Glasgow Celtic

[hackjam]

Great news indeed. 

Just need a few players to follow now.

Lots of transfer speculation-Erik to England-Leicester? Izzy to Costa Rican side, Dembele to Liverpool now-guess he will always be linked to a top six side.

Erik has been poor for the past few months, was poor against Rangers and PT a few days ago. He is an honest type defender but not the ball playing type center half-the type who can carry the ball out of defense, just seems that more is now expected of a center half at Celtic, playing the BR way. Not sure how much we should expect if he goes-5m???

There are many schools of thought on MD-some think cash in now, more want another season. I would like to see him stay another season, which would allow time to bring in and blood a replacement, as opposed to a stop gap/panic type replacement. I do hope LG can get fit and hope he has a big future at Celtic, on his day, guy is awesome.

Izzy looks like his time is up-a good piece of business would be a quality versatile defender who could cover at left back if needed.

[salty]

Uproar in Dingwall as Ross County equalised from a penalty which was awarded in injury time when there was clearly no contact whatever. A shocking decision from the referee and linesman who should have also seen the incident. Shades of the " honest mistake" against ICT in the cup semi a few seasons ago. Still time for another display of monumental stupidity from Brown when he dived in with a reckless tackle which was dangerously late and was sent off. I see Celtic are going to appeal and he may be available for next week. But you have to wonder are we better off without this loose cannon.

 

Up until hell broke loose Celtic lead 2-1 through a cracker from Tierney in the first half. A excellent equalizer from County early in the 2nd half and Roberts with a well taken individual strike restored our lead. So another 2 points dropped thanks to a disgraceful decision by the officials but hardly a tragedy in the scheme of things.

 

Next up the semi final. I anticipate a difficult game with or without Brown. A return to scoring form from Dembele/Griffiths would be very welcome.

 

 

[hackjam]

Brown free to face Rangers on Sunday, the Ross County player, whatever his name is, only gets 2 game ban. Got to be the most blatant dive I have seen in a long time. Why did the linesman not call over the Ref and tell him what he saw.

Brown would be my first name on team sheet when playing Rangers-and Craig Gordon second. Without Brown, Rangers would take liberties-get on the ball, take time to pick out a pass. With enforcer Brown on the park, there is no way they will dwell on the ball. I bet Lennon was first name on O'Neill's team sheet when going into battle against Rangers. What a lift they would get if they knew Brown was out. Horses for courses. He should have screwed the nut after penalty, so stupid to loose it when the game was done and dusted.  Saying that, if that tackle had happened in the first half, he would have got a yellow.

I reckon that injustice in Dingwall will spur us on to victory on Sunday.

[balo]

Anyone of you guys knows what happened to Ajer , the young Norwegian talent ? He's on loan I think ? Just curious . 

 

 

[hackjam]

He is at Kilmarnock-and getting good reviews. They are playing him center half.

[salty]

A comfortable semi final win today over The Rangers. A superb cushioned goal from the busy McGregor after Dembele controlled and set him up put us ahead at half time. The only concern was it was only 1-0 when we were well in control and they hardly laid a glove on us. Dembele injured had been replaced by Griffith. 

 

They made a few changes for the 2nd half and started more menacingly. But then we broke quickly and a terrific ball by Roberts put Griff away 

[hackjam]

Totally outplayed and dominated them but lacked a final product far too often.

That tackle by Halliday in the first few minutes was worse than Browns last week.

Dembeles injury should present LG with enough opportunities to stake a final place, MD seems to be gone off the boil lately.

Delighted CMcG getting an old firm goal, will do him the world of good.

On this form, should give them a good pasting next week. 

[salty]

COntinued.  Tavanier took him in the area and Sinclair netted the penalty off the inside of the post just beating Fodringham's attempt to save giving us a far more comfortable margin. While we had a few good efforts they had a few chances as well and Gordon had to make some good blocks from Miller in particular. With Roberts and McGregor replaced Celtic went to sleep and were under serious pressure with 10 minutes to go. The worry here was if they got 1 back it could be a very uncomfortable last few minutes. But happily we held firm and were comfortable at the end.

 

So on to the final where we will face our nearest challengers and it will require another assured performance.

