SPL Discussion Thread

[ArdeeBhoy]

That sounds about par for the course from them.

'Double standards are them'.

[drinkfeckarse]

Celtic still have a problem though at away games.

[geysir]

I saw some news report condemning Celtic away fans at Motherwell supposedly singing ooh ah up the ra.
That wasn't what I heard on the report clip, I'm pretty sure it was the same chant from the CL game on Wed.
Ooh AH Sam ar as Ooh ah Samaras.

[eirebhoy]

http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=18iPMbfl6-0

I'd say it's a mixture of both. What I will say though is that that song get's sang at most away games. Usually when it comes to the "ooh ah up the ra" most people stop singing and the song dies out.

[geysir]

They're a wild bunch of lads :)

I listened to 5 times.
On the 4th listen I thought I heard on the last line in the clip
"ooh ah Samaras,, ooh ah up the ra"
then on the 5th listen it was back to
"Ooh ah Samaras, ooh ah Samaras"

Guilty by association?

[superfrank]

Jays, Celtic are rotten with penos.

[ArdeeBhoy]

Celts now 2 up;Maloney & Samaras.
M'well didnt quite manage to do them a favour earlier.....

[seanfhear]

Are the scottish football supporters really feeling the credit crunch as I have noticed a lot of empty seats at some of the grounds.

[Bottle of Tonic]

There's always loads of empty seats at SPL grounds but yeah, I'd say less are going due to the prices coupled with the fact you have to sit (most of the time) and deal with over zealous security etc.

A Celtic fans group had a banner display at the last game on top of all the empty seats. It was along the lines of " Bayern v Breman €15 , Ajax v PSV €20, Killie v Celtic £25 = empty stadium, Football without the fans is nothing"

Re: the video posted above of the 'ooh aah Samaras'
I was right up amongst that and everyone around me is singing 'ooh ahh Samaras' , however on the vid it sounds like mainly 'ooh aah up the ra'. :confused:

At the away games a lot of the old standards still get an airing - boys of the old brigade, roll of honour, merry ploughboy etc. I think they add to the atmosphere and enjoyment of the game but there are many who don't agree in football and politics mixing and want songs concentrating purely on football. Fair enough, can see the argument.

[TheBoss]

Are the scottish football supporters really feeling the credit crunch as I have noticed a lot of empty seats at some of the grounds.

So Far:

*Played Celtic or Rangers

Aberdeen: 12659; 16489*; 10865; 11041
Celtic: 57441; 56031; 58595*
Dundee Utd: 11648*; 6823
Falkirk: 6669*; 4730; 5960
Hamilton: 4385; 4210; 4058
Hearts: 14279; 13357; 12890
Hibernian: 12445; 13390;
Inverness: 3595; 4022; 3501
Kilmarnock: 6168; 5339; 8111*
Motherwell: 5872; 5149; 8407*
Rangers: 48191; 50019; 49448
St. Mirren: 4176; 4680; 4134

This Time Last Year

Aberdeen: 13134; 16232*; 10154
Celtic: 60000; 57300; 56020
Dundee Utd: 12496; 8405; 6864; 6128
Falkirk: 6329*; 5626; 6280
Gretna: 2731; 3759; 1516
Hearts: 17000; 16407; 15948*
Hibernian: 13795; 15280; 13258
Inverness: 7771*; 4178
Kilmarnock: 5557; 11544*; 5814
Motherwell: 4259; 4985; 5081
Rangers: 47772; 47419; 49689
St. Mirren: 5257; 3309; 7840*

[OwlsFan]

Looks like it will be a season of the two old firm dropping a lot of points each and the one who does it the least will stumble across the line.

[NeilMcD]

Oh my God, have a listen to yourself will you!! Give yourself a pat on the back my friend. Self praise is no praise. :rolleyes: You obviously think you deserve some sort of medal because you've never left a game early in your life. :eek:

I have no problem with people either leaving early or staying until the warm down's are completed for that matter if they so choose. What I can't stand is the sanctimonious pomp that people like you spout because of it, you obviously think you are a better supporter than some because some people let their anger get the better of them and leave early.

I say fair play to Owls fan for pointing this out. I think fans who leave early are muppets. I love the fact when the miss goals etc. The players do not have the l luxury of walking out. I think if you support a team you should support the through thick and thin.

Arguments like self praise is no praise, is the stuff of the playground.

