270 replies to this topic

[The Allented Mr Ripley]

I make it sound like 07-08 was a ho-hum year. There were certainly some disappointments (no League or Scottish Cups), but the mad rush at the end of the season to take the League title from Rangers provided some good memories, and even though the team was bounced out in the first stage of the knockout round of the Champions League, it didn't even look like they'd make it to the round of 16 during most of the Shakhtar game at Celtic Park. And upon getting there, nobody figured they'd have a chance against Barca anyway, so that's that.

But therein lies the conundrum that Celtic and their fans face. Always good enough to finish first or second in the SPL (and God forbid if they're not), never good enough to get past the the first knockout round in the Champions League (although simply making it that far should still be looked on as an accomplishment for a team like Celtic).

I find it interesting because they're a team that has global support and is near the top of list in most hits/responses in SoSH's soccer forum, yet one's expectations (for good or bad) can pretty much be locked in from season to season. Obviously the Irish/Scottish diaspora and sectarian rivalry with Rangers are the main reason for their popularity, so I know why it's there, but as an American it does get somewhat frustrating because there is no variance in the final result, and if there is, it can only be for the worse (finishing lower than second in the SPL). Some parity would be nice.

But for me, I've never found that following Celtic is strictly about the soccer anyway, which is good: if it were, I doubt I'd bother, given my relative ignorance of the game, the limited access/ability to watching live matches on TV, and the mostly pre-ordained outcome of each season.

Just some food for thought, perhaps others want to share during the downtime that is summer.

Edited by The Allented Mr Ripley, 05 June 2008 - 12:21 PM.

[The Allented Mr Ripley]

Celtic unveils new away kit.

[MarkInLondon]

Celtic unveils new away kit.

"Are you Norwich in disguise?!"

[SydneySox]

Wow, that's terrible.

That top is almost orange.

[fletcherpost]

Kev man,

I've missed you in the Celtic threads. Don't be a stranger fella.

[mic99]

Wow, that's terrible.

That top is almost orange.

you are going to see a lot of this top

http://www.kitbag.co...o...00&cid=2196

[sweet sox]

That top is almost orange.

That would not go down well on the east side of Glasgow town.

Celtic have this week been linked with Alexander Frei, Switzerland's top marsksman. I can't see it happening really, Celtic need to fix their defensive frailties first.

[The Allented Mr Ripley]

Kev man,

I've missed you in the Celtic threads. Don't be a stranger fella.

Last year was kind of weird. Celtic started off slow just as the Sox heated up, and the World Series march ended up diverting my attention and it never really recovered. It took the knockout round of the Champions League and the furious SPL finish to pull me back in, but all in all, I never felt involved.

I just bought a house and depending on what cable/satellite service I end up getting, I may subscribe to Setanta, which will allow me to watch some games from home, even if they're on delay. Plus my son's getting old enough where I might be able to take him to the pub on Saturday mornings, we'll see how my wife feels about that.

Hopefully I'll get to watch more games one way or the other.

Edited by The Allented Mr Ripley, 10 June 2008 - 10:20 AM.

[mic99]

Last year was kind of weird. Celtic started off slow just as the Sox heated up, and the World Series march ended up diverting my attention and it never really recovered. It took the knockout round of the Champions League and the furious SPL finish to pull me back in, but all in all, I never felt involved.

I just bought a house and depending on what cable/satellite service I end up getting, I may subscribe to Setanta, which will allow me to watch some games from home, even if they're on delay. Plus my son's getting old enough where I might be able to take him to the pub on Saturday mornings, we'll see how my wife feels about that.

Hopefully I'll get to watch more games one way or the other.

Channel 67 is another option. not as fun as a pub but Celtic supporter clubs have to charge 5-10 bucks/match. Throw in booze and it costs me less per month than one trip to watch at a pub

all SPL games/think all cup/preseason games and Champions league games delayed till 7pm

[SydneySox]

Yes... but then you don't get to throw in the booze.

Well, you could, but then you're an alcoholic.

Setanta is now available to every pub in Sydney, meaning we don't need to pay to see games like we did a few years back.

Unfortunately, that means less people at the games. Like you, too many people want to sit at home in their blankets and watch from bed.

Where's the fun in that, I ask? Having a fat guy knock your pint out of your hands with his manboobs as he jumps in the air singing the Soldiers Song is half the fun of watching the Bhoys play.

