Celtic Banter Archive March 04 2014

04 Mar 2014 21:18:19
So Puyol is leaving Barcelona on a free at the end of the season when his contract expires, surely he's worth a punt?

He will get offered a mega-bucks last pay day at some middle east club. They do it all time. Would be good to see him at celtic if it was possible though

If he's open to a 90% pay cut we might see him in the hoops in the next 5 years

Would rather it was xavi that was leaving at the end of the season maybe have a chance of him taking a pay cut to play in the hoops but neither will ever pull on the hoops unless it's for charity

As much as it's a pipedream, it's definitely worth a shot yes. We've got to at least try and push the boat out. In the centre half department, and perhaps upfront too, that's the kind of signing I'd like. Experience and quality, probably breaking the wage structure a bit too. Puyol is an extreme example though. You'd expect him to go to MLS or UAE. Perhaps Bayern, PSG or the Manchester clubs.

Thank god in this instance supporters don't get a say in signings . The guy will be 36 and hasn't been fit for 2 years he's definitely not the route to go down. We need experienced players that are still able to contribute to the play not sit on the sidelines and have club say we've signed a World Cup winner.

This is probably why our club get away with having a lack of ambition, because our fans give them reason not to push the boat out. Automatically making the assumption he'll take a big pay day, possibly in the Middle East. What's the worst that could happen, he says no? It's like applying for jobs - if you see a manager's job and go "I'll never get that job, I've not got the experience" - well how d'you know if you don't apply for it?!

Exactly Hamilton. I think Puyol might be a step too far but a couple of signiatures is what we need. You're right though in that we need to try. Me dad always used to say it's losers that don't try at all for fear of losing, not those that give it a go and fail. Anyway, I think there's too much pride for some reason in the way we keep things secret, I think it's the fear of someone knocking back Celtic, or the SPFL for that matter that we don't try or let it be known that we're trying. E.g. NL stated in January we had tried to sign a 'quality player' but 'couldn't get it over the line'. Then tell us who it was or why it never happened. As for these negative fans happy to settle for the standard we're signing, bemuses me, they swallow propaganda like a shot from the clubs donger. Not even sure these fans exist, probably just some sort of spam put out by the club all part of the masterplan. Then again, supposedly I'm paranoid.

04 Mar 2014 20:21:21
@ Jockdj and Tamtamtic seen your replies about my joke yesterday, with nothing much football wise I tried to inject some daft humour at least I am out there to be shot at, let's see some of your jokes, most of the time also I never claim a joke as mine but here is the exception.
Wee Pat has set up a new business venture, a Polish/Glasgow shop, only problem is after buying your groceries he gives you a SKELP lol
PS our ED007 is my biggest fan and loves? my joke book.

{Ed007's Note - No comment.}

04 Mar 2014 21:19:26
Ha ha ED007 you told me you eagerly tell my jokes down the pub and make a fortune at after dinner speeches with my joke book lol

{Ed007's Note - I always thought it was the apron and bowler hat that got the laughs.}

Take no notice Timalloy.
More important have said more and went unnoticed!

WOAH! Tim, I enjoyed the joke man. I appreciate a bit of daft humour, that's why I commented on it.
Ill tell you though,

My wife has stood by my side for 40 years.

well she had to, we only had one chair.

05 Mar 2014 16:59:57
ha ha Jockdj, you been reading my joke book lol
the daft ones are the best.

04 Mar 2014 18:09:14
It's looking like Peter Lawwell and the board are finally listening to the supporters. The club released the following statement;

By: Newsroom Staff on 04 Mar, 2014 17:14

CELTIC have called for a review of the Offensive Behaviour at Football Grounds Act to be brought forward and have labelled it ´unhelpful and counter-productive´.

The Scottish Government introduced the legislation in 2012 and promised a review after two full football seasons of operation. However, Celtic believe that there is already sufficient evidence of the Act´s ´unhelpfulness and negative impacts´ to justify an immediate review with action to follow.

Celtic have all along opposed this legislation which has been used to create a general presumption that different laws should apply to football supporters as distinct from society as a whole.

This has inevitably led to a sense of discrimination across Scottish football and has brought the law into disrepute when tested in the criminal courts. It has also acted as a barrier to our own efforts to encourage supporters to behave in a way which is consistent with the club´s proud history and reputation.

We believe the Scottish Government should review, as a matter of urgency, the way in which this unhelpful and counter-productive Act is operating.

Celtic have always valued a positive relationship with the police and we are concerned that they too have now been put in the position of enforcing legislation which is provocative and does not command widespread respect.

The Scottish Government has conceded the need to review the workings of the legislation but we see no need for delay since there is plenty of evidence available, not least from the comments of Sheriffs who have had to deal with cases arising from it.

It would be helpful if the new season could kick off in August with these issues resolved so that everyone could concentrate on promoting the best possible environment for Scottish football and marginalising unwelcome influences which attach themselves to it.

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Now here is the section from the minutes of the Celtic Trust's fan meeting highlighting the club's initial input to the bill;

The meeting then moved on to discuss the response to questions concerning the Offensive Behaviour at Football/Threatening Communication Act. The response reiterated that Celtic had opposed the introduction of the Act and listed the various meetings that the CEO had had with Government ministers concerning it.

Celtic stated that they had written asking for an early review of the Act and although this had not been forthcoming they had been assured that they would be involved in the review process when it took place. Several speakers highlighted while all of this may have taken place the Club had made no public statements opposing the Act since its initial submission to the Justice Committee in August 2011. It is also very concerning and appears contradictory to the content of the response that the published minutes of government committees records officials from Celtic helping to draft the Bill which became the Act and that Celtic and the then Rangers FC had indeed requested the establishment of a dedicated police unit which is now in existence and is known as FoCUS. It is officers of this unit who initiate much of the harassment which Celtic fans are currently undergoing.

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Now the cynics amongst you might think this is something to do with season ticket sales for next season and the chances are you're right, as I've said before I fully expect the Green Brigade to be designated an area of the ground next season for no other reason than to make the club look good and encourage season ticket sales.

Good.
Now hopefully the fans are heard and the board listen to "stuff" on the pitch?!
Doubtfull on both counts!