Scottish Fitba 2023-24: Why Does It Always Rain on Me?

[The Talented Allen Ripley]

Celtic win the Treble, but Ange departs for Tottenham while the iron is hot (can't blame him at all, really). The search for a new manager is on.

My hometown Championship side Ayr United nearly qualified for the Premiership, finishing in second place but failing in the playoffs for promotion.

The NT is currently in first place in Group A of the 2024 Euro qualifiers through two matches.

Let the banter begin!

 

[CodPiece XL]

I was at the final on Saturday. Courtesy of some Inverness friends of mine. I guess my one and only glimpse of Ange.

 

[CodPiece XL]

For Celtic fans the big question is who will be the next manager. Unlike two years ago, Celtic would appear to be a more attractive landing spot. Guaranteed CL group stages, a fairly solid squad but needs upgrading, money to spend etc. In addition, perhaps a more attractive club given the success of Ange to show what you can do and get offers from the EPL.

For the national team, two big fixtures in June. The first is Norway. Can they keep E.H muzzled and negate Odegaard?

 

[The Talented Allen Ripley]

The Scotland-Norway match on 6/17 will be on FS1 in the States.

 

[67YAZ]

The Guardian reporting the Rodgers back to Celtic "is all but sealed."

 

[fletcherpost]

Scotland beat Norway away from home with two late goals. Neither side played great. Norway captain Odgerad struggling to come tae terms with the defeat given that Norway were clearly the better side. (goals that count an aw that.)

Speaking to Viaplay, he said: "It's hard to sum up to be honest. We didn't play a great game but I think we controlled everything defensively without the ball they didn't create anything.
"We had the lead with a few minutes to go so that shouldn't happen. [It's a] Very, very tough one to take so it's hard to explain."
Asked his thoughts on Scotland's comeback and never-say-die attitude, he added: "To be honest I didn't think they played a great game.

https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/23596485.hurting-odegaard-better-team-claim-scotland-comeback-win/

 

[fletcherpost]

 

[CodPiece XL]

Lyndon Dykes , I’m not your biggest fan but time and again you plough a lonely furrow with little support and take your lumps. You’ve scored some important goals. You never give up… keep doing what you’re doing.

 

[CodPiece XL]

Georgia beat Cyprus today. Georgia are a good passing team, tidy as one might say. But obviously limited. The game on Tuesday isn’t a given, I think as a unit they play better than Norway. I’m hoping Clarke plays a bit more aggressive, sold out crowd at Hampden. 12 points would sure look good, and pretty much guarantees Scotland in the finals ( not mathematically), make it happen.

 

[fletcherpost]

Like most Scots I've been critical of Clarke. But credit where credit is due. He got the substitutions spot on. I though he might bring on Shankland who is a proper striker, but Clarke had other ideas and that's why he's the coach. Here's his post match interview. If it's blocked in the US let me know. I'm still bussing after sleeping on the victory. Two goals in two minutes in the last knockings of an away match in sweltering heat...we don't normally do that.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PkNwq3Rp3Q&ab_channel=ViaplaySportsUK

 

[The Talented Allen Ripley]

It's offical: Rodgers is back as Celtic manager.

Rodgers has signed a three-year-deal after the club “considered many potential candidates”. He will be assisted by John Kennedy as well as first-team coaches Stevie Woods, Gavin Strachan and Harry Kewell, plus B Team coaches Stephen McManus and Darren O’Dea.

“I am really delighted to return to Celtic and I am hugely excited by this great opportunity," Rodgers said. “When I was given the privilege of being asked to join the club again, it was a very simple decision for me and my family. We have enjoyed some great times at Celtic before and this will be my goal again, to deliver good football, ensure we have a team we all love to watch and ultimately bring more success to our fans.

 

[CodPiece XL]

Probably the worst kept secret for the last two weeks. But after the Howe fiasco I chose not to comment.

