http://www.MonTheHoops.co.uk/ All things Celtic FC, craic, chat, banter and much more. en Sat, 25 May 2013 18:35:25 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.monthehoops.co.uk/images/misc/rss.png http://www.MonTheHoops.co.uk/ http://www.MonTheHoops.co.uk/showthread.php?t=20850&goto=newpost Sat, 25 May 2013 18:14:58 GMT One year and one week on. Again we trudge to our buses, looking like the club shop has thrown up on us, ready to troop through to Hampden. ... One year and one week on.

Again we trudge to our buses, looking like the club shop has thrown up on us, ready to troop through to Hampden.

Ready to watch Hibs wrestle with their Scottish Cup destiny. Part 111.

An unlikely final appearance.

The first consecutive finals since 1923 and 1924 (those losses courtesy of Celtic and Airdie).

Another final reached in a season of patchy - if improved - league form.

An unlikely manager.

A twitchier Rod Petrie might have jettisoned Pat Fenlon after last year's final.

A twitchier Rod Petrie might have had second thoughts during the mid season SPL malaise.

His mind must have almost have been made up just 28 minutes into this year's semi final, a flimsy Hibs buffeted by a Falkirk who couldn't quite believe their luck.

Yet Fenlon came through and delivered unto Petrie's piggy bank the proceeds of another cup final appearance.

The first Hibs manager to reach two national cup finals since Alex Miller.

That achievement took Miller seven years. It's taken Fenlon just 18 months.

The first manager to lead a team other than Celtic or Rangers to two Scottish Cup finals in a row since Jim McLean battled his own cup hoodoo with Dundee United in the 1980s.

In another place we might hail Fenlon as a modest history maker already.

That we don't can be blamed on that stuttery league form, that pitiful day last May and the weightier history of Scottish Cup scars stretching beyond Scotland's collective living memory.

The route to this year's final was not without challenges.

The psychological barrier of beating Hearts in Hibs first Scottish Cup game since "that" day. The turgid spectacle of yet another clash with Aberdeen. The yapping of Kenny Shiels on a vist to Rugby Park.

Then that semi final - the easiest game on paper turned into an ultimately exhilarating battle by a paper thin defence.

Now Celtic. The hardest of the lot. The SPL champions who won more games this season than Hibs have won in the last two.

Celtic, perennial botherers of the SPL's top spots against Hibs, of late trapped in risky relegation battles or assorted bottom six bore-offs.

They've met at this stage before. A 1-0 win for Hibs, the last win, in 1902 with another Irishman calling the shots. A stalemate in 1914, followed by a 4-1 Celtic win in the replay.

A 1-0 Celtic win in that 1923 final. A 6-1 Celtic win in 1972 and then a 3-0 win in 2001.

Four Celtic wins, one Hibs win. 14 Celtic goals, three Hibs goals.

And, while Hibs are not alone in being embarrassed by four or more goals in a final, no team has ever recovered their cup equilibrium quickly enough to return and make amends the following year.

As ever when Hibs and Celtic clash, form and ability favours the west.

As ever when Hibs and the Scottish Cup clash, history favours the agony being prolonged for yet another year.

Bereft of expectation, hope offers us Hibs fans a life raft to cling to as we float on our dreams along the M8.

Unlikely? Definitely. Impossible? Not a bit of it.

Have Hibs not got a better win percentage at Hampden than Celtic over the last couple of seasons?

Are those chastening experiences last May and in that pathetic half hour against Falkirk not simply Hampden learning experiences, not killing us but making us stronger?

Have this year's preparations - on the field and, free from daft trips to Ireland, off the field - not been much improved?

Have Wigan and Atlético Madrid - and before them Swansea and St Mirren - not shown that unlikely cup final wins are in fashion?

Does the strange life of Leigh Griffiths - talisman, father, daft laddie, finisher, trouble magnet - not demand a defining moment in green?

Is the first Sabbath final not the ideal occasion for answered prayers and redemption?

Does history not, at some stage, have to stop spitting in your face?

Maybe. Maybe not.

Everything that surrounds the game, the raw emotion that a Hibs win would deliver, is meaningless for 90 minutes.

Play like idiots, become a laughing stock. Been there, done that.

Play well, take any slice of luck that comes your way, hope that Celtic again mislay their Hampden mojo and anything is possible.

Like last year, tears won't come with defeat. It's winning that will reduce this fan to a gibbering, sniffling wreck.

So there we are. Pat Fenlon, history maker.

Go ahead, son. Make me cry.

More... ]]> Main Forum Admin http://www.MonTheHoops.co.uk/showthread.php?t=20850 http://www.MonTheHoops.co.uk/showthread.php?t=20849&goto=newpost Sat, 25 May 2013 16:13:17 GMT Was it really just last week that Stewart Regan (http://www.scottishfootballblog.co.uk/search/label/Stewart%20Regan) was lecturing Scottish football... Was it really just last week that Stewart Regan was lecturing Scottish football on the financial uncertainties of the ongoing league reconstruction farrago?

He also took time out to tell us that he loved his job.

