A Journey Of A Thousand Miles…
Morning,all.
A Journey Of A Thousand Miles famously begins with one step. Barkas took a step out from his goal,and under no pressure whatsoever,flapped like an aging windmill in a stiff breeze.
I do not care how good he was on paper before he joined us,how many international caps he has,nor what world-renowned teams he has played for. I could have headed that clear last night-and I’m 58yo and 400 miles away. Cut him loose,defenders need to have confidence in their keeper or they end up losing confidence in themselves.
I’ll grant you that Forster did us a wrong ‘un by turning his back on us last season. But he is available. And he’s never let us down while he’s wearing the jersey. Get him back,get Barkas tae hell out of the place and we can be reasonably confident that an embarrassment like last night will never happen again.
As it stands,any team must know that they only need to put the ball into the box and let him take care of the rest. And if our defenders too realise this-as they must-where does that leave us? Last ditch tackles on the halfway line like last year?
Not helped much of course when one of our defenders happens to be the hapless Nir Bitton. Sadly,another example of just how big a rebuild is required at our club. And when the four man spine of our team contains Barkas,Bitton and Edouard,it becomes obvious to a blind man that we are in bother. Thankfully,the link in midfield,Soro,was playing up to his billing-though he needs to get to know better where his team mates are when he receives the ball.
Maybe not quite a Man of the Match performance from him-but very close,and I will continue to support him as he beds himself into the team.
The site has decided to discontinue the match reports,but this one Is more of a discussion about events last night and why we are where we are. If Dom and AP are as aware of our problems as we are-and I have no reason to doubt that!-then I expect our regular line up to be significantly different in two or three months time. It is maybe the biggest cliché of all time to say that “Rome wasn’t built in a day!”,but it is too easy to forget that it was burnt down overnight.
Dom and AP are dealing with what remains of a scorched earth policy. Last night gave us a few reasons to be cheerful,but also a number of reasons to be fearful,dredging up some very bad recent memories.
I continue to believe that we have a bright future ahead under their leadership,especially bearing in mind what we have had to endure previously. But we cannot fool ourselves and expect jam tomorrow.
I think we might have to learn to live with a bit of bread and scrape for a while.
******
Above article by BMCUWP
On the Midjylland goal. I was sitting in north stand 401, close to where the touch line meets the goal line. Before the free kick was taken I said to my mate that the wall didn’t look right. It left the player with an awful lot of daylight to aim for.
From my angle it seemed to be moving with great velocity, but for me, Barkas main failing was in not setting up the wall properly.
Can honestly say that was one of the best games I have ever been at.
My buzz at being back at the fitba with my son was fun.
The same fun we have shared together at the fitba since Ryan became a 3 year old Celtic Season Ticket holder, 25 years ago.
Thought we were sharp, but for two calamities fae Bitton and Barkas, we would have won.
Need 2 new full backs tomorrow Ange.
One moment of madness away from a perfect start to the age of Ange.
We cant complain, there’s positives.
Interesting the gaffer said it’s on him we weren’t very prepared, big shoulders, and a much different mindset than his predecessor.
We are still very much in this fight.
Onwards and upwards.
Celtic were the better team apart from right and left backs.
Sorry, but Anthony and Greg won’t do at Celtic.
Didn’t get to see the game but score isn’t as bad as some feared, still in with a great chance to win it
thanks for the live updates
The glorious balance sheet @ 12.55
I relate to your feelings about the goal that Barkas is being blamed for.
(I generally agree with BMCUW about stuff, but have a couple of issues, and not just him claiming he is 58. When I saw him 18 months ago, he told me was 58 and a half.)
Anyway, aye, re Barkas and the goal. I was really creeped out when ole Sviatchenco (sp) was confidently briefing Evander (who I liked watching this game) on how to do this. So Barkas was expecting a cross I think. This team were a bit hun like imo, in their tactics, and also in their research. They were dirty and sneaky, in ways the huns have never been able to achieve, as the huns just think it’s normal behaviour. So they were told by their long haired, Jeans wearing, “I’m a cool wanker ” manager to focus the wind ups on Barkas and Bitton.
