4/30/2001

Official Site

CELTIC FANS ACT OVER MINUTE'S SILENCE by Newsroom Staff

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THE fan who broke the minute's silence at Ibrox on Sunday was immediately identified by Celtic supporters and pointed out to Rangers' stewards, who ejected the person from the ground.

Celtic are now awaiting confirmation of the fan's identity from Rangers before deciding what action the club will take on the matter.

Celtic fans, for a third consecutive game, observed a minute's silence in memory of former Rangers player Jim Baxter with dignity and respect, and have been praised by Rangers, the family of Jim Baxter and the police for their behaviour over the past few weeks

4/30/2001

PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Celtic players Henrik Larsson & Stilian Petrov won the player and young player of the year awards last night at a ceremony in Glasgow.

Reports on the evening suggest that Celtic had a full compliment of 20 players in attendance whilst Rangers had none, perhaps it had something to do with something that had happened earlier in the day down Ibrox way.

Henrik collected his prize with his teammates giving a rousing chorus of “you are my Larsson” now where have I heard that before?

4/29/2001

BERKOVIC OUT FOR REST OF SEASON?

Celtic's Eyal Berkovic currently on loan to Blackburn Rovers has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

Ex Rangers player & manager Graeme Souness today paid tribute to Eyal Berkovic after the midfielder was ruled out for the remainder of the season with a hamstring injury.

Berkovic pulled up late on in Rovers' 3-1 win over Portsmouth and will miss the final away trips to Preston and Gillingham.

"Eyal will most likely not figure for the rest of the season," revealed Souness.

"He has injured his hamstring so he will almost certainly not be available.

"Obviously it is a big blow for us, in the past few weeks he has shown what a quality player he is and he will be missed."

4/29/2001

RANGERS 0 CELTIC 3

A report on the game from the Rangers side of the fence.

Gers Kicked Off Park By: Caat In The Haat Date: 29/04/2001

Rangers crashed to their heaviest Ibrox defeat at the hands of their greatest rivals for all of thirty years on a bleak afternoon that aptly summed up the season from hell. Stuart Dougal was in charge of his first Rangers game since the Tynecastle debacle last December.

RANGERS KICKED OFF PARK

Scottish Premier League

Sunday 29 April 2001

Ibrox Stadium, Glasgow

Rangers 0 Celtic 3 (Moravcik 2 {61,73}, Larsson 86)

Craig Moore was back in the Light Blue line-up, replacing Scott Wilson.

The one-minute silence for the late, great Jim Baxter was on the whole observed although a few individuals in the Broomloan Road Stand did abuse the great man's memory, forcing Referee Stuart Dougal to limit the tribute to just thirty seconds.

There may have been nothing except pride at stake - but both sides were clearly keyed up from the opening whistle with Tommy Johnson doing his best to force Fernando Ricksen into retaliation with two late challenges. The first yellow card of the afternoon was produced - not surprisingly - for a Rangers player when Barry Ferguson fouled Alan Thompson.

Rangers at this stage looked the more dangerous - a Jorg Albertz corner in eleven minutes was backheaded by Rod Wallace across the face of goal only for Johan Mjallby to deny Bert Konterman at the far post.

In twenty minutes a superb solo run on the break by Barry Ferguson culminated with a twenty-yard chip which drifted just wide of the target - and within two minutes Rod Wallace produced the miss of the season when he headed wide of the target from a distance of just a few feet from an Arthur Numan cross.

Celtic's players - and Paul Lambert in particular - showed their true sporting colours in 26 minutes when Ferguson clearly won the ball in a tackle on Lambert, only for the Celtic Captain to collapse in a heap.

Celtic players immediately surrounded referee Dougal - but although a foul was awarded no further action was taken. The plain fact was that the ref. had been conned into awarding a foul - and possibly a second yellow card - by a player who is a teammate of Ferguson's at International level.

Two minutes later a shocking tackle from behind by Johan Mjallby on Billy Dodds went unpunished.

The first-half ended goalless - with Rangers left to ponder the importance of that glaring miss by Wallace, whom many Rangers fans believe should not feature again in Light Blue, given that he will be playing his football elsewhere next season.

