jun2001

6/30/2001

BRAZILIAN ON HIS WAY BACK?

Corinthians vice-chairman Antonio Roque Citadini, explained that the club is negotiating for Las Palmas' Alvaro. Coach Luxemburgo won't have Rafael Scheidt anymore, since his contract is owned by Celtic Glasgow and he'll return in Scotland next month. Initially, Corinthians wanted to extend the loan spell, but Celtic, who sold Vega to Watford, think that the central defender is crucial for their squad.

6/30/2001

HARTSON FOR CELTIC?

CELTIC are poised to make a dramatic eleventh-hour swoop to take Sky Blues star John Hartson north of the border.

The Scottish champions’ boss Martin O’Neill has spoken to Gordon Strachan and looks ready to at least match the £3.5m bid tabled by Leicester boss Peter Taylor on Thursday.

Sky Blues chairman Bryan Richardson has rejected the Foxes’ bid and slapped a £7m price tag on Hartson as a bidding war begins for the Welsh international striker.

Richardson says other top flight clubs are in the hunt for the 26-year-old and is awaiting a firm offer that matches his valuation.

Sunderland, who had been reported to be interested, have ruled themselves out, although Middlesbrough and West Ham are believed to be keen.

Hartson, who saw a move to Glasgow Rangers turn sour over injury problems 12 months ago, would almost certainly favour Celtic out of the three clubs, but City, who are resigned to losing the player, are holding out for more money.

“Leicester’s latest offer has been rejected because it hugely undervalues the player,” confirmed Richardson.

“We value him at £7 million. That’s the figure we believe he is worth.”

Strachan, who is declining all requests for interviews, is said to be hugely disappointed by Hartson’s decision to want to leave at such a critical stage of the close season.

The players are back for pre-season training on Monday leaving him just five weeks for his team to take shape ahead of the big kick-off.

6/25/2001

STUBBS FOR EVERTON?

Everton have revealed that talks are ongoing with Celtic defender Alan Stubbs.

Stubbs enjoyed five highly successful years with Celtic, with the domestic treble of last term being the pinnacle of his Parkhead career.

But the Kirkby born centre back has revealed that the chance to play for Everton would be a dream come true, having supported the Merseysiders as a boy.

Now Stubbs is locked in talks with Goodison chiefs, and could be unveiled as Walter Smith’s first signing of the summer as early as next week.

6/25/2001

TRANSFER TALK

CELTIC SHOW HULSKER INTEREST

CELTIC HAVE been linked with Molde's Bernt Hulsker after their boss Martin O'Neill watched the Norwegian striker against Brann on Friday.

Hulsker, 23, was signed by Molde from lower division side Træff and broke into the first team last season after Andreas Lund was sold to Wimbledon.

A quick player with plenty of flair, and rated at around $US 1.4m, Hulsker scored seven goals last term.

MUZZY CELTIC LINK DISMISSED

Leicester City boss Peter Taylor has quashed speculation linking Muzzy Izzet with a move to Celtic. Did Peter Taylor not come out with same quotes as Celtic chased the signature of Neil Lennon? Izzet was quoted as saying that he would be discussing his future with his agent when he returns from holiday on Wednesday. The Daily Record quotes the City midfielder as saying: “I signed a new three-year contract with Leicester at the start of the season, but I don’t know if my future lies with them. “It’s difficult to say now, although I haven’t heard anything directly from Celtic yet.” But Taylor responded to ease any fears from City fans that Izzet could be set to team up with former City boss Martin O’Neill and midfield partner Neil Lennon. Taylor said: “As far as I’m concerned, there’s no truth in it whatsoever. “It has nothing to do with Celtic and nothing to do with us. “I know Muzzy better than that. There’s no way he would have said those things. “It’s just another case of somebody trying to create a story out of nothing. I imagine they took what he said out of context to make a story.” Taylor is a big fan of 26-year- old Izzet, who was plucked from Chelsea reserves and brought to Filbert Street five years ago by O’Neill and has played a major role in establishing City in the Premiership. “He is a very important part of our side,” said Taylor. “We missed him more than anybody when he was injured towards the end of last season. “He is the kind of player who can create and score goals out of nothing. I want to build my team around him. “I’ve got no intention of selling Muzzy or any other of the players who are so important to our side.”