[SydneySox]

Celtic transfer news. Seems everyone coming to Celtic say Strachan is asking too much. I don't have a problem with that. If the players are that good, I want them to stay in Glasgow.

AC Milan says Boruc, once on their radar, is now too expensive and they aren't interested. There seems to be speculation he could go to Arsenal instead, though every goalie in Europe is being linked to the gunners and that probably doesn't mean much.

Celtic have reportedly increased their offer for Northern Ireland starlet Kyle Lafferty to 2.75mil + Derek Riordan + a promised friendly match. He's being hunted by Rangers and Wolves as well after asking out of Burnley in late May. Burnley have reportedly turned the offer down.

The offer is much higher than the 500,000 Strachan is said to have offered in January. Lafferty is a lifelong Rangers fan.

Little used Massimo Donati has drawn interest from clubs wanting him back in Italy. Despite seeming "willing to come" he appears set to stay in Scotland until a club meets Gordon's asking price. Sampdoria described Celtic's asking price as "incredible" and seem to have given up on him.

Edited by SydneySox, 12 June 2008 - 08:09 PM.

[sweet sox]

Donati can go, he is an awful excuse for a footballer. It's just a case of Celtic wanting to get back some of their outlay, im sure Strach will get rid of him soon enough.

Lafferty looks like a promising player, but he is young and moving from Burnley to Celtic is a massive step up in terms of expectations on the player. I'm sure Gers would love to sign him but if they get Miller they really have no need for another striker given their 4-5-1 system.

[SydneySox]

Celtic have signed Scott McDonald to a 5 year deal.

This is good news. Beyond my obvious affection for a young Australian player, he was a great fit for the Bhoys this season. 25 goals in 35 League starts is impressive - more so when you consider that McDonald doesn't take penalties.

He scores and he creates goals and he scored in Europe.

Next stop - Aidendinho, rumored target of Roy Keane.

[mic99]

Think Aiden stays one more season

I seriously doubt he wants to be part of a relegation fight. If he improves upon last year, he will have plenty of options

[BigA27]

I saw a dude wearing an orange Celtic FC t-shirt today at the parade. Not the canary yellow posted above, I am talking bright, full on orange.

I was so surprised I did a double take and tripped on the curb nearly falling.

Edited by BigA27, 20 June 2008 - 11:32 AM.

[SydneySox]

Celtic have beaten West Brom to sign Northern Ireland International winger Paddy McCourt.

I don't much about the 24 year old except that a few years ago he was considered a rising star, moved to England, was linked to several Premier league clubs ... and then he vanished back to Ireland where he played for Derry City.

He can play on both sides, spelling Aiden and Naka and I can only surmise he is insurance.

I'm sure he'll have plenty of fun on the bench with Sno and Riordan.

[SydneySox]

Celtic kicking the tires. Beyond speculation, the only news seems to be coming from players revealing interest from the Bhoys after they've turned down a move to Scotland.

Romanian International midfielder Zoltan Gera said Celtic were in on him before he moved to Fulham. Italian midfielder Matteo Brighi has revealed he'll move clubs but not countries and he wants to stay in Italy.

And now Birmingham insist James McFadden is not for sale after Celtic reportedly saw a 5.5 million bid + Bobo Balde rejected.

Insane cash for McFadden aside, I'm interested to see Celtic working to find the right midfield player. Gera is an attacker and Brighi is defensive but they're both apparently class and I would suggest the club is working to look at any number of players we haven't heard about yet.

[CodPiece XL]

Unfortunately I didn't see much of the latter stages of the season but I've had a chance to reflect on the season that was and look at the possibilities for next season.

I don't want to start too negatively but the Celtic support should not kid themselves, Celtic were very lucky to win the league. Rangers threw the league away. With only six weeks to play Rangers will win the league in that same situation virtually every time. I really think circumstance conspired against Rangers with key injuries and a fixture back log.

The good: Strachan brought in Hartley and Robson for Brown and Donati which galvanized the midfield.He brings back Lennon, a Celtic idol in a bid to inspire the team and get the support behind the team. With six weeks remaining and Celtic 7 points behind Rangers having played a game more, Celtic run the table including beating the Huns twice. Boruc saves two penalties in a penalty shoot out against Spartak Moscow and Celtic qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League. Fortress Parkhead with that vociferous support; you can't beat that atmosphere for Wednesday night CL football.

