Posts Tagged ‘Celtic Park’

A Window To The Future

Posted: February 1, 2012 by thebhoymcclay in Celtic Football Club, Football, Uncategorized
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New Striker Pawel Brozek

Celtic completed their transfer dealings with a day to spare as Pawel Brozek joined on loan from Trabzonspor until at least the end of season having already concluded deals for cover in midfield and defence in the Winter window.  Rabiu Ibrahim, a young Nigerian midfielder, has vowed to wow the fans with his flamboyant and skillful game which he models on a hybrid of Zinedine Zidane and David Silva, (a cross between the two would be just fine!) and the view from the manager and my Lennoxtown scout is the boy is something special. Denied any quality game time at PSV, Lennon has taken a worthwhile gamble on the twenty year-old who has received nothing bar glowing reports along the way – and the next few years at Celtic will hopefully be a productive one for player and club.

Rabiu Ibrhahim out to impress

Announced back in November, Mikael Lustig was the first player through the door arriving on a pre-contract from Rosenborg. There is still much debate surrounding this right-sided defender given the abundance of riches at the sides disposal in this department – Adam Matthews & Cha Du-Ri are already vying for the first team position, whilst the experienced Mark Wilson and young development player Andre Blackman also work towards a starting role. A fully fledged Swedish international in his prime playing years will not be arriving at Celtic Park for a place on the bench, however comfortable.

There were three heading the opposite direction with fringe youngsters, Paul Slane, James Keatings and Lewis Toshney going on loan to MK Dons, St Johnstone and Kilmarnock respectively for some valuable first team experience. The one disappointing story of the frantic final days proceedings, was that of Mark Wilson and the breakdown of his move to Leeds United. Disjointed & frustrating are words you would use to sum up the defenders spell at the Hoops since joining in 2006 – long-term injuries and rehabilitation being the route cause. And with additional back-up in Lustig his playing days with the Bhoys may now well be at an end. The opportunity of some game time in the Championship on the road back from his latest knee problem would have been essential if Wilson is to ever play competitive football for a sustained period.

Lustig in the Classic "Signed" Position

The main purpose of this window in my opinion, was for Celtic to maintain their current squad and especially their prized assets such as the striking combination of Gary Hooper and Anthony Stokes.  As I mentioned last month in “When The Saints Come Marching In” http://thebhoymcclay.com/2012/01/18/when-the-saints-come-marching-in/ - No good could emerge from Celtic letting their star striker leave at this point in the season, for any amount of money. Polish international striker, Brozek is waiting in the wings for an opportunity but again, how long will it take to get an understanding with another partner? Will he adapt to Scottish football in the short period he has to impress Lennon before he makes a decision on whether to make his stay permanent? Current squad members, who some may have not lost sleep over moving on to pastures new, such as Samaras and Ki – will prove their worth in the coming months also. Both players have individual styles of play with a lot of fans struggling to comprehend what they bring to the team. The Greek is direct and pacey, meaning the team can quickly switch to counter-attack or when struggling to break down a well parked SPL double decker. The Korean Player of the Year on the other hand, is able to command a game with the ball at his feet – his vision to pick a killer pass or dictate the play when under pressure could be vital.

Growing the side from a position of strength is something relatively new to Celtic, there is usually a diminution or two within the playing staff as has been seen in the last few windows. Rangers on the other hand, have adapted a polar opposite and not only let go of their most prized possession in Nikica Jelavic, but allowed another dozen or so players leave on loan or for good – if Celtic to fail to deliver the knockout punch in the coming months, it would have to go down as the most disappointing and unbelievable league campaigns of recent history. It is sport, human nature and one man versus another and of course, anything can happen – but to have such a dominating & dynamic young squad and positive mental edge, the forecast for green and white ribbons to be fluttering in May looks a sure thing.

 

 

When the Saints come marching in….

Posted: January 18, 2012 by thebhoymcclay in Celtic Football Club, Football, Uncategorized
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Our talisman

We need to tell them quite rightly, where to go with their £6m bid for our top striker.

Southampton’s efforts to unsettle Gary Hooper have so far been rebuffed by both club & striker, with the latter committing at least, his short-term future to the club and possibly beyond. Not only is the Englishman this season’s top scorer, his partnership with Anthony Stokes seems to have matured into a solid mutual understanding and double act which has taken the League by storm with twenty-one goals so far. He is also ahead in their own personal goals head-to-head, which is great for motivation and can only add weight to Celtic’s longing for the Championship.

I do believe in the coming years, our number eighty-eight will move back to England, but at a higher level than where he came from at League One Scunthorpe United. Southampton, come May, could well be offering Hooperman Premier League football in England, albeit with a struggling side, but that would probably come under an aspiration for any footballer born down South and Hooper will be no different.  In his primitive few years in professional football, the Celtic star has accumulated over one hundred goals at only twenty-three and has shown not only a knack for being in the right place at the right time, but an ease and sublimity to his finishing.

