january 2006

Sunday 1st A 3:2 comeback win at Swynecastle - all the sweeter for two goals from the unlikely Steven McManus in the last four minutes - puts Celtic seven clear at the top of the table. 'It just makes us feel a bit better about ourselves,' said WGS. 'We had a problem and to come back from that was excellent. It was a classic. The game had everything. And to come from two goals behind to win is a good feeling.'

Wednesday 4th The SFA will review two incidents from the weekend's game against Hearts. The video review panel will examine Paul Hartley's cowardly kick at Ross Wallace - which was missed by the referee Iain Brines - and it will also decide whether Hearts have any grounds for their appeal against the red card shown to Takis Fyssas. An incident in which Neil Lennon kicked Steven Pressley will not be reviewed.

Thursday 5th Birmingham sign Chris Sutton on a free transfer. The big striker leaves Celtic by mutual consent thanks to a clause in his contract and joins Birmingham in their relegation struggle until the end of the season. 'It's obviously a huge disappointment to lose a player of Chris' quality,' said WGS at the press conference. 'The club has granted Chris his wish to move on and I would like to wish him all the best for the future.'

Sutton said he had no choice but to leave: 'It has been very disappointing for me to leave Celtic. But under the circumstances I felt that I had been left with no choice. I had five great years at Celtic under Martin O'Neill. I would like to thank the players and staff for making me and my family so welcome. I'm now looking forward to getting started for Birmingham City.' He leaves Celtic having won three SPL titles and four Scottish Cups, as well as a Uefa Cup runners-up medal from 2003.

Dundee United have signed youngster Charlie Mulgrew on loan until the end of the season.

Friday 6th Preston manager Billy Davies has confirmed that Celtic have rejected a bid for midfielder Stephen Pearson: 'We have been told that Stephen is not for sale and we'll now have to look to make progress on other midfield targets.' Pearson's agent, Willie McKay, said the player would be willing to move to the Championship club. 'If Stephen's playing for Celtic, he's a Celtic fan, he's happy. If he doesn't play I think he'd like to go to Preston and play,' said McKay. 'He will be in the Premiership in six months and the way they are playing, it will be with Preston.'

Sunday 8th I must have eaten a cheese sandwich before retiring to bed last night because I had the most distressing nightmare. I dreamt that the world's media had turned up at Broadwood to see Roy Keane make his debut for the Hoops only to see Celtic humbled by Clyde in the Scottish Cup. What's that you're saying? It really happened?? Gordon Strachan was having an Artmedia Groundhog Day: 'Clyde were the best team, they used the conditions well, played with common sense football and we did not. We laid the tactics down before the game but they weren't adhered to. The players let themselves down and have to live with that. It is very hard to take everything in just now. The manner in which we got beat was disappointing. We think we have answers but we have to look into it even more... There were bad decision on the pitch and problems before the game.'

Monday 9th Celtic legend Billy McNeill offers his assessment of the Clyde debacle in the Sun newspaper. He doesn't miss and hit the wall, either: 'It should have been a carnival for the Celtic supporters but it was like watching a circus act. Embarrassing, unacceptable, shameful, pathetic. Just a few choice words that sum up Celtic's Scottish Cup exit.'

Neil Lennon has told the BBC's Sportsweek programme he may leave the club and return to the Premiership in the summer when his current contract expires: 'If we win the title I might think enough is enough and look elsewhere but for the time being I'm really happy. I always said if I did leave I would like another crack at the Premiership. People look at your age but I'm averaging 50 games a season up here. I signed a one-year contract in the summer and that's up for review either this month or June. I haven't put the club under any pressure. My main priority is winning the championship, partly because I am the captain but also because of how things ended last year. That's the main priority and then I'll sit down with the club, hopefully. I'm not going to go banging down anyone's door.' That'll be a relief to his neighbours.

WGS is urging the board to secure the future of Stilian Petrov sooner rather than later. Petrov is out of contract next year and three months of talks on an extension have so far drawn a blank. 'We could do with getting that sorted,' said Strachan. 'There comes a time when everybody has to say: 'Come on, let's get on with it. It's getting boring.' I know how important Stan is to the team and I have to take that to the board and explain that to them.'