I am curious how the style of football will change. I kind of got used to the quick throw-ins, kyogo running into the back of the net racing to pick up the ball and running with it back to the kick off spot after scoring the 4th goal in the 85th minute. There was just no let up. They scored a few goals catching the opposition asleep with throw-ins. Rodgers is a good coach, he’s shown he can get players up to another level. I have a feeling he’ll get a few players in the squad playing better. If I was going to guess one player who may not fit, it would be Maeda. Transfer window is certainly going to be interesting, especially if the rumors are true.

 

[CodPiece XL]

It looks like if you are in the States, the only way to watch the Scotland game is fuboTV or ViX+. I subscribe to Peacock, Paramount + and various others I don’t need another subscription . I suppose I could do the free 7 day trial of fuboTV but would prefer not to. Any suggestions? I noticed the Feds have been busy. It’s either that or drink most of the afternoon avoiding the internet and watching Sportscene highlights not knowing the score. BBC Scotland sucks in that regard, “ if you don’t want to know the score look away” , then two seconds later they tell you the score.

 

[fletcherpost]

It's a wee bit sad Jota's leaving Celtic. It's the Celtic model to buy low and sell relatively high so I guess we all knew he'd go sooner than later. I didn't know Benfica were entitled to 30%, nice wee earner all round.

Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad have completed a £25m deal for Jota from Celtic; Portuguese winger leaves Scottish Premiership champions after two seasons at the club; the 24-year-old scored 15 goals and provided 12 assists last season as the Hoops won the domestic treble

Benfica are due 30 per cent of the £25m fee for Jota, meaning the Portuguese side are set to receive £7.5m from his sale to the reigning Saudi Arabian champions, who are managed by former Wolves and Spurs boss Nuno Espirito Santo.

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11787/12914378/jota-al-ittihad-sign-portuguese-winger-from-celtic-in-25m-deal

 

[fletcherpost]

Great news for Celtic Fans. Two fantastic players the fans love, who always put a shift in.

Daizen Maeda has agreed a new four-year deal at Celtic; it comes after Kyogo Furuhashi committed to the club until 2027; fellow winger Jota was sold to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad for £25m

His new deal comes days after striker Kyogo Furuhashi ended speculation about his future by committing to the Scottish champions until 2027.

The 25-year-old scored 11 goals in 48 appearances last season and was a mainstay in Celtic's treble-winning side.

https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11787/12916395/kyogo-furuhashi-celtic-forward-signs-new-four-year-deal-at-scottish-premiership-champions

 

[CodPiece XL]

I know I’ve had 2 months to get used to the idea of Rodgers being back, maybe it’s just me, but seeing him on the touch line again just seems so weird. Almost surreal.

 

[Joe D Reid]

League decided.

 

[fletcherpost]

League decided.

You beat me to it. I'm just in the door and noticed the result.

Rangers need to find their form, big game on Wednesday at Ibrox v Servette.

 

[CodPiece XL]

I think Rangers have targeted and signed 9 new players. One of them is a striker who was described as doing his best work outside the box. That would be a red flag to me. Meanwhile Celtic have been signing young and in baseball terms AAAA players who may make an impact on the starting 11. Or may land up as squad players. I suspect Celtic have kept their gun powder dry as far as buying first team players. A goal keeper is a must , a left back is a must, a natural left winger is a must as well as a defensive midfielder . And probably an other center half ( if transfer rumors are to believed) .

Going back to Rangers, given that the majority of Scottish teams park the bus, against Celtic and Rangers, you need natural wingers to create openings. Do they have one, let alone two?

Back to Celtic, it’s very noticeable that Rodgers is telling Kyogo to come deep. Defenders don’t know if they should stand their ground or man mark. That’s the most obvious difference I see in the two managers. It suits him as well. Wayne Rooney used to do that … and you need attacking midfielders to fill that forward role. Which may explain Turnbull starting because he has an eye for goal.

