Celtic manager plays the shrink
Gordon Strachan has become the Dr Frasier Crane of Scottish football. It is only a matter of time before he moves a psychiatrist's couch into his office.
First it was Aiden McGeady and his spoilt schoolboy strop after he ignored orders from the bridge. On a ship they call that mutiny.
But the action of the Celtic manager was swift and effective. Don't walk the plank, just don't bother collecting two weeks' wages and have a wee sabbatical.
McGeady, an extraordinary football talent, cut his manager deep. I honestly thought the lad would never again play for Celtic, at least not under Strachan's administration.
To even consider appealing the punishment was insane. Did he really think the gaffer, who had the backing of the board of directors, would make a u-turn and concede he had been a little hasty?
The player was never going to win the battle. He had even less chance of winning the war.
The kid has a spark about his temperament which comes as a package deal with his winged heels, a huge - mostly justifiable - belief in his own ability. But he is not yet too old for a clip about the ear. For his own good.
I suspect in years to come he will look back on this little affair and see the wisdom of his manager's reaction. This, as I understand it, was no normal dressing room dissection of the game.
They have both done well to heal the wound. The manager has delivered a gold star performance.
In the wake of his declaration of McGeady's punishment Strachan would rather have discussed the a-to-z of coastal erosion or the effect of splitting the atom.
Reporters despatched to interview him on the issue were advised to wear battle fatigues.
But trust me, he was astounded, angered and hurt by McGeady's fiery dressing room reaction to his post-match analysis of the game. It triggered a grand canyon of a rift between them.
And yet there was McGeady not only playing for the club again, but also scoring the winning goal against Dundee, which, curiously enough, soothed the burning embarrassment of the next patient on the manager's couch.
The Holy Goalie. What an unholy mess.
The loss of Celtic's first goal against Dundee on Saturday was wholly ridiculous.
McGeady's domestic is one thing; Artur Boruc's inclination to moments of football comedy is another altogether.
No wonder the hairs on that ginger mop are greying by the day. It is as if they are taking it in turns to test the gaffer's man-management skills. The headline making Pole is next for shaving.
I would imagine the words "you got a minute, Artur?" have already been uttered at Lennoxtown this week.
Strachan has three options here: to drop the Pole and install Mark Brown for the game against Aberdeen at the weekend; throw money at Dundee United to persuade them to accelerate the release of Lukasz Zaluska; or keep the faith with Boruc.
We await his decision with interest but it will not be taken without deep analysis of the state of mind of this tormented goalkeeper who at times looks as if he could have trouble keeping a beach ball out of a keyhole.
And you thought managing a football club was just about signing players, picking teams and juggling tactics?
Dr Strachan begs to differ.
"Tell them who you are and what you are about," they said. To be honest, there are days when I struggle to remember myself. Forty years toiling at the coalface of football journalism does that to you. But I have reason to believe that I have reached the heady heights of the title of Football Correspondent of BBC Scotland which gives me a renown, in Scottish terms, of somewhere between Alex Salmond and the deep fried Mars Bar.
© MMIX~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~21~RS~)
CommentsSign in
You need to sign in to contribute to this page. If you're new to BBC Blogs, creating your membership is quick and easy.
Am I the only one who is offended by the use of the term "holy goalie"?
Rangers fans seem to get away with it and even Celtic fans have been known to use it in a tongue in cheek way, but should we not expect one of Scottish football's leading sportswriters to stay away from such potentially volatile and offensive phrases?
Complain about this comment
good blog chick,
although i think it's unrealistic to assume united would let LZ go early just if celtic throw more cash at us.
we've not exactly got a back-up and we're flying high just now. pretty essential part or the team!
plus levein's said he's a united player till the end of the season... stop stirring it!! haha!
Complain about this comment
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
"Holy Goalie" is an affectionate nickname given to him by Celtic fans from what I understand. I've seen lots of journalists referring to him as that too. It's the nickname his fans have given him, much as when Rangers fans nicknamed Andy Goram "The Goalie". I totally get where you're coming from Crazy_doggz though I don't find it offensive, more a sad reflection of what the West Coast of Scotland is about.
Complain about this comment
crazy_dogggz_rule
Aye, possibly the only one offended.
Chick's mutterings have far too big an influence on you my friend...GET A LIFE PAL...at least Chick's getting paid to spout to this tripe.
