Celtic Banter Archive May 13 2014

13 May 2014 20:06:57
Feel like I've been going off on a tangent recently but I really, really don't get all the moaning so I'm going to put over my view.

Neil Lennon as well all know took over from Tony Mowbray in March 2010 and went unbeaten in the remaining League games but was beaten in the Scottish Cup by Ross County (maybe a sign of things to come). He stayed on as Manager and in Season 2010/11 took Celtic to the 2 domestic Cup finals, winning the Scottish Cup and the League to the last day against the very experienced Walter Smith.

During this time he was subjected to vile death threats, insults and attacked on the Park at Tynecastle.

Season 2011/12 did not get off to the best of starts but the turning point came when we were 3-0 down at half-time away to Kilmarnock and Rangers established a 15 point lead in the League, you know the rest! Joe Ledley 1-0 28th December 2011. Since then he has guided Celtic to Champions League qualification twice and the last 16 last season something Man City could not buy until this season - they failed in their previous two outings.

After the threats and insults, he has been Celtic Manager as we watched our biggest rivals be utterly humiliated in financial disaster amid allegations of cheating. Not only did they go bust but Hearts have been relegated. Who thinks the threats and insults are self-inflicted and funny now?

He's not perfect and the Cup competitions are without a doubt a negative, I'm also thinking 'maybe' it is time for fresh ideas and a Management shake up? However one thing I am not going to do is cry into twitter/social media about how bad it is being a Celtic fan right now, this is by far the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard and I am seriously starting to think some accounts/log-ins are being trolled.

I loved every minute of Sunday and I'm lost at the complaints, I really am. Celtic Park was full of life and bouncing - magic!

Just because you don't understand why other people have problems with the club and aren't happy doesn't mean they are in the wrong. Other people are allowed an opinion and to make up their own minds.

Instead of crying into twitter/social media about how bad it is being a Celtic fan you've decided to cry onto social media attacking other supporters and saying if fans aren't happy it's the most ridiculous thing you've heard.

You've obviously not read back many of your own posts!

Who are you trying to convince that everything in the garden is rosy, the many disillusioned fans or yourself?

At least you are consistent in that you are still on here preaching your customer propaganda and acting like you're some kind of model supporter the rest of us should aspire to be like.

Thankfully there is still a lot of people who think the club is far more more important than any one individual's ego and their lickspittles in the stands.

P.s. If social media upsets you so much then simply don't use it, or would you miss complaining about it too much to do that? You've even added internet police to your duties and are now accusing people of trolling accounts, how the hell did the Celtic support ever manage before you decided to tell them they were doing everything wrong?

Doesn't upset me Che, I'm capable of balancing it out with reality.

Absolutely DELIGHTED it was you that replied. I rest my case

I felt compelled to reply, we can't have young and impressionable supporters thinking your sycophantic claptrap is anywhere near acceptable from a Celtic fan.

You've questioned people's political views on here today and then followed that up by labelling fans ridiculous for having a different point of view from you.

I can understand why you were delighted I answered you, I know how people like you crave the attention social media brings and how you need the reassurance that you are part of something, no matter how horrible that thing is.

God forbid you ever have an original thought of your own. How desperate must you have been to use the attacks on Lennon as a measure of ability to manage, even he wouldn't stoop that low but that's where you people need to go with the argument, you can't argue the point using football so drag it down to the Lennon was sent bombs and attacked at Tynecastle so we need to back him level, all you missed was the "otherwise you're not a real supporter".

For someone who doesn't get upset by social media you sure do some girning about it, then again that's normal for attention seekers.

You should start a bog, another Sevco obsessed Celtic fan who fancies themselves as the moral guidance of the Celtic support is just what social media needs.

I must have missed your posts about the pyro that was at Celtic Park on Sunday, does PLC smoke not cause asthma attacks?

And all that on the too easily forgotten anniversary of the Bradford Stadium fire it's not like you to miss a good cause cause to latch onto to boost your ego.

Did you spare a thought for those poor souls on Sunday as you waved your wee plastic flag like some wind-up clockwork toy?

Wee plastic flags for the small plastic fans.

Another rambling rant with absolutely no constructive, reasonable argument. Your better off sticking to coronation street instead of football matters mrs e

I really wish you lot would wheeest and give it a rest. This is good times for CFC and anyone who thinks otherwise is obvious too young to remember the 90s. Give it a rest. Glass half full or what

Ch/DN/Jim - I hope you find the inner peace you so very much need.

