7/29/2002

Sky Blues accept Celtic bid

Coventry City can confirm they have accepted an undisclosed bid from Celtic for goalkeeper Magnus Hedman. The Swedish international will travel up to Parkhead on Monday morning for discussions with the Scottish club and if those progress favourably, Magnus is expected to complete a medical on Tuesday. Said Chairman Mike McGinnity: "The offer from Celtic is far in excess of the bid we received from Espanyol in June. "The board are satisfied that it meets our valuation of Magnus."

7/28/2002

Celtic swoop for Coventry keeper, Hibs wing-back

Celtic are set to complete a double swoop inside the next 48 hours. Coventry keeper Magnus Hedman and Hibs wing-back Ulrik Laursen are expected at Parkhead this week to discuss terms.

Laursen will join the Bhoys for £1.25 million and boss Martin O'Neill confirmed: "The clubs have agreed a fee. We have a friendly against St Mirren on Tuesday but it is unlikely he'll be with us in time for that."

Meanwhile, Coventry chairman Mike McGinnity revealed: "We have received an offer from Celtic for Magnus Hedman far in excess of the Espanyol offer (around £300,000).

"He'll be travelling up early next week for a medical and to discuss personal terms."

7/28/2002

Ajax's USA star O'Brien fancies Celtic switch

Ajax midfielder John O'Brien has admitted he'd like to play for Celtic one day. The USA international starred in Ajax's 3-1 defeat of Celtic last week and said: "I loved playing in Scotland. Celtic are an attractive side with a great arena to play in.

"And the passion of their fans is incredible. We saw it last year in the Champion's League qualifiers and again in the midweek friendly.

"It's a huge difference from the support I'm used to from Americans.

"A lot of teams have been looking at our players and a couple of transfers have been talked about but have failed to come through.

"The style of American players - they go forward fast with the ball - is the same as in Scotland and England and many could do well here."

7/25/2002

O'Neill targets Laursen Exclusive by Alison McConnell

Martin O'Neill, as indicated, has stepped up his search for fresh faces to strengthen his current pool, with Hibs left-sided defender Ulrik Laursen currently being targeted by the Celtic manager. The 26-year-old Dane has spent the last two years at Easter Road, but could soon be swapping Hibs for the Hoops.

There are hopes that the player could even be in place for Celtic's opening SPL match against Dunfermline next Saturday.

7/25/2002

Thompson injury update.

Celtic midfielder Alan Thompson will be out of action for about eight weeks. A scan on Thursday afternoon revealed the player had suffered ligament damage to his left ankle against Ajax.

Thompson lasted only a few minutes of Wednesday night's friendly, which Celtic lost 3-1.

7/23/2002

Larsson: I may have followed O'Neill out of Celtic

Henrik Larsson has hinted he could have followed Martin O'Neill if the Celtic boss had left the club for Leeds United. The Swede said: "It's great to be starting the season with Martin O'Neill still in charge.

"I wouldn't have been very happy if he had gone to Leeds. When it was being reported that he was a favourite for the Leeds job I simply didn't know what might happen.

"If he had wanted it there would have been nothing I could have done about it. But when I heard Terry Venables had taken the Leeds job I was very pleased.

"It's easy to see what the manager has achieved at Celtic Park and I respect him a great deal."

Of new signing David Fernandez, Larsson added, "There is a lot of expectation where Fernandez is concerned.

"Many people see him as a direct replacement for Lubo and it's going to be tough trying to fill the kind of space he has left behind.

"But I have been impressed by what I have seen of David over the last 12 months. He is a quality player and there is a great belief he will do well at Celtic Park."

7/22/2002

ELLIOTT URGES O'NEILL TO GRAB MATT

Former Celtic defender Paul Elliott has urged Hoops manager Martin O'Neill to bring Matt Elliott to Glasgow.

Leicester and Scotland defender Elliott has been handed a free transfer by the Foxes as they attempt to slash their wage bill after being relegated.

Elliott said: "I heard the news and I'm surprised he's not at Parkhead already! Matt is a very talented player and Martin knows him very well."