Celtic weighing up Vairelles bid

Martin O'Neill will return to his desk at Celtic Park to consider a £4million move for French international striker Tony Vairelles. The Lyon star, whose goal eliminated Celtic from the UEFA Cup two years ago, is desperate to quit the club after falling to fourth-choice striker. It is understood O'Neill is considering the 28-year-old as a potential 'third man' behind Golden Shoe winner Henrik Larsson and Chris Sutton. Lyon said they were aware of interest from Scotland and that Vairelles' agent, Alain Migliaccio, was seeking a new club for his client. 'We're sure a Scottish club and an English club are interested,' said spokesman Olivier Blanc. 'We have had no official contact with anyone but we are expecting to get an offer from a Scottish club. He'd be a good player for Celtic.' Vairelles, who has eight caps and one goal for France, is available just two seasons after joining Champions League participants Lyon from Lens. His Lyon career began disastrously with home and away defeats to Maribor of Slovenia, who have been paired with Rangers in this year's competition. But he soon formed a fearsome partnership with £10m Brazilian Sonny Anderson, and scored at Parkhead to shatter John Barnes' UEFA Cup dreams. Since then, though, Vairelles has fallen out of coach Jacques Santini's plans. He played the final six months of last season on loan to Bordeaux, only to find himself played out of position in midfield. 'We've told Tony that, if he wants to leave, it is okay, ' added Blanc. 'He's afraid he'll be the fourth striker again next season. 'If he wants to stay, though, we will be happy because he is an excellent player. It's difficult, because he will play less than the others.' Vairelles' agent, Migliaccio, is currently assisting another of his high-profile clients, Zinedine Zidane, negotiate his preferred passage from Juventus to Real Madrid. O'Neill, meanwhile, expects to learn in the next 48 hours whether his pursuit of another Frenchman, £2.5m Toulouse defender Bobo Balde, has been successful.

BHOYS REJECT JAMES CLAIMS

Celtic have admitted reports linking them with Aston Villa and England goalkeeper David James are nothing but speculation.

The 30-year-old, who has recently signed an extension to his current deal at Villa Park, has been the subject of intense speculation already this summer. But Celtic have claimed they are not interested, which leaves Everton and West Ham in the chase, with The Hammers reportedly ready to offer Frederic Kanoute in part-exchange.

If James was to leave Aston Villa it would likely be for a price in the region of £6million ($US 8.5m), though The Bhoys have admitted this morning that they are not interested in signing the former Liverpool keeper, as Celtic manager Martin O'Neill, who has being told he has a limited budget at his disposal, seems to have strength-in-depth in this position.

A Celtic official said: "There's been no interest in James and no sort of enquiry has been made about the player."

6/23/2001

IZZET HINTS AT CELTIC SWITCH

Muzzy Izzet has admitted his time at Leicester City could be coming to an end and has already been tipped for a reunion with Martin O'Neill at Celtic. The Turkish international's career flourished under O'Neill at Filbert Street after he was plucked from the obscurity of Chelsea's reserves. And with his former City colleague Neil Lennon already a superstar at Parkhead, it would be no surprise if the £8m-rated midfielder was considering a similar move.

6/23/2001

CELTS TARGET MARIBOR STOPPER

Celtic have made enquiries about Slovenia international centre-back Muamer Vugdalic of NK Maribor. Old Firm rivals Rangers face the Slovenians in the second qualifying round of the Champions League. And their task could me made easier if Celtic get their man.

6/23/2001

TICKETS FOR HOOPS SET TO GO ON SALE

Info for QPR fans

Tickets for the QPR's pre-season clash against Celtic at Loftus Road on July 14 go on sale on Monday with a maximum of two tickets per person.

QPR fans will be able to buy tickets in the Loft, Upper, Lower and South Africa Road stands and east and west Paddocks, priced £15 for adults and £5 concessions.

Commercial manager Mark Devlin told the club's official website: "Everyone connected with QPR is excited at the prospect of playing Celtic. We're sure it will be a great day out for everybody."

6/23/2001

MUZZY FOR HOOPS?

Muzzy Izzet has admitted his time at Leicester City could be coming to an end - and has already been tipped for a reunion with Martin O'Neill at Celtic. The Turkish international's career flourished under O'Neill at Filbert Street after he was plucked from the obscurity of Chelsea's reserves.