Nir Biton was targeted by them from the off, hence the wee hun Lafferty like wink from Dryar when he got him sent off. Not to excuse Biton, but funnily enough, i was thinking in the moments leading up to that incident, thank fk for him, as he has always stepped in and been decently competent in the CL qualifiers because we have never had a settled defence on 10 years for these games. Copyright Lawell Wisdom.
Maybe there’s some truth in what I’ve read over on Carcrash Quisling News from some of the wiser contributors that he was concussed, and we shouldn’t have let him back on the pitch after the possibly concussive injury.
But after an inspiring first half, I’ve come out of this, very positive about the new manager and new singjngs, but also, hating that we (the board) are so quick to throw young men under the bus.
There’s a reason why these players want away, and it isn’t because of this CQN myth that they all want the golden EPL ffs.
You might notice that story only comes up when there are ££££££ in the offing.
Apparently, no one wants to come and play at Celtic. And apparently when they get here, they don’t want to stay.
I wonder if Midgtyland Quick News have this issue. If so, maybe we can tempt Evander here, as apparently we are a willing stepping stone who will either develop you as a multi million quid asset, or leave you to rot in a loan spell somewhere else before making you feel like a complete failure and destroying your footballing career.
I don’t know why Celtic Supporters don’t care about that.
Just because the kids are well paid, doesnt mean their lives matter less. This is from me, as left wing as they come btw.
The status quo at CP stinks. I doubt it will change much, but hopefully, (the hope will kill me), young Dom and Ange, who tonight has shown that there is indeed meat on the bloody bone of his reputation, have been given leeway to reconnect the club with the support, and leave the EXCEL balance sheet in the vaults of PL’s history where it fucking belongs.
It does look promising to be fair. But we’ve been here before.
Anyway, I had so much to say about tonight’s game, but instead have rabited on like above ^^^ 🤦♂️🙄🤣
It was a bloody good game, despite being another classic Celtic CL qualifier, of great footballing moments ruined by individual, inexplicable howlers. But, to summarise, I go with the idea that Nir was concussed and shouldn’t have been put back on, but because we have not been able to sign defenders until the least useful times, for 10 years, Copyright Peter Lawell, yet again, Barkas, Bitton, and other young players see their confidence and careers ruined at the expense of a tory board of money grabbing wankers.
That’s worth a big discussion of it’s own imo, btw.
PS, I enjoy your posts on the other channel, and a few others, who continue to try and talk sense to the creepy and paranoid Stepford Wives.
I genuinely find the protocol followed by the remaining “regulars ” there creepy as fk.
DD @ 1.08am,
Delighted you got to be there. Was indeed a great game, and very positive signs about our new manager, and your faith is being paid off so far for sure.
Looking forward to seeing where we are when the other signings come in. Some glimpses of great attacking football there involving Abada.
We were cruising at 1-0 up and looked set for a wee demolition ffs 🤦♂️
2 steps forward, one back. This logic means we should win 2-0 next week, meaning 3-1 on aggregate. Long time since I’ve used that word when not talking about lawns. 🤣🤣🤣🤣
BMCUW,
I really like Soro and Turnbull. Even better, they really seem to click together. If Christie is indeed for the off, then that’s a shame, but the new Japanese lad and Adaba look promising.
I’ll hedge my bets though, as I was very excited by El Hammed. He was storming through the Euro games immediately, then after injury for nearly a year, and the collapse of the ole Moneyball Lawell project, was quickly punted.
Nothing makes sense at this club now. 🤨
Mahe
Fan,
Not sure I agree. I didn’t say to myself Odsonne wasn’t interested. I think that’s the first comment of that nature I’ve read tonight.
I also thought Calmac showed, took the ball and ran with it sometimes, had a decent game.
Beauty is clearly in the eye of the beholder.
Hail Hail
Odsonne now has become a liability.
He clearly is protecting himself for a move and i am not convinced his dribbling and less than lethal finishing of late is what we need.
Unfortunately Lawwell overplayed his hand with Leicester and we are left with a player whose reputation and value are rapidly declining.
We need to accept a lower transfer fee and sell with a higher sell on value clause if indeed there are suitors..
Your point on Calmac sums up my issue “took the ball and ran with it sometimes, had a decent game”
There in lies the .rub he is our captain so basically our engine driver and sometimes is not enough.
