Scottish Fitba 2017-18: Hair of the Dog

The Talented Allen Ripley

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Celtic wrapped up an undefeated season and the Treble, and will enter the Champions League in the second qualifying round. Brendan Rodgers was signed to a new 4-year contract in April, and in one season has joined the likes of Martin O'Neill and Neil Lennon in the hearts of Celtic supporters (nobody's coming close to Jock Stein). The summer transfer season will be interesting, as Celtic have played it cheap the past few years knowing that no competition was coming from Rangers and the League title was a foregone conclusion. That approach left them woefully unprepared for Champions League play, but they acquitted themselves well this past year in the CL; they still finished last in their group, but had three draws in what was likely the tournament's Group of Death. Now that Rodgers has been here for a year, how will he assemble the team? Will the board loosen the purse strings?

Aberdeen, Rangers and St. Johnstone qualify for the Europa League.

Caley Thistle are relegated, Hibs are promoted.

My Ayr United and @fletcherpost 's Raith Rovers are both relegated from the Championship to League One.

As always, while it's great to see Celtic do so well, it doesn't mean much if the league is shite; I'd love to see Aberdeen and even Rangers make a push in the Europa League.
 
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fletcherpost

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I hardly watched any EPL games (this) last season. I watched a lot more Scottish club football than before. Mostly Celtic games but i watched, a bunch of other matches and it wasn't nearly as painfull as it used to be.

Things are looking up. Brendan Rodgers for all his faults was the best thing to happen to Scottish Football. He's brought a higher profile and level of professionalism to Celtic, and to the Scottish game in general. I also want to say that it's great that he has talked so well of other clubs and their managers eg: derek Derek McInnes at Aberdeen. I've watched a few interviews with McInnes and he really understands the modern game, is intelligent and eloquent and is doing a great job at Aberdeen, who have played some great stuff this season on a much smaller budget than Rangers.

Rodgers has also pointed out the great off the field work that's been done at Hearts. They've turned the club around, in terms of their off the field development. The new stand at Tyncastle will take the capacity to over 20,000...sure, it can't compete with Ibrox or Parkhead...but it is comparitive to some of the smaller EPL grounds.

I've said it over and over again. Scotland needs a competitive league if it wants to be more attractive as a product. It's all about money. Or not all.

Partick thistle are building a state of the art training facility at a cost of £4 Million. They have a good youth system and are bringing players through. https://ptfc.co.uk/ptfc-news/partick-thistle-to-get-new-4m-training-ground/

Hibs are in the top division again. I hope they spend a bit of cash. Edinburgh is becoming more English by the day, (we all know that, come to the city centre and play a gemme of Spot the Scottish accent) but there's still some guid fitba fans in the toon and we need the capital to punch it's weight. It's been well short for yonks.

I dunno when the next TV deal is getting brokered. Any time i think of the current deal i get depressed and angry, but it is what it is. But if it is what it is next time, heads must roll...not physically, but jotters need to be served to useless cunts, like that Doncaster gadgie.

Celtic will invest this season. Lawwell has targeted the last 16 of the Champion's League, and of the seven identified targets, this was the only one not reached last season. (Dont ask me what the other six were, i just read it in a newspaper.)

Rodgers has brought on some players who were treading water last couple of seasons. Armstrong & McGregor in midfield look like really good players now. Tierney Tierney at left back is still a kid but he's had a great season and is only going to get better and he's already getting looks from down South.

As for Rangers. All i can say is this. Their manager said they are the best fans in the world. They aren't. But for their fans who are the guid cunts, I hope that the orange element can dwindle a little more every day and that anything between rangers and celtic can be about fitba. Cos to be honest I am fuckin sick of hearing the flutes and drums in the morning and afternoon, and seeing they orange men with their shitty suits and shitty sashes and the waens who dinnae ken any better.

Same for Celtic...if you're passing on your love of the club to the waens, keep it to football.

Edit: And I dunno what's goan on at Starks Park but sort it the fuck oot boys.
 

The Talented Allen Ripley

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About 28 hours until Scotland v England at Hampden. Would it be too much to ask for a competitive match? I mean, if anyone's ripe to lose a match like this, it would be England, no?
 
I've been to one Raith Rovers game in my life, and it was their UEFA Cup tie at Easter Road against Bayern Munich. That being my first year in Scotland, for some reason I thought that sort of thing happened to Raith all the time. Heh...how I've learned.

Mind you, my father-in-law is a Clyde supporter. So you could have it worse.
 

