PO Box 306, Glasgow, G21 2AE, Scotland
boo bhoys
To my dismay the boo bhoys returned to Celtic Park at the recent league game against Dundee. The source of their anger this time was Bobo, whose mistake had allowed Fotheringham to score. This error, combined with his 'hand ball' against Lyon, led to 'pockets' of disgruntled fans jumping from their seats in a state of frenzy and booing our previously exalted defender. Fortunately for Bobo his headed goal turned the jeers to cheers and all was well in Paradise again.
Unbelievable, is the only way to describe the reaction of certain fans at Celtic Park these days. At times the ground could be more likened to the Coliseum in Rome, with the fans resembling bloodthirsty Romans. The win over Dundee was the 67th game undefeated at home and we recently surpassed the Lisbon Lions record of 17 straight victories. Imagine the bedlam in the stands when we inevitably lose a game.
It now seems that we have reached such a high level of excellence that even a minor mistake is treated as a 'disaster' (copyright A. Montford 1978). The booing of Neil Lennon in last year's UEFA Cup tie versus Boavista was one of the most disgraceful acts of moronic behaviour ever witnessed inside Celtic Park. He had committed the most cardinal of sins, passing the ball backwards and keeping possession. Outrageous.
I realise Lennon is a player that Celtic fans are divided over in terms of ability, but to boo a Celtic player who had played his part in reaching our first European semi-final since 1974 was distasteful and offensive to all decent supporters. Neil Lennon is the best defensive midfielder in British football. To his detractors I emphasise the word defensive, as I sense they are ignorant of the role he plays in the Celtic team. O'Neill relies on Lennon to be his midfield general on the pitch and recognises that all successful teams need a ball winner.
The great Liverpool team of the 70's and early 80's had Tommy Smith and Sammy Lee and neither could be described as flair players. One of the greatest exponents of the defensive midfield role was Didier Deschamps who was infamously described by Eric Cantona as merely a 'water carrier'. For me, Neil Lennon is Celtic's 'water carrier' and I for one appreciate every drop.
And so to one of the boo bhoys' 'favourites' Didier Agathe. Often referred to by the simpletons as 'diddy', he now takes the brunt of their barracking for apparently not running around enough. It is unreasonable for any player to be expected to run at full pace for 90 minutes and it is clear that Agathe is aware of his defensive duties. I accept that his crossing is poor but overall his contribution to O'Neill's 3-5-2 system is considerable. The pitiful performances of Gray and Sylla in Lyon highlighted how invaluable he is to the team.
As passionate supporters of Celtic it is understandable that sometimes our frustrations are expressed in a negative way. It is also true that every supporter has the right to criticise players if they feel it is justified. What is not acceptable is when that criticism results in booing a player who wears the greatest and most original shirt in world football.
Jock Stein once famously said, 'Celtic jerseys are not for second best'. As supporters of Celtic Football Club being second best is not an option.
JOHN MOLLOY
Mount Florida
standing room only
Dear NTV,
Having read over the last few weeks about the south stand being revamped on the outside at the cost of a few million quid I was wondering why not delay for a few years and do the whole thing up completely.
My idea for the new Family stand is a mirror image of the awesome North Stand (one of the most intimidating structures in football). The top half would be set aside for the 'singing' section that fans have been asking for for years where anyone willing to sing for 90 minutes to get the rest of the crowd going would be welcome. This would improve the atmosphere for home league games which I'm sure most of us would admit are lacking the electric atmosphere that comes with European and Old Firm games.
The bottom half would be the family section. A real family section, where children would be allowed in much cheaper than they are now. The revenue through ticket sales would be higher, though, because of the increased capacity.
One of the major problems at Celtic and at clubs up and down the country is that the next generation of Celtic fans aren't getting to the games because of the high ticket prices. I know of many fans whose children can't go because they can't afford it. If the season tickets for under 15's (or whatever) were as low as £50 then I'm sure the crowds could swell by thousands thus filling our new stand. The atmosphere created by the singing section and by kids (who always sing regardless) would pick up the crowd and turn Parkhead into the monster it could be for all our games.
Over the years this new stand would pay for itself. This would also improve the facilities a million times over and get us this 5 star rating we require for big tournament finals. Of course there are complications to consider but I'm not getting paid for this so someone else can work it out. It would also mean that Celtic would have a new generation of fans ready to pay their bills as soon as they can(t) afford to.
