW
Remember when we used to laugh at the huns for inflating transfer fees?
Well,actually,we still do!
Peter has a problem there. He could have got Eddie for £4m,he effed about and had to pay more,probably £7m. How it ended up as £9m-and I recall the £10m tag being bandied about a few days in an article on the player!-only he knows.
The reason though is obvious-to make it seem that the club were spending money. But The Great Negotiator spent £9m in June on a £4m player in October,available for a maximum of £7m,purely because He Is The Great Negotiator.
Honestly,beggars belief. By the time Brendan has had enough of him,his hair will be as white as his teeth.
SALTIRES, if truth be told completely outthought and outplayed ,thank god for Rosenberg, we definitely need to add quality in January hh.
AWENAW
If their a couple,they become one,according to a puke-inducing choon.
So is is probably correct.
There’s my starter for ten in The Pedantry Stakes,long time since we played that!
I reckon 2m up front Nm after n appearances and Nm after so many goals.
Loathe to blow my own trumpet,no real wish to,but my article yesterday suggested they would come out looking for a win. That they would be pushing us from the off.
I got back in from my splitshift about 630,quick meal and bed. I saw the team selection just before I hit my cot. Seriously,my heart sank,I thought the midfield would lack aggression.
You wait a lifetime to be right,and you still get no pleasure from it-it is not always easy being a Celtic supporter!
AWENAW
No,I seriously doubt that. Peter wouldn’t let him take penalties if that was true!
However,you have a point. It’s a serious amount of money for a player whose only first-team experience amounted to around 40 games in two years for Genoa. Especially as they had an option to buy and turned it down.
We won’t lose money on him as long as he knuckles down,that’s for sure. But maybe another sign that The Great Negotiator is far from that.
I wonder what the Genoa option fee was set at? I know there’s a Tim works at Man City in their hierarchy,maybe we will find out from him if we ask him.
BIGPACKY
My big pal GORDON64 put it perfectly last night,that Celtic’s hero of the night was playing for Rosenborg.
We have a habit in unlikely heroes in our history. I’m kinda hoping Dave King becomes another one!
majoc, how are you pal, yes agree about mr king.hh.
BIGPACKY
I’m smashing,mate. Wee downer as I inadvertently tipped off Mahe about the game last night in a reply to a mail from him. Wasn’t thinking,but I don’t have the time for that on a Thursday.
Delighted we have European football to look forward to in The New Year,or as the huns call it,Thursday,but we could have done without the injuries.
Or missing another penalty!
You know I haven’t seen us miss a penalty since I was about 14? Haven’t seen us score one either,I just turn away,done that since we never replaced Kenny from 12 yards.
The tedious bile that is aimed at Peter Lawwell by almost every contributor to this blog has persuaded me that it is not the place for me to be posting.
Mahe, thanks for allowing me to contribute an article around the time the blog was starting – wish you well personally.
I will carry on reading your ‘editorial’, but will completely ignore the comments. HH
GOLD
This is a blog which is open to all opinions. We all have opinions about players and managers,and if the CEO sees fit to promote himself to a point of comment,then of course we should voice our opinions about him.
Those who dislike his style of management of the club disagree with those who like the way things are going,and on a blog that means that you may have to read opinions which conflict with your own.
But can I let you in on a wee secret,GOLD? My Dad and I are even worse than this blog when the subject of PL comes up. We don’t resort to thuggery or threats,of course. But neither has anyone here. We certainly don’t refuse to engage-(who else would we drink with in Kilwinning?)
It is a forum for opinion,GOLD. You are a man of strong opinions,and the means to express them. As far as I know,you’ve posted here and been replied to here respectfully.
It may be that your thoughts on things are more valid here as a balance against others than they would be on a pro PL site,where they might get lost in a maelstrom of sycophancy.
Majo,
he came from PSG.
I thought Peter had you must miss all penalties clause in the contacts.
We canny be that bad wi the penalties surely to god.
AWENAW
Edouard was signed from PSG. Ollie was from Man City.
Thank you, @CelticFC, for hosting this game tonight. What an amazing atmosphere, historical stadium & great club. Bowing to the fans, priviliged for the experience.
Marco Rose (Salzburg Manager)
Who also adorned a Celtic scarf and Tammy at full time last night.
We believe in the one Chief executive,
the Father, the Suit wearer,
maker of Celtic Park and Lennoxtown,
and all of the money that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in Dermot Desmond,
his only Son, the Celtic supporter. with a hard C
the only buyer for the bunnet,
eternally begotten to the Markets,
Henrik from Henrik, Larrson from Larrson,
true Rangers from true Rangers,
begotten, not made,
one at Being with the Old Firm.