 

[OCST]

Mrs O, Teen O and I are heading to the UK at the end of August. We are going to Everton-Wolves at Goodison on 26 August, and after a few days kicking around Merseyside and Yorkshire are visiting friends in Edinburgh 30 August - 3 Sept. Although the Everton game was the instigator for the trip I somehow failed to think about Scottish footy, and our plane leave’s Edinburgh right at kickoff time of the Old Firm on 9/3. Still it seems as if there are plenty of games that weekend. What might we look at? Top flight NOT necessary, in fact I think I’d rather enjoy some league action.

 

[fletcherpost]

Mrs O, Teen O and I are heading to the UK at the end of August. We are going to Everton-Wolves at Goodison on 26 August, and after a few days kicking around Merseyside and Yorkshire are visiting friends in Edinburgh 30 August - 3 Sept. Although the Everton game was the instigator for the trip I somehow failed to think about Scottish footy, and our plane leave’s Edinburgh right at kickoff time of the Old Firm on 9/3. Still it seems as if there are plenty of games that weekend. What might we look at? Top flight NOT necessary, in fact I think I’d rather enjoy some league action.

Have you thought about Hearts V Motherwell on the 2nd of September at Tyncastle (Edinburgh).
Very easy to get to and from Tyncastle if you're in Edinburgh

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/teams/heart-of-midlothian
Here's a link to all the fixtures for 2nd of September, scroll down to get the Scottish lower league fixtures. SPL is at the top.

https://www.skysports.com/football/fixtures-results/2-September-2023

 

[fletcherpost]

Rangers are already 2-0 up against Servette. First goal ame from a penalty, given when Cantwell was brought down. Looked a bit soft, but you often get them at home.
Second goal Gers get going down the left flank, crossed ball that misses the first attacker and then Dessers knees/shins it in from a yard.

Looks like there's a VAR decision for an outstretched hand from a Gers player in the box. It was Dessers, what was he thinking?

2-1 now.

[First tried to post this 14 minutes ago but I'm not able to post for some reason.]

 

[CodPiece XL]

Lammers missed an absolute sitter. Not sure what to make of Servette..missing 7-8 first team regulars apparently.

 

[CodPiece XL]

Ha.. they mention Servette played Aberdeen in the 80’s. Totally forgot I was at that game.

 

[fletcherpost]

Rangers are getting more and more sloppy with the passing. I'm being kind and putting some of it down to early season rust and fatigue. They need another goal though.

Servette down to ten men. Late challenge on Cantwell. Bit of luck there for Rangers.

 

[CodPiece XL]

And Servette down to 10.

 

[OCST]

Have you thought about Hearts V Motherwell on the 2nd of September at Tyncastle (Edinburgh).
Very easy to get to and from Tyncastle if you're in Edinburgh

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/teams/heart-of-midlothian
Here's a link to all the fixtures for 2nd of September, scroll down to get the Scottish lower league fixtures. SPL is at the top.

https://www.skysports.com/football/fixtures-results/2-September-2023

Depends on how enthusiastic Mrs O and Teen O would be for more footy. I think I can persuade.

 

[Conigliaro's Potential]

FWIW, I'm reliably informed that the 2nd leg of the Europa Conference League qualifier between Luzern and Hibs will only be available to watch via pay-per-view (online streaming). I know this because I've been asked to be the commentator for the stream in question...this is definitely a new one for me!

 

[jose melendez]

And Servette down to 10.

I'm suddenly going to the game tonight. Any tips? This is an aggregate right? And Servette is down 2-1? Can someone advise me on what this game means?

 

[shawnrbu]

It’s a semifinal qualification round to advance to the group stage of the Champions League that begins in September. In all likelihood, either Rangers or Servette will take on a Dutch club PSV, who is ahead of Sturm Graz (Austria) 4-1 after the first leg, in the final qualification round. The winner of that will advance to the group stage.