Not only this, but how demoralising and disheartening would it be for the team, manager and fans to let their star man go, midway through the season – especially when their only other striking target, Baba Diawara, appears to have agreed terms with Spanish cracks, Sevilla. Trying to find another striker, or trying to incorporate the unconvincing Bangura into a partnership with Stokes for the title run in would be akin to shooting yourself in the foot – and the pain would be far worse if this decision meant finishing runners-up again.

Consistency is Ki

Posted: November 4, 2011 by thebhoymcclay in Celtic Football Club, Football, Travel, Uncategorized
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Lennon celebrates the third and final goal finishing the French

Firstly, I had no reason to single out the injured South Korean in the title – I think his work rate, goals & assists can not be dismissed in the games he has played thus far. Therefore it is only sheer coincidence that the balance of the midfield looked somehow more, erm..balanced I suppose last night against Rennes.

The main point is the first word – consistency. It’s not been there all season, the team have ambled from triumph to disaster all season and last weeks’ double header against Hibs was the prime example. In the first League Cup game, the Bhoys turned the game on its head after the break with a James Forrest inspired rout – a few days later in front of their own fans they lacked gusto, purpose and imagination as the Edinburgh side took a comfortable point.

In just three days Celtic make the short trip across Lanarkshire to second placed Motherwell – which in itself is a hard-line to swallow let alone stare at in black & white. Celtic need to show the same togetherness, spirit and fight they displayed to the fans coming off the pitch last night when Neil Lennon went round congratulating every beaming bhoy in a Hooped jersey. No hint of in-fighting, headbutts or general dressing room malaise were on show and even everyone’s favourite painter & decorator, Garry Parker was leaping about like he had just won a Nationwide contract with House of Fraser.

The celebrations last night following the final goal were an indication of the camaraderie that does lie within the squad – as Gary Hooper saluted the fans, most of the team were just behind him in a communal hug – something I have missed in the past month or so. One player that stands out in the handful of games he has started and an integral part in last nights comeback was Victor Wanyama. A collossus in midfield, whenever he has the ball – HE has the ball and don’t dare try to dispossess him, as he stands like an immovable force of ultimate strength and moves with all the majesty of a marauding gazelle. His battling nature also helped the topsy-turvy life of Beram Kayal manifest itself in a combative, positive display like days of yonder (well last year really!). Derek Rae, the ESPN commentator on the night, noted the pride with which Wanyama takes when wearing the Hoops and the tempo and effort he puts in whilst playing for Celtic, is of a level of importance which could turn the season in our favour. He could be our V for Victory akin to the Seville journey! (FK SuduVa, Blackburn RoVers, Celta Vigo, LiVerpool, BoaVista etc).

Lennon also described last night as miraculous due to the injury hoodoo which left him without a handful of regulars before the game, and one less in Glenn Loovens during it. The upside being a few of his influential players will be available on Sunday and with Emillio Izzaguire due back in January – hopefully a swing in favour to the East End of Glasgow can start taking full effect. With Naismith ruled out for the rest of the season and the A-bomb ticking behind Shooter McGavin’s eyes like a pinball, the release of Jelavic in January could be a decision taken out of their hands.

If on Sunday evening or Monday morning I am penning an obituary to this team, I will be at a loss when thinking back to last nights euphoria. I feel the momentum will be with us and see no reason to fear the Steelmen – providing we show our mettle.

Celebrate good times…no chance!

Posted: October 25, 2011 by thebhoymcclay in Celtic Football Club, Football, Uncategorized
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On a day of was he/wasn’t he questioning, the SFA confirmed yesterday afternoon that Celtic captain Charlie Mulgrew was booked for his celebration in the Bhoystwo-one win against Aberdeen following his winner. Yes, a caution for having the audacity to score a goal for Celtic (maybe that was why) and sliding towards his adoring flock to take his plaudits from a few metres away – oh yeah, there was an advertising hoarding between the two, almost like one departing lover to another through airport plexiglass.

Charlie looks on in amazement as he is booked

I was disgusted with the defenders’ response to scoring a crucial goal – why… I hadn’t witnessed anything as audacious since, earlier that afternoon or on a few occasions the day before on reflection. With seventeen minutes of this crucial fixture left, that puts the much maligned and wound inflicting defence in a dangerous position when its main central defender is walking a tightrope. A few minutes later though the pressure subsided slightly as Aberdeen right-sided defender, Ryan Jack was dismissed for his second bookable offence – his first was for….you guessed it!

I have heard from a few sources that the atmosphere and sniping between the two sets of fans at their nearest juncture was quite fierce, but come on, its Aberdeen – the Rangers hating, sheep mocking outfit who Celtic usually put to the sword. For some of the brutal drubbings we have inflicted on their sorry souls we should really show some pity and even delight in the fact that they managed to penetrate our onion bag on a rare occasion. So again, Ryan Jack scored a great individual goal, that in itself gives him more of a right to a nice celebratory run and jig in front of the travelling fans – this time though he gets a lot nearer to the support and is but one beefy steward away from contact. The problem for the Don here also is that there is no advert for beer by which he can be halted, he is now off the pitch and in an unknown Odyssey between football and the reality of sweat, beer and beastiality dreams.