CodPiece XL

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About 28 hours until Scotland v England at Hampden. Would it be too much to ask for a competitive match? I mean, if anyone's ripe to lose a match like this, it would be England, no?
I don't have much faith in the CB'c for Scotland, a total bomb scare. I expect Kane to get a couple. I'm not optimistic but I think Scotland will score.

Having said all that, England may have a shit game, Scotland could play exceptionally well and could sneak a win. Scotland have a habit of playing one decent " backs to the wall, so close yet so far" game per qualifying tournament. This could be the one. Maybe if Hart plays, he chucks the Scots a bone and throws the ball into the back of his own net.

I'm more concerned about a 5pm kick off with the English fans in the pubs. I don't think I'd want to be roaming around Glasgow tomorrow.
 

fletcherpost

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Well, that wasn't very good was it. i've spent ages looking at the coeffciant tables and i was hoping The Mighty Gers, my local team, would put in a decent show and at least make the Europa League proper. But it wasn't to be. The brave Ibrox men faught hard but were up against a decent side who had a game plan and saw it through.

The good news is that the St Johnstone manager told his team they were the least technically skilled team in the competition. The Perth boys just moved up a place, but only the one mind.

There's some savage stuff on twitter.

http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/teams/rangers/scottish-football-fans-react-on-twitter-to-rangers-europa-league-exit-1-4494857

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/cost-rangers-europa-league-humiliation-10740187
 
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CodPiece XL

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The last 24 hours for Sevco have been a bit of a downer for their fans and hilarity for others.

They get knocked out of Europa by the 4th best team in Luxembourg, fans had already booked travel to Cyprus for the expected next round. A tad humiliating I would have thought. Their new manager, who nobody had ever heard of, was seen standing in a bush gesticulating to angry fans. The same manager, who only last week, banned his players from wearing any green boots as well as insisting that "We are the People " logo was put into the visitors changing room. The same manager incidentally who claimed Rangers had the best squad in Scotland....before clearing most of them out. Pedro, I love you...keep up the good work. I think he will be out long before Christmas...and the new manager will be stuck with his insipid signings. He evidently loves to play to the crowd knowing they will lap it up, until you know...you get to the nitty-gritty of actually playing a game. Aye right...play two defensive mid fielders who are as slow as a night in Barlinnie against the maestros of Progres.... I'm sure not that's the 'progres" sevco fans had in mind to start their European adventure.

And finally, the joie de vivre this morning: The High Court found Rangers PLC guilty of tax avoidance for a period of years. ( 2001-2010) Not only that, their ex owner, Sir David Murray during a trial ( Craig White) in March admitted the EBT schemes were used to lure high profile players that they would otherwise not be able to afford:they would have been outwith their financial reach. Will a statement from the SPFL be forthcoming? Inquiring minds want to know.

One last thing...Paddy Power has decided to pay out on bets for Celtic to win the 2017-18 season...before a ball has been kicked.

I'm heading over to Scotland for 3 weeks next month...hopefully when I'm in Edinburgh I'll be able to catch a game. Either Hibs or Hearts.
 

mic99

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Celtic away to Linfield tomorrow to open their Champions League qualification campaign in Belfast during marching season and Celtic have turned down their allocation. It has been a very divisive issue amongst the supporters, many of whom make the trip to Glasgow every week. It could be worse if many make the trip and "blend in."

I know every fanbase has them, but after the Scotty Sinclair banner, I hope we embarrass them.
 

fletcherpost

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So assuming Celtic get past Linfield, then they have to play either Rosenborg or Dundalk. I'm up to speed with that. But how do they work out the draw for the final play off round? I've always struggled with that.

And would Celtic be seeded for that draw, if they get past Linfield and Rosenborg/Dundalk.

I'm well pissed off St Johnstone and The Mighty Gers fell at the first hurdle in the Europa League Qualies. I'd like to see the coefficient improve with some non Celtic contributions.
 

fletcherpost

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Linfield V Celtic. It kinda looks like a Rangers v Celtic match with the green and white of Celtic and the red white & blue of Linfield. A fair few Union Jacks in the park an aw. Couple of hunner celtic fans in the ground. I refrain from making any joke comparing Linfield's footballing prowess to that of the Mighty Gers...and quietly genuflect before my styrofoam scaled down bust of HRH QEII

EDIT: dang, in the time it took for my stream to buffer, Celtic score, Sinclair gets the goal. Rogic gets a goal off a corner. Training ground move. Be nice if Celtic can get four goals and take it easy in the second leg at Parkhead.
 
