Celtic FC
Morning,all.
A big few days ahead for our players and the manager as they continue the defence of the Scottish Cup. You might be forgiven for thinking that the emphasis would be on the midweek game when we host Bayern Munich, and I would agree that should indeed be the case. However, “the suits” in our boardroom, the people who control the purse strings whether we like it or not, clearly think otherwise. How else do you explain our failure to bolster our strike-force?
Our spearhead in attack is now any one from three. Idah, who is looking sharper since the departure of Kyogo. Kenny, who has been out on loan for so long that some of us were wondering whether or not he had a future with us-and with only one short appearance since his return, that is still a valid question. And Cummings, who has decided that his future lies in those bright lights of London, and has rarely been trusted with an appearance.
Additionally, it appears that Taylor has signed a pre-contract with Dinamo Zagreb and Adam Montgomery has gone on loan to Queen’s Park, leaving only the on-loan Schlupp as competition at left back. Of course, we know Scales can do a job there, but he can’t cover that position as well as centre-back.
Anyway, there’s little point now in fretting over another shocking transfer window, is there? BR has effectively been left with a worse squad than at Christmas, despite “always aiming to come out of each transfer window stronger.” Laughable sentiments, to which they barely pay lip service. I’ll get over it eventually, of course. I always do.
Doesn’t mean that I forget though.
So a teatime kickoff for tomorrow against Raith Rovers, who are struggling a bit in the Championship. Nearer to the relegation play-off than the promotion one. It should be a comfortable enough evening, though we can never be complacent. Giant-killing still happens, and we’ve been on the end of a few ourselves. I think the manager will use the game to get some time into the likes of Schlupp and Jota, while resting the likes of CCV and Kühn. He might even take the chance to give CalMac a wee break, leaving him on appearance 501 until Wednesday. That’ll be CalMac, who scored for us the last time Bayern came to town.
Apart from those and maybe a spot of mix and match in midfield, I don’t expect any tactical changes to the starting line-up. Just strategic ones, because whether the suits agree or not, our focus should be on midweek. Yes, we play one game at a time. And no, we won’t be weakening our side too much by resting some players. Win the game tomorrow and get cracking on the plans for Wednesday. A big task is ahead of us, and we need to embrace it. But it should be about winning, not damage limitation. About results on the pitch, not on the Glorious Balance Sheet.
I’ll always offer praise where it is due, but Celtic Fc is a football club, not a bank. The clue is in the FC part, it doesn’t stand for financial colossus. We know it, even if our board believe otherwise.
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Above article by BMCUWP
JimDom
February 7, 2025 9:47 am
The Gombeen Man @ 7:56am
Long Term Performance Incentive Plan (LTIP)
Or in layman’s terms ……… The Friends Of Peter Bonus Society. Probably invented by friend of Peter, Tom Allison. Let’s give Peter THREE MILLION POUNDS, just because we can. Former left wing firebrand, Brian Wilson, happy to nod in agreement.
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Hi JimDom:
Was the above bonus a one-off excrescence, or over several years?
Thanks,
HH
Iniquitous IV😊
Great article BMCUWPS
Still no sign of the out of his depth, invisible man Nicholson.
It was left to Brendan to take the flak at the press conference. And I don’t care what anyone says he was seething at not get a striker in.
On tomorrow’s game.
Idah, Kuhn , CCV , Calum and AJ should not be starting.
We should have enough in the squad to beat Raith and if we don’t, the squad is weaker than I thought
EXCRESENCE…well, well, well IQ4! What a great word for a Friday. I had to look it up for it’s definition and something tells me you’re being a bit sarky in its use, although given the subject matter you get a pass from me!!
In respect of the £3Mill bonus I’m sure the word at the time was it was something to do with an 8 year loyalty bonus as well as other add-ons. Although, ye can believe that if ye like!
In the interest of clarity and why UEFA FFP became UEFA FSR. This UEFA article explains why the change was necessary.
https://www.uefa.com/running-competitions/integrity/financial-sustainability/
As someone who represented shareholders who wanted answers on how RFC got a licence in 2011 and who funded legal costs that put UEFA and Celtic fully in the picture in 2016 then the result of that effort can be seen in the UEFA report.
Any Res12 shareholders who enabled the facts to be presented to UEFA who might be looking in can find comfort that whilst RFC were not sanctioned (because they are deid) steps have been taken by UEFA to ensure the fraud in 2011 cannot be repeated by the new club who took their place.