The 50,000 plus Celtic fans at the game on Sunday celebrated Celtic being Scottish Champions again - this issue you have with that is for you to deal with pal. It's nobody else's fault you feel the way you do. Take care.

Marty I'm with you, the issues Che/DN/Jim has is not ours to sort.

Mrs E, I agree with your sentiments. NL took over and has done a reasonable job. I look at some comments and think that maybe his initial success has led us to expect too much based on where we play our football and the level of players we can attract. I like to think I am practical and I too want us to advance and improve. I don't blame the Manager or the Board for our lack of success (with the exception of the domestic cup competitions). We are against a rock and a hrad place in many ways. We can't get out of the league we are in so we are restricted. We can't compete with the big boys when it comes to attracting players with the financial restrictions we have. FFP system was set-up to help balance this problem but its a joke with no teeth. Does anyone really believe that EUFA will be able to 'punish Man City etc al? No, there will be a token gesture and a rap on the bum then business as usual. I believe we punch above our weight with the restrictions and limitations we have. New manager? No guarantees they would be better than NL. Mowbry was a popular choice.'nuff said.
Dont waste time criticising what I have said as it is my honest opinion and nothing you can say will change it.

{Ed001's Note - you are mistaken there. The FFP system was set up to keep the big boys like Madrid ahead. It was not meant to balance anything at all or they would never have agreed to it. It was done purely to stave off the threat of a European Super League for as long as possible. A league which would also be about what is best for the big boys and stuff the rest of them!}

I agree Tim and I'm still interested to see how the FFP will play out?

Everyone's entitled to their own opinion and I know some will always be more involved - looking at the Board and other goings-on. But this not being able to celebrate being Scottish Champions is ridiculous.

The day I have an issue with a flag (a flag) that has the Celtic crest on it with the words Scottish Champions, it's time to chuck it!

Neil Lennon isn't perfect but I'm still glad he was Manager when our rivals went bust after the abuse he got - shoot me lol

Ed, agree with your take on it but my understanding was the actual concept was to stop the big boys splashing more cash than they earned and spend within their means. In reality, you are of course correct and like everything else which comes out of FIAF and EUFA, if the big clubs don't want it then they will ignore it and stuff them. If the Major Associations are not happy - the super league kicks in and before you know it. everyone else wants on board. FIFA and EUFA become extinct. End of the day, it is what it is and fairness has nothing to do with it. I'm still happy to enjoy what our team is doing

{Ed001's Note - I agree with you that the concept was sold to everyone as a way of keeping clubs spending within their means, I just know that no one saw it that way in reality.}

We all have different opinions but if we honestly look into our souls we could never walk away from our beloved club. Look at the other lot, they have to stand by their team even through all the scandal and cheating evidence, they will still defend their team. Its just like us, if NL is with us for the next 20 years, if the football is crap and we don't sign any quality and if in the future the shareholders get all the dosh, we will always turn up at Paradise to support our team, its just the way it is. Hail Hail

Mrs. E, why do you mention Morbray or death threats in your original post?. Would the season just over have been less of a success had NL not got those death threats? Would the season just over been a disaster if NL had just taken over from O'Neill or GS?

At the start of the year all us Celtic supporters had goals or objectives, for some it was a treble, others it was last 16 of CL, others it was a clean sheet record, or unbeaten run or 100 league points, others it would have been entertaining attacking football.

I had mine and they weren't met. Financially Celtic FC is in a great place, on the pitch and on the sideline we have been poor. If you are happy with Celtic Football team at present then good for you, but don't judge the future by the past. Look ahead, have your targets and aspirations, look where you can go, not where you were!

@6. You have answered your own question in your opening paragraph "against the very experienced walter smith"

Just shows the mentality you have if you think its acceptable for a manager of a massive club to lose any game just because the other manager was "very experienced". A pathetic excuse

A rookie like lennon should never have got job in the first place. The title manager of celtic, is not an apprenticeship step into management. The board should know this after the John Barnes fiasco.

One minute your saying one thing and next you come away with a total contradiction of a statement. Geniunely think you are undecided and will just go with the flow.

Tuppence worth :-

We have not won enough under NL in a time when we do not have a serious rival and have a huge advantage in revenue, facilities, talent and support over nearly all of our competition combined.