[drinkfeckarse]

I say fair play to Owls fan for pointing this out. I think fans who leave early are muppets. I love the fact when the miss goals etc. The players do not have the l luxury of walking out. I think if you support a team you should support the through thick and thin.

Arguments like self praise is no praise, is the stuff of the playground.


Sharp as a hammer again Neil :rolleyes:

[Junior]

Looks like it will be a season of the two old firm dropping a lot of points each and the one who does it the least will stumble across the line.

Season 07/08 P GD PTS
1 Celtic 8 21 19
2 Rangers 8 16 19


Season 08/09 P GD PTS
1 Celtic 8 11 19
2 Rangers 8 9 19


Really? well I suppose if last seasons going to the last game is the equvalent of stumbling over the line, I suppose you have a point......

Im a bit defensive about the SPL, Ill admit - But you seem to have a little bee in yer bonnet about it Owls fan based on this and previous posts!!;)

[OwlsFan]

Far less goals scored I notice. :p

As a kid I was a Raith Rovers supporter (they used to be in the first division), but I do still take an interest but it is in all honesty a two horse race. I am not sure there would be the same interest in Ireland in Celtic if Rangers didn't exist and vice versa. Interesting that there is a similar rivalry in Edinburgh which never quite captures the same imagination. Pity really as 4 major teams would make the SPL so much more interesting, even for a green tinted non Scottish national like myself.

I will always hope Celtic win the league although if it was between them and Hibs, I'd probably prefer Hibs and if Raith challenged :eek:, I'd support them.

[Junior]

Well you're right the stats/championship honours show its been a two horse race, moreso in the last few decades and I agree I would love for a stonger Hearts, Hibs, Aberdeen and even the Dundee Clubs. Unfortunately the success of Celtic and Rangers over those decades has taken the fan base from those cities to either Celtic or Rangers and those fans children will more than likely follow in the footsteps of fathers etc...etc.... You only have to have a few pints in the bars around Celtic Park before a game to see the supporters clubs from Edinburgh and The Highlands. Im certainly not knocking these fans, they are as loyal as the next fan and some travel great distances (like myself) but it certainly makes it more difficult for the clubs based in other cities.

Anyway, for anyone who caught the Edinburgh derby today - what a great game. End to End for 90 minutes, loads of chances, great attacking football, crunching tackles, missed sitters, penalty not given, woodwork hit, some dodgy keeping, could have gone either way but ended up 1-1 - Great Game for all the neutrals (and even SPL knockers;))

Celtic meanwhile made hardwork of a 2-1 win against ICT. Im dreading the visit to Old Trafford on Tuesday. Samaras, Vennegor of Hessilink and Killen all out injured leaving us with our midget strike force of Maloney, McDonald and McGeady - The 3 Musketeers anyone?????

With Rooney hitting top form, it could be bad.............very bad.............but you gotta keep the faith eh?


EDIT: I see Billy Mehmet (Irish U21) scored again for St Mirren - having a great season so far for the Buddies

[Junior]

Far less goals scored I notice. :p



08/09 P F A GD
Celtic 8 21 10 11
Rangers 8 15 6 9

07/08 P F A GD
Celtic 8 27 6 21
Rangers 8 24 8 16

A bit of both, less goals scored more conceded (with celtic anyway) but point taken!!

[Stuttgart88]

I think fans who leave early are muppets.
My ol' fella is 81 and usually leaves games early as he's afraid of the crowds. fair play to him for still going I say :)

[celticV3]

I genuinely do not want to start a tit for tat argument of whose worse that is not the point, i am simply highlighting something from today's hamilton v rangers game.

James McCarthy was taking dogs abuse today, even sky sports had to mention it in there match report it was so evident and loud. Basically this lad is what 17 maybe 18 years old and i seriiously doubt there will be a mention of it in the papers or anything will be done about it and that is what saddens me, this younf lad faced terrible abuse today and the papers will go ahead and label him a traitor and fail to report these events. It is a snowball effect though and the less it is reported the more it seems to get worse from what can no doubt be a large number of rangers support. i just think the fact that racial abuse of a young lad just trying to play football is being ignored is sad.


With that i think well done to celtic today even though the defense was more than dodgy at times robson was eaten alive at left back . i'd say the bookies made some money though, everyone was sure riordan would bag one:)

[DolansWaistcoat]

Good to see Roy O'Donovan get on for Dundee utd and score his first goal for the club in the 2 nil win over st mirren.Hopefully he'll start for them against dunfermline in the cup on tues night.

[OwlsFan]

I wonder how important that last minute goal for the Gers last night will be at the end of the season?