Tuesday 10th Peter Lawwell goes over to the offensive on the official website to counter stories that have been appearing in the chip wrappers in recent weeks concerning John Hartson and Stilian Petrov: 'Some of the reports I've seen are ridiculous. Contrary to some ill-informed articles, players like Petrov, Lennon and Hartson are absolutely pivotal to the team and are going nowhere. The result at Broadwood on Sunday was clearly a sore one to take, but it's important that people retain a sense of perspective. I've read various reports saying that a number of our key players are heading out of the club, but I can reassure fans that there's no truth in them. Stilian has 18 months remaining on his contract, John has at least 18 months and, although Neil's contract is up in the summer, we have had preliminary discussions with his agent on the way forward. Let's not forget that, despite the obvious transition that the club is going through, we're top of the league and are determined to do everything possible to regain the championship. After a result like the one at the weekend, everyone's hurting. But it only makes the management and players even more determined to ensure that we deliver for our fans in the league campaign. Indeed, far from selling off our best players at such a crucial time, we're already working hard to try and further strengthen the team during the January transfer window. The arrival of Roy Keane was rightly hailed as a major achievement for the club. And I've no doubt that this will be underlined in the weeks and months ahead and we're keen to make further additions if we can get quality players in the right positions.'

SFA chief David Taylor has replied to suggestions from Hearts owner Vladimir 'Bonkers' Romanov that the recent match at Tynecastle should be replayed because the hopeless ref incorrectly dismissed a Hearts player: 'There is no prospect of any match being replayed. There is no provision in the laws of the game for this to happen, whether in Scotland, Lithuania or any country.' Mad Vlad is also looking for replays against Hibernian and Rangers. 'If we're after a fair game in Scotland, I insist on a replay of the match against Celtic,' Romanov said. 'But it is not the only game that should be replayed again. The authorities should look at two others where I believe my team has not been treated fairly. My players have been beaten up. I didn't expect this kind of thing in Scotland. I have been through it in Lithuania, but in Scotland you expect fair and proper football. Instead, things are even more primitive in Scotland.'

Vlad should not forget the abominable Ross Wallace who clearly threw his leg in front of Paul Hartley's boot in a deliberate attempt to injure the Hearts man.

Steven 'Rubbish' Thompson has completed his transfer from Rangers to Cardiff City for the princely sum of £250,000 having been bought for a cool £1 million by the Eckmeister. Who says the Cat doesn't know his way around the transfer market?

Wednesday 11th The Daily Rectum is forced by Chris Sutton to publish a grovelling apology of the kind that they do best: 'On January 6 Record Sport reported that Chris Sutton was furious after having been left on the bench for a game against Inverness last month. Mr. Sutton has asked us to clarify he did not leave Celtic Park under a cloud and he has no problems with anyone at Parkhead. We are happy to clarify the matter for him.' We bet you are.

Friday 13th Gordon Strachan confirms that talks have been ongoing with Gary Caldwell, aimed at bringing the Hibs defender to CP in the summer. Tony Mowbray confirmed Celtic's interest in the player: 'I had a brief conversation with Gordon many weeks ago and they were just doing the right thing really. I don't know if it's a done deal - I would imagine Celtic have got more resources than we have and that they could entice him better than we can... I think he is by far the best football-playing centre-back in Scotland.'

Saturday 14th Contract talks with Stilian Petrov and his agent have reached stalemate and it looks likely that he'll be off when his present deal runs out in 18 months time. WGS seems phlegmatic about the prospect: 'We feel it's beneficial for Stilian to stay for 18 months and he's more than delighted to. People might say it could be worth selling him in a couple of months but it is not. We're having the use of him for 18 months so he can make us better and successful. You never give up hope of him staying longer, but I hope this is the last we talk of this for a long time. It's not going to be hard to hold on to Stilian. I have spoken to all the people involved and that won't be the case. It's a pleasure having him here. It's only the real top clubs who could do anything to tempt him. Celtic fans can rest assured that it's only these top clubs who could sign him. I think now the pressure is off and all the talk of 'will he, won't he' stop and it should make things easier. He's more relaxed about it, as I am. We know where we're going and Stilian is more than happy to play 18 months with us.'

In the afternoon Celtic beat Kilmarnock 4:2, not without the usual defensive calamities. The manager could certainly feel the vibe from the stands: 'The crowd were anxious after last week's defeat by Clyde in the cup and we were anxious. We shouldn't have to score three goals to win a game of football and we have to sort it out. Individual errors are killing us at the moment. But, while there can be question marks about the defending, there can be none about our commitment and general play.'

The Junglebhoys mark the occasion of Roy Keane's home debut with a tifo display featuring a giant Ireland flag.