[salty]

COntinued.  Tavanier took him in the area and Sinclair netted the penalty off the inside of the post just beating Fodringham's attempt to save giving us a far more comfortable margin. While we had a few good efforts they had a few chances as well and Gordon had to make some good blocks from Miller in particular. With Roberts and McGregor replaced Celtic went to sleep and were under serious pressure with 10 minutes to go. The worry here was if they got 1 back it could be a very uncomfortable last few minutes. But happily we held firm and were comfortable at the end.

 

So on to the final where we will face our nearest challengers and it will require another assured performance.

[salty]

Shocking "challenge" by Halliday. Very fortunate to get only a yellow.. Thankfully no harm to Roberts who was superb..

[Jockstar]

Rangers were pretty dire to be honest. Set up was wrong from the start. Why Halliday started is beyond me. Celtic by far the better team. No excuses.

[salty]

We COntinued.  Tavanier took him in the area and Sinclair netted the penalty off the inside of the post just beating Fodringham's attempt to save giving us a far more comfortable margin. While we had a few good efforts they had a few chances as well and Gordon had to make some good blocks from Miller in particular. With Roberts and McGregor replaced Celtic went to sleep and were under serious pressure with 10 minutes to go. The worry here was if they got 1 back it could be a very uncomfortable last few minutes. But happily we held firm and were comfortable at the end.

 

So on to the final where we will face our nearest challengers and it will require another assured performance.

[salty]

Scott Brown appeal against red card successful. It was downgraded to a yellow leaving him free to play in Saturday's Glasgow Derby.  I hope he says thank you to Andy Halliday.

[hackjam]

Great news that we will have our captain in the team tomorrow.

[salty]

A stunning Celtic win in the final Glasgow Derby of the season against The Rangers. The 5-1 win was the biggest win at Ibrox since 1897.  2 early goals through Sinclair pen and Griff had us well in control and we never looked like loosening our grip. In fact Scotty missed 2 easy chances which would have had us out of sight by HT instead of just the 2.

 

We continued in the 2nd half in the same vein and McGregor and Boyata gave the score line a more realistic look. After a Miller consolation Lustig made it 5. Our best display of the season imo even better than the other 5-1 in September an unforgettable day for Celts. 

 

 

[Jockstar]

Once again Rangers pretty dire. Though we did start better this game.Celtic by far the better side and basically took Rangers to pieces. Could have been more. Considering our best players were Miller and Clint Hill both about 37 years of age. says it all really. Silly challenge by the young boy at the back for penalty. Huge gulf between us and you. Summer cant come quick enough. Manager needs to bring in his own lads and get rid of the dead wood. Will be virtually no break this year. Not a bad thing. 10 days off and start pre season for the early European games. Also too many Rangers fans thought we would be up challenging for the league this year.That was never the goal or evn happen. The goal was a top 2 or 3 finish and European football. That has been achieved. However a cup win would have been a bonus.

[balo]

Yes your manager is one of the best in the world  and it shows now , Celtic are doing better than for many years .  It will be interesting to see how well you will do in Europe next time. 

 

[hackjam]

 Will be some changes for saints game, brown on rest time, so would hope to see Kouassi get his chance. I am sure BR will make a few more changes, rest some players, maybe Sinclair??

As end of season approaches, looks like SS will get player of the year-Brown would be mine.

I would expect around a dozen players to be moved on. My hit list:

De Viers, Gamboa, Izzy, Toure, Janko Bitton, Efie, O;Connell, Allen, Ciftci, Commons, GMS-Have I missed anyone?

Of the fringe players, I would persist with Christie & Ajer.

And be replaced by 3 or 4 better quality.

First priority would be right side, with Roberts on his way back to Man City, Forrest too inconsistent, we need a right sided Scott Sinclair,  also a dynamic right back and BR has mentioned a midfielder.

As for Rangers, I reckon Aberdeen will provide stiffer competition over the next few years, They are way ahead of Rangers-although they seem to have a mental block when it comes to beating them. How obvious is it that D. McInnes is the man to rebuild Rangers, but not our problem.

 

[salty]

A 3-1 win for Celtic in the Cup Final rehearsal at Pitroddie. A lightning start by the champions. Boyata headed in a corner in the 3rd minute, Armstrong 4 minutes later when he seized on a rebound and Griffiths in 11 minutes which Lewis should really have saved. Aberdeen scored a minute later with an excellent goal by Hayes. After the eventful opening the Dons put Celtic under pressure with long balls and Celtic began to struggle and with Brown absent were struggling in midfield. 