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CodPiece XL

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Celtic away to Linfield tomorrow to open their Champions League qualification campaign in Belfast during marching season and Celtic have turned down their allocation. It has been a very divisive issue amongst the supporters, many of whom make the trip to Glasgow every week. It could be worse if many make the trip and "blend in."

I know every fanbase has them, but after the Scotty Sinclair banner, I hope we embarrass them.

To be fair to Linfield, at least they are consistent. They don't have any black players; it always confuses me when some fans make racist taunts, yet the team they support has 3-4 of the very race they are directing their insults towards on the same field of play. Just wait until Pedro and his roamin kafflic signings hear the gnashing of teeth and cries of being up to their knees in fenian blood. . What a hoot. .
 

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What stunned me about the game today was Griffiths getting booked by the ref. There was all sorts of crap being thrown at him when he was taking corners. The final straw was that glass bottle, he picks it up, shows it to the ref who promptly books him. Maybe he would have avoided being booked if it had hit him on the noggin. That ref was shite in general. Expect 5-6 goals, if not more, on Wednesday.
 

CodPiece XL

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Linfield V Celtic. It kinda looks like a Rangers v Celtic match with the green and white of Celtic and the red white & blue of Linfield. A fair few Union Jacks in the park an aw. Couple of hunner celtic fans in the ground. I refrain from making any joke comparing Linfield's footballing prowess to that of the Mighty Gers...and quietly genuflect before my styrofoam scaled down bust of HRH QEII

EDIT: dang, in the time it took for my stream to buffer, Celtic score, Sinclair gets the goal. Rogic gets a goal off a corner. Training ground move. Be nice if Celtic can get four goals and take it easy in the second leg at Parkhead.
You really need to invest in a firestick and the gift of Kodi. Wonderful HD ...no buffering.
 

fletcherpost

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Leigh Griffiths is a fanny. Wraps a Celtic flag around the Linfield goalpost, gets a game ban, Dembele is injured and Celtic are playing pedestrian predictable football against Rosenborg. No clear cut chances in the first half and Griffiths ought to be on the pitch.

New signing Hayes is coming on soon, let's see what he can do. Rosenborg solid at the back, look like they have a decent counter attack in them, happy to take a draw home with them.
 

mic99

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0-0 draw at home leads to next week being the most important of the year. It sucks having your most important matches prior to the league even starting....especially playing sides well into their domestic season. It also sucks not having a healthy/eligible striker on the active roster. I only saw the first half yesterday as Celtic TV would not load the 2nd half. Celtic had lots of possession but no ideas in the final third. If Celtic loses I believe they are in the playoff for the Europa League (disaster). I really thought Celtic would have been more active in the transfer market this year. I think a score draw next week and we go through but will not be fun to watch.
 

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Make or break time today. Kick off just over an hour away.....I guess I'll be watching Premier Sports ....not on in U.S as far as I can see ( not really surprising)

I see Hearts fired Ian Cathro after just 8 months.....the Betfred Cup claimed its first casualty.
 

fletcherpost

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Celtic were a different side when Griffiths came on. He's a bawbag, but he is a good player and he can lead the line well enough. Celtic have still got that pre season rust, but shaking it off game by game.
 

mic99

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I just finished watching on Celtic TV.
I spent 70 minutes cursing Forrest for being useless but that was some strike. Griffiths is clearly not the brightest of bulbs but he is our idiot so bless him and he did make a huge difference tonight.

I was horrified when they brought on Bitton to play CB and removed Armstrong (rather than Forrest). I am just happy Rodgers is the manager and not I.

Think draw is Friday?
 

CodPiece XL

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I just finished watching on Celtic TV.
I spent 70 minutes cursing Forrest for being useless but that was some strike. Griffiths is clearly not the brightest of bulbs but he is our idiot so bless him and he did make a huge difference tonight.

I was horrified when they brought on Bitton to play CB and removed Armstrong (rather than Forrest). I am just happy Rodgers is the manager and not I.

Think draw is Friday?
As soon as you mentioned Celtic TV and read your next sentence I thought you were going to say spent 70 minutes cursing Celtic TV. I heard that their system crashed for the first leg and there weren't too many happy campers. I've read nightmares about CTV. I think their site must be run by a bunch of students freelancing.

