WEDNESDAY 31st JANUARY 2001

TRANSFER RUMOURS

Celtic are this morning being linked with Bayer Leverkusen striker Paulo Rink, its thought the player would cost in the region of £5 million.

No official word on this latest rumour though from the club itself.

WEDNESDAY 31st JANUARY 2001

HOOPLESS KIT MEETING

A further meeting is planned later today between representatives from The Affiliation, The Association and The Irish Supporters Association and officials from Celtic FC.

This is the third meeting in just eight days and will centre on the continuing controversy surrounding the proposed launch of the new HOOPLESS kit in March 2001.

Full details will be posted here on any further developments.

TUESDAY 30th JANUARY 2001

RUGBY PARK – FULL TIME UPDATE

KILMARNOCK 1 HIBS 1

Celtic’s nearest challengers Hibs dropped two points to Kilmarnock in their first league match after the winter break.

This now leaves Hibs eight points off the top having played two games more than Celtic and four points clear of Rangers although Hibs have now played three games more than Rangers.

Hibs left it very late in this game to secure their point with the equaliser coming just two minutes from full time.

Gary Hay opened the scoring for Kilmarnock after 68 minutes but this was cancelled out by Ulrik Laursen’s late goal in the 88th minute.

TUESDAY 30th JANUARY 2001

GREAT NEWS FOR ALAN STUBBS

Alan Stubbs has once again been given the all clear in his battle against cancer. It's being reported that the big man can now begin his bid to regain full health and then start on the road back to plying his trade for the bhoys. Great news for the big man, remember the fans will be behind you every step of the way.

TUESDAY 30TH JANUARY 2001

SPECULATION !!!!!!!!!

Today’s Daily Ranger is once again pulling out all the stops in a bid to unsettle the hoops before a crucial match, the headlines spew out that Graeme Souness is looking at a deal to try to lure Celtic into letting Paul Lambert move south. After reading more into the story they suggest that Lambert could walk away for nothing in 18 months so it would make economical sense to try to get a decent fee for him before then.

Just for good measure they tell us how Rangers have snapped up the latest wonderkid from Italy, the headline booms out GERS SNAP UP NEW GATTUSO

There must be some big games coming our way.

TUESDAY 30th JANUARY 2001

FACT OR FICTION?

Interesting speculation about the Celtic PLC.

With the dust settling over the revelations of Celtic's latest and probably last Chief Executive, the smoke that is now clearing can be revealed to be hiding a little more than was first thought.

One of Alan MacDonald's last tasks was to thoroughly investigate and provide a recommendation to the Celtic board, not on leaving the SPL and joining the proposed Atlantic League, but to find a mutually acceptable way for Celtic to join the English Premiership.

Adam Crozier, the English FA's Chief Executive, has been involved in discussions at the highest level and although initially thought to be in the running for Celtic's vacant Chief Executive post - will now not be taking the job due to the conflict of interests.

Further evidence of developments was the recent invite to Glasgow of Cardiff City officials to see how a 'foreign team' operate in the English environment, with special considerations to travelling supporters, policing and security discussed. The lowest team finishing in the EPL are guaranteed 25 million pounds, it is thought that as part of the breakaway deal the SFA would receive an annual fee from Celtic of around 5 million pound to suport the remaining SFA clubs.

Sky Sports are desperate for the deal to happen. Celtic have been targeted by Sky because Alan MacDonald refused to sign a deal with NTL or any other media company, the reason for this is now obvious. Annual income from Sky and even finishing mid-table in the EPL would guarantee at least 50 Million pounds per year, vast in comparison to Rangers who signed the 31 million deal spread over 4 years with NTL. Rangers would be excluded from joining the EPL until the NTL contract expires. The last detail to be finalized is the mechanism of how Celtic will join the EPL without upsetting any potential promotion contenders from the Division 1 set-up.

Celtic who don't want to jeopardize the potential of Champions league football next season, will join an expanded EPL in the 2002 season, an extra team will be relegated at the end of the season to return the EPL to its 18 team format. Rangers will go through the same procedure in 2004 when the current NTL deal expires.