Referee Stuart Dougal at last produced a yellow card for a Celtic player when Neil Lennon was booked for a shocking foul on Barry Ferguson in 57 minutes.

Four minutes later Celtic opened the scoring when a Lennon free-kick was played to Henrik Larsson who released Lubomir Moravcik on goal - the Czech International should have been checked by Barry Ferguson, but the Rangers Captain was still feeling the effects of Lennon's assault and 'Lubo' was able to steer the ball home.

Rangers Manager Dick Advocaat promptly substituted Bert Konterman, replacing him with Tugay in an attempt to alter the flow of the game. Celtic similarly made a change with youngster Shaun Maloney coming on for Tommy Johnson, who was fortunate that the referee did not spot his inflammatory gestures as he left the field of play.

Lennon was again the centre of controversy when he broke up a Rangers attack with a quite shameful 'over-the-top' tackle on Lorenzo Amoruso, which left the Italian defender in a heap. Celtic broke in numbers when Dougal somehow ignored the offence - three-on-one - only for Maloney to shoot straight at Klos.

The Broomloan Road Stand was in full voice, giving vent to their songs of hatred and Irish Rebel dirges - Celtic Manager Martin O'Neil at one point giving full encouragement with a clenched fist salute.

The points were sealed in 73 minutes when Moravcik outwitted Ricksen before firing home Number Two.

Within seconds Tore Andre Flo should have reduced the deficit from a Tugay opening only for over-elaboration to cost him dear, leaving Rangers fans to reflect on just how much value for money the Norwegian striker has been in his five months at Ibrox.

Henrik Larsson - in Craig Moore's pocket for the entire afternoon - demonstrated his sportsmanship with a disgraceful 'over-the-top' follow-through on Fernando Ricksen, which not surprisingly was ignored by the referee.

Rangers had a strong penalty appeal ignored by Dougal in 78 minutes when a Tugay drive was blocked by the hands of Ramon Vega.

Paul Lambert was twice guilty of dissent in a matter of minutes - and escaped with a mere lecture from the same referee who had tolerated no dissent at Tynecastle in December, yet who in 81 minutes booked Fernando Ricksen for a simple clash of heads with Alan Thompson. Incredibly Dougal pursued Ricksen as he was led off the park suffering from a head wound in order to flash a card at him.

An afternoon of misery for all friends of Rangers was compounded in 86 minutes when an appalling error by Tugay presented Larsson - invisible thus far - with an easy opportunity to net Celtic's third.

One last chance to reduce the deficit was spurned by Arthur Numan when he shot into the side-net from a Jorg Albertz pass.

Rangers' Manager Dick Advocaat afterwards declared, "The team who scored first would win the game. We had the better chances in the first-half with Rodney Wallace the most obvious. Once Celtic scored the game was over."

Advocaat's comments must leave all Rangers fans asking why it is that their manager should feel that his players are incapable of rescuing a one-goal deficit with all of thirty minutes remaining.

The plain and unpalatable fact is that Rangers abjectly surrendered today - suffering a third successive home League defeat for the first time in sixteen years.

They might also ask why Chairman David Murray - in whom the ultimate responsibility lies - did not even have the courage to be present at Ibrox today. The bottom line must surely be that the buck stops with the Chairman - if he is not prepared to take decisive action then the time has surely come for him to make way for someone who will.

RANGERS Klos; Moore, Amoruso (Wilson 72), Konterman (Tugay 64); Ricksen, Ferguson, Wallace, Albertz, Numan; Dodds (Fernandes 72), Flo.

UNUSED SUBSTITUTES Christiansen, Leven

CELTIC Douglas; Valgaeren, Mjallby, Vega; Agathe, Lennon, Lambert (Boyd 88), Moravcik (McNamara 85), Thompson; Larsson, Johnson (Maloney 66)

UNUSED SUBSTITUTES Gould, Healy

REFEREE Stuart Dougal ASSISTANT REFEREES Andy Davis, Stewart Shearer. FOURTH OFFICIAL John Rowbotham.

4/28/2001

LIVINGSTON PROMOTED

Congratulations to Livingston on gaining promotion earlier today by winning the Scottish 1st Division.