Complain about this comment
I am a big fan of artur boruc, i do admit he can annoy me when he does nonsense outside football but they days seem to be calming down now as we've not heard or seen any suspicion of this behaviour continuing. I can get concered about the guy though cause thats a few games hes made big errors and we were very fortunate not having to go to dens park at full time on saturday..i dont know weither the guy should be left out for 1 game or keep the faith in him. I think hes a terrific goalkeeper and i dont think celtic fans should fall out with him as hes saved our skin so many occasions and so many occasions to come and goalkeepers do make mistakes but weither boruc will need to learn his mistakes from the hard way i dont know if he makes another blunder in the foreseeable future then i agree he should be pulled off for at least 1 game. But i have faith in the guy and i know he will bounce back!
Complain about this comment
Chico Young, great blog as usual, don't tend to agree with some of your material but it is a great read regardless. When the McGeady story surfaced and we had endless headlines convinced that the kid would never play again for Celtic I just couldn't see it. Whether or not he gets on with Gord is one thing but I thought the whole incident was a little melodramatic to say the least. McGeady has been a regular for Strachan since his arrival. Bar being dropped at the start of this season - through no behind-the-scenes grudge, he wasn't performing - McGeady is one of the first names on the team sheet.
McGeady knew his position though. Appeal the fine, enhance ego and never play for Celtic again. Opt against an appeal, shows he will get his head down and continue playing for the club he loves.
He signed a five year deal, wants to have his name in the same regard as a Celtic hero like his idol and mentor Tommy Burns R.I.P. I have no worries about Aiden now, hes back on the straight and narrow and if any clubs come in for him - who is everyone kidding - they will have to pay top dollar.
@ crazy doggz rule
You baffle me beyond belief. Are you seriously offened by the word Holy. Not even the word as such, just the nickname given to a player who - which is no criminal offence - offers a blessing before he starts a game (just like some players touch the ground then bless themselves as they take the field.) Bit of perspective needed. Really, take a step back from your life and take a long hard look at yourself and where you are then evaluate your problems and obstacles you face. Try and see a way around whatever it may be causing you deep emotional problems and then get a firm grip on reality.
Complain about this comment
Let's all agree that Crazy_dogggz_rule is, as his name suggests, crazy. And his "comments" should be taken as so.
I think you've got to stick with the talented Holy Goalie, everyone is entitled to mistakes, outfield players are at it every week, albeit thier mistakes aren't as costly.
For me, I'm just glad that Chic has cut back on his euphiomisms!!
Complain about this comment
I am more offended by the use of the phrase "McGeady, an extraordinary football talent".... hahahaha...
how would you describe Kaka, Ronaldo, etc if McGeady (a Celtic substitute striker who has scored 23 goals in 162 games) is "extraordinary"... that must make me "world class" and possibly even Crazy_dogggz_rule "awesome".
Can people stop using positive words wher they are simply not necessary.
Chic - if you seriously believe this guy is "extraordinary" then you need to possibly tkes some tablets.
please can you justify your hype?
Complain about this comment
Am I the only one surprised at this choice of subject matter for the blog?
Another Scottish club is in total financial turmoil and Chic thinks a Celtic players loss of form and Gordon Strachan disciplining a player noteworthy.
What about the clearance sale across the city Chic? What about the financial mismanagement at Ibrox? Do you still think David Murray is wonderfull?
Complain about this comment
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
Funny, funny stuff guys.
There is nothing like a good Scottish debate for a little early morning entertainment for us English types.
Boomshakalak - brilliantly funny stuff and a good point, everybody is a great player and an extraordinary talent nowadays. I can't believe Crazy dog is awesome though.
And if the word 'Holy' is offensive north of the border, giving a sermon in Scotland must be mightily tricky.
Complain about this comment
Thats right Chick Celtic are the only club in Scotland. Wouldn't want to say anything bad about Rangers now would we?
Complain about this comment
!!
Complain about this comment
Chick
a much more interesting blog would have been looking at the Rangers accounts - you could give your mate Robert peston a shout to help you - rather than trying to stir it once again
Complain about this comment
guys - just to let you know .. my last comment was not published because i asked why the moderators need to take a while reading the comments before they are published rather than let us have a real time debate....
thought i'd let you know that if you too commit such awful offenses please expect your comments removed... you have been warned!
Complain about this comment
Bit of a irrelevant article don't you think Chick. Thought you might spend your weekly chance to shine discussing the biggest topic in Scottish football just now:
Rangers FC: a club in crisis.
1, Chasing their first title in 4 years yet HAVING to sell their top goalscorer or another of their important players to balance the books?
2, Having a first team squad of 28 players draining the clubs resources on a weekly basis?