[Junior]

Good to see Roy O'Donovan get on for Dundee utd and score his first goal for the club in the 2 nil win over st mirren.Hopefully he'll start for them against dunfermline in the cup on tues night.


Did he not get sent off as well and suspended for the Rangers game?

[Junior]

I wonder how important that last minute goal for the Gers last night will be at the end of the season?

The thing with Rangers (and Celtic for that matter) is that there will be numerous last minute winners/equalisers for both sides over the course of the season - there always is (a fitness thing) they all make a difference!!

[ArdeeBhoy]

Might one say, er, a Ha?

[Poor Student]

I can't believe the ground staff saw it fit to pour cold water on a freezing pitch. The conditions messed up the first half making it impossible to dribble or pass.

Rangers were seriously bereft of ideas or inventiveness in a game in which they enjoyed some long spells in possession. In fairness, Hartley, Brown, Robson and the centre halves did well to obstruct Rangers and make it difficult for them but Rangers had a big opportunity with Celtic being totally blunted through the loss of Nakamura, Maloney, Crosas, Donati and McGeady's suspension, not to mention JVOH's barely being available for the bench and Samaras' loss of form. McDonald had his best game since Celtic's 3-2 derby win last year. Excellent striker's goal, he also held the ball well and harassed Rangers' defence and midfield throughout.

Celtic can't afford to be complacent though. Rangers let slip a better lead than this last year.

[OwlsFan]

Just read that Rangers are £30 million in debt and may have to sell some of their better players (Birmingham have bid for Boyd and Newcastle are interested in Ferguson and ex-Wednesday player Bougherra) and that Murray wants to sell his 90% stake in the club. Chill wind blowing through Ibrox.

[old git]

Just read that Rangers are £30 million in debt and may have to sell some of their better players (Birmingham have bid for Boyd and Newcastle are interested in Ferguson and ex-Wednesday player Bougherra) and that Murray wants to sell his 90% stake in the club. Chill wind blowing through Ibrox.

according to birmingham city statement deal for boyd already done just waiting to clubs to agree on final price.. would be a big blow for them to lose their better players and it may also unsettle some more
chill wind blowing indeed .. but i'm sure the green & white half of glasgow must be happy if above true :ball:

[tetsujin1979]

apparently, a percentage of the fee for Boyd will go to Kilmarnock as part of the sell on clause in his contract

[eirebhoy]

I'm one of the few that thinks Boyd would score plenty in the premiership. You can't teach the goalscoring instincts he has. There's a lot less risk in buying an outstanding SPL goalscorer than there is in buying a similar player in Holland yet they go for huge amounts.

[Poor Student]

Murray has been trying to sell Rangers for a few years but no one wants to touch them with a bargepole. He's farmed out a lot of secondary income from RFC to other parts of his business empire and flogged off their merchandising to JJB Sports. All that has made them an even less attractive investment option. The gross overspending in the Dick Advocaat era and their subsequent lack of success since, only winning two of the last eight titles by a narrow margin, has seen them crippled financially. That's even taking into account a £50m rights issue underwritten by Murray invested in the club a few years ago.

[JerseyRed]

apparently, a percentage of the fee for Boyd will go to Kilmarnock as part of the sell on clause in his contract

Aye, they get 20%.

[superfrank]

There's a lot less risk in buying an outstanding SPL goalscorer than there is in buying a similar player in Holland yet they go for huge amounts.
It's too early to judge Huntelaar at Real but it can't be said that Afonso Alves has lit the Premiership alight since joining Middlesbrough. I was impressed with what I saw of him at Heerenveen but you only get glimpses of that now at Boro.

I agree that Boyd is a cracking striker. It's a shame he doesn't get more time on the pitch for both Rangers and Scotland cos he's just a natural finisher.

Then again, Gary O'Connor doesn't seem to have reached the form for Birmingham (in either division) that he had at Hibs.

[OwlsFan]

Celtic ship 4 again and the lead is down to 2 points. Didn't see the game but do they have major problems at the back. Hope O'Dea wasn't playing ;)

[old git]

Celtic ship 4 again and the lead is down to 2 points. Didn't see the game but do they have major problems at the back. Hope O'Dea wasn't playing ;)

great game to watch .. aberdeen were up for this one .. when celtic equalised for 2-2 70 min you could only see them winning got caught out with 2 set pieces withing 6 mins .. could also all 4 goals were bad defending terrible defending for last 2 goals .. but also celtic had enough chances to score 4 as well ... only hope aberdeen give the same performance against rangers next saturday morning ..:ball:

[OwlsFan]

Saw the penalty shoot out last night. Hard to hope Celtic lose with the huge tricolour visible in the stand but really felt for Dundee United, especially their captain who was devasted when he missed one and Willo Flood who missed No. 12. I am sure there will be conspiracy theories that he did it deliberately but that would be bunkum. Amazing the number of time Boric went the wrong way (approx 90%).