A few people with Celtic connections are actively involved in the running of the club, ex player and manager Davie Hay and ex directors Willie Haughey and Dominic Keane.

I’m sure Celtic, as champions of the SPL will receive a warm welcome when we visit next season.

For fans that enjoy light refreshment before the game you’ll be glad to know that right outside the stadium is an ALDI supermarket.

SPL RESULTS

KILMARNOCK 1 HEARTS 1

DUNDEE UTD 1 MOTHERWELL 1

DUNFERMLINE 1 ST MIRREN 2

ST JOHNSTONE 0 ABERDEEN 3

4/28/2001

KEEPER ON THE MOVE?

BY STEPHEN SULLIVAN

Stewart Kerr is to begin a week’s trial at Millwall. The Hoops keeper will be working under former Celtic striker Mark McGhee and there is a chance of a permanent move should he impress during his short spell at the New Den.

4/28/2001

THE KING IS BEING WATCHED?????????

Rumour has it that Italian newspapers are reporting that Juventus have been closely monitoring the Henrik Larsson situation at Celtic Park.

Could this have something to do with the delay in The King signing the new deal that meant to be on the table.

4/27/2001

OLD TRAFFORD DATE CONFIRMED

DOUBLE CELTIC DATE

Manchester United have confirmed that they will play Celtic in a testimonial match for Ryan Giggs on Wednesday 1 August 2001.

The pre-season fixture at Old Trafford is set to be the main event in the Welsh wizard's celebratory year and comes just after the announcement that United will play Celtic on May 15 for Celtic defender Tommy Boyd's testimonial.

4/27/2001

YET ANOTHER TRANSFER TARGET???????

IN-DEMAND SVENSSON PACKING HIS BAGS

Elfsborg midfielder Anders Svensson said on Thursday that he is ready for a move abroad after scoring two goals for Sweden against Switzerland with representatives from Monaco, Lille, Celtic, Stuttgart, West Ham and Verona in the stands.

4/27/2001

Newry to commemorate former Celtic manager

By Simon Doyle

NEWRY councillors are poised to lobby their colleagues in a bid to erect a permanent memorial to one of the town’s unsung sporting heroes.

SDLP councillor Pat McElroy and council vice chairman Jack Patterson will use Monday night’s council meeting to call for the erection of a memorial in honour of Newry-born former Celtic manager Willie Maley.

Willie Maley carved a vital and powerful role for himself as the first manager/secretary of Celtic Football Club. He remains the longest serving manager, running the club for 43 years.

His unfaltering dedication to the Bhoys was demonstrated by his 52 years of continuous service, from player to match secretary and then honorary secretary, followed by his appointment as manager in April 1897.

He retired as manager in 1940 and died in 1958.

Mr McElroy said given the huge interest in Celtic and the associated potential of visitors to Newry, such a move would be in keeping with the general interest of the town.

The SDLP councillor said that it would be a fitting tribute to erect a permanent monument in Mourne View Park, where the former Celtic man was born.

Independent councillor Jack Patterson said he didn’t support the Glasgow team but he believed it would be fitting to commemorate the former manager’s contribution to the town.

“He was a Newry man first and foremost and I would be hoping to receive cross-party support for this proposal,’’ he said.

“It is fitting that a man who brought so much to football and so much to the town should be appropriately remembered.”

4/26/2001

OLD FIRM COUNTDOWN

THE KING IS FIT.

The King will be fit to play in Sunday’s final Old Firm match of this season, it was feared that The king would miss the game after picking up a knock whilst playing for Sweden in a friendly against Switzerland last night.

RANGERS FANS ON THE MOVE

It seems that Rangers supporters don’t want to be around when we have the chance of lifting the treble on Saturday 26th May 2001.

With Hampden ready to be covered in green and white that day for the Scottish Cup Final, Rangers have arranged a friendly against Linfield in Belfast for the same day.