3, Wasted millions of precious money on players on Edu, Lafferty, Velicka etc who can't even get a first team game?
4, Half way through the season and already trailing the league leaders by 5 points?
5, Agent Willie McKay categorically stating that he was asked by Rangers to find clubs for players including their captain, yet Rangers categorically stating that they haven't?
So what about Boruc? He has been nothing short of world class in his first 3 years at Celtic, a few errors and all of a sudden Boruc is a clown??
His mistakes have only been significant in 2 games, the 4-2 defeat to Rangers and the 2-0 defeat at Hibs, and you know what, Celtic are still 5 points ahead! Not really worth talking about is it?
Complain about this comment
Is this what i am paying my tv licence fee for so that another member of Murrays laptop loyal can use the time Im paying for to creat a smoke screen to protect RFC.
Chic if it was not worthy of pointing out when WGS actions were being vindecated and at a time you had a chance to give the man credit, Why now !.?
Its about time wee chic came to realizes its not Murray that's paying his wages its me and the rest of us.
I wonder how long this post will last, even with this is being no more that a vaild point.
Complain about this comment
"In the wake of his declaration of McGeady's punishment Strachan would rather have discussed the a-to-z of coastal erosion or the effect of splitting the atom."
It is human nature to avoid sore topics when it pains us to discuss them.
Chick must be able to identify with this if he chooses to comment on a pre-xmas dressing room bust up the likes of which are seen country wide each weekend and a goalkeeping mistake over the main event - the story of the chickens coming home to roost for Rangers FC and their management in the light of years of gross financial mis-management.
I could understand why a Rangers fan may avoid comment, but an impartial St. Mirren fan?
Does it hurt that much Chick?
Complain about this comment
There is no doubting Boruc isn't in the best form of his life, however another goalkeeping colossus Peter Schmiechel wasn't adverse to the occasional blooper either and he had not too bad a career.
Hopefully Boruc can "screw the nut" and re-assert himself as one of the best goalkeepers in world football.
With regards to the previous poster taking exception to Aiden McGeady being labelled "extraordinary", I would think Aiden picking up both last seasons Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year would mark him out as extraordinary.
I think only the truly blinkered would deny McGeady to be exceptionally talented. Arguably he hasn't made the most of his talent so far, but there is little doubt he is a cut above almost all of the other players plying their trade in the SPL.
Complain about this comment
Where are the cracked rangers crests?
their captain is howked around clubs without his knowledge.
they are selling their best finisher. scotlands best finisher for mere peanuts.
they cannot shift their fringe players for any cash whatsoever, celtic even got £1m for craig beattie - £2m for KENNY MILLER! sheesh.
I understand the reluctance to report on and criticise murray for the shambolic happenings off the park over at ibrox.
he has put his money where his mouth is, thats for sure.
but it is his own bad management that has left the club in this state.
boruc flaps at a couple of balls - stop the presses!
mcgeady gets a game after a well documented truce had been reported all last week - stop the presses!
rangers have to sell a first team star to somehow chip away like a miner with a toothpick into their ever increasing mountain of debt,
lets just pretend that last one didnt happen shall we?
chick - you can protect murray and still get your little 'exclusive' leaked stories from him and his lakies about £700m casions on the moon only for so long.
if there is no david murray and no rangers in 2 years time then all the cotton wool you have wrapped murray in for all these years has been worthless as he wont be able to give you anything back in return.
something stinks over ibrox way - and you as an investigative sports journalist should be doing your utmost to find out what it is so that 550000 rangers fans are kept in the know.
Complain about this comment
Whilst I don't always agree with Chick, or even think this blog is altogether great, he deserves ten out of ten for making a Frasier reference alone when discussing Scottish football.
Plus, happens to be right these days. In relation to the 'holy goalie' reference, and speaking as a Hibs fan, surely someone who crosses themselves that often could be fairly so described..?
Unless Boruc just does it to wind certain persons up...
Complain about this comment
I BELIEVE AS A REPORTER ON SCOTTISH FOOTBALL THERE are more pressing matters for Mr young to discuss, has SDM been handing out scraps from the table again?
Complain about this comment
Offended by the term "holy goalie"
Grow up for goodness sake.
He used the term in a light hearted manner as do countless other football articles.
There are kids being blown asunder in Gaza & you are offended by a footballers nickname.
Not much on today have we??
Complain about this comment
Good point #10
In a week where Rangers have been linked with the sale of their top players at a crucial time in the season and agent Willie Mackay contradicting Sir David Murray why is Chick rehashing this nonsense?