Well he might, with today's news of an "inflation-busting" pay rise of 13.5 percent.

It's tricky to greet his good fortune without sounding like a Taxpayers' Alliance spokesman screeching to the Daily Mail.

I don't know the details of Regan's contract or what measure is used to gauge his performance. Maybe he gets a bonus for being in stressful situation, but would he not only deserve that if he ever looked at all troubled by what's going on?

It seems hard to believe in this Scottish footballing year that anyone could put two and two together and come up with £33,000 extra for the rabbit-caught-in-the-headlights chief executive.

It's exactly the sort of public relations misstep that makes you wonder what it is the SFA actually see, ensconced in their ivory tower, gazing down on us proles.

While Regan stresses the work he oversees at grassroots level, his most public persona is of a man dithering while football smoulders.

Grassroots work takes time to prove itself to a sceptical public, the idea of a crisis engulfing the game - an idea he has repeatedly endorsed - is more immediate and his contribution to solving that crisis often seems negligible.

It's common in such situations to compare the salary of the high profile fat cat to that of the Prime Minister - and in 2012 Regan's wage was almost double that of David Cameron's.

A cynic might suggest that you could put the two of them together and still not get a leader.

But the leadership of football does seem to be concerning Cameron's government, with sports minister Hugh Robertson apparently ready to introduce legislation to force the pace of change in English football.

Those plans include a licensing system for clubs, a more representative FA board and improved supporter engagement at club level.

Three ideas that would also be worthwhile in Scotland.

It's important to approach with caution the idea of the UK government getting something positive done. And the government's own approach must be cautious, given UEFA's dislike of interference in national associations.

But if there is a way to manage legislation for positive change, could we learn from it?

The Scottish Government's forays into football haven't always gained them universal adulation.

Yet nor does their public silence on certain issues of real concern in the game sit easily with their willingness to share in any possible moment of reflected sporting glory.

I'm not sure I'd trust politicians of any hue to make a better fist of running the game than the present incumbents but I am interested to see where Hugh Robertson's latest act of brinkmanship leads English football.

If a legislative rocket kick starts change, Holyrood would do well to follow the UK lead.

Because while we might not have a footballing Armageddon, the SFA paying Stewart Regan over £280,000 a year is yet another sign of the game disappearing up its own arse.


More... ]]> Main Forum Admin http://www.MonTheHoops.co.uk/showthread.php?t=20849 http://www.MonTheHoops.co.uk/showthread.php?t=20848&goto=newpost Sat, 25 May 2013 11:32:18 GMT Hi Everyone,

I've got 2 spare tickets for tomorrow's Cup Final, They are £30.00 each and who ever
wants them will need to meet me at Parkhead before 12.30pm.

These are like gold dust so be quick.

Cheers

Davie.. ]]> Main Forum scottkilt7 http://www.MonTheHoops.co.uk/showthread.php?t=20848 http://www.MonTheHoops.co.uk/showthread.php?t=20847&goto=newpost Sat, 25 May 2013 09:55:21 GMT May 25th, 1967. happy birthday Celtic on winning the big cup that day 46 years ago today :=D: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e7ON3mMMFSs May 25th, 1967. happy birthday Celtic on winning the big cup that day 46 years ago today :=D:


]]> Main Forum Lennono9 http://www.MonTheHoops.co.uk/showthread.php?t=20847 http://www.MonTheHoops.co.uk/showthread.php?t=20846&goto=newpost Sat, 25 May 2013 08:01:41 GMT Read the whole article and more by clicking this link......... Read the whole article and more by clicking this link......

Visit Paul's site for more great reads.

ScotsLawThoughts

Go to the site directly

]]> Newsroom Admin http://www.MonTheHoops.co.uk/showthread.php?t=20846 http://www.MonTheHoops.co.uk/showthread.php?t=20845&goto=newpost Sat, 25 May 2013 05:14:19 GMT THE Lisbon Lions have never just been about the 11 men who performed heroics for those 90 historic minutes under the hot Portuguese sun on the... THE Lisbon Lions have never just been about the 11 men who performed heroics for those 90 historic minutes under the hot Portuguese sun on the evening of Thursday, May 25, 1967.

Joe McBride, John Fallon, John Hughes, Charlie Gallagher and Willie O’Neill made up the rest of the 16-man squad while Sean Fallon, Neilly Mochan, Bobby Rooney and Jimmy Steel made sure everything was running smoothly.

But there was no doubt who was the Alpha Male in this Lions’ pride.


More... ]]> Main Forum Admin http://www.MonTheHoops.co.uk/showthread.php?t=20845 http://www.MonTheHoops.co.uk/showthread.php?t=20844&goto=newpost Fri, 24 May 2013 18:01:43 GMT You'll never believe it but Sevco's investigation into erm......themselves has found them innocent of all charges. Must admit I never seen that coming. Wonder if the SFA will take it at face value or will ask the really hard questions like:

1) Do you know each other?
2) Did you conspire to fraudulently buy Sevco when Whyte was barred.