4/26/2001

Cup Final Ticket Shocker

A London ticket agency is offering Scottish Cup Final tickets for a whopping £330, as real fans fail to get a chance to buy one. The news that an agency can get their hands on tickets and charge such a huge profit has angered fans from both clubs. Surely the SFA will act to see who is supplying these tickets, as they are able to track down every brief, and it’s initial destination. Celtic supporters are rightly complaining about their allocation, with Hibs able to accommodate most of their regular supporters at least, but this situation has angered fans all over the world.

4/24/2001

MANU RUMOURS CONTINUE.

Speculation is ongoing today regarding hoops boss Martin O'Neill and the up and coming vacant position at Manchester United.

The story surfaced again this morning in the Daily Telegraph, I was phoned at 8.00am this morning by the Evening Times to give my own personal opinion (for what it's worth). In my opinion then this story will continue to pop up until Man U have someone in place to take over from Alex Ferguson. The one thing that get's to me with these stories, do reporters or newspapers not realise that Martin O'Neill might now consider that he is already in the job of his dreams. The world does not start and end at Old Trafford, Manchester.

4/24/2001

UNDER 21’s RESULT

KILMARNOCK 1 CELTIC 1

Alan Stubbs made his return last night at Rugby Park in a 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock. He was substituted at half-time after a comfortable 45 minutes, which rarely saw him troubled in a role mainly marking Paul Wright. The game, in front of a crowd of perhaps 300 people, was not particularly exciting. Celtic took the lead in ~50mins through a Shaun Maloney header direct from a corner on the right.

Kilmarnock equalised through Jerome Vareille on the hour mark when he volleyed home.

4/23/2001

MORAVCIK SET FOR NEW DEAL Celtic manager Martin O'Neill hailed substitute Lubo Moravcik after his late winner against Hearts and then revealed that the Slovakian was set to sign a new one-year contract. The 35-year-old playmaker came off the bench to secure a 1-0 victory within five minutes of his introduction and lighten up Parkhead before the belated SPL trophy presentation. Moravcik has always maintained that he would quit when his current deal expires in the summer, but his manager revealed that he was on the verge of an amazing U-turn.

4/23/2001

LAMBERT LASHES RANGERS STARS Celtic midfielder Paul Lambert has taken a swipe at Rangers' bitter stars and accused them of sour grapes. Some of the Ibrox players have made excuses for their side's dismal season, with Celtic having already paraded the SPL title. The Double-winners are currently 18 points clear of their arch rivals and the midfielder believes that some of the Rangers big names have not given the Bhoys the credit they deserve.

4/21/2001

MESSAGE OF THANKS TO CELTIC FANS FROM RANGERS FOOTBALL CLUB.

"Jim Baxter's family and Rangers Football Club would like to thank Celtic FC's supporters for the respect they showed the late Jim Baxter during the minute's silence in his honour at last week's Scottish Cup semi final at Hampden. Jim's family greatly appreciates the tributes of the Celtic supporters and their respect for a great Scottish Fotball legend who will be greatly missed".

4/21/2001

6.05PM K/OFF BOOTED INTO TOUCH?

The dreaded Sunday evening k/off's of 6.05pm may be a thing of the past. It seem's that they may be scrapped in favour of other k/off times being looked at. Not before time we say and not just for Celtic fans but for every other club's supporters in Scotland.

4/19/2001

CELTIC MOVE UP TO 10TH PLACE IN WORLD CLUB RATINGS

Club Country Points Last Week 1. Manchester United England 299.95 2 2. Real Madrid Spain 285.83 1 3. Vasco da Gama Brazil 261.99 4 4. AS Roma Italy 250.86 3 5. Boca Juniors Argentina 248.79 5 6. Deportivo La Coruna Spain 245.88 7 7. Arsenal England 241.64 6 8. Cruzeiro Brazil 239.35 14 9. Valencia Spain 233.90 9 10. Celtic Scotland 231.17 13 11. Bayern Munich Germany 230.25 8 12. River Plate Argentina 227.21 11 13. PSV Netherlands 225.73 12 14. Leeds United England 223.89 16 15. Lazio Italy 221.40 17 16. Juventus Italy 220.38 18 17. Liverpool England 218.19 10 18. Barcelona Spain 210.18 15 19. Kaiserslautern Germany 207.75 19 20. San Lorenzo Argentina 201.00 21 21. Nantes France 200.63 20 22. Alaves Spain 199.67 22 23. Parma Italy 198.10 23 24. Galatasaray Turkey 196.87 24 25. Nacional Uruguay 196.54 25 Dropped out: No. 25 Feyenoord (Netherlands)

4/19/2001

LARSSON IS THE BEST IN BRITAIN BY A MILE - NIALL

HENRIK LARSSON was last night hailed as the best player in Britain by the longest-serving striker in the English Premiership.