Perhaps Chick, you could stop singing the praises of Sir David for just 5 minutes and ask some difficult questions such as:
Is the possible sale of Rangers top players linked to their bankers insisting on the level of debt being addressed given the current financial climate? If this is the case then what are the possible outcomes of a failure to find buyers?
Has Murray Park proved to be a complete waste of money, given Celtic's domination of the reserve leagues and the failure of any 'home-grown' talent breaking into the first team?
Complain about this comment
Is it just me, or would I be right in thinking that had Chick posted a blog about the financial crisis at Ibrox, the other half of the gruesome twosome would have been complaining because Chick hadn't posted anything about McGeady or Boruc.
;-)
Complain about this comment
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
I don't think we're being paranoid about the lack of comment on Rangers' problems.
First no comment from Chick on the Famine Song throughout the first half of the season and now will we not hear his thoughts on Rangers' massive financial problems in the second half?
Probably the two biggest stories in Scottish football so far this season.
Chick may not be a Rangers fan, but as a journalist he seems too close to David Murray to even think about questioning - let alone criticising - his and his club's actions.
PS. Can everyone lay off crazy-dogggz-rule? The lad made a mistake, but logging on to slate him for it?
Complain about this comment
Chick,
Seriously, given what's been in the papers all week, on phone-ins up and down the country, and indeed plastered all over the BBC sports pages and associated forums, you choose to go with the 3 week old Mcgeady/Strachan story, and the performance of Artur Boruc in a game that Celtic won anyway?!? Now if it was a slow news week then I could sort of understand, but this week?!?
I think any credibility that you may have had left as a journalist has just left the building. It's a shame because you were on a fairly good run of blogs of late (or at least, good given your usual tosh), but I think any pretence at being some sort of balanced, impartial observer has been shown for what it is with this effort.
Complain about this comment
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
Well done Chic, cutting edge journalism at its finest.
When a story breaks, Chic instantly jumps on his Chopper and cycles at breakneck speed to cover it, only stopping on the way to celebrate Christmas and New Year.
Unfortunately, just days before sitting down to write his blog a story of much more importance to the state of Scottish football breaks.
Oh! What a dilema for the darling of the Scottish press pack to be in. Two juicy stories to comment on at once, not only the 4 week old Mcgeady story but also Boruc aka the Holy Goalie making a mistake. Jings, the tooth fairy has been kind to him.
What's that? You missed the biggie about Rangers? Oh well Chic, there's always next week. That's if the cheque doesn't clear.
Complain about this comment
Just thought I'd pass on what I've emailed to the BBC regarding this article:
"I've always regarded the BBC as a bastion of impartiality and fairness, and indeed the level of trust in the BBC's reporting is probably unrivalled anywhere in the world. However, with that in mind, can I please draw your attention to Chick Young's blog (dated the 13th of January) on the BBC sport website?
Now this is the week when by far the largest story - some would say the only story - in Scottish football(the subject he's paid to report on) is the apparent financial meltdown of Rangers. It's the story that dominates the airwaves in Scotland, and Scottish football forums across the internet. Now in this week, he chooses to comment on a 3 week old Strachan/McGeady story, and a goalkeeping error in a match that Celtic won. Normally, I wouldn't have a problem with this. If it happened in a normal week, then it's fair enough to comment on it, but to totally ignore the biggest story in Scottish football for years, is, at best, incompetent. Could I suggest that the BBC review Chic's relationships with those involved in the Rangers situation, and determine whether this is compromising his ability to give objective and fair comment? "
Complain about this comment
20 - BarryBhoy1888
i'm not saying that McGeady is pony - just that he is in my opinion not worthy of being called "exceptional"....
ok he has won the SPL player of the year joining worldwide "exceptional" legendary all time great talents such as Nakamura, Maloney, Hartson, Sutton, etc...for the main award and other "greats" such as Naismith, Maloney, Riordan, Pearson for the Young player award...
maybe this fact backs up your argument that the "exceptional" status is valid if you view the above in that category... personally i prefer to save "exceptional" for "exceptional" cases such as Kaka, Ronaldo, etc, etc... and not say that my mate who plays for the local pub team is a world beating legendary genius godlike (sorry if offensive crazy dog) allstar.
it stands to reason that if you are happy to allow 1 extreme stand for an "average" player then the other extreme stands for when another average player Boruc makes an error... he is obviously rubbish and awful and the worst person ever to walk this earth... why can't we all just be a bit more grounded and conclude McGeady is a decent player and Boruc is a decent player... no more no less for either...
ps - i am english so haven't heard anything at all about the rangers crisis... whats going on???