He needs to take responsibility and lead by example.
Last night again demonstrated you’re only as strong as your weakest link. Barkas’ non-effort was weird. Like he thought it was going past. Bitton was just Groundhog Day – as everyone predicted!
Mahe
Fan,
Not sure I agree. I didn’t say to myself Odsonne wasn’t interested. I think that’s the first comment of that nature I’ve read tonight.
I also thought Calmac showed, took the ball and ran with it sometimes, had a decent game.
Beauty is clearly in the eye of the beholder.
Hail Hail
Odsonne is now a liability.
His constant dribbling and recent poor finishing is costing the team.
His reputation and value is rapidly declining.
Lawwell overplayed his hand with Leicester and we have a player with no interest in being here so protecting himself.
We should be prepared to sell him cheaper but with a high sell on value.
On Calmac “took the ball and ran with it sometimes, had a decent game”
There in lies the rub, sometimes and decent are not descriptions fitting a captain
He is meant to be our engine driver and needs to take that responsibility.
Just seen the Barkas effort, more like Sunday league goalkeeping than a professional player, happens yoo often bye bye
Delighted to be back in paradise last night.
We actually played better than I expected.
Pluses. McGregor, Soro, Christie and Abada.
Negatives. Eddy and 2 fullbacks.
I will not even go there with Bitton and goalkeeper.
Badly need 3 experienced players to come into team.
Bloody hell,Barca are in deep shit!
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/jul/20/barcelona-in-desperate-push-to-offload-players-to-keep-lionel-messi
Morning all,
Actually quite enjoyed the game last night.
MOTM. Christie.
Thought Soro and Calmac also had decent games.
Negatives:
Bitton. Same old,same old. Should never have been anyway near that team.
Barkas Is he an actual goalkeeper as I have serious doubts. Never makes any saves and he looks so uncomfortable.
Plus can’t understand why the 2 fullbacks constantly came into the middle. Someone said Bayern did that under Pep. Well sorry, we ain’t Bayern standard !!!!
We definitely need 2 new fullbacks as ours aren’t good enough.
Anyway, onwards and upwards. In Ange we trust.
HH 🍀🍀
From the DR:
Arsenal have been hit with a Covid outbreak just days after taking on Rangers at Ibrox.
I’m sure their testing labs in Nord Ireland will all test negative, like all last season, amazing😱luck eh!
BMCUWP
Barcelona and other big clubs are making a mockery of corrupt UEFA’s supposed financial fair play rules.
Even smaller clubs like Rangers are flagrantly breaking the so called rules.
LaPorta openly states that Barca are breaking FFP rules yet nothing will be done about it.
UEFA are nothing more than a tool for the oligarch’s ruining the no longer Beautiful Game.
Uber Tim
I think we are very capable of winning in Denmark. Even when we went down to 10 men, I still thought we were the better team and controlled the game.
When Ange gets in all the players he wants. We will see a very fluid 433 system.
Two fast full backs need recruited however, for it to work.
Ange Postecoglou knows this though.
Good leader M, reckon we’ve all seen enough of Barkas between our sticks, time for him to go.
Thought Christie played his best game in a long time.
Looking forward to seeing more of our new winger. 🍀
Happy to announce some details of the charity, Sean’s trust, which will benefit from funds raised in our Superbru competiton.
Celticrollercoaster got in touch with Linda, partner of much missed CQNr St. John Doyle, and received the following details. Warning- it contains words of praise for the Govan club showing you can find good people in the strangest of places:-
” Sean Ryan was stillborn on 3 July 2000. I was always troubled that I would never hear his name so in 2013 I decided to launch a fundraising campaign to help other families affected by stillbirth.
We decided to launch Seans Trust in October three weeks before the launch Seans Daddy George Ryan died very suddenly of a heart attack on his way home from a Celtic game.
I went on anyway it seemed even more important to honour Sean. Since 2013 I’ve done a lot of fundraising. I provide a £300 grant to families affected by stillbirth who are struggling financially, I keep in touch with the families and help out in any way I can, I never turn anyone away.