7/22/2002

Celtic v. Ajax shown live in North America in all NAFCSC locations

The 24 July friendly between Celtic FC and Ajax (19:45 kick-off) will be available to North American fans courtesy of the North American Federation of Celtic Supporters Clubs (NAFCSC). Each location will charge some entry-fee to cover the cost of the closed-circuit feed from Sentanta. To learn more, visit the NAFCSC web page and click on "C.S.C.'s in the USA", "C.S.C.'s in Canada" or "C.S.C.'s Worldwide" to find a list of CSC pubs in that region. Then click on the nearest location in the left-hand column, and get in contact with that chapter of the CSC to confirm viewing details, cost of entry, etc.

7/22/2002

NEW PLAYER FOR AJAX AMSTERDAM

Midfielder Victor Sikora has been snapped up by Ajax

Ajax have beaten Fulham in the race to sign Vitesse Arnhem winger Victor Sikora. The reigning Dutch champions' bid of £2.9million was accepted by Vitesse, who were unhappy with Fulham's proposed method of payment.

The Dutch club admitted that the Cottagers offered more for the player, but had wanted to pay in four instalments every year until 2005.

Sikora has agreed a four-year contract with Ajax and will be presented at a press conference on Monday morning in Amsterdam.

The 23-year-old is likely to make his debut against Celtic in a friendly in Glasgow on Wednesday.

7/22/2002

Celtic bid for Hedman

Coventry City appear a little closer to selling Magnus Hedman after Celtic approached the club with an offer.

But the Scottish Champions have fallen short of the Sky Blues £2 million valuation for the Swedish World Cup goalkeeper.

Club chairman Mike McGinnity, who flew out to join the team in Germany for the weekend, confirmed that an initial bid has been rejected but is ready to do business if they come back with a better price.

7/19/2002

Celtic's Mjallby warns Gers' Amo: Don't get too cocky

Celtic defender Johan Mjallby has warned Rangers' Lorenzo Amoruso he may regret comments made recently. The big Italian claimed Gers were a better team "technically" than Celtic and held a psychological advantage over their rivals after last season's Scottish Cup victory.

But Mjallby laughed: "I know now it is better to do your talking on the pitch than to say things you are going regret.

"He believes in his team and you have to accept that but the league trophy is at Parkhead and the important thing is that we win it again this year."

7/16/2002

Kennedy signs on for another two years.

Young Celt John Kennedy will sign a new two year contract with the hoops today ending specualtion that he was set for a move down south.

7/15/2002

HEDMAN: I'D JUMP AT CELTIC CHANCE

Coventry goalkeeper Magnus Hedman has admitted he would jump at the chance to join Celtic.

Hoops manager Martin O'Neill has already claimed he is looking for a keeper to bolster his squad ahead of another Champions League campaign.

Hedman told Expressen: "It is flattering that Celtic have shown an interest in me. It would be a great solution.

"It is positive. I know that I am for sale at the right price.

"It will be interesting to see if Celtic are serious about it. If a serious offer does come, it can all go through quickly."

The Sky Blues will be looking for a fee in the region of £2million for the goalkeeper who joined the club from AIK Solna in July 1997.

The 29-year-old is desperate for a return to top flight football after the Highfield Road side were relegated last year.

Celtic have just two first team keepers in the squad - Rob Douglas and Jonathan Gould - after the release of Dimitri Kharine this summer.

7/15/2002

Celtic's goal spree from Loftus Rd now online.

The Queens Park Rangers website now has the goals from Saturday's match online. To view the goals either follow the link below or cut and paste it into your browser. http://www.qpr.co.uk/today/view/breaking_news_detail/0,,10373~239392,00.html

7/15/2002

Celtic prepare swoop for Coventry's Hedman

Celtic are ready to swoop for Coventry City goalkeeper Magnus Hedman. Bhoys boss Martin O'Neill is expected to offer £1.5 million for the Swedish international, who has been told he can leave by Highfield Road chiefs.

O'Neill admitted: "I want someone to come in not just as cover, but to challenge for top position."

Hedman has indicated that he would be happy to join fellow Swedes Henrik Larsson and Johan Mjallby in Glasgow.

7/14/2002

PARMA MATCH LIVE ON PPV

Celtic's friendly with Italian club Parma is to be screened live on pay per view channel Setanta Sport on Saturday 27th July. The channel can be found on Sky Digital 435 and domestic users are asked to phone 08708 500 005 for more information.

7/14/2002

Celtic to play Man Utd in USA?

CELTIC are set to play a glamour friendly against Manchester United in Boston next summer. The fixture is being organised by Champions World, who also set up Rangers' current tour to the USA. Sir Alex Ferguson's team will also play Juventus in Boston but no game is planned between the Italians and the Scottish champions.