Complain about this comment
I don't rate the journalist that commentate on Scottish Football.
Scottish football needs to a revamp starting with the people that run the game and then the people that commentate and show the game.
And in the interim, the funding for BBC Scotland Sport should be frozen, and then reduced until a decent proposal is forthcoming. Some of the personalities (and I am not naming names so hopefully is this is not pulled) have no genuine insight on the game. At times I really think, who cares?
McGeady is a sound player, playing at a great club. He crossed the line and got punished. Has recovered and moved on. Easy.
Complain about this comment
It's a good article, but the McGeady issue was more relevant 2 weeks ago?
Why not discuss the current situation at Rangers like some of the other posters above have mentioned?
Complain about this comment
Taxi for Chick!
Complain about this comment
It is unbelievable (not to say worrying) that you have chosen the week of a crisis at Ibrox to write a negative article about Celtic!!
Do you really still expect people to believe in your impartiality?
Perhaps you could enlighten us on your views of the financial turmoil across the city! Or are you holding to your line on the radio at the weekend that Rea-rangers are only selling Boyd to finance the purchase of new Centre-Half!!!
While you're at it, maybe you could also let us know your latest thoughts on David Murray - do you still think he should be hailed as a 'visionary' as you argues 2 months ago?!!!
Deary me
Complain about this comment
I have just been reading some of Chick's archived blogs. It is very insightful stuff, I can tell you. Not on Scottish football, unfortunately.
Chick's blog from 1st Dec on Hearts failure to pay wages can be compared with Rangers current financial woes, so how come Chick didn't just amend the following and put the names of Rangers player in where appropriate?
"Christophe Berra was sensational against Rangers and it is, of course, only a matter of time before he is installed as Scotland's centre-half. Or flogged in the January market place....
News of his progress is being whispered in the boardrooms of England and no doubt Stuart Pearce, who was at the weekend game to monitor Andrew Driver's chances of being included in an England Under-21 squad, will be telling a few pals in the south about the defending abilities of the Hearts captain.
But, just this once, it would be awful nice if they could close the one player or more check-out and keep Berra around the place for at least another season or two.
If he goes then, hand-in-hand with Hibs, Edinburgh's Premier League clubs will have flogged off the best part of £25m worth of talent in the last few seasons.
Can you imagine what might have happened had Craig Gordon, Paul Hartley, Scott Brown, Kevin Thomson, Garry O'Connor and a few others still been reporting for work in the capital?"
Oh the irony.
Complain about this comment
I also forgot this line for the same article aptly entitled "Is the Hearts Bank Broken"
".....but analysis of Ibrox deficiencies is for another day."
Today should have been the day Chick. Or are you expecting worse to happen at Rangers and are saving it all for that day?
Complain about this comment
As a fellow sports journalist and someone who usually respects your work Chick - your lack of comment on the unfolding fiasco at Ibrox is disgraceful but not entirely surprising.
Here we have a club on the edge of implosion - staring into the abyss- and the best you can come up with is revisiting a story to which thousands of words and column inches have alreay been devoted?
I can understand wanting to curry favour with Murray since hes thrown you many bones over the years.
But right now you and the Rangers Chairman's fellow press poodles are demonstrating that self preservation is far more important than actually displaying some journalistic integrity and doing what you get paid for. If this were Celtic you wpuld be all over it like a rash.
Sad situation Chick, it really is. Enjoy your lamb dinner.
Complain about this comment
Chick, if you want to be taken seriously by fans you MUST tackle the real issues. I agree with other posts:there is one issue in Scottish football that deserves comment today (you know it!) - the financial problems at Glasgow Rangers.
You have enjoyed the company of Sir David Murray on many occasions - I thought you would've provided a real insight into the situation. Were you not shocked at the events of last week? Or did you see it coming?...
Complain about this comment
Why does Chick never reply to the comments in his blog?
Complain about this comment
Lazy journalism Chick, most of this could have been written weeks ago.
If the purpose of the blog is to dwell in the past then regale us with tales from Love Street or the days when Rangers were a force in football BUT if the purpose is to comment on recent events then it has failed completely.
You really do let the bias show at times.
Complain about this comment
Ibrox burns while Murray fiddles, meanwhile Laptop Loyal focus on Boruc's beer belly.
Complain about this comment
I am a Rangers fan and agree with the comment at 40 entirely which will be a surprise.