That aside the key issue is the squad cost control issue that supporters need to come to grips with in order to understand better the FSR rules Celtic are restricted by to inform comment on spending on players.
And no I don’t know if Celtic comply with the 70% ceiling but suspect they do.
Perhaps TMG can provide an assessment based on Celtic’s audited accounts?
Last chance saloon now,make the clown who got lifted at Villa pay the fine,maybe put it in the Ts and Cs of season tickets, and match day tickets, that any such fines will be liable to the individual.
St Tam’s.
Great article BMCUWPS
Still no sign of the out of his depth, invisible man Nicholson.
It was left to Brendan to take the flak at the press conference. And I don’t care what anyone says he was seething at not get a striker in.
On tomorrow’s game.
Idah, Kuhn , CCV , Calum and AJ should not be starting.
We should have enough in the squad to beat Raith and if we don’t, the squad is weaker than I thought
£====
Seething is what BR denied in the interview I watched.
He also set out the reasons for his choice and they are that of maturity not a kid throwing rattles out of the pram.
To say he is seething is tantamount to calling what he did say as lies.
Has mistrust gone so deep it prevents the truth being seen as what it is.
Shit happens in life, it is how we deal with it that matters which is where choice comes in.
BR explained his.
McCaff
You looked it up, yet you still managed to misspell it?🤣😅😂
Anyway, thanks for the information. Was this just published recently? Did Pistol Pete get this obscene sum during this season? I managed to miss that, somehow.
Cheers,
HH
Iniquitous IV😊
INIQ IV
Lawwell’s £3m is stated in the Annual Report, year to June 2019.
Auldheid
Celtic, with regards to FSR Rules, don’t yet report the applicable wage cost as a percentage of applicable turnover.
It may well be that the PLC will just use narrative, ie, Celtic currently comply with the current regulations in respect of FSR Rules. I will be surprised if they start quoting the actual percentage, in any future Annual Report. Accountants can move numbers about quite easily.
That was just a typo, IQ4, unchallenged/uncorrected as I typed in CAPITALS!! 😊
No, it was published at the time of the bonus. I tried to find something but a quick check just produces criticism of the amount, not the real reasons for the award. I’m busy just now but might go back to the search later.
MCCAFF, JIMDOM
Thank you both for the responses. McCaff, dinna bother daein mair research. Ah’ll take a wee poke aroon masel. 😊
Thanks again,
HH
Iniquitous IV😊
Pre match press conference with new bhoy Jeffrey Schlupp…
Full media conference | Jeffrey Schlupp spoke to the media ahead of #ScottishCup action! (07/02/25) – YouTube
Nostalgic photo of the Celtic end at Hampden, 1974 Cup final v Dundee United.
Things to notice – not too many Celtic tops to be seen back then, and if you look carefully you can see Big Packy knocking someone’s Bovril over them. 😂😂
BR said Taylor hasn’t signed a pre contract with Zagreb, and still hopes he stays
Sol,
There’s a real lack of colour in that photo.
Maybe everyone went to the same C&A store for their jackets?
BMCUW
“Doesn’t mean that I forget though.”
===================
Nor should you as forgiving depends on not forgetting.
With the passage of time I think all the reasons for the 5WA will emerge one being UEFA wanted the lid kept on RFC use of ebts.
The 5WA requires the perpetuation of the lie that Celtic/PL had nothing to do with its development for fear of supporters reaction to knowing that to be so.
I think that with a full explanation of Celtic’s reasons for accepting including lack of support from UEFA there would be nothing for PL to fear but he lacks the courage to be honest.
He should have more faith in the ethos that the truth will set you free.
The gaffers pre match press conference
Full Media Conference | Brendan Rodgers shares his thoughts ahead of Saturday’s #ScottishCup tie
JimDom
February 7, 2025 2:09 pm
INIQ IV
Lawwell’s £3m is stated in the Annual Report, year to June 2019.
Auldheid
Celtic, with regards to FSR Rules, don’t yet report the applicable wage cost as a percentage of applicable turnover.
It may well be that the PLC will just use narrative, ie, Celtic currently comply with the current regulations in respect of FSR Rules. I will be surprised if they start quoting the actual percentage, in any future Annual Report. Accountants can move numbers about quite easily.