Sunday 15th Swoop Guidi claims an exclusive in the Sunday Mason for reporting that, 'Celtic are now favourites to snap up Kenny Miller after making a move for the former Rangers striker.' Because Rangers can't afford him? Nope. 'Ibrox boss Alex McLeish was thought to be leading the chase for Miller but Rangers haven't followed up their initial interest.' Or, as the BBC website put it, 'Rangers were also interested in bringing the player to Ibrox, but their interest has apparently cooled.'

Monday 16th Mark Wilson has completed his move from Dundee United to Celtic, signing a four-and-a-half year deal. The 21-year-old, who can play at full-back or in midfield, moves for a fee thought to be about £500,000. 'It's definitely a proud day. It's a club the family have supported all their life,' said Wilson. 'I don't expect to break in straight away, but I'll get my head down in training and try to impress the manager... It's a privilege to get the honour and opportunity to come here and play.'

Passing Wilson on the way out is the hapless Du Wei who will be returning to Shanghai Shenhua. His agent, Desmond Chu said: 'Du Wei will go back to China because Celtic want an extension of his temporary deal and that does not suit Shanghai. It is very disappointing that it has ended this way, but Du Wei is a professional and after leaving Scotland in the next few days he will concentrate on starting his career again in China. It would take a miracle for anything to be resurrected at this stage and I don't really believe in miracles.'

Rangers also unveil a new signing today in the shape of Moses Ashikodi, described by one ex-colleague of his as 'a younger version of Nacho Novo', a huge relief to anyone who thought they might be bucking the trend of recent years and signing somebody good. 'It might take a while for Moses to settle into Scottish football and he may not be a first choice right away, but he will cause problems for teams when he comes off the bench,' said his ex-team mate Steven Hislop. He might also cause problems for his own players. As a 16-year-old Ashikodi was suspended from Millwall after allegedly pulling a knife on team-mate Mark McCammon after a training-ground row between the two players had carried on to the canteen.

Wednesday 18th According to the player's agent, Celtic have agreed terms to sign Hungarian left back Peter Halmosi. Mihaly Laczko, told BBC Sport that a decision will be made on Friday, with Celtic being the player's favoured destination.

Thursday 19th Kenny Miller has signed a pre-contract agreement to join Celtic in the summer. He said: 'I was fortunate enough to have options. But, when Celtic made their interest known, this was where I wanted to play. It's a tremendous honour. Having spoken to Gordon and the club, I am delighted to have committed my future to Celtic. I am looking forward immensely to joining my new team-mates in the summer and hope to be able to play my part in bringing further success to Celtic.

Gordon Strachan said: 'Kenny is a quality player and I am delighted to have secured his signing for next season. He is still a young player with his best years ahead of him and I am sure he will be a great addition to our squad from next season onwards.'

Peter Lawwell added: 'There were a number of other clubs trying to sign Kenny. We are delighted to have won the race and signed Kenny on a long-term contract.'

It's been a slow month for Rangers news so it's time for the Sun to get involved with a story quoting Peter Lovelypants and his travails of a night out: 'I've twice been hit by Celtic fans when going out having fun. If I want to go out, I never go alone. Most of the time I have one of my Scottish friends, Matt, with me. He is my Scottish shadow and he's helped me with good advice about where to go and not to go at certain times,' he said. Perhaps Pete should team up with Neil Lennon for a night out?

Friday 20th Gordon Strachan has confirmed that Gary Caldwell will also be joining Celtic in the summer after signing a pre-contract agreement that will see him move to Paradise as a free agent.

Matthew Lindsay in the Evening Times informs us why there has been so little transfer activity at the Death Star this month: 'Alex McLeish has revealed why Rangers have made so few signings - because he doesn't need to add to his squad.'

Saturday 21st Rangers can stop chasing £7 million rated Dean Ashdown now. He has given them the slip and signed for West Ham.

Tuesday 24th With a draught still blowing through the open transfer window, much of today's Celtic news concerns comings and goings. Didier Agathe has gone to Marbella for a trial with Middlesbrough and it looks as if Stan Varga's days are numbered as well. 'I doubt very much that Celtic will offer Stan a new contract,' said Varga's agent. 'He will be leaving at the end of the season. But I can categorically deny Birmingham are interested. Shortly after the Bratislava game, the manager decided to change things around, but he has given everyone a second chance apart from Stan until recently. He had to wait an awful long time to get a game, but he played the last game and played very well.'

WGS tells hacks that he will not be signing Debrecen's Hungarian winger, Peter Halmosi who had been training at Celtic Park. The player's agent had said a fee had been agreed but Strachan announced on the official website: 'There'll be nothing happening with Halmosi. He's a good player alright, but he's not so outstanding as to be better than the lads we already have at the club. So we'll be leaving it at that.'