No article has been published showing the huge flaws that are very apparent at Rangers FC right now. If if were Celtic this article would be all over it like a rash indeed.
Maybe you have a loyalty to Rangers but I think it would be more beneficial as a respected journalist to bring it to the attention of Rangers fans and try to get the Fans voicing their annoyance so that we can once again challenge Celtic
Complain about this comment
You should have focused on the financial turmoil at Ibrox instead of rehashing this old nonsense about Boruc and Celtic.(hope i sound like i know what I'm on about)
Complain about this comment
Chic,
Just to add to what I'd written earlier, for once I was actually looking forward to your blog. I thought this was the one time when you could really earn your corn. Given your ..ahem... contacts at Ibrox, I thought we would at least have the view from within. I mean, I'm not totally naive, I still expected a certain amount of gloss and revisions to be added, but I can safely say that reading your column this week was something that, for once, I didn't want to miss.
Firstly, I saw on the front page the link about Strachan, and sort of naively assumed it must be about Gavin Strachan's blog. When I came to yours via the Scottish Premier league page, I read it, then re-read it , and then read it again. It's one of those moments when you can't quite believe what's in front of you.
Chick, you've done many columns in the past and ignored many issues that we would have loved you to comment on, but this was the one time when you couldn't afford to avoid it, and yet you did. Can't you see what damage you've done to yourself here?
Complain about this comment
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the House Rules.
Sadly I don't think the 'implosion' at our beloved friends from Edminston Drive will ever materialise sadly, so a 'non-story' of the highest order!
As for WGS, he may never be universally loved, but at least he's doing it his way, though the jury's out on how far he can take the 'Tic long-term.
But I for one, wish him well in this!
Lastly;'The Holy Goalie'. I can say I love him, generally, in as much as one can 'love' your keeper.
And I'm a lapsed Protestant! Does that help? ;-)
Complain about this comment
Yes you are the only one. 'The holy goalie' is a moniker the Celtic support bestowed on him itself and if it's volatile or offensive it can only be so to people who couldn't spell either word.
Complain about this comment
This is a disgrace. How dare someone not talk about what the Celtic fans want?
Complain about this comment
hey chick,are you not gonna comment on rangers financial woes? or is it easier to dish up the usual middle of the road garbage that were used to getting from you.
Complain about this comment
OK, so the vast majority of you don't agree with me. In fact let me rephrase that, the vast majority of you ignored my comment and a few of you didn't agree with me. I am glad it didn't completely take over the discussion, but can I just say I only meant that being religious is only one aspect of Artur Boruc, and I think it's unfair to highlight this aspect of his person so much.
Would it be offensive to call Mido, for example, the "magic muslim maestro"? I wouldn't agree with that either, and think it might justify a comment or two.
Anyway... 'nuff said, and I do agree that the Rangers story would have been a more interesting read this week. Conspiracy or not, I would just have liked to find out what behind the scenes stuff Chick could enlighten us about, if any. Maybe next week??
Complain about this comment
Another week, another shambles of an article, and another deluge of criticism. I only hope Chic's as weary of writing it as I am of reading it.
Yet again, the readers comments are the reason why I visit this blog. I also find it of mild amusement that, so dismayed are the reading public with the choice of topic this week, they've totally hijacked the blog and are having an open discussion on the real issue of the past seven days, the crisis at Rangers.
And it seems a genuine crisis, not red-top filler about how Rangers have fallen five points behind Celtic. It deserves proper investigation, which has been demonstrated elsewhere.
The real problem is with MIH, the holding company, and not so much with Rangers itself, as $25m worth of debt - while considerable - is nothing when compared to the $750m that MIH owes to the banks. Still, this $750m is serviceable...or at least it was when Murray's friends were in charge at the lender, the Bank of Scotland. Very shortly, Lloyds will own that battered financial institute and, given present circumstances, it is entirely possible that MIH will be broken up and sold off to make back the monies owed. It is, after all, almost a billion quid they've borrowed.
Of course, as stated before, Rangers is only an asset of MIH and can be sold. Except nobody wants it and potential buyers would no doubt be deterred by a price tag including $25m worth of debt in the present financial climate, not to mention an annual wage bill of almost precisely the same figure.
It is worth considering a parallel situation from only a few years ago which almost claimed Livingston and Dunfermline, the Stadia Investment Group fiasco. The circumstances are almost entirely the same; the parent company, subsidiaries of which were the clubs and stadiums themselves, got into financial trouble via unsustainable lending. Livingston fell into administration and would have most definitely gone bust had Pearse Flynn not stepped in. The fact that the owner of SIG was also the owner of Dunfermline Athletic Football Club was the only reason why they did not also go into administration, and were instead left with £15m worth of debt which, while reduced since, they must still be concerned about just now.