=============
Incorrect. They supply the required detail in the licensing application, otherwise how could UEFA check.?
The devil is in the detail and it was in trying to answer the how I saw how it was done.
I do agree there is a lack of full transparency to establish squad cost and spend from the published accounts probably because of commercial in confidence concerns but the required detail is supplied privately in the licensing application.
Auldheid
I can assure you that I personally can vouch for shit happening in life and know that you need to deal with it.
Have a good day 👍
jim Dom
For information from UEFA FSR
.
Article 93 Squad cost rule
93.01
A licensee’s squad cost ratio for the licence season must be no greater than the defined limit of 70%.
Article 94 Squad cost information
94.01
The licensee must prepare and submit squad cost information by the deadline and in the form communicated by UEFA.
94.02
The squad cost information must:
relate to the same reporting perimeter as used for the fulfilment of the club licensing criteria as defined in Article 65;be approved by management, as evidenced by way of a brief statement confirming the completeness and accuracy of the information, signed by the executive body of the licensee.94.03
The elements of the squad cost ratio must be calculated and reconciled by the licensee to the annual financial statements, interim financial statements, underlying accounting records and player identification table, including the minimum information in respect of each relevant player as set out in Annex F.6.
annex F.
F.6 Player identification table
F.6.1
All licence applicants/licensees must prepare and submit to the licensor a player identification table.
F.6.2
The player identification table must be provided to the auditor, who must reconcile the aggregate figures in the player identification table to the relevant figures in the balance sheet and profit and loss account in the annual financial statements and interim financial statements. However, the player identification table does not need to be disclosed within the annual financial statements or interim financial statements.
F.6.3
The minimum information to be included in the player identification table in respect of each relevant player is as follows:
Name and date of birth;Start date of original player contract and end date of current contract;Costs of the player’s registration;Accumulated amortisation brought forward and as at the end of the period;Amortisation of the player’s registration in the period;Impairment of the player’s registration in the period;Disposal of the player’s registration (cost and accumulated amortisation);Net book value (carrying amount);Profit/loss on disposal of the player’s registration; andSell-on rights (or similar), i.e. description and (if possible) quantification of any sell-on rights to a football club that formerly held the player’s registration, excluding training compensation and/or solidarity contributions.F.6.4
Relevant players, about whom details are required in the player identification table, are:
all players whose registration is held by the licence applicant/licensee at any time during the period and in respect of whom some direct acquisition cost has been incurred (at some point in time in the reporting period or prior periods); andall players in respect of whom some income/profit (or loss) has been recognised (at some point in time in the reporting period).F.6.5
For licence applicants/licensees who have restated player accounting figures to meet the accounting requirements of these regulations, these aggregate figures from the player identification table must agree with/be reconciled to the restated financial statements.
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For supporters to get an idea then certain assumptions would have to be made based on what is in the published accounts, hence my asking TMG to have a look,
Thanks for opportunity to clarify.
St tams
February 7, 2025 3:34 pm
Auldheid
I can assure you that I personally can vouch for shit happening in life and know that you need to deal with it.
Have a good day 👍
============
Of course you know, no one is exempt.
In my personal case I have a wry smile about the phrase “shit happens.”
Chemo now abandoned because of shitty side effects providing a daily reminder.
I mean ya got to laugh, well I do at the cosmic irony of it all. Its my choice.
Onwards to surgery in due course
I know you guys care, its part of your spirit and I do appreciate that.
Auldheid @ 351
I’ve been fortunate enough in my life to have never personally experienced chemotherapy, but I have seen its effects on a number of friends and close relatives. It’s hell, no question.
You have my support in your journey, and I hope that whatever you choose to do is successful. Keep fighting the good fight.
AULDHEID
Keep up the good fight,mate. Plenty of life in the old dog yet.
Big Packy, if you’re looking in.
Have you ever noticed if you sit in your car staring at a green traffic light, it makes a noise like a car horn? True story.
Auldheid 1.07pm
I realise your motivation and respect your determination in presenting a counter view.
It is then for the supporter to accept and consider matters in a more balanced manner or reject.
You are dealing with a tough crowd.
The shared culture heritage of the majority of the Celtic support makes us more discerning, with a more cynical contrarian disposition to authority, than most if not all others!
Blame the ancestors!
I suppose Greg’s wage demands are part of the hold up with his contract.
