SPL Discussion Thread

[pól-dcfc]

I hope Rangers win it, just to see all the Celtic tools in Derry ragin.

[DeLorean]

If Celtic do their job and win their 3 matches I could see them winning it alright. They have to go to Hibs as well though so that'll be tough. Rangers will slip up against either Hibs or Dundee Utd I think.

[Plastic Paddy]

I hope Rangers win it, just to see all the Celtic tools in Derry ragin.

Your enemy's enemy is not your friend, be in absolutely no doubt about that.

:ball: PP

[Torn-Ado]

As much as I'd love to see them ******x it up, Rangers have been far more effeicient in dealing with the lesser teams than Celtic of late. Even if Rangers slip up at the final hurdle, there's a very good chance Celtic will have aswell.

[pól-dcfc]

Your enemy's enemy is not your friend, be in absolutely no doubt about that.

:ball: PP

No doubt about it. I despise Rangers. Like, hate them with every fibre in my body. But when you go to a Derry City -v- Celtic Reserves game at the Brandywell, and the Celtic "fans" from Derry start singing "You're supposed to be a home," it can get a bit frustrating. That's why I hope and pray Rangers win the league this season.

[Plastic Paddy]

No doubt about it. I despise Rangers. Like, hate them with every fibre in my body. But when you go to a Derry City -v- Celtic Reserves game at the Brandywell, and the Celtic "fans" from Derry start singing "You're supposed to be a home," it can get a bit frustrating. That's why I hope and pray Rangers win the league this season.

Mate, I fimd it a "bit frustrating" when the wife says no to me and almost in the next breath drools all over the likes of George Clooney. That does not mean that I want her to go off and shag him, or anyone else but me for that matter. Be as frustrated as you like with the Derry turncoats but please don't wish that on the rest of us!

:ball: PP

[Closed Account 2]

Gordon Strachan has dropped a clanger with his team selection over the last few weeks. What he was thinking with Maloney in for McGeady in the Rangers match god only knows! Hasn't Maloney only started a handful of games since the start of the year?? I think Strachan is a vendictive coach and sadly his arguments with McGeady are a manifestation of this - I don't know why he didn't pick him to start. Also I don't know what his obsession with Willo Flood is, Flood is too lightweight for a big physcial game. Celtic need to ship Boruc off (he's no longer at the top of his game) and get a decent replacement in (could try and get Gordon who is out of favour at Sunderland, or Zuhberbuler - Fulham reserve, one of the Man City keepers (Joe Hart, Schmeicel) or try and pick up Coupet from Athletico (he's reserve to the Argentine keeper Leo Franco) or even Carizzo (ex River now reserve at Lazio, behind Muslera). Another physical striker would be worth picking up too, maybe Kherzakov (Dinamo Moscow), Fathi Tekke (Zenit) or even Hervé Tum or Yannick Kamanan (both doing well at Sivasspor in Turkey). The main thing is to get a top class coach in, someone like Zdnek Zeman or Miro Djukic would be good!

[OwlsFan]

Celtic need to ship Boruc off (he's no longer at the top of his game) and get a decent replacement in (could try and get Gordon who is out of favour at Sunderland, or Zuhberbuler - Fulham reserve, one of the Man City keepers (Joe Hart, Schmeicel) or try and pick up Coupet from Athletico (he's reserve to the Argentine keeper Leo Franco) or even Carizzo (ex River now reserve at Lazio, behind Muslera). !

They've signed the Dundee United keeper who was playing against them last night.

[Stuttgart88]

Hibs 1 up against Rangers

[Rovers1]

anyone know why Riordan wears '01' on his back?

[Stuttgart88]

Dunno.

1-1 final.

Level on points, Celtic GD 2 superior. 2 games to go.

Interesting.

[Poor Student]

The superior goals scored, which Rangers won't overhaul, effectively gives Celtic plus 3 GD.

[Torn-Ado]

anyone know why Riordan wears '01' on his back?

Because he is a arrogant tw"t. But I love him after that goal tonight!

:D

[sligoman]

Pity Rangers blew their chance tonight, it's Celtic's now:(.

[eirebhoy]

anyone know why Riordan wears '01' on his back?
He wanted 10 but it was unavailable. Stupid reason but what a finisher the guy is. If only McGeady could finish half as well as him.

That was the scariest match I've watched certainly this season. I can't remember the last time I felt like I did tonight. I couldn't sit down at all for the 2nd half. The amount of chances Rangers had was unbelievable. It felt like watching a penalty shootout in a cup final. Or defending that Holland match in Lansdowne.