Where was McGeady? Did he get injured as I know he started but I had to turn away for a while and when I came back he was gone?

[old git]

Saw the penalty shoot out last night. Hard to hope Celtic lose with the huge tricolour visible in the stand but really felt for Dundee United, especially their captain who was devasted when he missed one and Willo Flood who missed No. 12. I am sure there will be conspiracy theories that he did it deliberately but that would be bunkum. Amazing the number of time Boric went the wrong way (approx 90%).

Where was McGeady? Did he get injured as I know he started but I had to turn away for a while and when I came back he was gone?

mc geady taken of late in game ... poor game he was having hardly involved at all and when he got ball crowed out or lost possesion easily like a lot of other celtic players .. i'm a celtic fan and felt sorry for dundee as well they gave it everything over 12o mins..

both keepers went the wrong way amazing number of times but then again it is a bit of a lottery .. must admit boruc fairly planted his penalty in top corner.. : it was some shoot -0ut .

[Hibs4Ever]

Saw the penalty shoot out last night. Hard to hope Celtic lose with the huge tricolour visible in the stand


So if I brought a huge tricolour to a Sheffield Utd match you'd want them to win.....

[OwlsFan]

So if I brought a huge tricolour to a Sheffield Utd match you'd want them to win.....

:D Not sure they have much of an Irish tradition! Speaking of which, is Hibs' (their name apart) Irish heritage a thing of the distant past?

I see the harp is still in their club crest:

http://www.gruenweissamstel.at/gweurope/hibernian.gif

[OwlsFan]

This must be one of the worst scoring runs Celtic have been on for a long time. Finding it very difficult to find the back of the net. Advantage Rangers.

[OwlsFan]

Advantage Rangers didn't last long. Beaten at home by Inverness :eek: Nice to see O'Dea getting a start for Celtic. Didn't get a chance to watch the game though.

[old git]

Advantage Rangers didn't last long. Beaten at home by Inverness :eek: Nice to see O'Dea getting a start for Celtic. Didn't get a chance to watch the game though.

o'dea probally at fault for kilmarnock equalizer so called zoneall marking for corner and he let player wander in behind him.. celtic should have been 4 -1 at half time missed 3 great chances to score but in second half they struggled to create chances and kilmarnock unlucky no to sneak another goal, smashing individual goal by mc donald secured 3 priceless points for celtic and biggest cheer of the night when fans heard rangers result :ball:

[OwlsFan]

COuldn't find any channel on my NTL showing the League Cup Final. Who showed it I wonder?

[Junior]

BBC1 Scotland - Sportscene

[OwlsFan]

BBC1 Scotland - Sportscene

Not available on this side of the pond I assume.

Channel flicked between the Hibs/Hearts game and Man U/Liverpool. Enjoyed the derby I have to say and great atmosphere at it.

[Junior]

Not sure, perhaps. If you can get BBC1 NI then you should be able to get it, however, its generally way down with the 'other' channels. In the UK its in the 960's.....

Good result for Hibs right enough....

[Poor Student]

You can tune BBC Scotland into Sky Digital. I'm pretty sure it's legitimate too.

[OwlsFan]

You can tune BBC Scotland into Sky Digital. I'm pretty sure it's legitimate too.

I am an NTL subscriber.

[Junior]

I am an NTL subscriber.

they have it too (well certainly here in the UK anyway). As I said if you get BBC NI (there should be somewhere in your list of channels that has all the BBC regional equivalents Scotland, Wales, Granada, Anglia etc...)

[OwlsFan]

Title looks as it's going down to the wire with both Old Firm being held. Wonder when the last time Rangers lost a 2 goal lead at home as Celtic equalise 9 minutes from time at Dundee United.

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/45590000/jpg/_45590817_naylor-goal_226b.jpg

[OwlsFan]

Saw the first half of the Old Firm derby. Celtic more than matched Rangers but goals are all that count. Need Hibs to do them a big favour in the next match and the way the season has been going in Scotland I wouldn't rule that out.