I won’t spend any energy getting pissed off at his wage demands cause I don’t know what’s happening, I just want better in his position.
I’ll miss Greg like I miss that ingrown toenail I had.
Wish him well though.
200 games for Celtic …
Wow.
I wonder if the guy who let off the flare/smoke bomb at the Villa game will get a ticket for Bayern one 🤔 every chance if he’s corporate 🙄
SteveNaive
February 7, 2025 10:04 am
Frodshambhoy
Be like asking Callum McGregor to play left back… 😀
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Great idea. About time we tried it again. Must work one of these times 🤣🤣
Auldheid
Take care and hopefully treatment goes well
Just Sayin’
February 7, 2025 4:23 pm
Auldheid 1.07pm
I realise your motivation and respect your determination in presenting a counter view.
It is then for the supporter to accept and consider matters in a more balanced manner or reject.
You are dealing with a tough crowd.
The shared culture heritage of the majority of the Celtic support makes us more discerning, with a more cynical contrarian disposition to authority, than most if not all others!
Blame the ancestors!
==%==
You are dead right I’m dealing with a tough crowd and I sometimes think I’m off my rocker. Lol.
I could blame a Jesuit for putting the notion I have a song to sing.
I got the idea from this extract from his book Through Seasons of the Heart.
December 25th
In John Powell’s book, Through Seasons of the Heart, he has a thought for every day of the year.
This was his thought at Christmas.
“There is an old Christian tradition that God sends each person into this world
with a special message to deliver
with a special song to sing for others,
with a special act of love to bestow.
No one else can speak my message, or sing my song, or offer my act of love.
These are entrusted only to me.
According to this tradition, the message may be spoken, the song sung,
the act of love delivered only to a few,
or to all the folk of a small town,
or to all the people in a large city,
or even to all the people in the whole world.
It all depends on God’s unique plan
for each person.
. . . Your message has been heard in my heart,
Your song has warmed my world,
And your love has brightened my darkness . . .”
However I think there is value in my thoughts given the source and folk can always ignore.
This belief does of course lead to thoughts this guy thinks he is the Messiah just as my other contributions can be read as defending the Board.
Mad as I might be I know I’m not, otherwise the crowd would not be tough but I think the message is important and this is how I see The Messenger.
Auldheid
Hope all goes well for you 👍
Sol Kitts
February 7, 2025 4:21 pm
Big Packy, if you’re looking in.
Have you ever noticed if you sit in your car staring at a green traffic light, it makes a noise like a car horn? True story.
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Sol:
Coffee spluttered over keyboard moment there.🤣
It reminded me of the old one where the stage comic asks the New York audience for the definition of a nanosecond.
Answer? The time interval between the traffic light turning green and the guy behind you hitting his horn.😂
Having driven in New York, I can confirm that there is many a true word said in jest.🤣
HH
Iniquitous IV😊
Kasper has back problem so Sinisalo debut tomorrow. Brendan reckons no issue for Wednesday though.
The guy should have seen some game time already when we have been 3 or 4 up. Hope he does well .
Auldheid
Man City have recently commenced another proceeding relating to the most recent FSR rules, and specifically the November 2024 rules related to Associated Party Transactions.
I guess this means that you will just have to get better so you can keep reporting on these disputes, as they wend their way through the systems, for the next 50 years or so!
Keep fighting.
Whilst mindful of shocks in cup ties having seen many, my fear is more about injuries to key players when playing lower league teams, the most recent of which was our ex-player O’Riley! My preference is to start with the team containing as many non-first picks as possible and have the others at the ready… but ffs… don’t wait till the 67th minute for subs if we’re behind😃
Good luck to Auldheid as he moves to a new method of improving his health.
Team for tomorrow…
Sinisalo, Ralston, Trusty, Scales, Schlupp, Bernardo, McCowan, Engels, Yang, Maeda, Jota
Cosy Corner Bhoy
February 7, 2025 6:08 pm
Good luck to Auldheid as he moves to a new method of improving his health.
===
It’s not new I’ve been on a spiritual path for a long time now. I just wasn’t as open about it but I reckon it’s time I stated my case for real love.
Found it beneficial and ask others to seek their own whilst using mine as a possibility.
As I said if it’s not a path folk wish to explore they can scroll on past just as they can when I produce reasons to check where FSR differs from FFP and how the change will influence decisions taken in the past.