 

Celtic were under heavy pressure from the restart and were fortunate when Shinnie just beat Gordon to the ball in the area. It was very close but it should have been a penalty . Celtic seemed to be losing every 50/50 and clearances never seemed to find a green shirt. Rogic in particular was very quiet and things marginally improved when replaced by Biton. Celtic began to make a few passes but always seem to take the wrong option in the Final 3rd. Roberts and Sinclair belatedly began to see some of the play. There were a few decent efforts on goal in the closing stages.

 

Most of the 2nd half was littered with fouls and injury holdups and was tedious stuff compared to the fireworks of the opening 15 minutes. 

 

100 points for Celtic and a win in what was arguably the most difficult of our 3 remaining league games. As for the Cup Final Aberdeen will feel they are capable of making life difficult for Celtic. 

 

 

[hackjam]

Difficult game for BR, not wanting to show his hand, blistering first 15min.

Celtic seem to concede far to easy after scoring.

Aberdeen totally controlled second half, winning everything in the center circle, would not happened if Brown was there. BR needs to get grip of Griffiths and get him to mature, he's starting to be an embarrassment.  

[hackjam]

I guess its that time of year where transfer rumors aplenty.

Jozo to the Geordies for 8M. If Van Dyke is worth 50M, Joso cant be far off that valuation, although unproven in PL. But certainly more than 8M.

A similar fee reported for Armstrong, I would have thought starting price nearer 20M.

As for Roberts, would be a good piece of business at 6M, if Pep decides he does not want to give him a chance.

There's also talk of Hayes  from Aberdeen, would be a good addition, perfect cover for SS & KT-Surely better than GMS, would be a good piece of business if he were shipped out to Aberdeen in part exchange.

Always speculation about Dembele, would be good if he stayed put till CL qualification, then sold for 40M. As for a replacement, kid from Chelsea would not be too big a gamble and also the Brazilian on a free from Liverpool, although his wage demands might be too high.

All speculation, certainly would not like to loose Jozo or SA.

Next up PT on Thursday night, hope to see a few players rested, Armstrong looks like he could do with a rest.

What's become of Kouassi, would have expected him to see some game time?

[salty]

Celtic ruthlessly swept Patrick Thistle aside at Firhill with a 5-0 win . Only Hearts now stand between us and a unbeaten League campaign.

 

The Bhoys were completely in control of the last Glasgow Derby of the season from the off. A Griffiths penalty won by MOM Roberts early on then good work by Griffiths to set up Rogic to scramble a 2nd.  A superb finish by Roberts before half time had us on easy street. 

 

Celtic strolled through the 2nd half with 3 substitutions around the hour mark. Griffiths blotted his copybook again by expressing his displeasure to Brendan at being subbed and the boss "suggested" he sit down and shut it. On the field the game meandered to a close before McGregor raced through and hammered home off the underside of the bar. Good spot by the linesman that the ball was over the line. The excellent Roberts left foot again found the top corner in the closing minutes.

 

Interesting to see Brendan in what seemed to be an amiable conversation at the end with Griffiths. Although Dembele is back in training it is unlikely he would be match fit for the final so I would expect Griffiths to start in the last 2 games despite his truculence.

[smokie36]

On 5/15/2017 at 6:59 PM, hackjam said:

I guess its that time of year where transfer rumors aplenty.

Jozo to the Geordies for 8M. If Van Dyke is worth 50M, Joso cant be far off that valuation, although unproven in PL. But certainly more than 8M.

A similar fee reported for Armstrong, I would have thought starting price nearer 20M.

As for Roberts, would be a good piece of business at 6M, if Pep decides he does not want to give him a chance.

There's also talk of Hayes  from Aberdeen, would be a good addition, perfect cover for SS & KT-Surely better than GMS, would be a good piece of business if he were shipped out to Aberdeen in part exchange.

Always speculation about Dembele, would be good if he stayed put till CL qualification, then sold for 40M. As for a replacement, kid from Chelsea would not be too big a gamble and also the Brazilian on a free from Liverpool, although his wage demands might be too high.

All speculation, certainly would not like to loose Jozo or SA.

