SPL Discussion Thread [Archive] - Page 34

Junior

19/12/2009, 7:54 PM

Rangers thump Motherwell 6-1. - Any minor thoughts of Motherwell hanging in there for a bit longer a clearer put to bed - they havent won in 6 games now.

Hibs win 2-0 away against Aberdeen. A tough fixture. Stokes scored another brace. The first a well taken goal the second a tap in from a few yards out.

Dundee Utds game at Hamilton was called off because of snow (a freak snow storm meant it was called off 15 mins before KO). Levein openly states he wants to manage Scotland, "Be it now or sometime in the future" He is having talks with the SFA next week. SFA have been publicly stating the high pedigree of applicants for the job and I know Levein is probably the best likely Scottish manager but does the SFA statement imply that they have some highly thought of foreign coaches? I would have thought so.....

Celtic away at Hearts tomorrow....

OwlsFan

18/01/2010, 4:24 PM

Celtic struggle to a 1-1 against the bottom team. Something wrong at Celtic Park.

rambler14

18/01/2010, 5:59 PM

Celtic struggle to a 1-1 against the bottom team. Something wrong at Celtic Park.

Have you been trapped in a cave since Tony Mowbray took over because it's been blatantly obvious that Celtic are struggling since at least September.

EAFC_rdfl

18/01/2010, 6:47 PM

the constant wumming in this thread is yawn, to say the least

OwlsFan

19/01/2010, 9:18 AM

Have you been trapped in a cave since Tony Mowbray took over because it's been blatantly obvious that Celtic are struggling since at least September.

Yes, but the question is why? Did Strachan get out because he knew what was around the corner or is it just Mowbray who I thought would be a good manager but then again might be too early to judge.

the constant wumming in this thread is yawn, to say the least

Learn a new word everyday - well not quite everyday but I had to look up the internet for this one.

In any event, it's not wumming. I think it is a topic worth discussing what is going wrong at Celtic.

EAFC_rdfl

19/01/2010, 12:43 PM

Yes, but the question is why? Did Strachan get out because he knew what was around the corner or is it just Mowbray who I thought would be a good manager but then again might be too early to judge.

Learn a new word everyday - well not quite everyday but I had to look up the internet for this one.

In any event, it's not wumming. I think it is a topic worth discussing what is going wrong at Celtic.

exactly, strachan is a cute hoor, whatever celtic fans say about him. he knew that the squad didn't / doesn't have enough quality so he jumped ship on a high, even though he was getting plenty abuse from the fans. Mowbray has not improved that squad IMO. He also has little money to improve it. Injurys aren't helping him either though.

gustavo

19/01/2010, 1:05 PM

the constant wumming in this thread is yawn, to say the least

Use the report button so

Junior

20/01/2010, 1:38 PM

Celtic struggle to a 1-1 against the bottom team. Something wrong at Celtic Park.

exactly, strachan is a cute hoor, whatever celtic fans say about him. he knew that the squad didn't / doesn't have enough quality so he jumped ship on a high

A squad Strachan had assembled by the way!

Key issue has been a woeful defence. In particualrly the CB pairing(s).

That is being addressed in this January Transfer Window. Caldwell has gone to Wigan. McManus might still be offloaded. Loovens has been poor but I think will be given some more time improve his form.

Mowbray has O'Dea back from his loan spell and two new signings in 19yr old Rogne (Norwegian U21) and Hooieveld (26 yr old, Dutch guy).

Obviously it remains to be seen whether these new options will shore up the leakey defence.

Up front. Lack of clinicalism (is that even a word?) McDonald has been dropped to the bench, probably the more clinical of all our strikers, though doesnt fit the style of play that Mowbray is trying to introduce.

Fortune/Samaras - lots of effort, some good goals though mainly lots of terrible misses, most notably in the recent Rangers game, where Celtic battered Rangers for 90 minutes and missed chance upon chance. Midfielders are not helping in this regard either with our very own Aiden being as guilty as anyone.

Plus points for me. McGinn looks to be coming on very nicely and creating and scoring from the wide position.

Crosas and N'Guemo are forming a decent CM partnership (N'Guemo has been at the CAN with Cameroon so far in January).

I think there will be more activity in the transfer window. Maybe McDonald out and another striker in.

Maybe even Aiden off to the Premiership, though it is going to take a 12-13m bid to get him imo and probably wont happen.

Stevo Da Gull

27/01/2010, 8:52 PM

Rangers' title now you'd have to think. Exciting race for second though. Hibs win at parkhead tonight leaves them 2 points behind Celtic and if they can avoid injuries between now and the end of the season then it could be very close. 'mon the Hibs!

rambler14

27/01/2010, 9:32 PM

OwlsFan

28/01/2010, 9:08 AM

It's been Rangers title for months. Celtic are rubbish.