If Celtic beat Hibs on Sunday they'll win the league imo. Huge game.

[Plastic Paddy]

Pity Rangers blew their chance tonight, it's Celtic's now:(.

You a Rangers fan now Sligoman? If not, why should you care?

:ball: PP

[Hibs4Ever]

anyone know why Riordan wears '01' on his back?



He wanted to wear number 10, like when he was previously at Hibs, but Colin Nish wears number 10, so he chose 01. It was allowed as none of the Hibs 'keepers wear number 1

[OwlsFan]

What are each team's final games?

[DeLorean]

If Celtic beat Hibs on Sunday they'll win the league imo. Huge game.

Ya I can't really see them slipping up at home to Hearts in what will be a cracking atmosphere. Even if they win both games by only one goal it should nearly be enough. That would mean they will be 4 goals to the good v Rangers and taking the extra goals scored into account Rangers would have to win their 2 matches by 5 goals in total.

[tetsujin1979]

Stupid reason but what a finisher the guy is. Strachan repeatedly said he was the best finisher at Celtic while he was there. Why he persisted with this line, while leaving Riordan to rot in the reserves for 2 years, is beyond me.

[tetsujin1979]

Dunno.

1-1 final.

Level on points, Celtic GD 2 superior. 2 games to go.

Interesting.
makes the final few games in the SPL more interesting than the Premiership IMO

[Torn-Ado]

What are each team's final games?

Celtic:

Hibs away
Hearts home

Rangers:

Aberdeen home
Dundee United away

[OwlsFan]

Not exactly an easy run in for both. Celtic's looks the more difficult. A few twists and turns yet.

[DeLorean]

Not exactly an easy run in for both. Celtic's looks the more difficult. A few twists and turns yet.

That's the best thing about the 'split'. At least teams get pretty much the hardest possible run-in in the last 5 matches. I don't think they'll be anymore twists though, Celtic should wrap it up now. If anything, I think Rangers could be the ones to drop points again (away to Dundee Utd).

[OwlsFan]

I see Celtic are honouring Famine National Memorial Day in the game against Hibs. Good for them:

http://www.celticfc.net/news/stories/news_150509145944.aspx

[WexCar]

I see Celtic are honouring Famine National Memorial Day in the game against Hibs. Good for them:

http://www.celticfc.net/news/stories/news_150509145944.aspx

Didn't know there was a Famine National Memorial Day. :o

Fitting thats its in a game between 2 clubs founded by irish immigrants.

[Denis The Red]

I see Celtic are honouring Famine National Memorial Day in the game against Hibs. Good for them:

http://www.celticfc.net/news/stories/news_150509145944.aspx

Nice one :). And very nice words from John Reid as well.

[Poor Student]

If Celtic beat Hibs on Sunday they'll win the league imo. Huge game.

Don't agree, not after that debacle against Mothwell four years ago when Scott McDonald destroyed Celtic in the dying minutes when cruising to the title.


Strachan repeatedly said he was the best finisher at Celtic while he was there. Why he persisted with this line, while leaving Riordan to rot in the reserves for 2 years, is beyond me.

I think he's a bit misquoted. He said he was the best finisher from the left hand side.

[OwlsFan]

That's the best thing about the 'split'. At least teams get pretty much the hardest possible run-in in the last 5 matches. I don't think they'll be anymore twists though, Celtic should wrap it up now. If anything, I think Rangers could be the ones to drop points again (away to Dundee Utd).

Hmmmm. Celtic never really looked like breaking Hibs down. They huffed and they puffed but it wasn't to be. 10 minutes before McGeady actually touched the ball but he did well (for the most part) after that. He was really the only creative Celtic player on the pitch. Samaras is terrible. Very frustrating player to watch. I was surprised by the confidence shown by some Celtic supporters here bearing in mind their away record at Hibs.

I reckon it's 55/45 in favour of Rangers now. They have to win at Dundee United assuming Celtic win at home to Hearts. Great end to the season.

[Junior]

Majorly depressed after that but compeltely surprised.

Immense performances from Rob Jones and Bamba from Hibs. As has been said alot of huff and puff but no real quality to break them down, Hibs keeper only really made one good save that I can remember (close range from McDonald) - A lot of possession no finished product (not unlike at Ibrox).

Hearts have secured 3rd spot, so would like to think we can put them to the sword on Sunday. Not happy about having to rely on Dundee Utd to get a result, however other than Pittodrie there isnt a better place for Rangers to be going to in order to drop points. Dundee Utd need 1 more point to secure 4th spot and Craig Leveins side have taken plenty of points off both Celtic and Rangers this season. Should be a nervy day............