Next up PT on Thursday night, hope to see a few players rested, Armstrong looks like he could do with a rest.

What's become of Kouassi, would have expected him to see some game time?

 

How much??

Are you on medication???

[Bredbury Blue]

On 5/16/2017 at 0:59 AM, hackjam said:

I guess its that time of year where transfer rumors aplenty.

 

As for Roberts, would be a good piece of business at 6M, if Pep decides he does not want to give him a chance.

 

 

Can't see City selling Roberts for less than we paid for him bearing in mind he's done well since we loaned him out. Clichy's still having nightmares! 

 

 

Manchester City have completed an £8m deal for Fulham's Patrick Roberts [Daily Mail]


 

[hackjam]

I think Celtic would pay 8M for Roberts, if City would sell.

[salty]

Phil Mac maintains that Celtic are offering 6.8 m rising to 8 m with a 25 per cent sell on. It looks likely some talks have been going on between both clubs and Paddy.  Interestingly he would not comment after the game on Thursday on  where he will be playing next season.

 

[salty]

106 points 106 goals. And so it came to pass Celtic were unbeaten in 38 games with 34 Wins and 4 draws.  How fitting on the Eve of the 50th anniversary of becoming the first British Club to win the European Cup.

 

When Brendan Rodgers arrived this time last year we would never in our wildest dreams have foreseen this scenario. Apart from Lisbon has their ever been a greater time for all Celts.

 

A 2-0 win over a stubborn Hearts in the final chapter. They successfully denied Celtic space in front of goal in the first half and almost silenced the crowd. Brendan changed to 3 at the back for the 2nd half and Celtic began to stretch the defence. Roberts who else created the breakthrough with a delightful centre for Griffiths to head home. Parkhead exploded and any anxiety disappeared when Armstrong seized on a breaking ball to hammer in no 2. Party time from then on.

 

Good to see The tribute to the departing Kris Commons at the end.

[salty]

On 12/5/2017 at 11:58 PM, hackjam said:

Difficult game for BR, not wanting to show his hand, blistering first 15min.

Celtic seem to concede far to easy after scoring.

Aberdeen totally controlled second half, winning everything in the center circle, would not happened if Brown was there. BR needs to get grip of Griffiths and get him to mature, he's starting to be an embarrassment.  

http://www.scotzine.com/2017/05/death-stare-brought-me-to-my-senses-griffiths/

[salty]

H

Quote

Hail Hail to the Lisbon Lions who Became the 1st British side to win the European Cup 25/05/1967 50 years ago today.

 

[salty]

Celtic won the treble and completed an unbeaten domestic season by winning the Cup today against Aberdeen. It was a tense struggle and a hard fought victory. Our closest challengers this season really made life difficult for us today.

 

We went behind early on from a corner when Griffiths was caught ball watching and  Hayes made a terrific connection to smash the Dons ahead with Tierney on the line had no hope of stopping. Thankfully we were quickly on terms with a fine finish from Armstrong low into the corner availing of Logan's poor attempt to close him down. Tierney had to leave the field with blood pouring from his mouth after being elbowed by Stockly. Celtic were furious that it was deemed to be accidental. Rogic subbed . Celtic big names were being strangled by Aberdeen who were having the better of affairs. Gordon made a few good saves in quick succession as Aberdeen pressed. Just on half time In a rare Celtic onset Sinclair missed a chance from just in front. Like Roberts he was having a very quiet game.

Celtic improved in the 2nd half but had a real let off early on. McGregor was robbed by Hayes who raced goalwards. A good pass to McLean and the Dons would have led again but fortunately he had overrun the pass and Celtic survived. This was any thing but relaxing but as the half progressed Celtic at last began to get a grip on the play. Roberts was beginning to show and Aberdeen were the team under pressure. Lewis was having a blinder and made great saves from Roberts and Griffiths. Boyata headed over with a free header. It was nearly all Celtic now and with extra time looming Celtic struck a minute into 3 minutes injury time. Rogic who up to then had been well held received from Armstrong burst into the area and fired into the corner.  Ecstasy at the Celtic end and despair for Aberdeen. They had fought the good fight and despite our relief you had to feel sorry for Lewis in particular. 

 

Thus us the end of an incredible season that will go down in history. Very unlikely this feat will ever be equalled.