Sunderland veteran Niall Quinn handed Larsson the accolade after watching the Swede take his tally for the season to 49 with a double in Celtic's Scottish Cup semi-final win over Dundee United.

Quinn - one of the most respected marksmen in England's top flight - insists defenders down south are terrified by the thought of Larsson switching leagues. The 34-year-old Republic of Ireland international is quoted as saying "If he came down here he would be the best player in the Premiership. That's how highly I rate him.

"There is no doubt that the standard in Scotland has improved dramatically. You just need to look at

the success of Mark Viduka at Leeds and Jonatan Johansson at Charlton to see how easy it is for good players to handle the switch.

"The calibre of player up there is tremendous with the likes of Larsson and another couple of players at Rangers who are exceptional.

"But I have to say Larsson is absolutely outstanding.

"Ask any defender in the Premiership what he thinks of Larsson and you'll find out how highly he is rated.

"If you were to ask any centre half if he would rather mark Larsson or any of the strikers currently playing down here then they'd tell you straight.

"Defenders down here are scared stiff at the thought of having to cope with him. I don't blame them - the guy is a joy to watch."

4/19/2001

Sweden coach hails £30m King.

Sweden coach Lars Lagerback claims Henrik Larsson would be worth almost £30million in the transfer market.

But he fully expects the striker to sign a new contract with Celtic.

Larsson still has more than two years remaining on his current deal, but the club have set in motion negotiations to sign him for life.

Lagerback admits that Europe's wealthiest clubs will be monitoring the situation closely and awaiting the slightest opportunity to lure him away.

But the joint-coach of the Swedish national side insists that Larsson has no reason to leave Celtic with the promise of the Champions League next season.

Lagerback said: "It's very difficult to put a price tag on Henrik Larsson because he is one of the best strikers in the world. He is priceless.

"I know how much money clubs spend on the best players throughout the world and it's crazy sometimes the figures that are brought up.

"But he must be worth at least top £20million to £30million because he has everything and is one of the best all-round players in the world.

"But this is his most vital season yet and I think it's entirely up to him whether he decides to leave for another club.

"This next year will be his best year in football and when I have spoken to him he tells me that he enjoys life in Glasgow and in Scotland.

"But now he has the challenge of the Champions League next season, why should he go? Every footballer needs a new challenge to succeed and now he has it in the way of the Champions League.

"If he is happy he should stay and he is coming towards the best days of his career and Celtic will reap those rewards.

"He doesn't need to leave because he is playing well in a good side and has the opportunity to play against the best players in the world next season.

"When we talk about the situation he always tells me he's very happy, but I don't know what Henrik would do if an even bigger club came in for him."

4/12/2001

KEANE ON CELTIC

Man United skipper Roy Keane has again stated that he would love to play for Celtic sometime in the future. There's got to be something in this story as it keeps coming up with quotes from Keane himself.

Kharine Injured

Livingstone have failed in their bid to have Celtic goalkeeper Dimtri Kharine appear in goals for Saturday's semi-final tie against Hibs. Would you believe it Kharine is injured again.

4/12/2001

UNITED SET CELTIC DATE

Manchester United have agreed to play Celtic in Glasgow on Wednesday, May 16, for Parkhead stalwart Tom Boyd's testimonial.

This will be the first match of a double header between the clubs but the date for Celtic to travel to Old Trafford for Ryan Giggs' testimonial is yet to be arranged.

United have promised to send a full strength squad up to Parkhead for the clash which is bound to be billed as a "Battle of Britain" as it pits the champions of England and Scotland together.

The game comes three days after United finish their league programme away to Southampton and a week before the Champions' League final.

