SPL Discussion Thread

**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

Originally Posted by Onefootednopace

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.

**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

Originally Posted by ArdeeBhoy

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

Have you punted your CV in yet?

I hear Baxter is not quite a done deal.

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.

**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

Originally Posted by OwlsFan

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

He mentions Tyncastle aswell.

**Poor Student** · 21/08/2010, 11:24 PM

Originally Posted by Rasputin

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.