The bad. Inconsistency; in too many games Celtic players looked disinterested and play was disjointed, questionable managing by Strachan . I felt that Celtic did not invest in the team the way they should during the off-season prior.

The Ugly: Celtic's away form in Europe remained horrendous.Lee Naylor

Now what? Realistically I think Celtic are at the maximum of their financial means given the limited finances of playing within the SPL.. Thankfully Celtic don't have to run the gauntlet of a Euro qualifier, they're already in the Champions League. Perhaps we have been spoiled by recent results but if Celtic can get 9 points at home and improve their away record maybe they can win their group. Personally I feel the last 16 and winning the SPL is as good as it gets. On the flip side perhaps a favorable draw and Celtic could squeeze into the last 8. In the past they have been drawn against Barcalona and Inter Milan. Ultimately Celtic need a bit of luck. The draw is on the 28th of August I believe.

As far as personnel, they need a new left back and center back. If they can unload the big earners such as Graveson and Balde all the better. They also need to get rid of that waste of space Riordan and Killen can follow him out the door too. Pressley has already left the building.

I can live with Donati for another season but if they get a reasonable offer for him I wouldn't be upset if they cashed in. I think you will see Scott Brown have a far better season, a lot of his detractors never realized his sister was dying and subsequently passed away. Hopefully we'll see the real Scott Brown, the one we paid over 4 million for as a long term investment. As far as signing McCourt, don't hold your breath. He never made it as a trialist for Motherwell but he could be a pleasant surprise. He was a great talent as a teenager and showed flashes of brilliance, he did however, have maturity issues and training was not one of his strong points.


I'm sure we'll see plenty of rumors, agents will claim that Celtic are interested in their clients. Celtic fans will get their hopes up etc but the reality is that Celtic won't be splashing out 6-8 M on one player. I think the days of inexpensive, world class, loyal, players are long gone ( Hello Mr Larsson ).

I'm taking it for granted they will win the league again but with the Waistcoat in charge at Ibrox Rangers will always be dangerous. He has a habit of getting the best out his players whereas I'm still not totally sold on Strachan. Winning the league three times in a row has made him bomb proof and he certainly deserves credit, he probably learned a lot from last seasons campaign. I'm just hoping Celtic strengthen the squad with quality rather than quantity....only time will tell.

[SydneySox]

Unfortunately I didn't see much of the latter stages of the season but I've had a chance to reflect on the season that was and look at the possibilities for next season.

I don't want to start too negatively but the Celtic support should not kid themselves, Celtic were very lucky to win the league. Rangers threw the league away. With only six weeks to play Rangers will win the league in that same situation virtually every time. I really think circumstance conspired against Rangers with key injuries and a fixture back log.

That's not fair to Celtic or the Huns. Celtic won a string of games at the end, including 2 over their Glasgow rival. They lost a string of games midseason when Rangers were winning and they had their own backlog of games. And injuries strike every team.

Let's not make excuses - Celtic won the games they needed to win and Rangers could not. A Premier league season is long and every game counts. The games in the middle went against the Bhoys - the ones at the end went against Rangers.

I think the days of inexpensive, world class, loyal, players are long gone ( Hello Mr Larsson ).

Scott McDonald signed for 100,000 and scored more than 30 goals for Celtic in League, Cup and Europe.These players are available. The $100,000 McCourt signing is a good example of how the club continues to look for that cheap, loyal talent.

I think one player you didn't mention is Andreas Hinkel. His defence was solid and his attacks up the wing were excellent. He's a class player.

[CodPiece XL]

That's not fair to Celtic or the Huns. Celtic won a string of games at the end, including 2 over their Glasgow rival. They lost a string of games midseason when Rangers were winning and they had their own backlog of games. And injuries strike every team.

Let's not make excuses - Celtic won the games they needed to win and Rangers could not. A Premier league season is long and every game counts. The games in the middle went against the Bhoys - the ones at the end went against Rangers.



Scott McDonald signed for 100,000 and scored more than 30 goals for Celtic in League, Cup and Europe.These players are available. The $100,000 McCourt signing is a good example of how the club continues to look for that cheap, loyal talent.

I think one player you didn't mention is Andreas Hinkel. His defence was solid and his attacks up the wing were excellent. He's a class player.