So what are these two bookings handed out for? The time taken between the ball hitting net and the kick off? – add it on at the end. Fans will be quicker to accept that if an injury time goal flies in due to excessive high fives and player surfing than being pegged back with a man down and a suspension to take into account. Possible inciting of violence if the opposing hordes take it the wrong way? Again you have to take individual cases on their merit dependant on the nature of the fixture – running in front of the Celtic fans to celebrate a goal in the Glasgow Derby isn’t the smartest move, and I feel Rangers have been fairly treated on the occasions when this has arisen almost to the point of the officials clambering on the backs of the players to get it up timmy even more. Unless you gesticulate to another set of fans, there should be no need for those supporters to be doing anything other than conducting a post-mortem into the defensive lapse which may have caused the goal.
Now stripping off is another thing, the police could get you for indecent exposure – or possibly the fashion equivalent for some of those string vests players sport under their strips. Why on earth are players cautioned for whipping off their tops, spinning them round their head and generally looking a bit mental?? Ravanelli with the masked man celebration, Middlesbrough fans started going to the Riverside just to join in with this spectacle. It’s fun and brings enjoyment to the fans, you can even hear the commentators sadness when relaying the news to fans caught up in the cacophony of living room jubilation “oh and he’s been cautioned for his troubles”.

The most ridiculous caution of the weekend came at Old Trafford when serial fucker upperer, Mario Ballotelli, scored his sides first goal on their way to a resounding demolition of United. The City player lifted his shirt over his head, whilst still donning said garment, to reveal a t-shirt saying “Why always me”, after the camera caught a glimpse he returned the shirt to its correct uniform and promptly strode back to the half way line. Now in the rules according to FIFA, the player shall be cautioned if he removes his shirt or covers his head with the shirt – so in essence Ballotellidid neither.

Ballotelli unfairly cautioned

The other cautionable offences are over excessive celebrations, provocative derisory or inflammatory gestures, or climbing onto perimeter fences. It is not an offence in itself to leave the pitch to celebrate a goal though (though it is essential to return quickly) – which calls into question a plethora of bookings which have been handed out in recent times. Common sense is a term banded about in regards to referees decision-making, for the worlds governing body to keep fans entertained, these restrictions should surely be reviewed.

Can the Bhoys seize Atletico opportunity??

Posted: September 15, 2011 by thebhoymcclay in Celtic Football Club, Football, Travel, Uncategorized
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Neil Lennon deep in thought prior to tonight's match

Neil Lennon http://twitter.com/#!/OfficialNeil has already admitted Celtic have been handed a get out of jail free card and to make the most out of this Europa League while they are still in it. Following Sion’s reulctanct acceptance that they probably won’t be lining up in Madrid tonight, a confident Hoops side should take to the field with a new gusto and enthusiasm following the four nil demolition and classy display against Motherwell at the weekend.

One notable absentee tonight from that game is left back, El Kaddouri who shone in the position currently left by long-term absentee Emilio Izzaguire – (I genuinely am struggling to come to terms with the fact he is banned for a red card for a game which technically never occurred>>>!!)hopefully this reshuffle will not see the bald-headed Swedish calamity slotting back in to the back four. Celtic captain Scott Brown and striker Anthony Stokes did not travel with the rest of the squad to rest ahead of Sunday’s trip to Taxman Towers. We can therefore hope that the commanding midfield quartet from that game is again restored – many tweets were already bemoaning the fact that Brown would be coming back for one of the crunch ties due to the fluency and excellent shape the middle of the park possesses when he is absent.  Ki Sueng-Yeung has been excellent for a year and a half and his goal threat from midfield is something the team has been missing since a certain Bulgarian was roaming from box to box – away from home in Europe, a player with his calibre of striking ability is something not to take for granted.

I can’t remember Celtic being in a position where they were so fortunate to be handed a second chance – from the confidence sapping defeat in Switzerland which sent a lot of fans into uproar – myself included – they have now been given an opportunity to show the fans how far they have come under the stewardship of Lenny and his backroom staff and what the future can hold.  If I was pulling on the Hoops tonight I would feel a lot less nervous than I was before the 2nd leg qualifier, as we are now in the group until mid December and no courts in the land (not even Scottish ones) can remove us until that final game in Italy. It is arguably the hardest group in the Europa League this year but we should have no fear, so the three other teams should be wary of Celtic in these encounters. A young developing team, albeit perhaps not as experienced, but with plenty of fire and exuberance this expedition could be a worthwhile development for the club.

One final note about the game should be the year and age we are in – it was over 35 years ago when Celtic and Atletico Madrid locked horns in a European Cup semi final war at Celtic Park. Three of the Spanish side were dismissed but they amazingly held out to take a goalless draw in Scotland and finished the job back in the Spanish capital. This week,Billy McNeill, Celtic ambassador & captain at the time, has labelled the side “scum” – he may have been taken out of context or misquoted but as such a figure in Celtic’s history I feel he should keep his mouth closed for the benefit of the game and not get Celtic embroiled in a sideshow which detracts them the job in hand.  Hopefully tonight it’s “Barcelona, Atletico Madrid – who the f*** you trying to kid!”