And with his former City colleague Neil Lennon already a title-winner at Parkhead, it would be no surprise if the £8million-rated midfielder was considering a similar move.

He told the Daily Record: "I've told my agent we will talk about any possible moves when I get back from holiday on 27 June.

"I signed a new three-year deal with Leicester at the start of last season. But I don't know if my future lies with them.

"It is difficult to say anything right now although I haven't heard anything directly from Celtic yet."

Celtic have also been linked with Molde striker Bernt Hulsker. O'Neill saw the £1m-rated Norwegian in action in a 0-0 draw with SK Brann.

6/21/2001

VEGA QUITS CELTIC FOR WATFORD Ramon Vega has rejected Celtic's offer of a one-year deal to become Watford's first signing of the summer. The 30-year-old Swiss international has agreed terms for a three-year deal and will link up with new manager Gianluca Vialli on July 1. Vega helped Celtic complete the treble in Scotland last season, making 26 appearances and scoring four goals at Parkhead.

6/21/2001

CELTIC START AT HOME Champions Celtic begin the defence of their Premier League crown with a home match against St Johnstone at Parkhead on July 28. Martin O'Neill led the Glasgow giants to an historic treble last season in his first season in charge and will be looking to get off to a flier again when the 2001/02 season gets underway. Arch-rivals Rangers, however, will have other ideas and will be desperate to signal their intentions on the opening day, but they face a tough opening day trip to Aberdeen.

6/21/2001

LATAPY DENIES HIBS DRINK CLAIMS

Russell Latapy has denied claiming there was a drinking culture at former club Hibernian and fears the story may wreck his chances of signing for Celtic. "I am very worried about how I will be portrayed in all of this," he said.

6/21/2001

FINAL SCORE FROM WORLD CUP QUALIFIER

USA 2 TRINIDAD & TOBAGO 0

6/21/2001

LATAPY IN WORLD CUP ACTION

Rumoured Celtic target is in action early this morning for his country Trinidad & Tobago, they are at present 2-0 down against the USA as the game approaches half-time. Dwight Yorke of Manchester United is also in the Trinidad & Tobago line up.

6/21/2001

NEW SPL FIXTURE LIST

The new fixture list for season 2001-2001 will be released later today, as soon as the fixtures are known they will be posted on the site.

6/20/2001

CELTS TO VISIT LOFTUS ROAD

First Ever Battle Of The Hoops To Take Place In July

THE blue and white hoops of QPR are set to face the green and white hoops of Celtic for the first ever time at Loftus Road on July 14. The friendly match is sure to attract a large crowd due to Celtic's huge London-based support.

Loftus Road chief Executive David Davies told the official QPR website: "It's a real coup for us. It will be a rare chance to see one of the world's best supported teams at Loftus Road. Celtic have a strong following in London so it should be a cracking day out."

6/20/2001

SUNDERLAND MATCH CONFIRMED

As announced on this site on the 7th June 2001, Celtic have now confirmed that they will play Sunderland in a pre-season match at Celtic Park on Tuesday 24th July 2001, the game kick's off at 7.45pm. The club have also confirmed that they will play Queen's Park Rangers at Loftus Road on Saturday 14th July 2001, this game kicks off at 3.00pm. A game with a 3.00pm off on a Saturday, you've got to be joking.

6/18/2001

DATES TO WATCH OUT FOR. CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 3RD QUALIFYING ROUND DRAW FRIDAY 20TH JULY 2001

MATCHES TO BE PLAYED ON 7/8TH AUGUST 2001 & 21/22ND AUGUST 2001

6/18/2001

Golden Boot 2000-01

1. Henrik Larsson (Celtic) 35 goals, 52.5 points 2. Hernan Crespo (Lazio) 26 goals, 52 points 3. Andrei Shevchenko (Milan) 24 goals, 48 points 4. Raul (Real Madrid) 24 goals, 48 points 5. Mateja Kezman (PSV Eindhoven) 24 goals, 48 points

Larsson has always been a natural goalscorer. He finished as top scorer for Helsingborg at the age of 21 and was immediately rewarded with international recognition.

He soon moved to Feyenoord, where Wim Jansen was the director of football, before scoring for his country in a play-off to claim third spot in the 1994 World Cup.

The determined Larsson decided to take Feyenoord to court when the Dutch club refused to allow him to follow Jansen to Celtic in 1997.