In the nearly 8 years I’ve organised and paid for (with fundraising) at least two big social events every year where families can meet up, we take a table at the Kano foundation dinner dance to allow 10 mums to have a night out we pay for all expenses and buy outfits for mums who can’t afford it. We also take a table at The Celtic Ghirls good dinner again all expenses are covered.
We have also financially supported SImba by attending their events we’ve given over £2000 to Simba ad well as £700 to Sands.
We have bought every type of furniture item you can think of, paid for carpet and decorating, toys, rent arrears, computers, children’s clothes and shoes.
Probably the biggest event we’ve organised to date was a white wedding at Ibrox for a stillbirth couple. Dad was terminally ill. The family had 4 young children their son Scott was stillborn. Rangers FC were very kind to us providing the pitch, trophy room and their chaplain to marry the couple, Derek Johnston attended to represent the club. Rocks jewellery provided rings and a local wedding shop gave dresses, kilts were provided by McCalls. The carnbooth hotel gave the whole extended family an overnight stay as well as a full wedding breakfast, and reception. All in all we managed to get the full wedding (over £20,000) for free for the couple.
I have amazing support from the public and volunteers no one is paid any salary or expenses, every penny raised goes to families I stay with the families for the long haul, I’ve watched their rainbow babies grow over the 8 years. This is a wee testimony from a mum
‘ Seans trust (Linda) is literally a life saver, we first met Linda after we lost our son and daughter through stillbirth a year apart. She has not only helped us financially, we’ve had cookers, beds, tvs, food, clothes for our children we went on to have❤️, toys, Christmas Easter and birthdays they are never forgotten…she is more than just a friend She is family now, I’ve been very low and struggling, and seans trust always manages to help even when funds are low. I trully hope I can repay in the future to help other families going through the devestating loss of stillbirth and the traumatic life change that occurs afterwards. Linda thank you for all you do we appreciate you x’
I hope this is okay I fine it hard to talk about the things we do, let me know if you need any more Marc
Thanks and best wishes Linda.
——————————-
I will follow up with the competition recruitment info after this
With the SPFL due to start at the end of this month, I am updating the arrangements for the fundraising and prize money aspects of our Football Predictions competition. Marc (Celticrollercoaster) has provided me with access to the former “Walk with Shay” account so that all monies raised can be accounted for by both of us. We have a nominated charity, Sean’s Trust, that Marc has approached and gained permission to fundraise on their behalf. Details on this were supplied separately . Once we know the sums collected, we will set the prize money allocations. At present, I am considering 3 prizes for the leaders by the end of December and 3 more for the leaders when the league ends in May. To this end, I would suggest two separate fees of £10 to cover both competitions. Players can choose to pay the £20 up front or £10 now and £10 before the first January game. Players can also chose to take part in the game without donating or being eligible for prize money, if they so wish.The details for payment are:-o Account name: Walk With Shay
o Account number: 15326765
o Sort code: 80-22-60
o Bank: Bank of ScotlandAll of this is in relation to my original message below. We are still looking to boost the numbers way beyond the current level.I have registered a closed pool on the Superbru site, which is a Score Predictor game for the SPFL fixtures in 2021/22.The site is http://www.superbru.comand the code for joining is roomuserPlease use your CQN or Sentinel log in name for identification. First fixture is 31st July and your predictions have to be in before kick off on the day. If you fail to make a pick you get the default pick, so you get to play even if you forget. Join CQN Sentinels, my Scottish Premiership league on Superbru! You can find my pool here:https://www.superbru.com/scottishpremiership/pool.php?p=12367961or by downloading the Superbru app and searching for the pool with code:roomuser
Interesting to see the differences with American Sport. When the wonderfully named Milwaukee Bucks won their best of 7 Championship Play- Offs vs The Pheonix Suns in Game 6, the trophy presentation was to the 3 joint owners of the club while the players waited in the background for their turn.
Imagine that happening at CP!
SFTB
Conjures up images of Emperor DD aloft a chariot pulled by slaves to the podium with JK,PL and Bankier running dutifully behind. when we next win the league.
SFTB- A real eye opener, well done HH
Increase in number of fans at Paradise for West Ham United game
Following today’s meeting with the local Safety Advisory Group, we have been informed that around 18,500 supporters will be permitted access to Saturday’s friendly against West Ham United🍀
We are also encouraged by the indicative figure of around 24,500 for the subsequent home game in Paradise from the Safety Advisory Group. 🍀
SFTB,,
I just signed up however being abroad it’s much easier to PayPal the twenty quid to someone.