Scott MacDonald signed for 600,000 and he's more than repaid Celtic with his goal tally thus far. Celtic have always had a history of picking up players who are value for money because they have had little choice. Sometimes their "bigger" named signings have been a total bust and they've contunued to cripple the wage bill. That's what they need to stay away from; hello Thomas Graveson. I'm sure we will see plenty of articles linking Celtic to 6-7M rated players who will sign elsewhere. Why? because quite simply Celtic can't afford them. If this trend breaks I'll be the first person cheering..trust me.

In January they were proactive in signing Hinkel, Mizuno, Samaras, Hutchinson and finally Barry Robson. Hinkel undoubtedly was a difference maker, Barry Robson gave the midfield much needed bite and Samaras scored some key goals. Is Samaras worth the 3 million option to buy...probably not. Hutchinson may or not be one for the future and who knows with Mizuno who was often injured in the reserves.

The signing of McCourt is a nothing to lose everything to gain signing. If he turns into nothing more than a squad player so be it. If he makes a significant contribution it will be regarded as a steal and the they will gladly pay the extra 50K once he hits the first team appearance stipulation. There is a reason he was still playing in the Irish league at the age of 24...perhaps he has turned that corner.

Regarding how the league was won, don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it more than ever, it made up for that disaster of a season in 2005. However, in all my years of watching football I've never seen such a congested fixture list that Rangers had to play ( 3 games in 6 days at one point). Oddly they brought that on themselves with requesting the Gretna game be postponed for extra preparation for the Lyon game ( how many more goals would Lyon had stuffed them by if Rangers had played the worst team in the history of the SPL a few days beforehand?). They were also unable to put away opposition at the first time of asking in domestic cup competition which lead to replays. Ultimately Celtic ran the table and did what they needed to do. Ranger's were running on fumes and in my opinion too many games in too few days led to their demise. I guess that's the price you pay for chasing 4 trophies with a squad that evidently wasn't deep enough to cope with the injuries sustained. Celtic should have won the league in a more convincing manner and honestly, their play in the league I found very disappointing. I think I said this in a previous post some time ago that I felt Celtic were the more talented team but didn't play to their abilities all too often.

Edited by CodPiece XL, 23 June 2008 - 02:06 AM.

[fletcherpost]

I wonder if we could find out more about the Celtic budget and wage bill. Its a shame you can't just click on a page and get plaers salaries like you can with baseball and other US sports. But I'd like to know just how much Celtic have to spend.

[SydneySox]

I wonder if we could find out more about the Celtic budget and wage bill. Its a shame you can't just click on a page and get plaers salaries like you can with baseball and other US sports. But I'd like to know just how much Celtic have to spend.

This isn't exactly what you're after as it's a year old. But it does give an indication. We should see similar information from the 2007-2008 club books in another month or so.

Celtic Quick News site

State of the club report 2007


In the last seven years for which accounts are available, (seasons ending 2000 – 2006), Celtic’s total income was £387m.

During this period, they spent £222m on wages and £139m on other operating expenses (which includes everything from police to rates, electricity, catering, telephones and a million other minor items). They also spent £14.3m on servicing debt, including interest payments and non-equity dividends.

Ignoring amortisation for a moment, which changes how transfers affect the accounts by apportioning costs over the contract period, and concentrating on cash transactions, Celtic generated £13.6m cash from player sales and spent £63.4m cash during the period for players coming into the club.

Total cash spent in the period was £437.4m, total cash generated was £400.0m, leaving an overspend of £37.4m.

The shortfall was bridged by the 2001 and 2005 share issues, and an increase in net debt from £2.169m to £13.96m. Were it not for the spend on the new Lennoxtown training facility, the figures due to be released later this month would show year-end net debt close to zero.

The club have won five league titles in seven years and during this period gone from a European nonentity to competing in the latter stages of the Champions League for the first time ever.

As well as that European success, season 2006-7 achieved a league and cup double, and figures due to be released later this month will show record turnover in the region of £80m. Not only will Celtic turn a profit for the first time since 1999, that profit is likely to be more than the cumulative profit the company earned in its previous 118 year history.

It is tempting to look back ten years to the indignity of Rangers utter domination of Scottish football. “9 / 10, could do better”, the Nike billboards proclaimed; Celtic were little more than a curiosity to the wider world.