Our last CL campaign was appalling - even in a very tough group, which would usually bring out the best in Celtic (especially at Paradise) - we were devoid of quality, fight and tactical nous in every group game.
The momentum and success of the previous season - even though we rode our luck - has evaporated.

This brings me to our transfer and signing strategy:- It is obvious we are a selling club - which is bad enough in itself - but when we make handsome profits on our best players, it is paramount that we replace that same quality or uncover a gem, so as to continue success on the pitch and balance the books.
The signings of VVD and Johansen would support this, however the arrival of Mouyokolo, Pukki, Balde and Boerighter were questionable at the very least? Griffiths is another addition surrounded in contradiction and controversy.

There is also some debate about targets identified as opposed to actual signings and the breakdown between scouting/manager and board in obtaining the correct players?
Add to this, apparent disharmony in the ranks, especially with several young players being farmed out when the squad is carrying a good few injury prone players and there are a few points of concern.

I have written recently about the filthy abuse, assaults and vile hatred Neil Lennon has (and will) endured in his time at the club and all fans will commend and support his courage; No Celtic (or any football) manager should have to tolerate a fraction of this atrocious treatment.
The club did win the title at a canter and we did play some good stuff in the process - but everything is not rosy at Celtic Park - ask big Mjallby.

JJ

Facts

Mrs. E, why do you mention Morbray or death threats in your original post – NL took over from Mowbray and I’ve never had to work under threats like that have you? They will never, ever be an irrelevance and i’ve yet to meet a fan who thinks they should.

Hypothetical

Would the season just over been a disaster if NL had just taken over from O'Neill or GS – no as winning the league and qualifying for the Champions League has never in the history of Scottish football or indeed any League in the world been considered a disaster.

If you are happy with Celtic Football team at present then good for you, but don't judge the future by the past. Look ahead, have your targets and aspirations, look where you can go, not where you were! – It is good, i’ve not got my knickers in a twist over a flag. The world has bigger issues to worry about. Pretty sure we are going nowhere – where can we go and how?

At the start of the year all us Celtic supporters had goals or objectives, for some it was a treble, others it was last 16 of CL, others it was a clean sheet record, or unbeaten run or 100 league points, others it would have been entertaining attacking football. – I’m not responsible for others expectations, goals or objectives but I’m pretty sure winning the league and Champions League qualification is number 1 and 2 on the list. In the original post I did say it was MY view.

DN/Che/Jim - I geniuenly think you are the one person and have seen nothing to suggest otherwise.

@mrs e absolutely deluded.

Just because you don't like responses to thread you started and can't handle a difference of opinion, suddenly che, jim and me are the one person.

Typical example of someone being under the illusion of that magic lawell pr machine. Thinking you can act like a dictator and force your opinion on others.

Just shows you how much nonsense you actually spout. Think it was a bit obvious over 50000 fans would be at parkhead to see celtic lift cup. Who doesn't want to see celtic win trophies?

What about attendances all season? You explain to me why the sudden drop?(actually looking forward to this)

End of the day, you are part of the minority. Vast majority are unhappy at way club is being run. Season tickets sales for next season will back this up.

Yeah Mrs E, you're sssooo important that people will start separate accounts just to prove you're the worst kind of celtic supporter.

Where does your ego actually stop?

You wish you were that important, the fact is you are becoming the minority and don't like it, so you need to make outrageous claims against other posters.

It's egotistical uber fans like you who put people off posting on here, nobody is allowed a different opinion to you but you can't back it up with anything rational so you just attack other supporters.

Then when you're stumped your ego kicks in, your self importance kicks in and you start girning and moaning about anything that jumps into your head.

Who made you spokesperson about what Celtic fans should say or think?

@16 DN/Che/Jim – what is it in my original post you don’t agree with. Can you pick out specific points

Ta in advance

Mrs E, I disagree with you as well, does that make me also the same person as three? just because a few people disagree with you accuse them of being the same person, what a cheek you have, you really do think you are so high and mighty, well I've got news for you, your not!

To be honest most of the time I don't know if your coming or going, you come on here too moaning about the squad not being good enough or poor cup runs, but when someone else states their opinion you have a go at them.

Why do you feel it's acceptable to admit to Celtic having problems but but not to them being addressed?

DN, Che, JJ and BadBhoy good posts Buddy's

I’m not important, you have no idea how much I wish what was true! This was posted by chalky on Sunday after the title party but does Che/DN/Jim 72 attack, of course not! I post similar are read it back what you are your multiply log-ins have wrote. I’m deluded- I don’t think so.