Despite giving away a match-losing goal on his debut, Larsson quickly became the darling of Celtic fans, as Jansen transformed him into one of the most feared strikers in Scottish football.

He won the Player of the Year award in his second season, which yielded 38 goals, and a new contract worth a reputed £1million a year. As well as his goals, Larsson is a prodigious worker, bringing team-mates into play and winning the ball in deep positions.

He began 1999-2000 in his customary style, but suffered a gruesome double leg fracture against Lyon in the Uefa Cup. He fought back to score against Italy for Sweden at Euro 2000 and was soon in the swing again for Celtic as they took the Premier League by storm in 2000-01.

He scored his one hundredth goal for Celtic against Kilmarnock on January 2, 2001 - a feat he achieved in less than 140 games. He was named Players' Player and Writers' Player of the Year this season, scoring 53 goals in all competitions.

Previous European Golden Boot winners:

1989-90: H Sanchez (R Madrid) and H Stoitchkov (CSKA) 38 goals 1990-91: D Pancev (Red Star) 34 goals 1991-92: A McCoist (Rangers) 34 goals 1992-93: A McCoist (Rangers) 34 goals 1993-94: D Taylor (Porthmadog, Wales) 43 goals 1994-95: A Avetisyan (Homenmen, Armenia) 39 goals 1995-96: Z Endeladze (Margveti, Georgia) 40 goals 1996-97: Ronaldo (Barcelona) 34 goals 1997-98: N Maklas (Vitesse Arnhem) 34 goals 1998-99: Mario Jardel (Porto) 36 goals 1999-00: Kevin Philips (Sunderland) 30 goals

6/17/2001

CORK CITY v CELTIC

Celtic to play at Turner's Cross

Cork City have been given the go-ahead to jointly host Glasgow Celtic during next month's tour of Ireland. The Scottish treble winners' tour is at the beginning of July and it was originally arranged for them to play Shelbourne and St. Pat's in a friendly tournament. Recently, however, following a request from the Leesiders, Glasgow Celtic will also play a friendly against Cork City at Turner's Cross two days before the tournament in Dublin. The Scottish giants, managed by Martin O'Neill, will bring a full-strength squad to Turner's Cross, including 53-goal Swede Henrik Larsson and Cork-born Irish U-21 star Colin Healy. Celtic's three Scottish trophies will also be paraded around Turner's Cross on the night. Cork City hope to use the game to recoup much of the losses suffered during a poor financial year for the club. The game will take place on Friday, July 6th with a 6pm kick-off at Turner's Cross. Tickets for the game will go on sale Saturday, June 16th at Turner's Cross before the Intertoto Cup game against Metalugs.

6/14/2001

LATAPY IN TROUBLE AGAIN

Rumoured Celtic target is in trouble again after missing out on playing for his country, it seems that he and Dwight Yorke of Manchester United have once again gone on a bender. The reason for the non appearance was seemingly that he was involved in transfer talks with CELTIC. I can’t see Martin O’Neill putting up with any of this nonsense.

6/13/2001

BACK TO ONE PLACE FOR THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Celtic will need to win back to back SPL titles if they wish to compete in the Champions League for season 2002-2003.

UEFA announced on Tuesday that Scotland would be allocated only one berth after their crucial co- efficient has dwindled.

European football's governing body confirmed that Scotland has slumped out of its all-important top 15 - meaning the SPL will have just one Champions League place up for grabs next term.

6/11/2001

FROM SHELBOURNE'S OFFICIAL SITE

Tickets for Celtic game [10 June 2001 - 15:19]

Members of the Shelbourne FC Supporters' Club have an advance opportunity to buy tickets for the upcoming Celtic game.

Tickets are limited to 2 per member and are available through the supporters club. This special arrangement is only in place until Wednesday 13th June.

Tickets are priced at £30 covered seats; £25 uncovered seats: £5 children (limited number available) and go on general sale from Wednesday 13th at Ticketmaster outlets.

Celtic to play Shels [8 June 2001 - 13:38]

Following the collapse of the proposed quadrangular tournament in Tolka Park (between Celtic, Hearts, Shelbourne & St Patricks Athletic), Celtic will now play Shelbourne F.C. only.