Monday 29th January 2001

SCOTTISH CUP 4th ROUND DRAW Berwick Rangers or Hearts v Dundee or Falkirk

Motherwell v Dundee United

Queen of the South or Airdrie v Peterhead

St Johnstone or Dunfermline v Celtic

Stirling Albion v Hibs

Inverness Caley v Kilmarnock

Ross County v Rangers

Livingston v Aberdeen

Rangers match against Ross County will be played on Sunday 18th February 2001

SATURDAY 27th JANUARY 2001

TRANSFER TARGET

Celtic are today being linked with a move for young Falkirk midfielder Mark Kerr. The price being quoted is £500,000. A bit steep for a player very little is known about.

FRIDAY 26TH JANUARY 2001

FIRST RANT FOR OVER A WEEK

Apologies for the lack of updates over the last week or so, well it seems that some things never change.

Firstly I’m enjoying myself in Norwich and all of a sudden I’m in demand (I wish) with some story breaking in Scotland with regard to King Henrik, The Glasgow Evening Times and BBC Scotland had been trying to contact me with regard to these stories.

When I let a few fans in Norwich know what was supposedly going on up the road they were not best pleased. However thankfully it looks as though it was that good old tabloid THE HUN coming up with another fairy tale, the slogan for their tabloid certainly rings true. If it’s in THE HUN it must be true.

Secondly I’ve hardly got my backside on the flight coming home from Norwich and I’m being told all hell has broken loose about the new HOOPLESS kit. I’ve since been to a two hour meeting at Celtic Park and been in constant contact with other supporters groups with regard to what we are going to do to get the club to have a rethink on the new kit.

All of the above and all the usual stories to contend with, Brown urges Burchill to quit Celtic, Lubo to play for two teams one of them being Celtic, We are much better than Celtic but they’ve taken all their chances a certain Mr Amoruso.

And finally today that footballing genius of yesteryear Stuart Cosgrove(now what big team did he play for) from THE DAILY RANGER informing us that KING HENRIK has no ambition by staying with a wee club like Celtic, yes it’s great to be back.

I can’t wait to see what the headlines will be leading up to the Old Firm double header.

THURSDAY 18th JANUARY 2001

CELTIC STROLL TO WIN IN FLORIDA (I THINK)

Celtic clocked up a 5-1 win against The University of Florida in a closed-door game last night. By all accounts this game was exactly as it was billed a “friendly”. More details if we can obtain them.

I tried to listen to the Celtic web cast but it was like going back in time with two kids each having a tin with a bit of string between them trying to communicate.

BERKOVIC CONFIRMS HIS DAYS ARE OVER

Celtic's Israeli midfielder Eyal Berkovic says he has no future at the club and that he will probably never play for the Scottish side again. Speaking on Israel's Channel 5 sports channel on Wednesday, he told interviewer Danny Inbar: "There is no way back for me... my time is up at Celtic." But Berkovic refused to say anything about manager Martin O'Neill, who has sidelined the talented midfielder ever since his arrival at the club last summer.

Berkovic is also quoted as saying that he is no hurry to leave (see below) as he wants every last shekel he is due from his remaining 3.5 years contract with the club.

NO HURRY TO LEAVE But Berkovic said that he was in no hurry to leave the club: "I'm not going to give up my chance to make as much money as possible, because in four or five years when my career is over that (the money) is all that I will have left. "I have a family... I'm not going to give anything up for them. If I have to suffer, then I will (in order to secure our future). I will not forfeit a single shekel at Celtic. "I have a contract and it should be honoured."

Unless we can offload this guy quickly we are going to have a MARCO NEGRI situation on our hands.

WEDNESDAY 17th JANUARY 2001

Collymore for Celtic?

Bradford striker Stan Collymore could be set for a shock swap deal to Celtic with Tommy Johnson heading in the opposite direction.

WEDNESDAY 17th JANUARY 2001

Celtic 15th in World Club Top 25

Celtic have been named in 15th place in the ESPN World Club Top 25 this week. The table is a computer-based ranking system developed by ESPN International, and positions are based on club performances in domestic leagues. Manchester United currently hold the top spot after their 3-0 win over Bradford on Saturday afternoon. Arsenal have a slender lead over Celtic, but Liverpool lie immediately behind Martin O’Neill’s men. Celtic are the only Scottish team to be named in the league. When the SPL kicks off again at the end of this month the Hoops will have the chance to improve their standing.