In short, Rangers fans should be very concerned about what is going on over Ibrox way and, as others have suggested, somebody with an inside track such as dear Chick should have the consitution and credibility to report the truth about what is happening. But instead we get another cliche-soaked, irrelevant load of garbage praising Gordon Strachan's managerial talents.
Like Rangers, Chick, it's just really, really poor.
Complain about this comment
re crazy_dogggz_rule above.
The magic muslim maestro may or may not be offensive. Describing Mido as the 'holy miss the goaly', however would not, as it could be defended under the libel laws as fair comment. As for the whole 'exceptional player' debate, sad to report the phrase hase been devalued to merely imply 'exceptional at the level he plays at'. Since Mcgeady is probably the most entertaining player in Scottish football, the tag has some merit.
To get back to the point. however, everyone who has not been deleted is right - Rangers financial woes are the main story, so what of it Chick? What do your 'inside sources' say.
A nation awaits.........
Complain about this comment
For a very long time, I have sggested that Mr. Strachan has that ability to help players with their personal battles and any manager in any business will attest to the fact that sometimes one has to utilise psychology to get things done. That is why I went to University after 20 years of management to add to my interpersonal skills in a psychology degree. I am quite sure that if other football managers were as willing to help their players as Mr. Strachan is, there would be a better understanding in the game. Not all will take the advice that Mr. Strachan gives, but those who refuse his help, are those who will end up sliding downhill. Those who take the advice, will become better footballers and better team men.
Surely though, when Rangers Football Club is in a dire financial crisis, which has led to them almost forcing their most prolific striker out the door, the indefatiguable Mr. Young would have other matters to blog about. I am sure he was not so silent in the run up to the Fergus McCann revolution, and if Mr. Romanov was sliding out of business at Tynecastle, the illustrious little one would be screaming about it from the rooftops.
I am sure he is using his own psychological skills to suggest that all is well at the listed building though and trying to suggest that the SPL champions elect, Celtic are the club in crisis, when the Blue brigade don't know which one is next to be offered to the EPL or the championship, to balance the Ibrox budget.
Good job wee Chick.
Complain about this comment
Crazy dogggz rule
Yes you are.
Typical sellik mentallity. "Rangers get away with it". Dry your eyes you big wean. Its your own fans who came up with this nick name for him. Stop trying to drag rangers fans down to your level. Youre a joke.
Complain about this comment
BarryBhoy
If McTraitor is so good, where are the big money bids for him, or anyone at parkhead come to think of it.
Wake up and realise that celtic are the just the best of bad lot (As proven against teams like Aalborg). This years standard in the SPL is the worst ive seen.
Complain about this comment
Artur Boruc is a hero of mine, he'll bounce back.
Complain about this comment
I think Chick's coverage of Celtic is justified. Boruc and McGeady have been our story all season. McGeady has not played a game against Rangers yet and until he does he will still be potential in my eyes. Boruc loses concentration, I don't think because of his extra curricular activities; he just makes mistakes. Deal with it, put Brown in, he deserves his chance.
Strachan is a fantastic manager and is pulling us in slowly in the right direction, young Scottish/Irish players with a desire to learn. Unfortunately the EPL will want him back, possibly Man U as he has the intelligence to do it. And he should take it. The "celtic minded" will miss him when he is gone.
Complain about this comment
Come on Chic, respond to this criticism. I know your ego will have forced you to read these comments.
You must realise that any last vestiges of impartiality you might have retained has been blown away. How can an alleged journalist have ignored the single biggest story in town?
What can we look forward to next week? An expose on Fergus McCann and Wim Jansen?
Complain about this comment
Almost all of Young's articles or comments on any subject are fifth rate in quality and rationale. Hugh McIlvanney he is not!
Why anyone ever praises, gets riled or upset in equal measure by his inane ramblings totally bemuses me.
Boruc's mistakes are infinitesmal in comparison to the good he does in his job between the posts and Euro 2008 totally consolidated his reputation as a good keeper.
As for Strachan....well, he is not a particularly unflakey repository of all the answers to a club's problems and, in dealing with McGeady as he did, he was doing his job, as any boss should when an employee has deemed to have gone beyond the line of acceptable employment conduct. Equally McGeady had a right to express his anger with a matter at which he felt aggrieved. The way he did it was the problem.