The match is scheduled for Sunday 8th July in Tolka Park

6/11/2001

CELTIC IN DUBLIN

It has been confirmed that Shelbourne will play a friendly match against Celtic at Tolka Park on Sunday July 8, with a 4pm kick off. The Scottish treble winners will parade last season's trophies at the game.

Tickets for the game go on sale from HMV outlets nationwide (DUBLIN) on Wednesday.

6/11/2001

MORE TRANSFER SPECULATION

Another five players have been linked with a move to Celtic over the past few days, these include Ian Walker the Spurs goalkeeper, Leicester City pair Steve Guppy & Muzzy Izzet, Southampton's Hassan Kachloul and Toulouse striker Victor Bonilla.

Celtic fans will be very aware of the need for Martin O’Neill to bolster his squad for next season, but none of the players listed above would have the cream of Europe shaking in their boots if they were suddenly to sign for the Champions.

The media will be full of speculation in the lead up to the new season and one of them is bound to get at least one players name correct, then we will see the banner headlines, you read it here first. What about the countless others that lead to nothing other than chip paper wrappings. You heard that here first.

6/8/2001

Ryan Giggs Testimonial Match Manchester United v Celtic Old Trafford Wednesday August 1 KO 7.45pm

Tickets for the Celtic sections for this match are available to Celtic Season Ticket holders only.

Applications will be accepted by post only and must be received at Celtic Ticket Office by close of business Friday, June 29.

Where possible applications should be accompanied with a completed Travel Form. These are available now from Celtic Shops and from Celtic Ticket Office from Monday June 18. If you have not completed a travel form you must enclose details of everyone traveling in the group and the method of transport.

Tickets will be limited to five per application. In the event of a ballot being required tickets will be allocated on an all or nothing basis.

Applications must include a SAE as well as method of payment. Cheques must be endorsed on reverse with name and address of account holder and cheque guarantee card details (Business Cheques are not accepted). Do not send cash through the post.

Tickets are priced £21 Adults, £10.50 Concessions. Family Section £17/£8.50.

All applications must be addressed to:-

Ryan Giggs Testimonial Celtic Ticket Office Celtic Park Glasgow G40 3RD

6/7/2001

Dublin Tournament Cancelled

The proposed tournament scheduled for the start of July in Dublin has been cancelled. It's thought that Celtic will still try to arrange two friendly matches in Ireland prior to flying out to their French training camp.

6/7/2001

Second pre season friendly?

Expect an anouncement from the club in the next few days regarding a second pre-season friendly. It's thought that the club will follow up the game against Fulham on Friday 20th July 2001 with a match against Peter Reid's Sunderland.

6/7/2001

OLD TRAFFORD TICKET DETAILS

Celtic will receive 12,500 tickets for the Ryan Giggs Testimonial match at Old Trafford on Wednesday 01st August 2001. Details on how the tickets will be distributed will be posted in the next few days.

6/7/2001

OLD TRAFFORD TICKET DETAILS

6/7/2001

Bhoys on film by Stephen Sullivan (CELTIC VIEW)

For any of you Bhoys and Ghirls who fancy yourselves as movie stars - here’s your chance. Antonine Films have sent out a plea for 250 Celtic fans to appear in the key scene of ‘The Aficianado’, a short film about love and football which will be screened by the BBC and in various film festivals around the world. The 250 extras will form the crowd singing along with the film’s hero, Celtic-daft ‘Paul’, whose relationship with his girlfriend ‘Mandy’ has hit a rocky patch due to his obsession with football.

Paul’s mum tries to remedy the situation by encouraging Mandy to go to the game so that she can understand why he can’t just be an armchair fan. At the match, she discovers that Paul is in fact a hero of the terraces – responsible for leading the fans in song. Seeing him conducting the choir of fans, she realises why football is so important in his humdrum life and joins in to cheer on the team. Love wins the day (1,2,3… aaaaw!).

The key scene of the film is the final match scene where Paul leads the crowd in song to celebrate the arrival of Jorge Cadete (the film is set a few years ago, so this is where your acting skills might come in handy!). Filming will take place at HAMPDEN on WEDNESDAY 13th JUNE 2001 from 12 noon – 1700 hrs.