7/14/2002

Douglas urges Celtic to sign new keeper

Celtic No1 Rab Douglas has urged boss Martin O'Neill to sign another goalkeeper. O'Neill has been linked with Arsenal's Alex Manninger as he searches for a back-up to senior keepers Douglas and Jonathan Gould.

Douglas said, "I don't take anything for granted - I never have and I don't intend to start at a club like Celtic.

"There has been mention about goalies coming. There's nothing I can do about that but it's not a problem for me.

"A club of Celtic's size needs a big squad - and that includes three goalkeepers. It's good competition and it covers us in case of injuries.

"I don't go along with the suggestion I want a squad keeper rather than someone who will have an equally good chance of playing for the first team.

"If I thought like that I'd be making it hard for myself. No matter who comes here, I will roll up my sleeves and get stuck in.

"I wouldn't say I was confident of being the No1 or class myself as being cocky in that respect. All I can guarantee is that I will work hard and do what I'm told.

"That's what I've done since I came here and that's what I intend to keep doing."

7/12/2002

QPR expect big crowd for Celtic match.

Queens Park Rangers are expecting a 16,000-plus crowd for tomorrow's friendly against Celtic at Loftus Road.

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Nick Culkin will make his debut for the home side.

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7/11/2002

Champions League revamp.

Uefa's executive committee has decided to scrap the second round of the Champions League from the 2003-2004 season onwards. Champions League 2002/03 qualifying draw

There will still be 32 clubs involved at the start of the competition once the qualifying rounds have been completed.

The changes mean the following format will be introduced the season after next:

Eight groups of four will compete in phase one of the new-look competition.

There will then be a two-leg knockout system for the last 16, the quarter-finals and the semi-finals.

To reach the final, a team will play 12 games instead of 16. Uefa president Lennart Johansson said the changes had been made with the best interests of the competition and European football in mind.

7/11/2002

Champions League Draw

The draw for Celtic's participation in the Champions League will take place on Friday 26th July 2002.

7/11/2002

Martin O'Neill latest.

Despite media reports this morning stating that hoops boss Martin O'Neill will not sign a new contract, the boss has this morning been on SKY Sports to say that he will sit down with the Celtic board to discuss a new deal over the coming weeks / months. He also added that the club are looking to bring in more new players before the 1st qualifier in next seasons Champions League.

7/10/2002

Ex Celt to face old mates

Mark Burchill is expected to return for Portsmouth tonight in their pre-season friendly against Celtic, Burchill suffered ligament damage soon after arriving at Portsmouth and missed most of last season for his new club.

7/8/2002

Celtic v Spurs live on SKY

Celtic's friendly against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday 7th August 2002 is to be shown live on SKY TV.

7/7/2002

BACK TO SUNDAY AFTERNOON GAMES?

It will be bad news for travellig Celtic fans if a new deal is struck with the BBC to broadcast games in the SPL next season. We believe that the BBC have chosen a 4pm k/o time for live televised matches on Sunday afternoons. This will again upset our thousands of season ticket holders who will find travelling to games awkward on Sunday afternoons.

7/7/2002

Petrov future doubt as Celtic talks break down

Celtic are in danger of losing Stilian Petrov after contract talks broke down recently. The midfielder's agent, Tanev told the Sunday Mail, "Celtic have offered Stilian a five-year contract but we are not happy with the terms of the first year of the deal. We have rejected it and now it is up to Celtic.

"We feel that after three years good service to Celtic, in which he has been the perfect professional and a fine ambassador for the club, he is entitled to more.

"It will be a pity if the relationship between Celtic and Stilian is destroyed over this because he loves the club, he loves the Celtic supporters and loves living in Glasgow.

"But if the situation can't be resolved he will see out the remaining three years of his current contract and will then become a free agent."

7/6/2002

Gillingham sign ex Celt

Tommy Johnson is poised to sign a new three year deal with Gillingham, the deal is subject to Johnson passing a medical. His partner in the forward line if the deal goes through will be ex Rangers striker Rod Wallace.

7/4/2002

Neil Lennon - news

Neil Lennon insists he will be fit for the start of the new season following his knee operation during the close season.

7/4/2002

Martin O'Neill latest coming up shortly!!!!!!!