Who The F*** Are… Celtic?
By Chris Mander On Thu 26 Jul 2007 |
Our first home game of the 2007/2008 season brings Celtic to St James on Thursday 26th July in a game which will possibly see several of this pre-seasons acquisitions step out on new their home turf. The fixture is likely to be a big affair with Sam and his new boys taking on the Scottish league and cup champions.
Celtic FC were formed in 1888 and have a rich history throughout Scottish national competition 41 league wins and 34 cup wins. European honours come in the form of a single European Champions Cup win in 1967 defeating Inter 2-1 to make history for the Scottish club. Their only consistent challenge to national honours has been Rangers - this has grown into one of the fiercest rivalries in the world.
Celtic are managed by Gordon Strachan who has carried them to glory despite a very disappointing start to his Celtic career with a record breaking 5-0 loss to Artmedia Bratislava denying them of European competition in the 2005/2006 season. The season ended in glory with a league and league cup double, much to the delight of the Celtic faithful.
Last season Celtic were easy winners in the league leaving the impotent Rangers chasing shadows. Hearts - who looked like early season rivals - committed hara-kiri with some extremely strange decisions both on and off the football field. Celtic defeated Manchester United in a shock result at Celtic Park carrying them into the last 16 losing 1-0 to the eventual winners A.C. Milan. Celtic completed their double with a 1-0 win in the Scottish Cup over Dunfermline Athletic with their January signing Perrier Doumbe grabbing an 84th minute tap in.
Looking to the upcoming season Celtic appear to be in a very strong position remaining strong favourites to retain the Scottish Premier League. Celtic have been active in the transfer window with the most interesting signing being Massimo Donati from A.C. Milan who replaces the outgoing Neil Lennon after 7 years of service. Celtic’s main opposition for the title is their ever present rivals Rangers who, under a new boss, pose a new challenge.
A side abreast with players from several nationalities, Celtic play an attacking brand of football based on a 4-4-2 system. They have several key players but their overall game is based on a good team ethic and desire to win. This friendly is likely to be a feisty affair and I can’t see Celtic rolling over and letting Sam’s boys have all the fun on his St James Park debut.
» Star Players
Name: Shunsuke Nakamura
Position: Midfielder
Age: 29
Nationality: Japanese
Squad Number: 25
Nakamura arrived from Reggina for 1.25m in 2005 and has been an exceptional performer since his move to Celtic. A creative and versatile talent Nakamura also has an exceptional free kick which was evident in the goal scored against Manchester United at Celtic Park which took them to the 1st knock out round of last seasons Champions League. Nakamura has played a large part in both Japan’s Asia Cup wins in 2000 and 2004 and continues to appear regularly for the national team turning out in the 2007 Asia cup and scoring goals against the UAE and Vietnam. In his Celtic career to date Nakamura has won consecutive premier league titles, Scottish Cup and League Cup wins. In the 2006/2007 season Nakamura also won several individual awards including: Scottish PFA Players’ Player of the Year, Scottish Football Writers Association Player of the Year, Scottish PFA Goal of the Season, Celtic Player of the Season and appeared in the Scottish PFA Team of the Season.
Name: Artur Boruc
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 27
Nationality: Polish
Squad Number: 1
Boruc arrived on loan in 2005 from polish side Legia and impressed both fans and manager alike to sign a permanent deal until 2009. Boruc is an athletic shot stopper who also is a presence between the sticks and instantly became a fan favourite with a series of impressive performances. In the 2006/2007 season Boruc was nominated for the PFA Player of the Year (won by Shunsuke Nakamura). Boruc is a regular starter for his native Poland where he starts ahead of Manchester United keeper Tomasz Kuszczak
Name: Scott Brown
Position: Midfielder
Age: 22
Nationality: Scottish
Squad Number: 8
Scott Brown was signed in the 2007 pre season transfer window from Hibs for £4.4m which was a record transfer between two Scottish Clubs. A product of the Hibs youth system, Brown has played regularly for Hibs since 2003, impressing with a natural talent which lead to him being labelled one of the best young midfielders in British football. Brown was linked with several premiership clubs including Spurs, Boro and Everton before choosing to sign for Celtic saying Champions League Football was a major factor in his decision. Brown is a skilful midfielder with a high work rate and has shown himself to be a creative attacking presence. Brown has a total of three caps Scotland however he is expected to figure more prominently on the international stage if he continues to impress at the new level Celtic provides for him.