TUESDAY 16TH JANUARY 2001

NEW STRIP UNVEILED

The Celtic View has pictures of Celtic’s new home kit in the edition due to hit the shops tomorrow Wednesday 17th January 2001.

The kit was to have been unveiled in the pages of the Celtic View tomorrow (Wednesday) but manufacturers Umbro broke the embargo by giving a jersey to the Daily Record, which will carry a picture of it modelled by former Celtic player-turned-broadcaster Murdo MacLeod. Originally, Umbro had agreed that the Celtic View should have the opportunity to show the fans what the new kit looks like first, before it was officially launching on Thursday. At that stage all the daily newspapers would have equal opportunity to pictures and words on the subject. Why the jersey was then released to the Daily Record today (Tuesday) for inclusion in tomorrow’s paper remains unclear. However, the Celtic website is able to ensure that supporters do see images of the strip first on a platform controlled by the club. By releasing the picture, it is likely that it will be picked up on by all the national papers but at least they all have the chance to convey the information at the same time, rather than one being favoured against the club’s wishes.

To see the new kit in all it’s glory being modelled by King Henrik please follow the link or cut and paste the URL into your browser.

http://www.celticfc.co.uk/red.htm

TUESDAY 16TH JANUARY 2001

CELTIC LIVE ON THE NET.

CELTIC fans will be able to watch their team's clash with MLS side Tampa Bay Mutiny on Friday night thanks to Umbro.com. The game won't be appearing on TV, so the live webcast will be the only chance to see the Bhoys in action on their winter break. As an extra treat for fans it will the first time their new home kit will be seen - it won't be revealed in the UK until March 17. In order to be a part of the event, fans will need to register at www.umbro.com (it's recommended that fans do so quickly with massive interest expected).

MONDAY 15TH JANUARY 2001

ALAN STUBBS

Reports today suggest that the big man will be out of action for at least another four months as he recovers from his latest bout of surgery.

Celtic fans everywhere wish the big man a full and speedy recovery.

SUNDAY 14th JANUARY 2001

EX CELT HITS TREBLE

Pierre van Hooijdonk hit a hat trick as his latest club Benfica moved up to fifth place in the Portguese league table. The Dutchman’s hat-trick inspired them to a 5-1 win over Desportivo Aves.

CELTIC COLLECTORS CLUB

A new link to the Celtic collectors club has been added to our website, supporters who collect Celtic items may find something of interest in the site.

FRIDAY 12th JANUARY 2001

OP SUCCESS FOR BRAVE STAR STUBBS

Celtic star Alan Stubbs was recovering in hospital last night after an operation to remove a benign growth from his bowel. The 29-year-old, who beat cancer last year, had three hours of surgery. Doctors at his Glasgow hospital were said to be satisfied with the results. Alan is expected to stay in hospital for several days. Wife Mandy was at his bedside last night. It's hoped the op will be Alan's last. A family friend said: "The surgery went well and the doctors are happy with him. "We are all relieved and are looking forward to him getting back to fitness."

CELTIC FLY TO ORLANDO

Celtic leave for Orlando, Florida later today, three players are being left behind for various reasons Alan Stubbs who we know is recovering from illness (see above) and forgotten men Mark Burchill and Eyal Berkovic.

Some Disneyland style stories are already doing the rounds. We’ve heard how our Slovakian maestro Lubo will be persuaded that the states is going to be the place to see out the remainder of his career, now it’s seems that Paul Lambert should see out the rest of his career there as well.

At this rate Martin O’Neill will be returning from the states along with just his backroom staff for company.

1860 WANT ME TO STAY, SAYS RISETH

Celtic’s Vidar Riseth has claimed that 1860 Munich, where he is currently on loan, want to sign him on a permanent deal.

WEDNESDAY 10th JANUARY 2001

NO FOOTBALL, LET’S MAKE A STORY OUT OF NOTHING.

