The morning after Celtic had beaten Astana 5-0 at Celtic Park the Serious Professional was in, well, a serious mood.
He remarked to a Quintessentially British colleague that the financial gap between Celtic and their club was now “as wide as the Grand Canyon”.
Moreover, he added, “I wonder if our Evel Knievel in South Africa will be able to leap across it”.
Oh dear…
Moreover, he didn’t get a realistic response to his observations when he pointed out that “…that’s a minimum of forty million in Celtic’s pocket”.
A colleague pointed out that VAT would have to be deducted from that windfall sum.
“It’s still forty million” countered the ex-Motherwell chap.
Celtic closed the deal tonight in Kazakhstan.
Damn nervy it was too in the first period of the second half.
However, it is job done.
Qualifying for the Champions League group stages twice in a row now puts Celtic’s finances on a level that Sevco cannot even think of matching.
Of course, we shouldn’t think that Celtic will derive any sporting advantage from having a football budget that dwarfs all other clubs in Scotland.
The idea that more money is some kind of help in professional sport is just plain daft.
Isn’t it?
Celtic lost their composure a bit last night after what can only be described as a bad night at the office for the defence and our Captain.
The critique being given to Ajer is a disgrace as Bitton was caught lagging and out of position on many occasions.
It should be noted that 3 of the four in defence last night were 20 or under. Worth thinking about.
We scored “EIGHT” goals, and Griff’s finishing was a little off to say the least last night.
EIGHT goals………. also with thinking about.
£30 million thats what Im thinking about.
Job done and BRs legacy is only starting. HH
If the cold light of day does not dawn on the Rangers* support now, then it never will.
It’s game over.
The Espanyolification of Rangers* continues unabated and any hope of getting back to “their rightful place” is nothing more than a pipe dream.
PS: Love their new away top. LOL.
If further proof was needed that money was in short supply then the imminent arrival of a young winger from Man City on loan seals the deal……no not Patrick Roberts, he’s on his way elsewhere.
That will be the end of the Jamie Walker saga as the new DOF makes his first move. What was Pedro’s input into this piece of business given that he’s brought in Dalcio and Candelas to fill the wide positions along with Windass?
There’s a few sour comments floating about from Gers fans asking questions of the glamour ‘friendlies’ that were being lined up for the development squad after their withdrawal from the Scottish youth set up.
Remember the media response…….the move was hailed as a triumph with their youths being tested against the best that Europe could offer rather than against the Scottish rubbish that regularly handed out beatings to them.
Is there enough money in the kitty to fly a team of youths and coaches to,say, Madrid for a glamour match against their youths?
With a large banner in place wrapped around the iconic glass stairways to minimise water damage it would appear that the budget is already stretched to breaking point, though perhaps the £365k solidarity payment on its way from UEFA will help……..with youth development of course.
Phil, ye might want to look into the new signage at Ibrox. It’s covering the small windows that ar part of listed building.
There isni a listed building consent granted by the council for that signs and thats a criminal offence.
Historic Environment Scotland are in charge of the listings.
http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB33338
I can see the tide of pessimism and gloom coming from the daily rags about how bad scottish football is due to our success….whilst we enjoy it we will be told how bad it is and something should be done….bitter envy and jelousy is rife.
Being cash rich doesn’t guarantee success but it sure as hell helps.
How did Andrew Dickson, Ogilvie’s protege, find himself involved with the SFA/SPFL after his performance at the FTT when he either plainly lied through his teeth, a very Ogilvie trait, or really knew nothing about anything which should have in itself disqualified himself from office.
Ogilvie, Dickson, Gordon Smith, Walter Smith all suffering from early dementia when it came to recalling Ibrox memories.
And I remember when 30m sounded like over-investment. I guess that’s progres for you…
Any update on Warbiola’s unfair dismissal claim?
Sporting advantage??? That question should be posed to a certain law lord, no? Purely for consistently of course….
That’s £1/2 million over the last 2 years we’ve contributed to keeping the bankrupt bigots of Sevco afloat – surely we’re entitled to board representation or some shares at least.
Colm, Last year PretendyGers did not get the dosh because they were a newly promoted team and the payout was based on the previous season’s League set up.
Although relegated, Dundee United qualified rather than the new wee team without a credit facility. Isn’t life a bitch when your skint?
Stand corrected iantm, but all the same a £350,00 injection by dint of our club’s labours does not sit easy with me, given that their LIQUIDATION was a cause for celebration at a U.N. level. Celtic should appeal to UEFA , on the grounds that they have a principled objection to propping up a sectarian bankrupt and bigoted outfit that’s down on their uppers. Sevco has no past nor should it have a presence in civilised society.
This year marks the 50th Anniversary of Celtic winning the BBC Sports Personality Team of the year award.
Where do we start the campaign to get the team recognised the same way for their achievements this year?
44 – the ever growing real points gap between Celtic and Sevco since their first game in the top flight.
Also sponsors and others see uplift, corporate hospitality…..
How is warburton and others doing away from ibrox Phil, developing story, secco revitalising careers it seem, but only once you leave with pockets full of gold….
My uncle used to call us… “thick Irish Micks”… for the avoidance of doubt could some kind person spell out in detail why having 40 million gives Celtic an advantage … I’m sure I’ll catch on sooner or later… but other readers might also learn a thing or two… so please let the lessons begin….!!!
Phil, I am quite sure that despite the financial chasm that no sporting advantage will be accrued.
All trophies will be won on the pitch ??
I think if we get an easier group we will do well. It’s difficult being in pot 4 but either way we will have a good go. Paddy Roberts will give us an edge on the right and with sinclair on the left we will be dynamite. The closer we get to 10 in a row the more pressure there will be on sevco to spend spend spend. All their debt is internal but the money has to run out at some point.
“The idea that more money is some kind of help in professional sport is just plain daft”
I’m sure that idea will register over Govan way.
Yes Phil CL money is welcome it will help us long term with the hotel/superstore/museum all bringing in revenue