Yours in
Celtic
MATT McGARR
Falkirk
supplementary benefit match
Dear NTV,
Henrik Larsson has been a great player for Celtic, the best forward I've seen wearing the Hoops since the 1970's and the days of Kenny Dalglish. He has performed at a consistently high level during these seven years not only in domestic football but also in Europe. During his time with Celtic he has been financially well rewarded, earning more in a week than many of us earn in a year, and hopefully his time in Scotland has set him up in that regard for life.
I don't grudge him one penny of this. He has more than earned it. He has been good for Celtic and Celtic have been Good for him. That's as it should be. My memories of Henrik the player will be positive and I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to watch him playing for Celtic over the last seven years.
However, I'm a bit taken aback that supporters are being asked to pay to watch a farewell match for Henrik. Come along and say farewell to the Great Man we are told. Fair enough, but then the catch; the money from this game will all go to Henrik as a 'loyalty' bonus for seeing out his contract. Nothing to his favourite charity, all proceeds to go to the player.
Perhaps I'm mistaken but haven't we been paying his, and the other players', wages via the cash we contribute to the club for season ticket books, merchandising, etc.?
If this type of farewell benefit game is to become the norm one wonders what happens if fewer fans than expected turn up - do the club have to guarantee the player money based on an estimated minimum attendance?
It will, of course, be up to individuals as to whether or not they attend this benefit match. For those who decide to fork out then Good Luck to them. I hope they have an enjoyable day and trust that they give Henrik a fond farewell while not overlooking the basic fact that Celtic Football Club will continue after he leaves for pastures new.
However, for me this is a game too far and I'll put the money saved toward paying for next year's season ticket.
BOLSHIE
VIC
Edinburgh
OK to coral
Dear NTV,
While visiting my in-laws in Dundee last week I was horrified to read the back page of the 'Scottish' Daily Mail (below). This referred to the 'safety' of our city neighbours being endangered by a visit to Paradise and the story reported that they had to refuse an increased allocation of tickets for the Scottish Cup quarter final as the safety of their fans could not be guaranteed.
This supposed danger allegedly comes from the 'best fans in the world' (as nominated by FIFA and UEFA in 2003) and was a bold eye-catching headline. Nowhere did the article suggest that the fans require segregation to prevent the gibbering hordes from reaching the Celtic fans as we leave the stadium celebrating yet another victory over the Forces of Darkness.
Is this yet another example of sensationalist reporting from the Fourth Estate massaging the facts to suit their own private agenda? I think we should be told.
Yours in
Celtic
TONY CARLIN
Telford
green drinking straws and other conspiracies
Dear NTV,
I was pleased to notice that the multitude of conspiracies against Rangers FC have at last been exposed by your good selves. The shameful and provocative act of placing green and white drinking straws in the Ibrox refreshment stalls is just one example and was brilliantly described by Earwig in NTV 118.
Not since the Soviets placed nuclear weapons in Cuba has such a mischievous and dangerous ploy been attempted. Rest assured that the resulting carnage, including threats to return season tickets, was not merely hysterical paranoia but was a reasonable and measured response to the collaborators who have sold out the old Ibrox club to Dublin.
I am organising a boycott of drinking straws at Rangers until our demands are met, action which has the potential to be extended to include napkins and paper plates should we manage to succeed. I was, however, somewhat disappointed that you failed to cover the issue of the Ibrox pitch conspiracy.
It is obvious that the Dublin Government, in cahoots with somebody called Mother Nature (obviously a nun), is forcing the mighty Rangers to play on green grass. Is this treacherous act cunning? Yes. Is it incapable of being foiled? No way!
I am advocating that David Murray immediately hands over a few million pounds so that our top scientists can produce red white and blue turf for the team to play on. Until such time as they do, I have urged the players to boycott playing on green grass and from our performances this season you can see how effective my campaign has been.
I must go now as it's difficult to concentrate with all these voices in my head.
Yours etc.
A. LOONY
Club Deck regular
Manchester
John Thompson book
Dear NTV,
I am writing to thank you for giving my book 'My Search For Celtic's John' such an excellent and reassuring review in issue 119. I have been gratified to have received many similar responses from around the country and overseas an would like to take the opportunity through your refreshing magazine to thank everyone who has bought the book and written or telephoned me. I am, of course, indebted to John Lee Booker for the care and warmth which exude from his review.
May I point out to anyone who is interested that the book is now obtainable in Ottaker's bookshops and in Celtic stores. It may be ordered too by sending a cheque (£14 inclusive of postage for UK and Ireland, £16 for all other addresses) to Mailbox 635, Claymore House, 149 Kilmarnock Road, Shawlands, Glasgow. Do remember to send the address to which the book is to be sent.
Many thanks again and continued success to Not The View.
Yours
sincerely,
TOM GREIG
Glasgow