So here we are starved of our weekly dose of SPL action and it seems the tabloids have nothing to write about, well we all know what happens now.

Let’s make up some stories up and wind up the fans, particularly the Celtic ones.

The Sunday People last weekend had a headline stating “O’Neill blocks Heskey Celtic move” right away you smell something fishy. Well if you read on you would not have been disappointed, the story actually relates to when Martin O’Neill was the Leciester boss and Tommy Burns was trying lure a young Heskey from Leicester City to Celtic Park, sure enough Martin O’Neill blocked the move. So the question has got to be asked why bring up a story about four or five years old.

All week long now we’ve been seeing headlines regarding the Kings future at Celtic Park, is this a way of trying to upset the King when he should be having a well earned rest along with his team mates.

Why each day should we need to read about Martin O’Neill having to ensure King Henrik stays with the club, indeed why should Martin O’Neill even have to make comment on an issue that at this moment does not exist. Enough said on this subject I think.

And finally how low can the Daily Ranger stoop, a guy goes on a well-earned break with his family and it makes front-page headlines. MARTIN O’PEEL I mean what is that all about?

All the things happening in the world and there’s a picture of our manager having a relaxing few moments by the pool. I ask you? What is this so-called newspaper all about?

MONDAY 08th JANUARY 2001

CUP TIE SWITCH

Celtic’s Scottish cup-tie against Stranraer will now be played on Sunday 28th January 2001, the tie has been moved from Saturday to Sunday to accommodate live TV. This will be a major disappointment to our fans that regularly travel in there thousands. Not only have they moved the tie from Saturday to Sunday but they are still debating whether to change the venue as well. Further updates as we have them.

MONDAY 08th JANUARY 2001

THE KING IS IN 2ND PLACE.

It's emerged that King Henrik is trailing in 2nd place to a Belarus player as he tries to win the European Golden Boot award for this season. It appears he is just behind Ramon Vasilyuk of Salvia Mazyr, but as their season has now ended, it leaves Larsson in with a great shout of picking up the prestigious trophy for ending the season as top scorer throughout Europe. Sunderland's Kevin Philips won it last term with 30 Premiership strikes, and another four from Larsson will overtake Vasilyuk.

SUNDAY 07th JANUARY 2001

SCOTTISH CUP DRAW UPDATE

Stair Park challenge for Celtic

Billy McLaren's Stranraer won their reward for defeating Dumbarton on Saturday in the Scottish Cup, a home tie against Martin O'Neill's Celtic. The full draw is:

St Johnstone v Dunfermline

Berwick Rangers or Cowdenbeath v Hearts

Elgin City or Queen of the South v Airdrie

Stirling Albion v Raith Rovers

Kilmarnock v Partick Thistle

Alloa v Aberdeen

Ross County v Buckie Thistle

Arbroath or Montrose or Keith v Dundee United

Inverness Caley Thistle v Ayr United

Dundee v Falkirk

Hibernian v Clyde

Peterhead v Morton

Stranraer v Celtic

East Fife v Livingston

Rangers v Brechin City

St Mirren v Motherwell

Ties to be played Saturday Jan 27 or Sunday, Jan 28.

SUNDAY 07th JANUARY 2001

SCOTTISH CUP NEWS

There’s sure to be a ticket scramble coming up as Celtic have been drawn away to Stranraer in the 3rd round of the Scottish Cup. Over the past couple of seasons teams have been forbidden to switch venues for ties such as this. We’ll know over the next few days what the situation will be with this game.

SUNDAY 07th JANUARY 2001

HAVE I SPOKEN TOO SOON?

No sooner have I posted my first rant of the day when I come across the SUNDAY MASON with the usual claptrap Rangers slant, the headlines boom out :

FOOTBALL: MY SECRET PACT WITH GERS CHIEF GREAT DANE Brian Laudrup last night opened the door on a sensational return to Ibrox....

FOOTBALL: I'LL TORE IN WHEN I'M FIT CHELSEA offloaded giant striker Tore Andre Flo to because they thought he was too nice and didn't graft enough....