[Bottle of Tonic]

Celtic fans will not be one bit surprised at that 0-0 with Hibs. Entirely predictable stuff from a dull one dimensional side. Title on the line and we fling the cup back towards Govan again. Really really :mad::mad:

Hopefully wee Gordon will walk in the summer. There's no evidence to suggest the club will progress under his management. Cheers for the trophies but time for a change. Still a decent chance we can win the league but it will be hardly deserved.

Hilarious the Irish football fans on this site doubling up as Rangers well-wishers :rolleyes:. Head to a huns game sometime or go for a pint in one of their boozers and see if you come out of the experience still a sympathiser.

Nice touch from the club commemorating the famine in a season that has seen much debate in Scotland on the subject.

[old git]

Majorly depressed after that but compeltely surprised.

Immense performances from Rob Jones and Bamba from Hibs. As has been said alot of huff and puff but no real quality to break them down, Hibs keeper only really made one good save that I can remember (close range from McDonald) - A lot of possession no finished product (not unlike at Ibrox).

Hearts have secured 3rd spot, so would like to think we can put them to the sword on Sunday. Not happy about having to rely on Dundee Utd to get a result, however other than Pittodrie there isnt a better place for Rangers to be going to in order to drop points. Dundee Utd need 1 more point to secure 4th spot and Craig Leveins side have taken plenty of points off both Celtic and Rangers this season. Should be a nervy day............

at the moment the big worry as a celtic fan is that they have been struggling for awhile now to put teams to the sword and they will be under more presure at home as well to win game ... and biggest worry is rangers losing / drawing and celtic only able to manage a draw also but it all makes up for a very nervous last day and hopefully last years slip up by rangers is still fresh in their minds :D

[old git]

anybody out their watching setanta at the moment keep watching for the worst piece of play acting ever aberdeen v rangers last saturday and the oscar goes to kyle lafferty of rangers and aberdeen player got red card on strenght of play acting.. rangers have just released statement to say they will be fining lafferty for his role in incedent now they have admited & player also apologised for his aparant play acting wonder will s.f.a deceide to review incident for their disicplinery committe :confused: hate to see players cheating like this to get fellow players sent off :mad:

[eirebhoy]

Hmmmm. Celtic never really looked like breaking Hibs down. They huffed and they puffed but it wasn't to be. 10 minutes before McGeady actually touched the ball but he did well (for the most part) after that. He was really the only creative Celtic player on the pitch. Samaras is terrible. Very frustrating player to watch. I was surprised by the confidence shown by some Celtic supporters here bearing in mind their away record at Hibs.

I thought McGeady was very poor on Sunday.

The 2 big games on live on Setanta at lunchtime Sunday. I hope I'm a nervous wreck come the end of the games as it'll mean the chance is still on.

[Junior]

Title winning points over recent seasons

'09 83-86pts depending on final day results
'08 89pts
'07 84pts
'06 91pts
'05 93pts
'04 98pts
'03 97pts
'02 103pts

Celtic & Rangers are certainly losing more points than in previous years

Is it the diminishing financial clout / financial restrictions of Celtic & Rangers closing the gap with the other SPL clubs?

Is it technically poorer football/management?
Strachan vs O'Neill
Larsson/Sutton/Hartson vs Samaras/JVoH/Sheridan/McDonald........

Improvement of other managers Levein, Laslo etc......

Whilst they are still miles ahead its by no means a two team league.

Celtic have drawn 9 and lost 4, Rangers drawn 8 and lost 4. A third of matches result in dropped points, not insignificant. Compare that to the Premiership and the top three have dropped points in a third of their games (Man U lost 4 drawn 6, Liverpool lost 2 drawn 11, Chelsea lost 5 drawn 8 all out of 37 games) Is the EPL really more competitive or just a higher standard?


For the fourth time in seven years the title goes down to the last day of the season.......

[Stuttgart88]

Good questions Junior, I suspect your answers are all contributory factors.

I have a feeling Rangers may struggle to beat Dundee United. Celtic were very lucky to beat them last Tuesday, the leaked chances galore in the second half.

However, if Celtic play like they did against United they'll also struggle to beat Hearts. The fans would never forgive Strachan if both teams failed to win.

[eirebhoy]

Yeh the last few seasons has been the peak for Scotland in terms of improvements in fitness, scouting, coaching, tactics, etc. It can go a long way to holding a team. Although Strachan should be getting much more out of his squad. Nakamura should have been put in central midfield 2 years ago for one. But still, the standard in player has certainly dropped since the early 00's.