» Celtic’s Fanbase
Celtic have a wide and varied Fan base which provides an intense atmosphere with a loyal following and an ever present sold out ticket allocation. Here are Celtic Fans opinions on their fan base:
According to Aiden_McGeady of the TalkCeltic forum:
Well, 4 years ago we got an award from FIFA for being such great fans
Last year we showed great respect to the late Miklos Feher in our Champions League clash with Benfica, singing ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ in Portuguese. We also raised funds in a great tribute to the man.
That act earned us many fans in his native Hungary, adding to our huge fanbase all over the world.
The atmosphere at Celtic Park, which holds 60,000 fans every week, is said to be the best there is along with Anfield.
I honestly thing the club has fantastic and well-behaved fans.
Although there is often negative press about the nature of Celtic fans I get the impression that is a very small proportion that are involved in such activities and the club promotes itself very much as a club for all the family.
» Celtic on Newcastle
In my correspondence with the Celtic Fans on the TalkCeltic forums I took the time to ask their opinions our club. Here are some responses:
“A good club but underachieving, they might have a good season this year if they can keep their best players out of injury.â€
“Huge support but expectations too high. Side full of too many average players who get paid huge amounts for little? A Manager who will be tested now as his at a big club. Let’s see if he continues to play that ugly style of footballâ€
“Newcastle are a big club who will now do well because they have a good manager. They don’t seem to get much luck with injuriesâ€
Looking to the friendly the Celtic fans appear to expect a tight game with a draw or narrow win for either side the most likely result. Celtic will look to play 4-4-2 with their major strengths being their athletic goalkeeper Artur Boruc and the attacking talents likely to be displayed in their starting 11. Newcastle’s best chance for victory will be to look to expose the lack of pace of the Celtic defence so a fast paced direct game may favour the likes of Obafemi Martins or Michael Owen getting in behind the defence. With Sam likely to experiment not only with personnel but formation this is likely to be an interesting and insightful affair.
» Credits
Thanks to all the helpful members of the www.talkceltic.net/forum for their help in the creation of this article.
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All celtic fans like myself, hate chelsea, put up with Liverpool, no opinion on Arsenal, like Newcastle because we were invited to Shearers testimonial (total fix btw), like Manchester United because wee Naka scored the goal of his life against them. Basically we are freindly with every team except Chelsea and Aston Villa.
Sent in on: July 30th, 2007 at 11:46 pm
Jealousy is a terrible thing and you Davey are suffering more than most. To use this , a NUFC site to spout your envy driven rage against Celtic just because you are a Rangers supporter is shameful. I hope the people who run this good site don’t let you drag it down to the level of the average Rangers fan site.
Most of what you have written is just plain fiction. If you are not too proud of being Scottish (Assuming that you are) then that’s your problem mate. I have a few mates from Newcastle and they give us Celtic supporters the same respect we give to Newcastle. Why can’t you just make your mind up which team you support. Is it Rangers or Newcastle? And you have the cheek to say Celtic supporters support Liverpool or Man U. Total garbage. I think you are just a mixed up kid who is just seizing the chance to mouth off at some Celtic fans who were good enough to contribute to an article on a friendly between the two clubs. Grow up mate.
Sent in on: July 28th, 2007 at 3:57 pm
davy, honestly that is the most balanced and decent argument i’ve ever come across from an old firm fan in my life. well done.
criagdavid - the fact you claim to be the best fans in the world says it all mate. because uefa say so? they’re the one’s who said liverpool fans were the worst in europe - conveniently forgetting turkish, italian, spanish racists etc. those statements are nonsense - shame on you for getting sucked in.
like davy said, crowds dropped in the 90s when you were only second best. did crowds drop at SJP when we went from 2nd to 14th? no. and the standard of league is no excuse, because if you’re so loyal and passionate you’d have kept coming in your droves.