Having said that engaging on S C has a therapeutic value and I’m grateful for it and those who engage.
Auldheid,
Keep fighting the good fight. Whatever gets you through every day is your choice. Just make sure you keep coming on here and letting us all know where we’re going wrong. It keeps us on our toes. 😂😂
Sol Kitts
Chemo can have different impacts on the recipient with a number of possible side effects.
The idea was that after a 3 week session the body recovers within 7 days and you go back on the merry go round for another 3 week session.
Problem was that the last thing the go round was was merry in my case and Oncolgost decided enough was enough in my case on Wed. 5 weeks of daily dose of radio/chemo therapy that I managed plus 3 weeks if IV chemo on one day and 21 days of a higher dose of chemo by tablet was sheer hell.
That chemo intake should be enough to embark on the next surgery stage with appropriate aftercare monitoring to see impact.
Make no mistake cancer can be a life changer, a living prison if we let it.
Visiting SC got me out of the prison although 2 days after the change on Wed I’m already getting out.
The mind is amazing.
I appreciate all the kind thoughts and I’ll say no more until it matters.
Triantis of Hibs with a shocker of a tackle right in front of Clancy. Red card all day long but Clancy gives yellow. No VAR so he gets away with it.
A thing of beauty
February 7, 2025 7:42 pm
Auldheid,
Keep fighting the good fight. Whatever gets you through every day is your choice. Just make sure you keep coming on here and letting us all know where we’re going wrong. It keeps us on our toes. 😂😂
====
That made me laugh out loud.
My lad of 50 plus years says I’m never wrong and my reply is it is a curse not a blessing.
I’ll keep on posting but wanted to come clean about my motivations about what I think is good for the Celtic family because of the misinterpretations of my motivations preventing consideration of the points raised.
I’ll try and stay off my spiritual driven soap box and continue to be thankful at being surrounded by angels.
Auldheid,
Thanks for taking it in the spirit intended.
watching this Ayr game is like being near the front, behind the goals at hampden. Half the time I’ve not a clue where the ball is and keep expecting the camera to go up higher.
Atob
Not been in that ground since late 70’s hasn’t really changed, apart from some alterations on the bottom of the main stand!
Sol Kitts
This is how the BBC described that challenge
Nectar Triantis has just absolutely clattered Connor McLennan in midfield.
The Hibs midfielder gets all the ball but plenty of the man too.
A tone-setter if ever there was one.
Auldheid, hope your alright.
I also get the FSR and what they are trying to achieve or say they are trying to achieve. But the minute some of the biggest clubs start to flaunt the rules, and uefa need to make a decision about having the best players or biggest clubs on the planet in their competition. The rules will go out he window. Mark my words.
This FRS is to keep the status quo, and no room for any new members.
Newcastle are living proof of this, and as I’ve told some of my friends down here. The way to break the rules is to buy one or two of the very best on the planet and watch them squirm.
On another point, the reason that celtic bring in £100 million every year is because we sell a player for 20/ 30 million. So the thought that if we don’t qualify for the £45 million CL, we will be secured is fanciful at best. We will still sell our best players irrelevant of our CL qualification. We have done so in the last 3 seasons, even with automatic qualification.
I get what you are trying to do with the information, but I distrustful Uefa as much as I do of my own board.
As you said, the pressure may have been applied to celtic to keep a lid on the situation at the time, and this, I do not doubt.
I do really hope everything goes well!
All the best and stay well👍
Sol,
Just watched the tackle again. I thought a yellow was right. He got the ball and followed through on the man but not overly high.
I think what I’m trying to say and I need to thank you Auldheid for opening my eyes ensuring I use what very limited grey matter I have is that the game is rigged on a multitude of levels, we are resigned to the fact we can never complete at CL levels and therfore what really is the point.
Win the league, gain entry to a competition you will never win.
Lose the league, gain entry to a competition you will never win.
And now this is the same for scottish football, so what’s the point?
I’m out, stay safe everyone.
ATOB
My view on it was he used excessive force and was out of control, potentially risking injury to his opponent. Getting the ball is no longer a get out of jail card. The follow through was the issue, and in my opinion it merited a red card. You saw it differently, and that’s fair enough.
After reading the Gombeen plant today you really are all a bunch of mugs except JimDom
So Scottish cup round of 16 tomorrow against reef roofers. Canny wait