 

[fletcherpost]

I'm suddenly going to the game tonight. Any tips? This is an aggregate right? And Servette is down 2-1? Can someone advise me on what this game means?

Shawbru is spot on.

You kinda have to root for Rangers on the low.

Cos it's good for the Scottish Footbal coefficient.

You're not a royalist.

 

[jose melendez]

Shawbru is spot on.

You kinda have to root for Rangers on the low.

Cos it's good for the Scottish Footbal coefficient.

You're not a royalist.

It's true that I'm not a royalist, but neither are the Swiss. Also, what is a Shawbru?

 

[fletcherpost]

It's true that I'm not a royalist, but neither are the Swiss. Also, what is a Shawbru?

Sorry mate, I'm typing sans an index finger. (just about to visit the doc to get my wound dressed)

Glasgow Rangers are a Royalist Club, their fans tend not to favour a united ireland or an independent Scotland. Their fierce Old Firm rivals Glasgow Celtic, who play in green are more about a united Ireland/Indy Scotland. Even low level football fans know this. You'll doubtless see some union jack flags in the stadium tonight. I always assume that Red Sox fans lean towards The green and white of Celtic (irish roots) and not the Royal Blue of Rangers. But, as a Scot, i root for Rangers in Europe, even though i support Celtic in Scotland.

So I'm saying, root for Rangers on the low tonight, cos it's good for Scottish Football. The Royalist line is just to put in your back pocket - to be dropped casually if/when you think it might be apt. If done correctly it might get a laugh.

edit: If the Ranger's Fans are in full voice you might be treated to some songs about old battles that took place in Ireland hundreds of years ago. I figured a little background info might be of use.

 

[jose melendez]

Sorry mate, I'm typing sans an index finger. (just about to visit the doc to get my wound dressed)

Glasgow Rangers are a Royalist Club, their fans tend not to favour a united ireland or an independent Scotland. Their fierce Old Firm rivals Glasgow Celtic, who play in green are more about a united Ireland/Indy Scotland. Even low level football fans know this. You'll doubtless see some union jack flags in the stadium tonight. I always assume that Red Sox fans lean towards The green and white of Celtic (irish roots) and not the Royal Blue of Rangers. But, as a Scot, i root for Rangers in Europe, even though i support Celtic in Scotland.

So I'm saying, root for Rangers on the low tonight, cos it's good for Scottish Football. The Royalist line is just to put in your back pocket - to be dropped casually if/when you think it might be apt. If done correctly it might get a laugh.

edit: If the Ranger's Fans are in full voice you might be treated to some songs about old battles that took place in Ireland hundreds of years ago. I figured a little background info might be of use.

I’m going to solve this by rooting for the Swiss.

the info is very helpful

 

[fletcherpost]

I’m going to solve this by rooting for the Swiss.

the info is very helpful

I was gonna say that. I know you're a not a football fan. But you cannae dip even a toe into Scottish football and not know about any of this. It's madness but it is what it is.

 

[jose melendez]

I was gonna say that. I know you're a not a football fan. But you cannae dip even a toe into Scottish football and not know about any of this. It's madness but it is what it is.

Clearly. I'm a legal resident of Geneva now, so might as well adopt the locals.

 

[CodPiece XL]

Sorry mate, I'm typing sans an index finger. (just about to visit the doc to get my wound dressed)

Glasgow Rangers are a Royalist Club, their fans tend not to favour a united ireland or an independent Scotland. Their fierce Old Firm rivals Glasgow Celtic, who play in green are more about a united Ireland/Indy Scotland. Even low level football fans know this. You'll doubtless see some union jack flags in the stadium tonight. I always assume that Red Sox fans lean towards The green and white of Celtic (irish roots) and not the Royal Blue of Rangers. But, as a Scot, i root for Rangers in Europe, even though i support Celtic in Scotland.