‘The Aficionado’ is written and directed by Alan De Pellette, who has directed - amongst other projects - ‘Chewin’ the Fat’, and is being produced under the auspices of the Antonine Short Film Factory Scheme. Sponsored by BBC Scotland, BBC Choice, BAFTA and Scottish Screen with Peter Mullan as Patron, the scheme is designed to support and encourage new writing, directing and producing talent and provides employment and training for local crew and film practitioners. All shorts produced within the scheme will receive broadcasts on the BBC channels involved as well as additional screenings in association with Scottish Screen. Antonine Films is a long established Scottish film company who have produced, amongst others, the award-winning film ‘Orphans’.

Extras will receive a small amount of money to cover travel expenses and will also be provided with soup and biscuits in between filming.

ANYONE INTERESTED SHOULD CALL 0141 204 0036 AND LEAVE A MESSAGE STATING YOUR NAME AND CONTACT NUMBER (DAY/EVENING).

Alternatively, e-mail:aficionadofilm@hotmail.com

6/5/2001

Agathe about to join millionaires' club

Didier Agathe is set to become the latest millionaire in the Celtic huddle as he agrees a lucrative extension to his Parkhead contract which will treble his weekly pay and double the length of his stay in Paradise.

The pacy right wing-back has celebrated an astonishing season by playing a major role in the Treble win and his contribution will soon be rewarded.

It's thought that an initial meeting between the club and his representative took place on Monday, as a result of which Agathe's current contract - which runs until 2003 - will be ripped up.

Agathe was signed for just £35,000 from Hibernian early last season and earned around only £4,000 per week - but becoming a first-team regular will bring him a pay rise of around 300 per cent.

If the 25-year-old lands a four-year contract extension, the overall windfall to the diplomat's son from the island of Reunion could be more than £2m as he completes an amazing rise from Raith Rovers to the Champions League.

6/5/2001

CHARITY CASH

Celtic's Wear the Hoops with Pride event on Cup Final day raised £4,000 for Alan Stubbs' cancer charity. An auction of Henrik Larsson's Final shirt and boots, and Stubbs' boots, is expected to further boost the campaign this week.

6/5/2001

O'Neill: Record book isn't my story

(FROM THE OFFICIAL CLUB SITE)

Martin O'Neill this evening attempted to clarify uncertainty surrounding a biography entitled The Martin O'Neill Story.

The Celtic manager is keen to stress that he has had no personal involvement in the Daily Record project and has been disappointed that the book's advertising campaign suggests that it has his official consent.

He said: "As a number of people have asked me about this book and Celtic Football Club has also received enquiries about it, there are a few points which I would like to clarify. Firstly, this is not an authorised biography - I have received numerous approaches about being involved in a book and I have declined all of these. Secondly, I have had no participation in this book whatsoever. And finally, I also wish to make it clear that I will not in any way gain financially from this publication.

"I know it is intended that some of the funds from this book will be going to the cancer unit in Belfast which treated Anthony Martin. Obviously Anthony's family have our deepest sympathy following their sad loss of and we will be making our own donation to the unit at the Royal Hospital in Belfast where Anthony was treated."

6/5/2001

Celtic Shares Not Affected By Larsson

Leading financial analysts Gerrard insist that Henrik Larsson's departure would not have a catastrophic effect on Celtic's share prices.

The striker is expected to reopen contract negotiations with the Glasgow giants following Sweden's World Cup qualifier against Moldova.

Larsson still has two years remaining on his current deal, but his agent Rob Jansen is confident that Celtic can match the player's demands.

The Parkhead board are under pressure to come up with a lucrative package to keep the fans' favourite at the club.

But stockbrokers Gerrard believe that even if the unthinkable happened and Larsson left Celtic it would not inflict a devastating blow on the share price because most of the shareholders are fans, who would stand by the club.

Spokesperson Laura Lambie said: "I think it's the same with any company.

"They want to keep key players like other companies want to keep their key sales people, or whoever.

"It's no different from anything else and if somebody is head-hunted, of course it will have a negative impact.

"But it's not the manager or a team of players so I wouldn't have thought there would be much room for sentiment.

"I wouldn't have thought there would be a knee-jerk reaction by the fans if he walked away because of the huge amount of money involved.

"Manchester United and Celtic are two very similar clubs in that they have got a huge amount of loyal fans overseas who will always buy the strips and a lot of shareholders who are fans and wouldn't sell their shares.

"They have the fan base to survive such losses like perhaps Newcastle, whose mainstream of fans and shareholders are from the area and are loyal."