Through Peter all things are safe.
Well, with that in mind here are my predictions for 2̶0̶1̶6̶ ̶2̶0̶1̶7̶ ̶2̶0̶1̶8̶ 2019
1. The sheep will flock back to the Old Firm in their thousands.
2. Craig Whyte will be found not guilty of fraud but guilty of a lesser charge of resisting a test.
3. EBT’s will be adjudged tby the Scottish judiciary to be a total fraud except in Rangers’s case when it was aweright but they must never ever ever use them again at least not until the next time.
4. The SFA will win mock the year show.
5. Celtic will say SFA about res 12 except JPT will say “well done lads”. Verbally.
6. The Daily Retard reading age will drop from 5 to 4 commensurate with sheep thinking.
7. Billy Dont be a hero dont be a fool with your life.
8…errr much much more.
Gold,
Please reconsider. On other blogs, I have been where you are now and attempted to opt out. When my emotions settle I usually regret dropping out.
As Majoc says all opinions are valid and seem to be presented here.
There are strong views held by some on PL but not by all.
I agree with Majoc that, so far, the blog is respectful in responses to counter views.
The truth is that few on here(all?) do not know what goes on behind the scenes at the club. As such we are left to speculate what has happened on the basis of what we perceive and read in various media. For example, there are many possible explanations for the disasterous summer transfer window. Only a few within the club, and at other clubs and agencies, really know what happened. The rest of us form opinions, partly from sparse info and partly from our previously held views. Perhaps we can agree on the value of the outcomes from that window? All the rest is speculative……so why not enjoy the ride? Of course, if it gets personal, then you and I will hit the trail but it hasn’t to this point.
Rebus
AN,
What a beautiful response! Anyone know what this guy’s background is? When BR goes, he should be on the list of candidates. His name sounds Irish to me!
Rebus
Rebus
I would hope he is at the top of their list, sad to say he won’t be.
I did not watch the game last night for a variety of diverse reasons. Firstly, I had the flu and did not want to supplement it with an emotional roller coaster. Secondly, my two year grandson was diagnosed with a heart murmour a month ago and he had an ECG yesterday to examine the nature of it. Thankfully, it is benign and he will grow out of it quickly. Items like this put football a long way back in the queue.
Under these circumstances, it is truly amazing how little a football result matters in the grander scheme of things. Note to self…..remember that for the rest of your life!
However, there is a codicile to the above wise words. Firstly, I kept in touch with both games….Sevco and the Celts. A certain amount of joy surfaced on hearing the FT result in Vienna. At least, they would not be in, and us out! I kept in touch with the stats on our game although not the commentary. I could see doom and gloom emerging before it happened. Possession, shots on target, corners all in favour of Salzburg. Zero shots on target for Celtic. It was only a matter of time. Perhaps the God of football would favour us and we would break their hearts with an against the run of play goal! Please, please! Whambo, two nil down and running on empty. My new fav. christie off injured. Benkovic at CF……was it panic or Roy of the Rovers stuff? A penalty! A miss! A scluffed ball over the line! Could it happen? Could we get just one more and steal the night from Salzburg? Nope, we couldn’t! But the Gods were not through with us yet! What’s this? The bbc is saying we are through! Can’t be, we needed at least a point! Where is the UEFA site, the Europa groups? Mein Gott, Leipzig drew….we have 9 points to their 7!
What a night! Wee Malkie is OK and success snatched from the very jaws of defeat. Fate writes some great scripts, does she not?
Rebus
Rebus.
What a fabulous feel good post.
I was speaking to a Lazio fan this morning, he wants anyone except Salzburg in the next round. They put Lazio out last season in the knockout stages. He wants to go somewhere warm in Feb, so is hoping for Sevilla or Betis.
I’m delighted we are through, to equal our co efficient score from last season, we need one more victory. I would take Villareal.
We have good relations with them and I think we would have a fighting chance.
Hail Hail
that made me laugh. You ever think about putting out your own line of Celtic themed xmas cards with a nice little message inside.
I would buy a dozen with that.
🙂
Good Morning after , dreich and gloomy here on a much beloved Friday .
Gold , just read back. Very sorry to read your post , all I can offer is many thanks for your contribution and the door is open . Take care buddy.
Majoc,,dont worry about it pal , saved me some time actually knowin the score . No big deal at all honestly .
