8/29/2003

Hoops fans scoop top UEFA award

Celtic's fans were handed a historic fair play award at Uefa's European Football Awards in Monte Carlo.

The Hoops' supporters were recognised as a result of the Uefa Cup final, when 80,000 followers of the Glasgow side descended on Seville for the match against Portugal and impressed Uefa's leaders with their vocal support and excellent behaviour.

It is the first time the award has been made to supporters rather than to a club, and Celtic chairman Brian Quinn said: "The award was principally because of Seville - the remarkable and unbelievable scenes there we will never see again - or at least not until we get to our next final.

"It is the first time any supporters have been given this award and it's a fantastic recognition. When we travelled to all our games, such as Boavista and Stuttgart the supporters distinguished themselves.

"The only slight problem in all those games was an incident against Celta Vigo and we have patched that up since then."

A special plaque will be unveiled at Parkhead before one of the club's games in September to commemorate the award.

8/27/2003

Fernandez set for move back to Livy.

David Fernandez may be on his way back to Livingston. Ex Celtic Director Dominic Keane is currently holding talks with Celtic with a view to taking the player back to his old stomping ground.

8/25/2003

Fotheringham to join Dundee

Mark Fotheringham will sign for Dundee this week after the club agreed a nominal fee with Celtic for the player. The 19-year-old midfielder will have a medical before signing with his home town club.

Fotheringham became the youngest-ever player to represent Celtic in a competitive match at 16, but has failed to establish himself under Martin O'Neill.

Dundee boss Jim Duffy told the club's official website that he was "delighted that Mark is joining up at Dens."

8/20/2003

Celtic physio leaves club after 25 years service.

BRIAN Scott has left Celtic after 25 years of service as the club’s physiotherapist.

One of the most respected in his field in Scottish football, Scott’s departure was confirmed yesterday by sources at the Parkhead club, although neither party would comment on the circumstances involved.

Scott recently lost his place on the first-team bench at Celtic to Tim Williamson, initially recruited as the club’s under-21 physiotherapist before it was decided to rotate the duo for first-team matches.

When Williamson took the first-team role for the first time against Kaunas in the Champions League second qualifying round, first leg tie in Lithuania last month, Celtic manager Martin O’Neill dismissed suggestions Scott had been replaced.

Scott, who left Aberdeen to join Celtic in 1978 under Billy McNeill’s management, is believed to have contacted lawyers as he seeks a settlement agreement with the club.

A Celtic spokesman said yesterday: "We do not comment on contractual positions of members of staff at the club."

8/19/2003

Under 21's keep on winning track.

Neil Lennon played 60 minutes of the under-21's 3-2 win over Dundee United at Station Park. Bryan Prunty, Bobby Petta and Stephen McManus were the goalscores as Kenny McDowall's side collected maximum points

8/15/2003

No new faces at Celtic

Celtic should qualify comfortably for the Champions League Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has been told he will have to sell before he can buy, despite the fact that the club are certain to qualify for the Champions League. Chairman Brian Quinn insists that the estimated £10m Celtic will make from qualifying for the Champions League group stages does not mean O'Neill will be able to add to his squad.

Celtic announced losses in excess of £4m on Wednesday, shortly before they all but booked their place in the Champions League with a 4-0 first-leg win away to MTK Hungaria.

O'Neill said after the game that he would like to strengthen his squad in order to mount a serious challenge in Europe's premier competition this season.

But Quinn said: "The fans should have no expectations of money being spent on players.

"In fact, I would almost have to say it is a case of 'sell before we buy'.

"If we qualify for the Champions League and go beyond the group phase, then things would look very different.

"It is unlikely we will be able to spend on players.

"No-one would like more than me to be able to add to the strength of the squad, but unless we generate a new level of income, it would be unwise to spend on the assumption that we can go further in the Champions League.

"We are stuck, in a sense, with the players' contracts we negotiated in good times."

8/5/2003

HOOPS BOSS IN BLAST AT YORKSTON

Martin O'Neill reacted furiously to quotes attributed to John Yorkston in a tabloid newspaper, in which the Dunfermline chairman was reported to have warned Sutton away from the game.

"Yorkston has absolutely no right whatsoever to dictate to us what we should and should not do with our players," said the Celtic manager. "Whether Chris Sutton does or doesn't go to East End Park is none of John Yorkston's business. Will the same situation still apply if Chris Sutton was eligible to play, as he will be the next time that we go to Dunfermline?"

8/4/2003

Ref for Saturday's game.

Is none other than Hugh Dallas, should add more fuel to what promises to be a powderkeg game, after the comments from John Yorkston the Hunfermline Chairman. He's advised Chris Sutton to stay away from East End Park after the comments he's been banned for a total of five games for. Good comment coming from him, it would suit us better if we all stayed away and hit them where it hurts.

8/1/2003

Five-star Celtic Park revamp

Celtic Park is set for a revamp designed to bring the stadium up to the five-star standard that will allow it to host a European final. The Glasgow club had a taste of such a colourful occasion themselve last season, when they lost the Uefa Cup final to Porto at Seville's impressive Estadio Olimpico.

Their home city has already successfully hosted the Champions League final at Hampden Park, where Real Madrid defeated Bayer Leverkusen in May 2002.

Now Celtic plc have announced details of the latest phase of redevelopment work, which will include dressing-rooms, medical facilities, warm-up areas, referee and doping control facilities.

Chairman Brian Quinn said: "Celtic Park is already one of the most modern and atmospheric sporting arenas in Europe.

"This project will ensure the stadium as a whole is one of the most impressive footballing venues in the world, as befits a club of Celtic's stature.

"The dressing-room areas in particular have not been upgraded for many years and were extremely tired looking.

"Now, this area and the on-site medical and physiotherapy facilities will be amongst the most modern in Europe."

Work is expected to be completed in the early part of next year.