Not necessarily. Didn't Celtic blow a somewhat similar lead last year?

old git

28/01/2010, 10:43 AM

Not necessarily. Didn't Celtic blow a somewhat similar lead last year?

it's rangers title to lose now .. thats the only way i can see celtic winning title as they are dropping to many points ... would take an unbelievable collapse by rangers now ... but you never know and maybe its possible :D:D

rambler14

28/01/2010, 11:10 AM

Not necessarily. Didn't Celtic blow a somewhat similar lead last year?

They did because there rubbish.

drinkfeckarse

30/01/2010, 11:44 AM

Plastic Paddy

31/01/2010, 11:00 AM

They did because there rubbish.

I hear Sky Sports are looking for new analysts for their football output. With such searing insight you'd be an ideal candidate. No, really. :rolleyes:

By the way, it's "they're" and not "there". Just thought you'd like to know.

:ball: PP

OwlsFan

31/01/2010, 11:16 AM

Mowbray is changing things far too quickly IMO. It's all well and good identifying below standard players but rushing them out the door and replacing them with unproven and/or similar standard players is not the answer. It takes time to change and mould a team and the front door at Celtic Park is resembling a revolving door at the moment. It's not unlike Souness at Liverpool really when he got rid of all the old guard too quickly and ultimately paid the price.
Still, at least the board are supporting their man with hard cash. The supporters can't complain about that.

I saw the game against Hamilton. Celtic were average and their Far East imports didn't set the world on fire. Samaras has got to be the most frustrating footballer ever. He tries ok but most of the time he ends up giving the ball away. McGeady was dangerous nearly every time he got the ball but his final pass was for the most part disappointing. They looked reasonable at the back though.

OwlsFan

01/02/2010, 9:44 AM

Interesting video: Celtic - The Irish Connection

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5d-TxJ46aw

Aidan McGeady's dad appears on it in No. 3 I think.

OwlsFan

03/02/2010, 9:11 AM

Watched the game against Kilmarnock last night. N'Guemo is brutal and how he wasn't taken off when Brown came on I have no idea. One of the worst games I've seen McGeady play and he looked terribly frustrated as well. If Hibs win their game in hand, Celtic slip to third.

Junior

03/02/2010, 9:23 AM

Shocker of a performance.

McGeady was really poor. Powderpuff Midfield. Kamara Left winger? Brown Left Back? Robbie did ok but missed a couple of very good chances.

Any word on why O'Dea was not in the squad at all?

OwlsFan

15/02/2010, 8:59 AM

Blast. Missed the 4-4 with Aberdeen but I notice Keane scored. How did he play? I wonder when was the last time Celtic conceded 4 outside of an old firm game.

Troubadour

15/02/2010, 5:15 PM

Blast. Missed the 4-4 with Aberdeen but I notice Keane scored. How did he play? I wonder when was the last time Celtic conceded 4 outside of an old firm game.
Conceded 4 in a 4-4 against Motherwell a few years ago early on in a season, one of Strachans first games. John Hartson got the equaliser late on I think?

OwlsFan

08/03/2010, 9:53 AM

Good to see Robbie scoring a couple. All too late for Celtic it would appear though.

Rangers takeover moves afoot:

http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2010/0308/rangers.html

OwlsFan

29/03/2010, 10:41 AM

Not sure it would be a great idea for Celtic to give Lennon the job (memories of Tommy Burns come to mind - "Cheer up Tommy Burns, Oh what can it mean......). Someone with experience and a proven track record would be preferable I am sure for them but then that's what every club wants.

Surprised to see Ross County topple Hibs in the Cup.

OwlsFan

05/05/2010, 8:02 AM

I watched the Old Firm game last night. Celtic were lucky to get away with a win. They look a poor side and have gone back so much in 12 months. Landry N'Gu�mo must be one of the worst players I have seen in a Celtic shirt along with Samaras. Their main role seems to be to pass the ball to the opposition or to fall over and lose possession. McGeady also seems to have gone backwards as well.

Spicey game of course with lots of bookings and one sending off. Will help Lennon in his bid for the job but I would have thought that the Ross County result might have scuppered that but who knows.