FOOTBALL: CAAT'S BLAST AT REF RANGERS boss Dick Advocaat reckons the SFA should lay off his players and investigate referee Stuart Dougal instead....

FOOTBALL: WISE MOVE RANGERS are poised to swoop for Chelsea's wantaway skipper Dennis Wise....

Here’s me thinking that it was Celtic who have gone into the winter break with a 12 point lead over the champions.

Come on guys you’ll need to come up with better stories than this if you want to turn your rag into something worth reading.

SUNDAY 07th JANUARY 2001

NO NEWS IS GOOD NEWS?

Not much in the way of news coming out of Celtic Park today, although this will change later this evening when we find out who our opponents will be in the Scottish Cup 3rd round. The draw will be made at around 6.00pm tonight.

A couple of good pieces of journalism on Celtic in today’s Sunday Herald and Scotland on Sunday, both on line editions look at Celtic’s fantastic start to the season under new boss Martin O’Neill, both also throw in quotes from Neil Lennon, King Henrik & Chris Sutton with regard to the season so far. Check these stories out for yourselves by clicking on the hyperlinks or by cutting an pasting the url's and inserting them into your address section.

http://www.scotlandonsunday.com/sport.cfm

http://www.sundayherald.com/news/newsi.hts?section=Sport&story_id=13601

SATURDAY 06th JANUARY 2001

SPL SHUTDOWN

Well no more games in the SPL until the last day of the month, we will however have at least two friendlies and a Scottish Cup tie to squeeze in before our challenge for the SPL begins again in earnest.

The first friendly game takes place on Friday 19th January 2001 when Tampa Bay Mutiny will entertain Celtic, should be a great opportunity for Celtic fans in the Tampa area a rare chance to see the hoops in the flesh. The match will kick off at 7.30 p.m. in the University of Tampa’s Pepin-Rood Stadium,

The second friendly takes the form of a testimonial match for Tim Shepard of Norwich; this game takes place on Monday 22nd January 2001 with a 7.45pm kick off. At this point it’s unclear what sort of team Celtic will send down to Norwich for this game, it’s also unclear just how many fans will travel down to Norwich.

The third game we will be involved in is the 3rd round of this seasons Scottish Cup, the draw for this will be broadcast live on Sky Sports on Sunday evening at 6.00pm. This game is scheduled for Saturday 27th January 2001 but could be subject to change depending on the outcome of Sunday’s draw.

Thursday 04th January 2001

Henrik leading in chase for Golden Boot.

Henrik Larsson is well out in front in the chase for the coveted prize of the Golden Boot, it was last won in Scotland in 1993 when Ally McCoist lifted the prize whilst playing for Rangers.

Larsson is on course to bolster the lowly standing of the SPL in Europe after streaking into an emphatic early lead in the race for the prestigious Adidas Golden Boot award. Last captured by a Scottish League player in 1993 when Ally McCoist triumphed, Larsson is currently far and away the highest-scoring striker in a significant European UEFA-ranked league with 28 league goals.

The news represents another remarkable testimony to the 29-year- old on the day when agent Rob Jansen admitted that the £650,000 bargain from Feyenoord is determined to end his career at Parkhead.

With each of Larsson's current 28 league goals being multiplied by three in line with the number of UEFA Cup slots allocated to Scotland this season, the Celtic striker currently stands on 84 ranking points in the Adidas standings.

Galatasaray's former Rangers target Mario Jardel is Larsson's closest rival for the award at the halfway point with 54 points for his current Turkish league tally of 18 goals.

The current top scorers in the English Premiership, Marcus Stewart and Thierry Henry of Arsenal and France, currently sit on 39 points, whilst other leading scorers across Europe, including Milan's Andriy Shevchenko, Spain's current leading contender Javi Moreno and Germany's Sergei Babarez and Ebbe Sand trail behind.

Thursday 04th January 2001

Bookie pays out on Celtic & Man Utd.

Manchester based bookie Fred Done is paying out on both Celtic and Manchester United a full five months before the season ends. He reckons neither will be caught in their respective leagues.

January 02nd 2001

Game On

Celtic's game tommorrow is on, Celtic Park was passed as playable after an inspection on Monday afternoon.