[DeLorean]

I had completely forgotten about Hearts actually finishing 2nd ahead of Rangers in 2006. Massive achievement really especially considering only the top 2 got Champions Lge places, dispelling any possibility of Rangers easing up or anything.

[tetsujin1979]

From soccerbase: http://www.soccerbase.com/head2.sd?team2id=2104&team1id=740
Rangers results at Dundee United from the last four seasons:


13-12-2008 Scottish Premier League Dundee United 2-2 Rangers
06-04-2008 Scottish Premier League Dundee United 3-3 Rangers
16-03-2008 Scottish League Cup Dundee United 2-2 Rangers
28-10-2007 Scottish Premier League Dundee United 2-1 Rangers
05-11-2006 Scottish Premier League Dundee United 2-1 Rangers
02-04-2006 Scottish Premier League Dundee United 1-4 Rangers
16-10-2005 Scottish Premier League Dundee United 0-0 Rangers
01-01-2005 Scottish Premier League Dundee United 1-1 Rangers

Only one win in their last 8 games at Tannadice

[Junior]

From soccerbase: http://www.soccerbase.com/head2.sd?team2id=2104&team1id=740
Rangers results at Dundee United from the last four seasons:


13-12-2008 Scottish Premier League Dundee United 2-2 Rangers
06-04-2008 Scottish Premier League Dundee United 3-3 Rangers
16-03-2008 Scottish League Cup Dundee United 2-2 Rangers
28-10-2007 Scottish Premier League Dundee United 2-1 Rangers
05-11-2006 Scottish Premier League Dundee United 2-1 Rangers
02-04-2006 Scottish Premier League Dundee United 1-4 Rangers
16-10-2005 Scottish Premier League Dundee United 0-0 Rangers
01-01-2005 Scottish Premier League Dundee United 1-1 Rangers

Only one win in their last 8 games at Tannadice

All we Celtic fans can ask is that we get any one of the other 7 results and we do the business at CP.

[eirebhoy]

Probably the last Celtic game for Naka this Sunday. Huge pity he was never given a central midfield spot (the Crosas position). He has everything needed in a top midfield playmaker and by playing him on the wing he's relying on his teammates to get him the ball. He'll leave as a Celtic great on par with the likes of Lennon but I feel any crititisms that people have of him would have been quashed if he played centrally.

Good luck to him and I hope he shines at next years world cup!

WTkrpWezctc

[eirebhoy]

Just looking at tets' stats. Anyone else think Celtic are overpriced for the league? William Hill is offering 5/2. The best price you can get on Dundee Utd to win or draw is 8/5 and the best price you can get on Celtic to win is 1/4.

[EAFC_rdfl]

so d-day is here again! im stuck in finland and not holding out much hope of seeing any of the games, so if anyone has a link for a stream online would be much appreciated! both teams have been so inconsistent the last few weeks that anything could still happen today. Zaluska to become a celtic hero before joinin the club?? yes please :cool:

[eirebhoy]

Looks to me like Strachan's gonna step down. He couldn't leave the pitch quick enough. He's not stupid, he knows how the Celtic fans feel, and he won't continue something he's not enjoying.

[old git]

Looks to me like Strachan's gonna step down. He couldn't leave the pitch quick enough. He's not stupid, he knows how the Celtic fans feel, and he won't continue something he's not enjoying.

and will be even more unpopular with fans after results today handed league title to the huns :mad:

[tetsujin1979]

Short statement from Strachan after the game, didn't take any questions. Reckon he could be gone by the end of the month.

[DeLorean]

What's the Celtic fans problem with Strachan exactly?

[old git]

What's the Celtic fans problem with Strachan exactly?

don't really know .. seems fans just did not take to him .. he won last 3 league titles in a row and was only denied a 4th on last day of this season so he brought celtic plenty of success and yet fans still not happy :confused:

[DeLorean]

don't really know .. seems fans just did not take to him .. he won last 3 league titles in a row and was only denied a 4th on last day of this season so he brought celtic plenty of success and yet fans still not happy :confused:

O'Neill was an incredibly hard act to follow but in my opinion Strachans achievements have been even greater at Celtic. He has won just as much in less time and has also passed the group stage in successive Champions League seasons. Having said that there was about a 40 point turnaround in O'Neill's first year when they went from finishing 20pts behind Rangers to 20pts ahead of them (approx if memory serves!!). Strachan has had much weaker squads as well.

[tetsujin1979]

Well, Strachan is definitely gone.
conflicting reports that he quit, and that he was sacked.