Stevo Da Gull

06/05/2010, 12:59 AM

Hibernian 6-6 Motherwell.. what the hell?! http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/scottish/hibs-and-motherwell-in-12goal-thriller-14793854.html

EAFC_rdfl

06/05/2010, 10:37 AM

the equaliser alone would be worth paying in to see, some hit! poor old motherwell fans heading out the door at 6-2 :doh::silly:

DeLorean

06/05/2010, 11:45 AM

And three of the other four SPL games finished 0-0

Onefootednopace

06/05/2010, 12:07 PM

[QUOTE=Stevo Da Gull;1355023]Hibernian 6-6 Motherwell.. what the hell?! http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/scottish/hibs-and-motherwell-in-12goal-thriller-14793854.html[/QUOT

That scoreline would be more applicable to a game of indoor soccer on a Tuesday night. I thought I was hearing things last night when the score was announced on Sky. I've no pity for the Motherwell fans who left early.

OwlsFan

06/05/2010, 2:56 PM

Question: Which former Irish (Rep) international currently works for Rangers?

Onefootednopace

06/05/2010, 6:42 PM

Question: Which former Irish (Rep) international currently works for Rangers?

Alan Kernaghan ?

pineapple stu

07/05/2010, 9:28 AM

Is it too cynical to wonder if there were any unusual betting patterns on a 6-6 draw?

Or is arranging a 6-6 draw simply far too obvious?

OwlsFan

07/05/2010, 10:06 AM

Alan Kernaghan ?

Looks like it:

Rangers kids win Glasgow cup
6 May 2010

Rangers landed the Glasgow Cup last night after a 2-1 win over Celtic at Broadwood.

Adam Hunter and Kyle McAusland gave the Gers Under-17s a two-goal lead before Custis Jones� late consolation for the Hoops babes.

Delighted Gers coach Alan Kernaghan said: �I must admit our opponents played pretty well on the night, but we scored goals at the right times.

�We had our backs to the wall for spells in the second half, but the biggest thing was to win. We are delighted about that. We told the players before it was a final, and winning was the most important thing.�

pineapple stu

07/05/2010, 10:33 AM

Here's the highlights of the 6-6. Shocking defending for the most part, although a stunning late leveller.

vsdR-KoB_pQ

OwlsFan

07/05/2010, 1:16 PM

The Hib's goalie, despite the peno save, was terrible. Nice 12th goal mind you.

Junior

13/05/2010, 8:15 AM

Stunning strike, a Van Baston esque goal alright from errrrr our very own Jutkiewicz ;)

SPL Top Scorers

Boyd Rangers 23
Stokes Hibernian 21
Miller Rangers 18
Daly Dundee Utd 13
Riordan Hibernian 13
Jutkiewicz Motherwell 12 (ok eligible rather than declared!)
Keane Celtic 12
Sutton Motherwell 11

First Division Top Scorers

Rooney Inverness CT 24
Harkins Dundee 15
Foran Inverness CT 14
Griffiths Dundee 13
Holmes Queen of South 12

Barca5

17/05/2010, 5:10 PM

Anyone reckon Stokes deserves a start in some of da upcoming international friendlies he's our highest goalscoring striker

ArdeeBhoy

28/05/2010, 1:33 AM

The SPL is comfortably ahead of the best Irish clubs, sadly. The crowds, relative European honours and UEFA rankings see to that.
Maybe if there was an AIL and no-one played GAA or Rugby, we might match-up??

ArdeeBhoy

09/06/2010, 11:37 AM

And Neil becomes the second Lennon this week to get a full-time job in the SPL.
Personally reckon he's too inexperienced and probably a gamble by the Celtic board who don't want to spend money on a 'big name', even assuming they could attract one! Though to be fair, they were looking to bring in a mentor for Lenny....

Plastic Paddy

09/06/2010, 4:58 PM

Though to be fair, they were looking to bring in a mentor for Lenny....

Have you punted your CV in yet? :D I hear Baxter is not quite a done deal.

:ball: PP

ArdeeBhoy

09/06/2010, 11:10 PM

You know I'd do that job for nothing!
But not sure what all the locals would make of my 'Celtic-mindedness' ....
;)

More seriously though, is the fact Neil Lennon only got a year's contract speaks volumes.

Junior

10/06/2010, 8:40 AM

Wasnt Mowbray also on a rolling one year contract though? As was Martins last contract whilst at the club. I think its more common these days with financial prudence in mind. I dont have an issue with that, he is a rookie afterall - whats the point in signing him on a 3 or 5 year contract? Lennon knows he has to prove himself and Im sure he's comfortable it.