Sent in on: July 28th, 2007 at 12:33 pm
Celtic fans are the most confused in world football. One minute they’re all Man-utd fans, the next they’re all liverpool fans.. It depends on what team from the Premiership they are playing.
They need their egos massaged because Scottish football’s so poor the atmosphere at most of their home games is akin to sitting in a library. When the opportunity arises to play in Europe or friendlies in England they will travel in numbers and put on a show so people will comment on their fantastic support. There has been many testimonial matches set up by players from other Scottish teams who are Celtic supporters with Celtic but dont kid yourself.. It’s not a big enough platform for them to show off.
It’s a Scottish thing to hide our insecurities.. our International team’s supporters think the whole world love them.. instead they laugh at them.
When Rangers dominated during the Gazza days, Celtic’s loyal support fell to 20-25,000, soon as the glory days came back they appeared out of the woodwork especially after getting to the U.E.F.A. cup final. Where you’d have thought they had won the thing. Middlesboro don’t still go on about being beaten in
the U.E.F.A. cup final.
To compare either set of the old firm fans to Newcastle is a joke as it’s easy to follow teams with a history of winning countless trophies. I’m as honest as any person on here when I say that both Celtic and Rangers play to full houses at their own stadiums and you will hear the small pocket of away fans out sing them.
If any lower league team came to play Newcastle in the cup I’m sure their supporters would give a great account of themselves.. it’s the highlight of their year. Ditto Scottish teams playing premiership teams and in Europe.
Sent in on: July 28th, 2007 at 12:56 am
There is no denying that we (celtic) are the greatest fans in the world. Even eufa say so! Bigger support base in the world, we’ve counted and hold most records for acheivement. Our history is glorified by the achievements of the lisbon lions and we have a magnificent stadium, in the heart of glasgow with stands dedicated to our hero’s. It’s just a shame we couldn’t have a booby sands stadium, although we could probably squeeze it in between two others. Of course there are many out there who will have you believe that we are a bunch of peadophiles and social deviants (because these are clearly separate issues). In anycase if you know your history then you’ll see the reason people hate us is because we are The Highly Indefatigable Celtic!
We love you NUFC! Love us back!
Sent in on: July 27th, 2007 at 2:05 pm
Pleased to see a few Celts predictions have to be reversed (at the very least - lol)
I took advantage of the under 11’s in for free and took my two lads along to see an “entertaining” game all round. Even holding Celtic out with only 8 first team outfield players (Harper should have got man of the match up front!). My lads loved it and the Celtic fans were a credit to you. The atmosphere was lively but well natured! (I’m precluding the two or three tubes that ran onto the pitch. They looked like total w*nkers and didn’t even warrant having their lights knocked oot for their pathetic attempt to get a rise out of the Gallogate end).
Well done to the boys in green and white up in the gods of the John Hall Stand (which was no where near full btw, so no evidence that a full allocation had been taken up, but still a good turn out) for maintaining their unflagging support throughout the game. Reminded me of the noise that we made when Ruud Gullit took us up your way a wee while back! Although I did face a few questions along the lines of “Wit wuh yee singin’?” when some in Parkhead seemed to have a heard a toon toon chant for the first time on that ocassion!
The score, of course, IS irrelevant. It’s just nice when it’s not your own team being gubbed
Good luck next term, we look forward to gubbing you again in the CL quarters
Sent in on: July 27th, 2007 at 1:58 pm
Humble pie for breakfast!!
You were brill in the first half and looked stylish and slick - Luque, Martins, James Milner and Solano were outstanding.
Maybe Big Sam has been converted into a style guru after all.
Best of luck for the new season - and ffs take some points off Chelsea this time round.
Sent in on: July 27th, 2007 at 9:10 am
Well well well Celtic 2 weeks ahead of Newcastle in terms of fitness - looks like it
Well done Newcastle pity you had to lose a goal - and that from Scotty Broon who by all accounts was the best Celt on the park?? Where did he come from again??
Just havin a laff cos when we beat Bolton last night it was the usual - ah well Hibs are 2 weeks ahead of Bolton in terms of fitness so what do you expect.
Celtic hope you do not have a decent CL run and the burgeoning squad start losing ‘the faith’ in the wee ginger prick.