The recovery was as spectacular as it was unexpected by most observers. The bombast of some clubs, who were happy to indulge their egos while ignoring mounting debt, brought a collective psychosis over the country. Fuelled by the media, this brought scorn on Celtic’s “prudent” management style as voices clamoured for more money to be spent.

The club are now one of the best run sports businesses in the world. They dominate their domestic market, will soon open a new training complex, have invested in world class scouting and sports science resources, and most importantly of all, are backed by a support who have bought season tickets in high numbers during periods of sunshine and shadow.

Failure to deliver a plan that would see Celtic escape from the Scottish Premier League hangs over the club, and will limit its progress in European football more than any other factor. Hopes of joining the FA Premier League in England have faded, and the club seem to be without a strategy to address this problem.

The commercial success of the FA Premier League will force Celtic to the margins of the transfer market, but being outside this league during a period of rapid change may be a blessing. Celtic remain in the ownership of Celtic fans, who have allowed the club to work through a long period without making a profit. The consequences of new ownership for clubs in the FA Premier League have yet to be established.

A successful transfer window – and I by no means think our business is complete this month – and progress to the Champions League, will ensure income streams and the contingent football performances remain strong going forward.

[sweet sox]

Celtic linked with Polish star, Mariusz Lewandowski, Goal.com.

Can't say I was at all impressed with Poland in the Euros, apart from Boruc, so this guy might not be great.

[CodPiece XL]

So who do they want?
CELTIC have been linked with around 90 names already - and the transfer window will not close for another two months. Here are just a few of the targets', some of who have already moved to new clubs.

Goalkeepers

Fabio Cruzerio

Jussi Jaaskalainen Bolton

Carlo Cudicini Chelsea

Defenders

Khalid Boulahrouz Chelsea

John Mensah Rennes

Taye Taiwo Marseilles

Paulo da Silva Toluca

Jay McEveley Derby

John Arne Riise Liverpool

Juanfran Real Zaragoza

Stephen Carr Newcastle

Martin Stranzl Spartak Moscow

Michal Kadlec Sparta Prague

Dario Simic AC Milan

Bernard Mendy PSG

Ravzan Rat Shakhtar Donetsk

Midfielders

Mariusz Lewandwoski S Donetsk

Seyi Olofinjana Wolves

Ognjen Vukojevic Dyn Zagreb

Clarence Seedorf AC Milan

Sebastian Larsson Birmingham

Shaun Maloney Aston Villa

Harry Kewell Liverpool

George Boateng Middlesbrough

Vladimir Bystrov Spartak Moscow

Jerko Leko AS Monaco

Zoltan Gera WBA

Piotr Trochowski Hamburg

Matteo Brighi Roma

Daniele Conti Cagliari

Strikers

Alexander Frei Dortmund

Kyle Lafferty Burnley

Stephen Fletcher Hibs

Louis Saha Manchester Utd

James McFadden Birmingham

Roman Pavlyuchenko S Moscow

Darren Bent Spurs

Ivan Klasnic Werder Bremen

Eidur Gudjohnsen Barcelona

Noel Hunt Dundee Utd

Emile Heskey Wigan


Full article related to recent financial discussion can be found here:

http://www.eveningti...2365477.0.0.php

[mic99]

Away top arrived tonight....looks great

Are we going to sign anyone? Left back?

Still need a non-Samaras striker and left back at the very least

Would love Maloney to come home

[CodPiece XL]

No new signings as yet..well other than another squad player.

However, in the past few days Nadir Belhadj ( left back), Gabriel Tamas ( center half) and Vitorino Gabriel ( another defender) have all said they would welcome the chance to play for Celtic. ( sure.. they all say that and sign elsewhere). Finally, George Boatang can't make up his mind one way or the other.

http://www.skysports...4,11787,00.html

Edited by CodPiece XL, 12 July 2008 - 10:04 PM.

[SydneySox]

Those three and about 50 more besides.

Seems like every defender in Europe has been linked to the Bhoys, and I've given up worrying about the names.

Plenty of time and options out there for Strachan yet.

[CodPiece XL]

Looks like the clubs may have agreed a fee for Tamas.. 4M, just personal terms to iron out. He's 24 but he's already played for 8 clubs and has 34 caps for Romania. We'll see if this becomes official. He's in Glasgow.

http://www.lequipe.f...lasgow_Dev.html

and if your French isn't up to it, try this:

http://sports.setant...space/football/

[mic99]

Just read that....does this mean Caldwell loses his spot? I can't see the captain sitting.