4/12/2001

SEMI FINAL BUILD UP

TICKETS AVAILABLE

If you haven't got a ticket for the match yet, the good news is that there will be a public sale at the Celtic ticket office on Friday and Saturday (until 1pm) as United have failed to sell any for a whole section. You can book a brief (priced from £16-20) on 0141-551-8653.

4/12/2001

SEMI FINAL BUILD UP

KHARINE CHASING SEMI FINAL SPOT

Fear not hoops fans; Dimtri Kharine is being chased by Livingstone who face a goalie crisis ahead of their semi final against Hibs on Saturday. Jim Leishman has been in contact with hoops boss Martin O’Neill with regard to a short-term loan deal. Livingstone should know later today if they have been successful with their move.

THE KING SET FOR BUMPER PAY OUT?

Martin O’Neill has denied reports that King Henrik is to be offered a one off £2million fee to ensure he stays at Celtic Park for the rest of his career.

Asked about reports of the £2m offer, O'Neill said: "It's certainly news to me. "Even if it was remotely true, I would not be telling you, but it is not." O'Neill believes that money alone does not drive the striker who has scored 47 goals this season. "The last thing Henrik Larsson is is a greedy man and I'm hoping that he will sign for us," said O'Neill. Money is important "I'm quite sure that, if he really, really put himself out to tender somewhere else that other clubs would come in and give him more money.

"But we are going to do our very, very best to try and make him as happy as we possibly can. "The talks are on-going and I am very pleased with way things are going. "I'd hope that we would complete things sooner rather than later, but please don't ask me to put a time limit on it. "Money is an important part of the proceedings, but it is not everything. "My own view is that you have to be happy in the environment you are in. I would think that Henrik and his family are happy. "I'm pleased with his performance and I'm sure 60,000 fans are as well. "If you are a top-class player, you want to be considered to be paid accordingly."

4/10/2001

TICKET LIMIT IF HOOPS REACH FINAL

Celtic will get just 25,000 tickets for this seasons Scottish Cup Final if they can overcome Dundee United this Sunday at Hampden.

If Livingstone were to beat Hibs in the other semi-final things may change.

We'll have to await the outcome of both games before any plans are finalised.

4/10/2001

Boyd set for United testimonial

Celtic captain Tom Boyd is set for a money-spinning end to a glittering season after clinching a glamorous end-of-season Battle of Britain testimonial clash with Manchester United. The club's longest-serving player stands to make up to £900,000 from a near-certain sell-out collision with the Premiership champions-elect.

A new one-year contract worth a likely £10,000 a week could be rubberstamped tomorrow when Martin O'Neill returns from a break to meet with members of Celtic's plc board and begin planning budgets for next season.

While Boyd is hopeful of obtaining Sir Alex Ferguson's agreement for a May 16 friendly, it is understood that the Old Trafford club are reluctant to commit themselves to the evening of the UEFA Cup Final.

However, tacit arrangements for a game at some point in May are in place before an anticipated return tie in a pre-season testimonial for United's Ryan Giggs in July.

Contract talks are expected to be concluded with Henrik Larsson and Johan Mjallby tomorrow, as Alan Stubbs returns to full training today aiming for first-team action before the end of the season.

4/9/2001

REMAINING FIXTURES

All of Celtic’s remaining fixtures in this seasons SPL will take place on Sunday’s, the full list is as follows.

APRIL 22nd 2001 HEARTS (H) KICK OFF 18.05 (LIVE ON SKY TV)

APRIL 29th 2001 RANGERS (A) KICK OFF 13.00 (LIVE ON SKY TV)

MAY 06th 2001 HIBS (A) KICK OFF 15.00

MAY 13th 2001 DUNDEE (H) KICK OFF 15.00

MAY 20th 2001 KILMARNOCK (A) KICK OFF 15.00

4/8/2001

FROM TAMESIDE EMERALD CSC

Its actually Sunday now, but never mind - I've been up since 10 to 5 this morning. Champions indeed. It was a bit of a formality today but still a game that had to be won. The scoreline of 1-0 is immensely flattering to St. Mirren who could easily have been 4 or 5 down before the break, but alas we had to rely on an untidy, but truly awesome - given the circumstances - goal by Tommy Johnson on about 30 minutes. With the exception of maybe Quitongo and Gillies and perhaps somebody else, St. Mirren were a poor excuse for a Premier League side. The League Championship came home once again...