Can I just send it to your PP?
Folks I appeal for you to join up,,let’s have some fun and help charity.
Hail Hail
SFTB,
Superb. I’ll get Mr ATOB to transfer the money as I am a technophobe. Lovely to see a charity linked to well liked member of the Celtic community being chosen as recipient.
Had real tears in my eyes reading SFTB post. I will send my£20 as a donation , because of lack of Wi-Fi at times don’t want to play
This is Celtic we grew up on A Charitable People helping others
Mahe – No problem with PayPal- I can transfer it to the Shay account. Just let me know it is you that sent money to me on PayPal
THETIC
Heartwarming stuff,indeed.
St John Doyle met my Dad and I at a hoot a few days before he sadly died. They of course knew each other of old from Trades Union/Labour stuff. Bloody big shock to us all when we heard the dreadful news.
MAHE
I’ll sort your end,mate.
An interesting insight into the impact of sports science on pre-season preparations- Caution- Eddie Howe gets praised
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57890108
https://www.celticfc.com/news/2021/july/Increase-in-number-of-fans-at-Paradise-for-West-Ham-United-game/
While I thought the fans were great at times last night, and it’s clearly a boost all around to get significant numbers back again, my worry regards the actual balloting process.
It’s Wednesday as I type, when exactly do the 18.5k get their email to say they can go to the game? And is it carried out by a reputable company using a formula?
As someone who often has weekends planned long in advance, 48hrs notice wouldn’t suit me and dare I say many.
I’ve read some comments concerned about the distribution of tickets nowadays which I hope are wrong as that has the potential to further divide the support.
It must hurt to learn your pal is going and you aren’t, but the late knowledge of a ticket means many become available for transfer which might help get that bhoy inside the stadium.
Drama over tickets is unwanted, let’s hope this goes smoothly.
Cheers Bobby
Most interesting thing for me from last night’s game was when we had to get into a defensive shape quickly, I heard a loud Australian voice shouting “hold your line” loudly from the touchline. No disguising the new tactical requirement, lose the ball, hassle your opponent to either win it back or force a mistake, and keep your defensive discipline.
In that respect, Bitton let the team down and I would be surprised if he pulls on the hoops again, especially when his 18 year old replacement did so well.
Now, can we get ourselves a decent goalie, you know, one who understands that he’s allowed to extend his arms to make a save.
I heard that Barkas was so distraught after the game that he threw himself in front of a bus and it went under him (c. Basil Brush 1974).
Ajer to Brentford confirmed
Nice tribute to Charlie Gallagher on STV News there…
O SOLE MIO
The only positive from Bitton last night is that he’s banned for the return leg.
https://www.celticfc.com/news/2021/july/Celtic-delighted-to-welcome-Swedish-defender-Carl-Starfelt/
Impressed with Ange especially as for the first time since BR’s first season we are signing players who play in positions we need.
Refreshing to see we are buying guys based on team needs and not Lawwell’s failed resale formula.
BADABING
Good news. Aye,we have been slow out of the traps but things look to be coming together on the rebuild.
Phttps://news.stv.tv/west-central/celtic-fans-applaud-charlie-gallagher-after-legends-funeral
Just to inform you all that”chalmersbhoy predictor league”will not run this year..
I wish sftb all the best with his charity drive.
It’s clear we wouldnt sign Starfelt until Kris was moved.
Couldn’t have spent before being paid?
SFTB – £20 entry fee sent with apologies for forgetting to do so last weekend!
https://news.stv.tv/west-central/celtic-fans-applaud-charlie-gallagher-after-legends-funeral
Kamara was playing 7 a side in London and brought this mouth watering accolade from MSM.
The Rangers star was seen strutting his stuff on the ball and mostly played as a defender.
But he had the odd venture forward to join Iwobi and co in the final third and dazzled with his footwork alongside some of English football’s best and brightest.
I mean where do you start with this pish😵😱
PRESTONPANSBHOY
I’d go for the time honoured fingers down the throat.