Mr A

27/07/2010, 4:14 PM

On an SPL related note- Celtic Legends will be visiting Finn Park on August 13th. Details Here. (http://www.finnharps.com/site/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=306:celtic-legends-coming-to-finn-park&catid=39:news-from-finn-park&Itemid=101)

Stevo Da Gull

16/08/2010, 9:46 PM

Interesting signings in Glasgow over the past week. Rangers bought James Beattie, who I reckon could be a great addition to their squad. Celtic today signed Daniel Majstorovic (CB) from AEK and Honduran left back Emilio Izaguirre. Both sides won their opening games. Paddy McCourt scored Celtic's winner with a solo effort.

I got to see the Motherwell-Hibs game at the weekend and Riordan and Stokes tore Motherwell open in the second half in a 3-2 win for Hibs. You got to see both sides of Hibs in the match. Sloppy in the first half and dynamic in the second but always vulnerable at the back with Ian Murray suspended. Motherwell bossed the first half and it could have been a very different game had Hibs not equalised on the stroke of half time. Good game to watch. Chris Humphrey on the right for Motherwell looks like one to watch.

OwlsFan

17/08/2010, 9:21 AM

Also interesting are McGeady's comments on one of the reasons why he left Glasgow, namely the bigotry (Rangers, Motherwell and Falkirk he specifically mentions). I obviously knew about the former - didn't know about the latter two.

http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2010/0817/mcgeadya.html

Rasputin

21/08/2010, 10:52 AM

Poor Student

21/08/2010, 11:24 PM

He mentions Tyncastle aswell.

That one's a given.

Celtic looks to have spent wisely in the transfer makret for the first time in a while. Efrain Juarez has been an instant hit and has restored some much need dynamism back into Celtic's midfield. Kayal looked similarly impressive on his debut and the two look like they could form a strong partnership. Majstorovic looks like he can finally add some respectability and robustness back to central defence and Hooper carries a lot fo promise with his scoring record from last year's English Championship.

Rangers have brought in Beattie, Jelavic and Weiss but they're haemorraged a lot of numbers and experience from their squad. Their starting 11 is still possibly the best in Scotland but Celtic have a far superior squad.

OwlsFan

27/10/2010, 9:51 AM

Saw the Old Firm game. Celtic created very little to be honest and Rangers were much more compact, organised and better! McGregor looks a useful keeper and two of the Rangers' goals actually originated in poor kick outs by the Celtic keeper. Where are their two Polish keepers - injured? Transferred?

Junior

27/10/2010, 1:04 PM

Rangers were worthy of the win - no question. As you say, they were more organised and effective.

First Half - nothing to choose between the sides. Rangers hit the post very early on. Celtic scored on HT, perfect. Maloney going off so early in the game was a setback.

Second Half - Celtic self implode. Conceded within first 5 minutes. Poor defending from a set piece, resulting in Loovens having the inability to stand up on his own two feet and clear a ball. Quickly followed by Celtic needlessly working the ball back to the keeper, resulting in a poor kick out and lost possession ending with a great finish by Miller.

Celtic push on looking to get back in the game (very unsuccessfully, I will add) and Rangers are then gifted a penalty after a dive from Kirk Broadfoot. Referee within 5 yards of the incident though not even looking at it http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/scotland/9124647.stm joke of a decision, how he could give that I do not know and no consultation with assistant either. No way back from 1-3 down.

Possession Celtic 63% Rangers 37%
Attempts on target Celtic 7 Rangers 4
Attempts off target Celtic 8 Rangers 3
Corners Celtic 11 Rangers 1
Fouls Celtic 16 Rangers 15

I think the stats above show its not how much of the ball you have its what you do with it.

Celtic had 6 Old Firm debutants start the game, followed quickly by a 7th when Maloney was subbed. No leaders in the side and it told.

McGregor is a decent keeper but not sure you could tell that from Sunday as he was largely untested.

Artur Boruc was sold in the summer to Fiorentina, though he has not managed to command the number 1 spot there. Zaluska started in goal this season but showed dodgy form and Lennon obviously didnt fancy him. Forster was brought in on loan from Newcastle.

ArdeeBhoy

28/10/2010, 12:53 AM

Shocking non-penalty 'shock' awarded (and ultimately unnecessarily), straight out of the Mason's handbook but otherwise no complaints I suppose.
Wattie's teams are pretty non-football but far better organised, so credit where it's due begrudgingly.

Poor Student

06/11/2010, 10:12 PM

Some game between Celtic and Aberdeen today. 9-0 to Celtic. One red card for each team and three penalties for Celtic. Hattricks for Gary Hooper and Anthony Stokes. While Celtic took the initiative after going the extra man up they scored six of their goals with ten men. Not quite the beating PSV gave Feyenoord the other week but very close! Eirebhoy would have been waxing lyrical about this, God rest his soul.