The trophy will be presented at Celtic's next home game which looks like it will be on the 21st of April, I shouldn't imagine that SKY TV will be experimenting further on their Pay Per View thingy this season!! Apparently there was a worldwide audience of around 70 million viewers for today's game.

Well done to Celtic, Martin O'Neill and all the fans who made this season so special so quickly. The SPL-it which was supposed to keep the excitement going until the end of the season has backfired. Those in power at the SPL must have thought (and hoped) that Rangers would be in the position that Celtic now find themselves in. But tough, eh! Life's a bitch!! 1- 0 to the NON-ESTABLISHMENT TEAM!!

Come on the CHAMPIONS, let's try to get that elusive treble now!

4/8/2001

CHAMPIONS 2000-2001

m.odonnell@quicknet.nl

A great day if not a particularly great performance. A big thank you to John Cole and team, the broadcast was outstanding today. I heard MON's words from the pitch clearly, the commentary was as clear as a bell. They really have improved recently, perhaps reflecting what has happened on the field. Anyway, GHod bless you all and watch out for nasty huns! Don't get angry just laugh at them!

4/7/2001

LENNON PICKS UP MARCH AWARD

Celtic's Neil Lennon has been named Bank of Scotland player of the month for March. Lennon will be part of the Parkhead side which aims to tie up the Premier League title with victory over St Mirren tomorrow. He has bounced back from his high-profile barracking from Northern Ireland fans in Belfast to produce a series of outstanding performances for Celtic in their drive to the championship.

4/7/2001

RYAN LYNCH REPORT

Lads,

Just back from the under-18 game at Barrowfield. The score? CELTIC... 9 ST MIRREN... 2 What do you reckon? I reckon we might just settle for that tomorrow. In all seriousness, once the league's won there should be first team call-ups in the offing for Kennedy, McParland, Maloney and Fotheringham.

Make sure and enjoy yourselves tomorrow.

4/6/2001

CHAMPIONSHIP COUNTDOWN

Speculation today that Ramon Vega will go back to Spurs if new boss Glenn Hoddle gives him the call.

Fair play to the big man but could you not wait until we have had least five minutes to enjoy our Championship win.

If this story is true? Then if I were Martin O’Neill I would be saying no problem big man thanks but no thanks. Take your seat in the stand but you won’t feature in any of my teams again.

DAILY RANGER

Well the Daily Ranger certainly did not let us down with their build up for tomorrow’s game. The front page carries a picture of someone who’s supposed to be King Henrik’s uncle holding up an old photo from the season when UMBRO were our main sponsors with the headline booming out LARSSON’S £16-A-WEEK UNCLE.

They then proceed with a two-page spread with regards to a village called Cape Verde, they tell of countless uncles, aunts and cousins who still live there. If they need stories like this to keep ahead of that other comic THE HUN, God help us all.

We can only pray that Inverclyde, Paisley, Glasgow or indeed anywhere else in the world is not struck down with bubonic plague or anything trivial because it certainly won’t make the front page of this RAG.

4/5/2001

OLD FIRM GLASGOW CUP FINAL

Celtic will meet Rangers in this season's Glasgow Cup Final. Rangers reached the final after defeating Partick Thistle by 3 -1 at Firhill. A date for the game will be announced shortly. The game will be played by the youth sides of both clubs.

4/4/2001

RIEPER TAKES ON AGF ROLE

Ex-Denmark international defender Marc Rieper is back in football as assistant manager at former club AGF - four months after he was forced into premature retirement by injury.

4/1/2001

WELCOME BACK BIG STUBBSY.

No new faces to parade, but an old one is on the way back. Alan Stubbs will return to training this week with the 1st team squad.

What a boost that will be to both the team and the fans as we try for all top three prizes in Scotland.

Welcome back big man, lets hope Morten is not far behind you, and let's not forget Stan Petrov who will still surely win this season's young player of the year award.

I wonder who'll win the player of the year award?