In other words, Chic, your entire comments were on a complete non-issue, again making mountains out of mole hills.
Complain about this comment
In response to boomshakalak (#9):
I agree that hyperbole such as "extraordinary" is over used when referring to footballers, big deal. Did you read a blog on Scottish Football just so you could make that point??
The fact remains that McGeady is a very talented player, and bear in mind he's only 22. You clearly know nothing about him, or Scottish football in general. The career stats you referred to were blatantly lifted from Wikipedia, as they're not even correct.
Your description of him as "a Celtic substitute striker who has scored 23 goals in 162 games" says it all. First of all, he's a winger not a striker, so his goals to game ratio tells you little about how good he is (even if you had got it right). Secondly, over the last season and a half, he's made 48 SPL appearances, only 6 of which have been as sub.
Complain about this comment
Chick it's a blog
Complain about this comment
Given that all we ever hear is how poor Aberdeen have been this season (and the shocking criticism, both from our own fans and certain quarters of the press, of our best manager since Fergie), why is Chick not writing about this week's real story; the rise of the Dandy Dons from bottom of the league not so long ago up to fourth place.
Or do we really need to suffer the weekly inane posts from paranoid OF fans about wrongly perceived press bias in favour of one or other of the gruesome twosome?
Complain about this comment
no answer yet from the chickmiester about rangers woes. ah well its not unexpected I suppose given his past history with the aforementiond club.
Complain about this comment
"Winged heels" "Extraordinary ability" "Huge - and mostly justified faith - in his own ability."
Aye. That should get you the next grovelling interview.
But can't help agreeing with the comment "Aiden McGeady should be hung, drawn and quartered for turning down Scotland." G Strachan, 2003.
Complain about this comment
Maybe we'll hear Chick's opinions on Rangers next week, now that their fans are revolting.
Complain about this comment
goodness me what a worry some contributors are.
first point, interesting piece enjoyed reading.
point two have never been comfortable with Boruc, ever
point three.Rangers problems well covered in media, its not like theres no coverage
Point four have always backed WGS as Celtic manager I dont subscibe to the "Celtic minded" nonsense which if people were honest is a euphemism
No doubt the accusations of my plasticness will be posted
Hail Hail
Complain about this comment
On Radio Scotland lasat night Richard Gordon told Chick that his blog had attracted this massive response about him not covering the Rangers credit crunch, and he genuinely didn't seem to know it. Which shows that he has little interest in what type of response his blog receives.
72 markrp - I think it is a bit rude to say the Rangers fans are revolting. I agree they are not very nice but that is going too far.
Complain about this comment
Usual reaction from the Mhanky Mhob, a typical chip on your shoulder 'World's against you' attitude.
Pathetic really.
Complain about this comment
it's quite hilarious that people think there's some sort of conspiracy going on between Chic and Murray. Get a tighter grip on reality people please.
Complain about this comment
Naw, Malky9iar, the world's not against us.
UEFA love us. Barcelona, Villarreal, Benfica and Milan love us. Our many supporters clubs in North America love us. Ireland (of course) loves us. Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City, Everton and Liverpool fans all claim they have a special relationship with us.
But seriously, don't put words into our mouths. There's no paranoia here. The clear message above (from some Rangers fans too) is that Chick is afraid to criticise Murray because he can't conceive of risking his relationship with him.
Complain about this comment
Should it not be WGS on the couch?
Why is it that Celtic fans have all of a sudden become so sensative?
Grow up its all friendly banter.
Complain about this comment
still waiting for that reply chick......................................
Complain about this comment
I think Chick was trying to highlight an all to often rare situation where player power dominates these kind of spats. Its refreshingly good news where all the talk is on finances and other nonfootball related gossip. How disappointing and pathetic it is that no one can say anything positive or negative about one half of the old firm without the other sides fans hitting back with paranoid interpretations. The sooner the old form leave the SLP the better, scottish football will be better off without.
Complain about this comment
As a rangers fan i agree with a lot of the posts on here. Chick you have always been a lapdog to david Murray and in a week when all the news has been about the financial mess at rangers you have talked about a three week old story.
All credibility you ever had as a journalist is gone and you must be really embarassed by this blog.
Who is it that pays your wages?????
Rangers fans deserve better
Complain about this comment
Poor Artur injured in the warm up at Aberdeen. (muscle strain)
Did nobody tell him the Aberdeen pies are a lot heavier than Glesga pies
Complain about this comment
View these comments in RSS