‘Cannot believe there are still fans moaning on here ffs, we won the league today with a good performance all season scored over 100 goals and got 99 points with only one defeat . Get a grip guys clearly there have been a few mistakes but it's been fast attacking free flowing football I'm looking forward to next season, I would love samaras to stay but clearly it's not going to happen thanks for the memories big guy!

Celtic always!’

But does Che/DN/Jim 72 attack, of course not! I post similar are read it back what you are your multiply log-ins have wrote. I’m deluded- I don’t think so. As I said, try and find inner peace. It’ll do you good.

JungleJim, those thoughts are defo worth tuppence. My sentiments of the goings on atm put quite precisely.

Mrs. E, you are seriously deluded.

Can I ask you a personal question?. Are you perhaps a teacher or a Government employee.

And by the way I was asked by a convicted drug barron (prior to his conviction) "do you know who I am", whilst not a death threat it certainly didn't get me any slack from my then boss or work colleagues.

Ask Ed07 or Even Ed01 about your conspiracy theory and I'm sure their IP adresses when verified will confirm that Che, Jim and DN16 are not the one person. But tell me who did shoot JFK?

What Jim are you talking about if it's me then make it clear and I will respond because as usual your being vague as I haven't been on this thread till now

I said earlier that I agreed with OP and nothing said has changed my mind. I have dreams and ambitions but I also face reality and with the current resources we ave available (players, finance and pulling-power) we will nver win CL. Is it wrong to wish for this but be pragmatic and know in my heart the goalposts keep changing each year making it harderfor small (and in the big picture being members of the SFA, we are) clubs to challenge.Getting to the CL group stages is a great achievement and getting to te knocl-out stages is a major one but we have to temper this with reality. If you put the records out there over the last 3 seasons we have done better than Man City. Not that I don't dream of getting that bit of luck and the right draws. Like I said, my opinion only agree/disagree, that's banter

{Ed007's Note - A club the size of CFC, even financially should be aiming for European football after Christmas, either in the CL or the EL. Anything less is a failure IMO especially when you see the clubs who do it regularly, have a look at the teams in the last 32 of the Europa League and tell me we shouldn't be aiming higher than teams like Basel, Ludogorets Razgrad or Maribor. What's the use of banking £21 million in profit when the team needs major investment in key areas?
Being happy just to be a part of it is not good enough for a club our size, it's the small club mentality and shows a distinct lack of ambition by the board and the fans, we should be using these times to re-establish ourselves on the European stage, that isn't happening and people are just accepting it.}

Spot on Ed 100%, couldn't agree more but you know from my previous posts that I got pelters for saying the same. One particular post after the summer transfer debacle of 2013 I got called "one of them", "not a true supporter" a "diddy" etc, etc. I am a fan and I love my club but the Celtic support deserve the best and we're not getting it. We were minutes away from CL elimination in the summer, literally 90 seconds I think. let's not paper over the cracks.

{Ed007's Note - If any other manager had NL's record he would be chased down London Road but because of his background fans are blinkered to his many faults and failures. The club will never move on to the next level while he is manager and sections of the support are happy to accept mediocrity. We are supposed to be the biggest club in Scotland and it's high time we started acting like it and showed some ambition outside the domestic game, being happy to be seen as bit part players who thrive on sanctimonious pats on the head.
All the memes with Pirlo and Ronaldhino floating about are fake and made by a CFC fan who is sick of fans craving pathetic love-ins with other clubs rather CFCs success, I'd rather be hated and successful than be friends with people who look down their nose and patronise us, as a club and as supporters. We've taken the role of a drunk uncle who is the life and soul of the party and swapped it for wanting to see the team challenging and winning. Do teams in Italy, Turkey, Germany or even England just accept defeat as long as they make friends along the way?
That's why people are against the Green Brigade, they don't like anyone who challenges the pathetic PLC driven nice guy image they want from their customers. If the customers are happy with it that's their choice but don't try and belittle supporters who aren't happy with a lot of what's going on at the club.
Celtic supporters were at CFC long before the customers were and they will still be there long after the customers lose interest and it isn't fashionable or hip to go to games any more. What makes it even worse is that the same customers actually take pride in being seen as the establishment club now, they don't see that it is our club that has changed, the establishment are still the exact same.}

@20. Mrs E, dry your eyes.

On sunday night, I was blazing drunk. I have self respect for myself not to come on this page when drunk and lower myself to posting drunken rants full of the sherry.