Teenage midfielder Simon Ferry, on the other hand, has committed his future to Celtic by signing a four-and-a-half-year contract extension. 'He has been training with the first team recently and certainly doesn't look out of place,' said Strachan.

Wednesday 25th With an important Glasgow derby looming Thomas Buffel does his bit for morale by admitting second spot in the SPL is Rangers' most realistic goal this season. Bit optimistic is he not?? 'We must get second place... We still have so much to play for. We still have Europe, we still have the chance of second place and we have the opportunity to win the Scottish Cup. So there are many things for us to achieve this season.'

Thursday 26th Speaking from a distance, Didier Agathe has accused manager Gordon Strachan of forcing him out of the club: 'Strachan never gave me a chance. He always said I was injured. That is wrong - I am in great shape. My dearest wish is to leave Celtic as quickly as possible. I cannot stay here another six months.'

Friday 27th Stilian Petrov signs a contract extension with Celtic to finally put an end to recent kite-flying about his future. His new deal will keep him at CP until summer 2009, with Celtic having the option of extending that for a further season. Peter Lawwell said: 'Stilian has already been a tremendous servant. And he will be a key player for Celtic in the years ahead.'

The Bulgarian Bhoy himself told reporters: 'There has been a lot of speculation and I have had a lot of questions from my team-mates and fans about when I would sign - when it would be over. Now I'm glad that's finished and the whole thing has been sorted out. It was not very difficult. It was important for me to make this deal. I knew it would take time, the chief executive and the manager knew it would take a long time and I'm happy to agree this deal and keep playing for Celtic. I've been speaking to the manager all the time and he has been very supportive to me. When you feel that someone trusts you and believes in you, you feel more welcome.'

Neil Lennon has also been busy playing down rumours linking him with the vacant job at Leicester. He is reported in the Daily Rectum as saying: 'Every year you want to win the title. This is no different but I'm captain this season and I really want to see it through.'

Saturday 28th Celtic throw away a two goal lead in the last ten minutes to drop two points at home to Dundee United in Mark Wilson's debut. Just to rub it in, David Fernandez nets the late equaliser, having earlier scored the visitors' first as well.

Quizzed on why Roy Keane was stripped to come on as a sub but not used, WGS replied, 'At 3:1 it was a shutting up job but we never had the time to bring Roy on. He disappeared to the toilet and we had to change the plan.'

Sunday 29th Swoop's big exclusive in this morning's Masonsport is that, 'Preston boss Billy Davies has revealed he'd love to become Rangers (sic) gaffer.'

Monday 30th Gordon Strachan rejects a request from David Marshall to go out on loan for the rest of the season. The young 'keeper said, 'I had a chat with the manager about things, but going out on loan was not going to suit Celtic. We need a squad for the remainder of the season and, to be honest, I knew that would be the case. Obviously, I want to play but he needs two goalkeepers and I can understand that. I'll just sit tight until the end of the season and see what happens then.'

John Kennedy has written off this season for any potential return to action. 'It's doubtful if I will manage anything before the end of this season, so next season is going to be the main one for me. All I can do is work until the end of the season to get as fit and strong as possible. If I can manage that then it will be full steam ahead in pre-season.'

Tuesday 31st The transfer window slams shut and Portsmouth finally give up hope of signing John Hartson after a second approach for the Welsh international striker was rejected. The board turned down a £1.2m bid last week and said the 30-year-old was not for sale at any price. Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric told BBC Scotland: 'There is nothing further we can do. Hartson will not be coming. The situation is simple; Celtic gave us a definite no and we will now have to look elsewhere.' Hartson has 18 months of his contract left to run at Celtic.

Dion Dublin signs for the Hoops until the end of the season after agreeing his release from Leicester City. Speaking of his surprise transfer the big man said: 'Although I am 36, I feel fit and I am ready to go. I'm just happy to get the chance. What are you going to say? When you get to play for Celtic, it is an incredible experience... I may be 36 (didn't he mention that already? Non-ageist Ed) but I am still quite nervous to come to a place of this size... Having seen some games and played in friendlies against Celtic, I am just gobsmacked at the size of the place. I am just looking forward to being part of a good squad of players and, hopefully, I can add to that and help the team to success this season.'

Aiden McGeady faces up to eight weeks on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury in training on Friday.

Diary compiled by SAMUEL PEPYS-SHOW and HACKWATCHER

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