So I'm saying, root for Rangers on the low tonight, cos it's good for Scottish Football. The Royalist line is just to put in your back pocket - to be dropped casually if/when you think it might be apt. If done correctly it might get a laugh.

edit: If the Ranger's Fans are in full voice you might be treated to some songs about old battles that took place in Ireland hundreds of years ago. I figured a little background info might be of use.

This reminds me of Billy Connolly talking about the terrorist attack at Glasgow airport.....religious fanatics wishing to bring terror to Glasgow....obviously they had never heard of Celtic and Rangers.

Perhaps it's because I've been spending a lot of time in Scotland, I've just been finding Rangers fans a bit more annoying than usual. In the yappy wee dog kinda way. The last two years I've been ok with Rangers doing well as far as European football. Scottish co-efficient and all that... this year... not so much...I'd be quite happy if Servette knock them out. I'll see how I feel around kick off time when it's on the BBC. I could easily see myself cheering if Servette score. Co-efficient be damned.

 

[CodPiece XL]

FWIW, I'm reliably informed that the 2nd leg of the Europa Conference League qualifier between Luzern and Hibs will only be available to watch via pay-per-view (online streaming). I know this because I've been asked to be the commentator for the stream in question...this is definitely a new one for me!

I think this is relatively new, but BBC Scotland has been showing a lot of the home games of Scottish teams in the various European tournaments. I can't remember them showing these games previously... now if they would just do the same for the national team. The national team games should always be available for free.

I think 3:1 flattered Hibs, they seem to lack any consistency. It would not surprise me if they lost the second leg 4:0.

 

[fletcherpost]

This reminds me of Billy Connolly talking about the terrorist attack at Glasgow airport.....religious fanatics wishing to bring terror to Glasgow....obviously they had never heard of Celtic and Rangers.

Perhaps it's because I've been spending a lot of time in Scotland, I've just been finding Rangers fans a bit more annoying than usual. In the yappy wee dog kinda way. The last two years I've been ok with Rangers doing well as far as European football. Scottish co-efficient and all that... this year... not so much...I'd be quite happy if Servette knock them out. I'll see how I feel around kick off time when it's on the BBC. I could easily see myself cheering if Servette score. Co-efficient be damned.

I hear you loud and clear mate. The only thing that sticks with me is the proverbial holy grail, that being automatic entry into the Champions League Group Stages. Celtic have not been able to make enough dents in Europe to get auto group stage entry off their own efforts.

But on the other hand, if the Gers fans are annoying you...as one who lives ten mins from Ibrox - i get it.

 

[jose melendez]

On the train to the bar for pre game. Excited! What players should I focus on?

 

[CodPiece XL]

On the train to the bar for pre game. Excited! What players should I focus on?

Rangers have signed a bunch of new players and I’m not familiar with any of them to be honest. Todd Cantwell is one player the Rangers fans seem to fawn over. I doubt Matondo starts but he has electric pace but not much else. I know even less about Servette players but they had several players missing the first leg last week, no idea if it’s the same situation this week.

 

[CodPiece XL]

Edit: Matondo doesn’t even make the bench.
They say it’s a 30K sell out crowd.

 

[jose melendez]

Right next to the royalist section

 

[CodPiece XL]

And the home side score.Great goal too.

 

[jose melendez]

Servette scores ! I can’t believe they let people bring in flares

 

[CodPiece XL]

Good lord… all the Servette player had to do was square the ball to his team mate and it was as open a goal as you’ll ever see.

 

[jose melendez]

Yeah. The rangers fans, who are about 500, are hanging with the Servette fans right now.

 

[fletcherpost]

The Gers march on. Not really convincing though. Great atmosphere in the stadium.

 

[Jimy Hendrix]

Another round of the DaMarcus Beasley Memorial Cup (Rangers/PSV) with UCL on the line.

 

[jose melendez]

The Gers march on. Not really convincing though. Great atmosphere in the stadium.

It was tremendous. I’ll blog about it tomorrow. Got to give the Rangers fans credit, they brought it.