Gerrard insist the current uncertainty over Sir Alex Ferguson's future at Manchester United is having a bigger effect on the stock market than Larsson's contract delay is having on Celtic's share price.

"I think there tends to be two different sides to this," said Lambie.

"One is the playing record and how well they do, say if they get into Europe.

"The other side is the long-term fan base and the marketing potential to buy strips and other merchandise from the club.

"The Celtic share price along with Manchester United's share price is almost at a set price and is fairly protected because their fans have shares.

"The other side is the playing record and I think it would be different if the manager was leaving and the uncertainty of that.

"The situation at Manchester United is quite interesting in that they have a manager there with one year left to run on his contract.

"There's also uncertainty there with David Beckham so it's far more worrying for Manchester United than Celtic at the moment.

"The share prices have been fairly unchanged although it has been falling probably for the past nine months, but that's mostly in line with the sector."

6/5/2001

VEGA FOR WATFORD

Radio Clyde this morning reported that Ramon Vega is indeed about to sign for Watford, it's thought that Celtic will not bow to Vega's demands of a salary thought to be around £20k per week.

6/3/2001

TRANSFER RUMOURS UPDATE

Alan Stubbs is being chased once again by Everton; it’s thought that Stubbs may move to Everton on a free if he can’t thrash out a new contract with Celtic

Di Canio to return? Can’t see this one happening, but you never know in football.

Bobo Balde and Marc Libbra a done deal. Doubt this one very much, when was the last time we had a straightforward transfer between Celtic and any other club. Answers on the back of a used stamp to the usual address.

Ramon Vega to leave Celtic? For who surely not that massive club WATFORD.

Peter Schmeichel as back up to Rab Douglas can’t see the big Dane excepting this position.

Russell Latapy may have scuppered his own chances with his goings on at Hibs.

Colin Healy to Ipswich, move ruled out by Ipswich boss George Burley.

The King for Barcelona, some journo on magic mushrooms I think.

Mark Burchill for Wolves? It seems his agent is anxious to move Mark on to anyone that will guarantee him a payday.

6/2/2001

ONE TO WATCH OUT FOR

Sky sports tv will be broadcasting a Tribute to Celtic on Monday evening between 7 & 8pm, the programme will be repeated at various times during the week.

6/2/2001

DRAW IN DUBLIN

The Republic of Ireland were held to a 1-1 draw earlier this afternoon at Lansdowne Road, Dublin by Portugal. The draw leaves the Republic at the top of their qualifying group. Scorers were Roy Keane for Ireland and Luis Figo for Portugal.

6/2/2001

HOOPS ON DISPLAY

Plenty of Celtic hooped jersey's on display today at Lansdowne Road, Dublin. The Republic are taking part in a vital World Cup Qualifier against Portugal. Score after 35 minutes remains at 0-0.

6/2/2001

Bhoys told to up bids or risk losing duo

Cash-strapped Toulouse have promised Martin O'Neill he will land Marc Libbra and Bobo Balde if he increases his offer to £4million. The French club are desperate for revenue after they were banished to the Third Division by the French Football Federation amid allegations of financial irregularities.

Celtic have tabled a £3m bid for former Hibs loan striker Libbra and highly-rated defender Balde, as they seek to supplement the Treble-winning squad for the challenge of the Champions League.

But Toulouse general manager Didier Couecou has insisted the offer must be increased to £4m by next week or Celtic risk missing out. 'We are having negotiations with Celtic but we are not near a finish,' said Couecou. 'O'Neill wants the two - it is just a question of money.

'We must discuss Libbra and Balde together again next week - and we must have an answer next week. Money is always the problem.'

6/1/2001

DUBLIN TOURNAMENT

Celtic, Hearts and Shelbourne are planning a three-way tournament in Dublin in July in preparation for next season. The news will excite those football-mad fans in the Republic as any visit involving their adopted team brings out the crowds in huge numbers. The talks are at an early stage, and the clubs are looking at a suitable weekend to suit all parties. Celtic are due in Dublin in or around the 6th July and this would suggest that the games will be played between the 6th & 8th July, the club are also due to fly off to a pre season training camp in France after they finish off in Dublin.

6/1/2001

SEASON BOOK RENEWALS

Fans who travelled to Celtic Park today to renew their season books were being told that a five hour wait was in progress. This is despite of a huge increase in cost for many season ticket holders.