If they sign a decent left back (Rat?) the back line should be much improved

[CodPiece XL]

So Samaras makes his transfer official. I think it's for 1M and another 1M if he makes 100 appearances. I wasn't a huge fan at the quoted 3M price tag but this seems more reasonable. I would have preferred a fresh face as a striker but maybe they aren't done yet.

http://www.celticfc....0708110319.aspx

[SydneySox]

Samaras has better hair than Nakamura.

Welcome to Celtic officially, and also to Gabriel Tamas. I thought he played well for Romania. I don't think this means the McManus or Caldwell lose their permanent spot. For a busy team like Celtic, depth is important. We desperately need a LB at this stage, and a superstar midfielder to take Donati's role wouldn't hurt.

[CodPiece XL]

Not that contracts mean much these days but it's nice to see McGeady commit to a five year contract.

http://www.celticfc....0708091116.aspx

Tamas is far from a done deal, supposedly meeting with Lawwell on Friday....but he has also been given permission to talk to ther clubs.

[mic99]

Was watching some old videos and am ready for the new season....really miss Sutton....some player

I am planning a trip over in October. Sydney, do you wear a green Sox cap by any chance?

http://www.youtube.c...feature=related

http://www.youtube.c...feature=related

Porto today

Edited by mic99, 26 July 2008 - 11:15 AM.

[CodPiece XL]

Was watching some old videos and am ready for the new season....really miss Sutton....some player

I am planning a trip over in October. Sydney, do you wear a green Sox cap by any chance?

http://www.youtube.c...feature=related

http://www.youtube.c...feature=related

Porto today

They scored a nice goal against Porto, kept possession...and won 1:0

[SydneySox]

I sometimes do wear a green Sox hat. Depends on my mood

Kennedy has gone to Norwich on loan till the end of the calender year. I'm happy for him - it wasn't that long ago that he was our starting centre-back in Barcelona and a great job he did that day indeed. Maybe he'll find that form he's lost after so much time off the pitch.

Edited by SydneySox, 27 July 2008 - 08:40 PM.

[CodPiece XL]

I sometimes do wear a green Sox hat. Depends on my mood

Kennedy has gone to Norwich on loan till the end of the calender year. I'm happy for him - it wasn't that long ago that he was our starting centre-back in Barcelona and a great job he did that day indeed. Maybe he'll find that form he's lost after so much time off the pitch.

I'd rather he went to Norwich than Motherwell, in any event if he can regain his form it would be fantastic news for Celtic. JFK needs as many games under his belt as possible, at one point he was one of the best prospects in Scottish football. It makes me wonder are Celtic are any closer to signing a new CB as this loan deal dragged on for quite a bit. At least he'll get better food down there, Delia Smith was/ is quite the cook...not as sexy as Rachael Ray...but I digress.

In other related news WGS has stated publically the Graveson has played his last game for Celtic ( Praise the Lord ). Interestingly WGS claims it was the system not the player that was the issue and his agent says Graveson is actually a "very good player". WTF-? He certainly refused to show me what a good player he was when he wore the hoops and has been total pish at Celtic. Maybe I'm still bitter at how his fannying about gifted ManUre a goal. I mean it says it all when an agent says his player will be quite happy to see out his contract regardless of playing or not. I can't believe he actually played for Real Madrid just a few years ago. As yet..... still no sign of a left back.

http://scotlandonsun...ticleid=4328803

Edited by CodPiece XL, 28 July 2008 - 05:44 AM.

[CodPiece XL]

I'm not 100% certain of the validity but in the latest transfer news/rumour mill:http://footylatest.com/news/news.php



Gabriel Tamas agrees terms with Celtic
Sunday 03 August 2008 - 05:45:06


The Auxerre defender Gabriel Tamas has finally agreed personal terms with Celtic after Peter Lawwell had walked away from the first round of negotiations because of his agents interference.

The two sides resumed talks on Thursday and Tamas and his agent have finally agreed to Celtic's valuation.

He will sign on a three year contract and will earn £16,000 a week, which is what Celtic offered him in the first place, but his agent wanted him to hold out for £20,000 reportedly.

The Romanian international backed down when he found out that the only other offer open to him was with Dinamo Bucharest, and he was keen to play in the Champions League.