Perhaps you should adopt the same approach.

End of the day, what exactly has team achieved this season under lennon?

Ah that's right, we won the league! Sorry my bad! It was a fiercely competitive challenge for title right up untill the end of 90 minutes on opening day.

Does success achieved this season, merit the cost of season ticket?

Do you think its acceptable the amount of transfer fees paid for players, (in particular this season) vast majority will be written off as losses-boerighter, pukki and balde?

Combining the poor cup performances and duds signed if that any other manager of a say an english premiership side, they would be out the door. You like most of your camp, have tunnel vision. You think just because lennon is a former player, he is a good manager "f*ck it! Although we got beat off morton, lenny is manager! that's all that matters"

Grow up

I mean we've got PL coming out with statements like this last summer:

"The ownership has led to a consistency in the board, the management and the objectives of the club and in football the prize for stability is massive. Dermot Desmond has provided that over the years. He has guided that and directed that, and at the end of the day we are in a position, in 2013, where we are the dominant force in Scottish football. That's where we are today and it's our intention to keep that going for many years."

3/5 league titles + 2/10 cups in the last 5 seasons is hardly dominating Scottish football. Selling Wanyama + Hooper then replacing them with Biton, Pukki + Balde isn't consistent.

Spot on Ed, if we could only get you a place on the Celtic board you'd ruffle a few feathers and might actually wake the board from their slumber. We are Celtic and WE ARE NOT here to make up the numbers, we deserve better. let's wake up before it's too late

{Ed007's Note - I don't think my conscience would allow me to sit with the people running our club. I think I've managed to convince my uncle not to take up the option on my family's corporate box for next season and to cite the direction the club is taking as the reason and I've been pestering another guy I know to do the same. The whole Corporate/hospitality side has been dwindling away over the last few years and apart from CL games they are nowhere near as busy as they have been and companies have been offered special deals for next season.}

My mate's dad has one of the Sky Lounges with one of his pals + business partners and I've been twice this season, have to say I wasn't overly impressed. I'd much rather swap my afternoon in the box with a shirt + tie on for the Saturday best clobber in the group section.

13 May 2014 12:25:17
Ed001, I believe it has lessened it's value, The title was one before a ball was kicked, you just need to look at our attendance this season, it say's it all! even NL kept making stupid targets all season just to try keep it a bit exciting but he even failed with that, Celtic played in four competitions this season with Success in only one, which was already guaranteed, in the other three we were atrocious, so to sum up our domestic season we won one competition that was not competitive and failed in the other two that were competitive, for me the season has not been a success.

13 May 2014 07:12:36
Ed001, we have competition in Scotland. Do not know where you got this idea it's an easy title win :-/

{Ed001's Note - nor me......}

To be honest, I've quite enjoyed this league campaign, 102 goals and 99 points.

Domestic cups have been a major letdown though and this is where the complacency in the team has been unforgivable. Maybe time to freshen things up Management wise.

In Europe we lost Wanyama last Summer but thought our Captain Scottt Brown could have covered that role but never. Losing the top goalscorer and not buying quality was a huge mistake in my opinion.

Winning the league is not lessened by an easy win for me, can only beat what's in front of you.

{Ed001's Note - very good answer.}

Ed001 a final question not Celtic related - Suarez, Liverpool player at the end of the transfer window? Appreciate a lot of gossip out there but it's unsettling to read and I keep seeing its both Real Madrid and Barcelona that are interested.

I know if they come calling, will be difficult to fight them off.

{Ed001's Note - I don't expect either of them to have the money required to buy him, not right now. Not unless they intend to disregard the FFP ruling. They are looking for part-ex deals mainly, or sales to raise cash to spend. I am not sure either could sell enough to pay for him this summer.}

Thanks Ed, Very good answer

{Ed001's Note - thank you.}

No team can compete with celtic in league. Therefore it is an easy title win.

I don't agree about the no competition comments. Its amazing how clubs can raise their quality and win cup games but can't do the same thing in at least a few league games. There is, in my opinion, a general acceptance that many teams will not win against us in the leagu but cup games are different. I see Dundee and Aberdeen challenging next season (and hopefully Motherwell). I don't think it will be the easy ride everyone expects. Without a doubt the 'bigger clubs' have an advantage which is why the CL is so difficult for us to do any sustained dameg in. The FFP ruling was (as discussed in another post) designed to address the balance but we know that won't happen.