Sent in on: July 26th, 2007 at 11:30 pm
F*** me, this has turned into a love in
Brilliant comments from all u Celtic supporters.
“to this day remain the only club in history to win the European Cup (or Champions League) with every one of their players born within 30mls of their stadium”
The mark of a true football club, never to be repeated.
Good luck this season, but i’m sure u won’t need it. C’mon the bhoys.
Sent in on: July 26th, 2007 at 11:14 pm
I have a lot of respect for Newcastle United- true football fans in every sense. Passionate about the club, fill out every home game, the best fans in England, no doubt, followed by Liverpool, who are well behind.
After Liverpool, unless you go to the ‘lower leagues’ you won’t find any examples of a team that will fill their stadium come rain sun or meteorite. Maybe Subderland, maybe Rangers- but remember that’s a ‘maybe’.
I hope it’s a good game tonight, played competitively, I hope Alan Shearer or Henrik Larsson don’t make a ’special appearance’ 20 mins from the end and spoil what was up until then a satisfactory 3-1 margin for DA HOOPS! Although Henrik could probably make a “20 mins from the end appearance” anywhere in the world, considering a) he is still fit, and b) miles better than Shearer.
Heh heh.
Newcastle, if Celtic were in the Prem, yed nae huv a leg t’ stan’ on, we’d top ye ivry time.
COME AN JOIN THE SPL, BROON ALES! Fact is, if you did,
youd have a much better chance of the CL, altho the Prem TV rights would be gone.
But what’s the old adage? “No guts/ no glory…”
We’ll see tonight.
Newcassel Wan, ‘Ra Sellick Three (1-3)
Sent in on: July 26th, 2007 at 7:21 pm
We DO hate Souness more than you but there’s another link for you. Best of luck to the Toon for next season your support deserves it.
Sent in on: July 26th, 2007 at 7:04 pm
Good article and a nice site, I think tonight game if strachan plays a good team I think a 2-1 win to the hoops but it won’t be easy but celtic are 2 weeks ahead of Newcastle in terms of fitness, sharpness etc.
I will enjoy tonights game and am looking to go to a newcastle game next season hopefully against sunderland or man u.
Sent in on: July 26th, 2007 at 7:03 pm
Good article… but in my quote you have added:
“Although there is often negative press about the nature of Celtic fans I get the impression that is a very small proportion that are involved in such activities and the club promotes itself very much as a club for all the family.”
Sorry but I never said this… ‘often negative press’… I don’t think there is. The rest of the quote is legitimate.
Sent in on: July 26th, 2007 at 7:00 pm
Should be a belter of a game tonight, Love Newcastle for one reason…The Viz best periodical/comic/magazine in the world. The Best shiterature money can buy!
Sent in on: July 26th, 2007 at 6:54 pm
Brilliant article, looking forward to the match. Die-hard celtic fan who will be watching it with my Newcastle fan mate- its gonna be awesome
Sent in on: July 26th, 2007 at 6:47 pm
I echo, what has been said above. NUFC are a great club, with a magnificent fan base, Just like ourselves.
I hope you have a great season, and finish in a CL spot…. Now meeting you there, That would be a fine night (or 2).
I hope both sets of fans enjoy tonight, and that we see an open attacking game.
glasgowdavewhohopesNUFCwinthepremiershiponedaysoon
Sent in on: July 26th, 2007 at 5:59 pm
Newcastle has been my second team behind Celtic for a long time and theirs is the second result I’m interested in every weekend.
My attraction to Newcastle really took off when Keegan as a player helped the club to get promotion to the top flight back in the eighties.
A few years later I loved watching the football that Keegan inspired as a manager and was absolutely devastated when they threw away the league title to Man Utd.
The Geordie fans have always reminded me of the Celtic fans because of their passion and loyalty to their club. The atmosphere at St James’ Park always seems to be electric.
Hope you have a great season ahead, just like the Bhoys.
Looking forward to watching the game on TV tonight.
Sent in on: July 26th, 2007 at 5:48 pm
Great article and I hope tonight’s match will be exciting for both Celtic and Newcastle fans alike. I’m going for a 2-2 draw!