Auxerre and Celtic have agreed a €4million fee and Tamas will come to Glasgow for a medical on Monday. If all goes well he should be unveiled on Tuesday, along with Barcelona midfielder Marc Crosas.

Celtic set to sign Barcelona's Marc Crosas tomorrow
Sunday 03 August 2008 - 03:27:56 - Click to post or view


Celtic have finally come to an agreement with Barcelona to take their 20 year old midfielder to Parkhead on a three year contract.

Gordon Strachan and his scouts were impressed with the youngster during Barcelona's recent tour of Scotland, and entered into negotiations straight away, amid rumours of interest from Sevilla, amongst others.

Today it has been reported that a £2million deal has been agreed, and the player and his agents are flying in to Glasgow to discuss personal terms tomorrow morning.

The 20 year-old spent last season on loan at Lyon and Barcelona ideally wanted the player to be loaned out again this season, but Crosas said that he preferred a permanent move to the Scottish champions.

He will become Celtic's second signing this summer after Georgiou Samaras, but Strachan is still intending to bring in two more before the transfer window closes.

[mic99]

today's game live

[SydneySox]

CelticQuickNews.com
Tamas deal off as Celtic move on another target
In a move which will cause consternation from the Bourgogne to Bucharest, Celtic have decided against signing Auxerre defender Gabriel Tamas. Not for the first time, the club have tracked their targets discretely as media attention focussed on only one candidate.

Sources close to the club appeared upbeat at recent progress made on strengthening the squad.

Too bad.

In other news - Samaras on the left and Aiden on the right... the fastest wingers in Scotland? They certainly looked good against Feyenoord. JVOH at the front played his perfect role, holding defenders and providing an anchor for the speedy, classy wingers around him.

The midfield of Brown, Hartley and Donato were solid in the centre. Not bad.

First game is St Mirren on sunday, and I can't wait.

[Royal Reader]

Since there's no thread for the 'other lot' yet...

I know it's happened to us before, but it's still funny as feck when it happens to the Manky Mob.

After a brief intermission, the no Huns in Europe gear returns at its rightful point in the calendar.

Edited by Royal Reader, 05 August 2008 - 04:41 PM.

[mic99]

http://news.bbc.co.u...tic/7544311.stm

"Barcelona have agreed a deal "in principle" to sell midfielder Marc Crosas to Celtic for £712,000, according to the Catalan giants."

"Barcelona has an option of re-purchase at the end of the season 2009/10 for two million euros."

usual rumors of others on the way...

[SydneySox]

Since there's no thread for the 'other lot' yet...

I know it's happened to us before, but it's still funny as feck when it happens to the Manky Mob.

After a brief intermission, the no Huns in Europe gear returns at its rightful point in the calendar.

I agree very much. This is a significant blow to Hun hearts, Hun pride and Hun wallets.



A sad man today.

[CodPiece XL]

The waistcoat does indeed look sad. Do the huns have a run at the UEFA cup as a default?

Edited by CodPiece XL, 06 August 2008 - 01:07 AM.

[mic99]

nice summary

http://www.eveningti...n_at_kaunas.php

[Royal Reader]

The waistcoat does indeed look sad. Do the huns have a run at the UEFA cup as a default?

Nope. That's for the losers of the final qualifying round. You go out in the second qualifying round, then it's 'No Europe for you!'

[Joe D Reid]

nice summary

http://www.eveningti...n_at_kaunas.php

I have been giggling at the article for a untoward length of time. Fantastic.

[CodPiece XL]

Since all appears quiet on the transfer front I thought I'd post this. I had comepletely forgotten about one of the worst referee decisions I can remember, suffice to say it involves the Bhoys...and who remembers Johnnny Doyle?

http://uk.youtube.co...feature=related

Edited by CodPiece XL, 08 August 2008 - 12:43 AM.

[mic99]

I think all Celtic games will on this by the way....

The Arsenal game is on right now

[DLew On Roids]

Nope. That's for the losers of the final qualifying round. You go out in the second qualifying round, then it's 'No Europe for you!'

The Guardian pointed out yesterday that Rangers went out of Europe twice in 82 days. This is assumed to be a record.

[CodPiece XL]

It looks like Glenn Loovens is signing for Celtic, multiple sources quoting the same. He's quick on the ground, only 24 but has a habit of picking up bookings. Now......if only they could sign a quality left back.


http://www.skysports...3984461,00.html