In fairness, Forrest was playing out of position, he's a natural right winger and was playing in a central striking role. It was only when Griffiths came on and replaced Hayes that you started seeing a bit more of him. He went to the right wing and Griffiths played as central striker. In fact, in the first leg Rogic played that role because they were without a striker, he looked like a fish out of water. He plays best when he has the play ahead of him . in the first leg he was playing with his back to goal most of the time.

As far as Bitton, he was a complete mess against Lyon in the friendly. I thought he did alright on the night, I actually don't have much faith in Sviatchenko. He's slow....as in watching an oil tanker turn slow. He gets caught out of position too many times. Point being, if Rogers thinks Bitton can play centrally , I'll trust his judgement. In theory you can play Lustig as CB , have Gamboa play right back. You could also throw in McCart as CB...but he's on the young side.

Armstrong has been missing in action so far, I'm wondering is his mind on something else....like a move to the EPL.

edit : Forgot to mention Ajer...but I think he's injured.
 
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CodPiece XL

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Celtic get Astana in the playoff round. First leg at Parkheed. Got to fancy Celtic to go through, providing Griffiths can stay fit. There's is no quality 3rd striked on Celtic's immediate radar, just going by some of Rodgers' recent post match comments.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40823768
Astana are a different team to the one who played Celtic last year. They've added a bit of quality to their squad. I was pissed off that Celtic are playing the first leg at home...if it was the second leg I'm staying at Loch Lomond for a couple of nights and would have fancied sauntering down to watch the game. I'm on the islands for the first leg unfortunately.

If I was Rogers, I'd wrap Griffiths up in cotton wool and play Aitchison for domestic games...or play that donkey Ciftci if he is still around. I think I saw him recently, can't remember what game maybe it was that charity game with Larsson etc.

I think Celtic sign one player before the Astana game....they miss Roberts for sure. He was great at opening up defenses.

I see the sheep were knocked out last night...some things never change.
 

fletcherpost

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I'm going to a Hibs game in November. Any watering hole tips ?
There's pubs on Easter Road, which you can get onto from Lieth Walk. I've asked my mate, he sometimes goes to the Hibs. He lives ten minutes fae the ground. I'll let you know when he gets back to me.

I
 

PedroSpecialK

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Hibs come back to beat Rangers 2-3 at the Ibrox.

Rangers fan groups are asking police to investigate Neil Lennon's celebration.

 

Titans Bastard

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What about his celebration merits an investigation? Were any of his gestures related to sectarianism or something?
 

PedroSpecialK

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I think they're upset that he gave the ol' 'up yours' hand-in-elbow salute towards the end. Given the treatment that fringe groups of Rangers supporters have given Lennon throughout his career, can't say I blame him.

Mostly, I just think it's indicative of the current state of Rangers that a PG-13 hand gesture sparks more outrage from them than death threats and package bombs.
 

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If anyone finds a decent steam for the Celtic-Astana game could you post it here? I'm on the outer Hebrides and I don't feel like bar hopping trying to find one that carries BT sports. This is all Rangers territory. Plus I dont think the wife would appreciate going to a bar to watch a game on our vacation. Preferably iPhone compatible . I know it's a long shot.
 

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Job done. It feels weird not having to worry about the second leg. I missed the second goal because I was not allowed my iPhone at the supper table .

Ok, add a couple of quality players Lawwell , get the check book out.
 

fletcherpost

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I think they're upset that he gave the ol' 'up yours' hand-in-elbow salute towards the end. Given the treatment that fringe groups of Rangers supporters have given Lennon throughout his career, can't say I blame him.

Mostly, I just think it's indicative of the current state of Rangers that a PG-13 hand gesture sparks more outrage from them than death threats and package bombs.
Get it right up you.
 

fletcherpost

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ha. Sorry man...i should have explained. To be honest, you can get away with 'get it up you' or 'get it right up you' - until i moved to Glasgow i never gave it much thought, but, when in Glasgow an aw that.

I wonder if Lennon thought when he went to Hibs - 'No more death threats for me'.
 

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Will Celtic draw Liverpool? It would be a good script. I'm sick of Barcelona, however, they are probably the weakest they have been in years. The draw is tomorrow.
 

mic99

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Tough CL draw but to be expected in pot 4.

The good news is Paddy Roberts is back on a season long loan from Man City. I was really hoping they could buy him outright but he should be a huge addition to the squad.
 

The Talented Allen Ripley

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Meanwhile, the men's National Team is still alive in World Cup qualifying, 1 point out of the runner-up spot in Group F, with two of the teams ahead of them in the standings on the schedule in early October (Slovakia at Hampden, Slovenia on the road).
 
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