Sent in on: July 26th, 2007 at 5:31 pm
Quite a good article. First of all let me say that everyone connected with Celtic has a huge admiration and liking for “The Toon”, all your supporters, and Geordies in general. Celtic will not care a jot tonight regarding the result, Gordon Strachan is more interested in getting his players match fit and trying out different formations, and the supporters will be more interested in singing and drinking with the Toon supporters, and creating a carnival atmosphere. If it wasn`t for ticket restrictions Celtic supporters would have filled St.James`s Park. Celtic were the first British club ever to win the European Cup(now called the Champions League), reached two finals and four semi-finals of that competition, were the first non Latin club to win it, and to this day remain the only club in history to win the European Cup (or Champions League) with every one of their players born within 30mls of their stadium. 3yrs ago Celtic became the only football club in history to recieve a specially created award from both FIFA and UEFA for having “The Greatest Supporters In The World”. Celtic were recently named by FIFA as being the biggest globally supported club in the world, and are described by FIFA as…”Perhaps Not The Greatest Team In The World, But By Far The Greatest Club In The World, Absolutely Unique”. All the very best to Newcastle Utd. this season…you are a massive and fantastic club and your brilliant supporters deserve the very best. I wish i could be there tonight, but to all Toon supporters….Have a great night and a great booze up and party with the Bhoys!!!!!!!
Sent in on: July 26th, 2007 at 4:59 pm
It was only a shock to the narrow minded and insular that Celtic beat Man Utd at Celtic Park.
We’ve beaten bigger and better clubs than them in the champions league.
I have a lot of time for Newcastle supporters, they live and breathe their club just like Celtic supporters. I hope big sam can bring you a trophy.
May the best team win, I’m sure we will!
Sent in on: July 26th, 2007 at 4:59 pm
Ah sure - it was all good craic
Sent in on: July 26th, 2007 at 4:56 pm
I love Newcastle United - and would like to see you get some silverware this season. Geordies and Tims have a lot in common. Unlikely though, with Big Sam at the helm, an ugly man who can only win ugly. You deserve better.
Hawa’ the lads!
Sent in on: July 26th, 2007 at 4:53 pm
Celtic have a good record against Newcastle in recent friendlies- apart from the Shearer Testimonial which I think even we Geordies know was a set-up.
Sent in on: July 26th, 2007 at 4:52 pm
Any self respecting football fan (outside of the EPL) has a great deal of respect for NUFC. Passionate fan base that has stuck with the club through thick and thin. The exciting brand of football played under Keegan will always be a stand out in the memory. Obviously the disappointment of the past few years will hurt but ye can only assume that their time will come.
Looking forward to the game - I just hope it lives up to the billing and the fans of both sides aren’t short changed by poor attitude among the players to what is ‘only’ a friendly!
Sent in on: July 26th, 2007 at 4:45 pm
Nice article.I think the Toon could be top 4 contenders this year in a much tighter premiership. I fancy a Newcastle win although I’m a Celtic fan thro’ n’ through. One things for sure - there’s gonna be a big party in Newcastle soon!
Sent in on: July 26th, 2007 at 4:42 pm
Paul - Celtic Fan - Glasgow.
I hope its a great occasion for both clubs tonight. Ill be watching on the tv as I cant make it down to visit.
I have a fantastic respect for Newcastle and its magnificent fan base. They live and breathe football; just like us here in Glasgow.
I hope have a great season. All the best to you.
Regards,
Paul.
Sent in on: July 26th, 2007 at 4:36 pm
Well written article. When i read the title on newsnow, i thought it was you taking the p*** out of celtic, but evidently not. It was a good read.
Should be a good game tonight. Celtic never play very well in friendlies, but sometimes still give a good game. Hopefully with the huge competition for places the players will step up their game. The results in these games dont really matter, i just hope we all get a good game of entertaining football to watch.
Sent in on: July 26th, 2007 at 4:33 pm
Nice article on all things Celtic. I am sorry I cant get to the game this evening, but will be an interesting encounter.
A lot of Celtic Fans looking forward to the trip, Newcastle being party city. I liked the article on another site listing every pub in Newcastle, I am sure they will be used.
Hope both set of supporters enjoy a good game.
Sent in on: July 26th, 2007 at 4:08 pm