Ok that'll be all gents carry on, pass go and here's £200

They must think we're all completely fuckin stupid ]]> Main Forum paulmc67 http://www.MonTheHoops.co.uk/showthread.php?t=20844 http://www.MonTheHoops.co.uk/showthread.php?t=20843&goto=newpost Fri, 24 May 2013 16:32:39 GMT VICTOR Wanyama was at Celtic Park today with brothers Sean and Arran to promote the Club’s Play on the Park event which takes place here on Monday, May 27.

Victor and his Celtic team-mates battled it out with stars of the world game such as Lionel Messi, Andres Iniesta and Andrea Pirlo this season, and now we’re offering youngsters between the age of 4 and 14 the chance to follow in their footsteps by playing on the hallowed turf at Celtic Park.

During the three-hour sessions, the children will be provided with an extensive tour of the stadium, and will hear sport science advice and healthy lifestyle tips from our Development Academy coaches.


More... ]]> Main Forum Admin http://www.MonTheHoops.co.uk/showthread.php?t=20843 http://www.MonTheHoops.co.uk/showthread.php?t=20842&goto=newpost Fri, 24 May 2013 16:00:36 GMT THAT cold and wet Scottish Cup final at the end of the 2010/11 season still lives strong in Neil Lennon´s memory. It was the afternoon he won his first trophy as Celtic manager and even the weather couldn’t dampen his spirits as his Hoops side beat Motherwell 3-0.

Now he wants the Bhoys to now take their impressive league form into this Sunday's Scottish Cup final against Hibernian and make new Hampden memories for everyone at the club to cherish.


More... ]]> Main Forum Admin http://www.MonTheHoops.co.uk/showthread.php?t=20842 http://www.MonTheHoops.co.uk/showthread.php?t=20841&goto=newpost Fri, 24 May 2013 14:43:06 GMT Celtic will need to looks lively if they are serious about Johnny Russell. Three Championship clubs are credited with an interest and believe it or... Celtic will need to looks lively if they are serious about Johnny Russell. Three Championship clubs are credited with an interest and believe it or not the fee is reported to be ~£700k. For me that's a bit of a steal and with the money Celtic have at the moment would offer very little risk. So for me I'd like to see Celtic get in their sharpish.
Any thoughts guys? ]]> Main Forum paulmc67 http://www.MonTheHoops.co.uk/showthread.php?t=20841 http://www.MonTheHoops.co.uk/showthread.php?t=20840&goto=newpost Fri, 24 May 2013 14:12:18 GMT SINCE we announced details of our #BeCeltic, Belong Season Ticket packages for 2013/14, supporters have been renewing in their thousands, and to cope... SINCE we announced details of our #BeCeltic, Belong Season Ticket packages for 2013/14, supporters have been renewing in their thousands, and to cope with the phenomenal demand we have extended the renewal deadline by one week until next Friday, May 31.

Ticket Office staff have been processing renewal packs as quickly as possible. With the high volume of supporters continuing throughout deadline day, the club has moved to ensure that all current season ticket holders have additional time to secure their seats for next season before the general sale begins.


More... ]]> Main Forum Admin http://www.MonTheHoops.co.uk/showthread.php?t=20840 http://www.MonTheHoops.co.uk/showthread.php?t=20839&goto=newpost Fri, 24 May 2013 14:06:17 GMT Im looking at BTTS (BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE) n (and, haha) Bayern to win game at 5/2 (90 mins),Celtic -1 at evens. 20 sheets gets u £140 n if u want to... Im looking at BTTS (BOTH TEAMS TO SCORE) n (and, haha) Bayern to win game at 5/2 (90 mins),Celtic -1 at evens. 20 sheets gets u £140 n if u want to add in Mondays game BTTS in watford game at 7/10 would get you £238. ]]> Main Forum ice http://www.MonTheHoops.co.uk/showthread.php?t=20839 http://www.MonTheHoops.co.uk/showthread.php?t=20838&goto=newpost Fri, 24 May 2013 12:41:41 GMT Glad you could find us colinjordan3! Glad you could find us colinjordan3! ]]> Main Forum Admin http://www.MonTheHoops.co.uk/showthread.php?t=20838 http://www.MonTheHoops.co.uk/showthread.php?t=20837&goto=newpost Fri, 24 May 2013 11:05:22 GMT Never saw a thread so put one up.

Well that's it fellow bhoys and ghirls, the final game of Celtic's season.

Looking forward to it, hopefully as suggested the weather will be shining.

Good luck to the Hoops!

I'll say 3-0 and Commons with first goal.


FD ]]> Main Forum fd1972uk http://www.MonTheHoops.co.uk/showthread.php?t=20837 http://www.MonTheHoops.co.uk/showthread.php?t=20836&goto=newpost Fri, 24 May 2013 09:40:43 GMT FORMER Celtic striker Alan McInally has teamed up with online betting partner BETDAQ to preview this weekend’s Scottish Cup final against Hibernian.

"Only Hibernian stand in the way of an historic Celtic double. I was in Edinburgh recently and there was plenty of confidence around the city that Hibs could pull off a shock at Hampden Park.


More... ]]> Main Forum Admin http://www.MonTheHoops.co.uk/showthread.php?t=20836