Rebus , thats fantastic news pal and youre right it does put football into perspective . Soo delighted for you and your family , I am more than aware now children are a blessing ( in disguise sometimes ) and a treasure . The man flu though ,,, hot whisky me bhoy , I swear it will do ya the world of good , especially on a cold gloomy Friday evening . Warms thoul cockles and puts hair on your chest although I believe thats not the current trend with the fairer sex!
Take care , the KIng of the North 😉 !!!
mike how you doin.hope you are well.hh.
HI PB
Keeping out of trouble … bit busy with work (including being asked to take over a hearing next Friday!) …
otherwise, lurking more than posting these days.
HOpe you guys are all good, and that you have a great xmas.
all good mike, happy xmas to you, seamus and family.hh..
REBUS67, give my love to wee malkie, see that you missed the game don’t worry you didn’t miss much??,
Gold
So you arny happy that most of us don’t see Pedro the same way you do, fine but there no need to jack it in, as Majoc said you have been treated with total respect for holding alternative views to most of here, unlike other sites where you are attacked for having views that the majority don’t hold.
The posts may be tedious but I honestly don’t think they contain any bile, just my opinion.
That is a very succinct point. That we knew there were concerns around Leigh’s emotional well-being and couldn’t get another striker in is negligent from someone. I realise dembele spat the dummy late in the day but the chickens are coming home to roost this month and to go into this busy period with one striker is a shocking state for a supposedly well run football club.
What a surreal feeling after the ‘terrible beauty’ of last night.
A serious injury to young Ryan, Lustig injured too. A home defeat by a talented side and Leigh off the scene.
Despite that we have qualified for the next phase and the Southside Gangsters are eliminated (Dave King must be penning a statement as I type).
Hopefully the transfer window will see us begin to address the deficiencies in the side, as opposed simply to deficiencies in the squad.
I’m not overly optimistic but you never know the calculation might be that some progress in that area is vital if we have any chance of keeping Brendan.
We’ll see.
I had the misfortune to see some of the Sevco game. It’s the first time I’ve seen them this season. Dire stuff. Even Ally McCoist’s ridiculous commentary couldn’t conceal the abject football on display.
Anyway, the Celtic players look to be running on close to empty and that has been a factor in the stuttering domestic form.
Let’s hope the powers that be can prove their mettle by realising that there is more to running a club than simply their bottom line.
Sorry too to read of Gold’s decision. I enjoyed his contributions and thought he made some excellent points.
Hopefully he’ll reconsider.
HH
Mahe,
Hair on my chest? It’s hair on my head that is needed. You know the old joke that a man that is balding at the front, thinks a lot, and the man that is thinning at the back is sexy. The man that is completely bald just thinks he is sexy!
Have a nice weekend. We have a wee creek that runs through my property and that of my neighbours and it is backing up because one neighbour has let it get blocked on his side. Frozen water is creeping up to our house so I have been smashing ice to try to get water flowing. Life in the North!
Rebus
I would have loved to have seen the coupons on govans finest this morning when they awoke from their drunken slumber in Vienna to find we had qualified for the last 32. Hh
Rebus, I think hair or specifically lack of is like having a bit of a gut. At some stage in life you stop trying to hide or fight it and just accept where you are at.
Besides the north west European climate is not conducive to hair growth with little sun and much hat wearing for warmth.
That hair replacement is big business here though, was 2k for a fella I know.
Frozen water creeping up?? Ouch, my troubled are minor then. Look after herself hey! Only one week to the real black friday!
Hail Hail
RB Salzburg are the new benchmark.
THE GOMBEEN MAN, how are you pal, thought we were outplayed last night, thank goodness Rosenberg are big tims ?hh.
Rip Sean Garland. HH
Grand thanks Paddy, yep we owe them one.
Football is magic when the unexpected happens.
Hopefully the experience of playing RBS wakes up a few folk who seem contented with mediocre performances in Europe.
HH
Terrible weather ahead
Is Kenny Miller available ?
The problem with Capitalism is that you need capital; and none of us have any.
2 October, 2010 at 04:46
That would be palpable on the assumption that the Celtic Board had the same vision as the fans. If you were to read newspaper clippings from the sixties or seventies or eighties in retrospect you would understand that daily media is drivel. 21st Century Murdoch media more so. The point I think you have missed is that the Celtic board modus operandi to this day is “what are the huns daein?” and therein lies Celtics modern demise.
Freaks..East Kilbride special
Crackin up freak!