Stuniverse Posted April 26, 2020 Author Share Posted April 26, 2020 (edited) 10 March 2024 PREMIERSHIP TITLE NOT CELTIC'S YET The Bhoys: Although it's surely only a matter of time, the Premiership title isn't Celtic's yet as Rangers won 2-1 against Hamilton at Rugby Park. The Title could be Celtic's as early as next weekend if Rangers fail to beat Dundee on Saturday. If Rangers do beat Dundee, Celtic can clinch the title with a win against Dundee United at Tannadice Park on Sunday. Edited April 26, 2020 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted April 27, 2020 Author Share Posted April 27, 2020 Wednesday 13th March 2024 Pre-match v Schalke 04 (a) - European Champions Cup 1st Knockout Round, second-leg1st leg result: 2-2 Match Preview The Bhoys: You've defied the pundits by reaching this stage of the European Champions Cup. After drawing 2-2 in the first-leg at Celtic Park, can you progress against Schalke 04 in the second-leg at the VELTINS-Arena tonight? Stuniverse: We hope so. We showed in the first-leg that we can compete with Schalke and all the pressure will be on them as the home team. We've prepared well and we're confident of getting a result. The Bhoys: You're missing two players through suspension. Stuniverse: Yes, both Stuart Findlay and Greg Taylor are suspended so we'll have to make a couple of changes, at least, in defence, but that's why we have a squad. Schalke also have three players suspended which means these things kind of even themselves out. Unavailable: Stuart Findlay (suspended), Greg Taylor (suspended), Anthony Ralston (broken leg). Doubtful: Fraser Hornby (pulled hamstring-75). David Wagner (Schalke 04 manager): Stuniverse (Celtic manager): Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted April 27, 2020 Author Share Posted April 27, 2020 (edited) Wednesday 13th March 2024 Schalke 04 v Celtic - European Champions Cup 1st Knockout Round, second-leg1st leg result: 2-2 Team Selection Celtic make ONE change to the starting line-up and two on the subs' bench. IN: Brandon Williams (DC), Scott McKellar (sub), Paddy McKee (sub). OUT: Greg Taylor (DC-suspended), Stuart Findlay (sub-suspended). Highlights 24 minutes. Danylo Sikan almost gave Celtic the lead, but his shot hit the foot of the post. HT: Schalke 04 0-0 Celtic 56 minutes A long clearance by Ugurcan Cakir was controlled on his chest by Danylo Sikan, who then played the ball into his strike partner Lawrence Shankland, instead of shooting, Shankland squared the ball and Karamoko Dembele put it in the back of the net. 0-1. 77 minutes Bruno Zapelli equalised for Schalke on the night with a superb strike from outside the penalty area. 1-1. 90+3 Karamoko Dembele put Celtic back in front on the night, and on aggregate, with a wonderful individual goal, running over half the length of the pitch with the ball, before slotting it underneath the goalkeeper. 1-2. Post-match: Schalke 04 (0) 1-2 (0) CelticCeltic win 4-3 on aggregate The Bhoys: I don't believe it. I don't believe it. To win it in added time at the end like that. How do you feel? Stuniverse: I don't think I can put it into words. This is, without doubt, the best night of football I've had as a manager. My players were magnificent out there tonight. Schalke put us under a lot of pressure but we stood up tall and did what needed to be done. Schalke were all over us in the first-half but we defended superbly and Ugurcan Cakir produced some top drawer saves to keep us in it. After the break we were much better with the ball and we grew in confidence when Karamoko Dembele gave us the lead. We thought about shutting up shop and going more defensive but, no, we wanted the second goal. We could, perhaps should've, scored it too but Danylo Sikan wasted two, good opportunities. Then, when they equalised with 13 minutes to go, to put them through on away goals if the score stayed the same, it would've been easy for my team, any team, to fold but they kept going, cheered on by over 4,000 Celtic fans in the 53,000+ crowd, somehow they found the character to grab a winner... and what a winner... Karamoko Dembele showed what an amazing player he is with an individual goal that was simply world class. Then we did defend for our lives. Scott McTominay came on and sat in front of the back-four. Schalke attacked us down our left, their right-wing, and Brandon Williams, who was on a yellow card, and Javier Montero were immense. They refused to be passed and tackled everything that came at them out for a throw-in. Somehow the referee found a further three minutes, on top of the five he'd already indicated, but we held firm. The relief and celebrations on the final whistle were like nothing I've experienced before as a manager. Stuniverse (Celtic manager): The Bhoys: Who do you want in the Quarter-Final? Stuniverse: I don't care. Whoever we get drawn against, it's going to be a monumental challenge, but... hey... bring it on! Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates. Edited April 27, 2020 by Stuniverse 5 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted April 27, 2020 Author Share Posted April 27, 2020 14 March 2024 CELTIC - YOUTH INTAKE The Bhoys understand that Celtic Head of Youth Development Chris McCart has advised manager Stuniverse not to expect too much from this year's youth intake. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted April 27, 2020 Author Share Posted April 27, 2020 (edited) Sunday 17th March 2024 Pre-match v Dundee United (a) - Ladbrokes Premiership (31) Match Preview The Bhoys: Rangers beat Dundee 1-0 yesterday but you will be crowned Premiership Champions today if you beat Dundee United at Tannadice Park. Stuniverse: We have eight games left to play but it would be great to win the title today. Unavailable: Anthony Ralston (broken leg). Doubtful: Fraser Hornby (pulled hamstring-75). Stuniverse (Celtic manager): Steve Clarke (Scotland manager): Stuniverse (Celtic manager): Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates. Edited April 27, 2020 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted April 27, 2020 Author Share Posted April 27, 2020 (edited) Sunday 17th March 2024 Dundee United v Celtic - Ladbrokes Premiership (31) Team Selection Celtic make NO changes to the 11 who started against Schalke 04, although Greg Taylor replaces Paddy McKee on the bench. Highlights 1 minute Dundee United made the perfect start when Declan Glass scored after just 37 seconds. 1-0. 10 minutes Finlay Hurford-Lockett heads in Joe Heigh's corner. 2-0. HT: Dundee United 2-0 Celtic 62 minutes Joe Willock wins the ball and feeds Danylo Sikan, who slots it home to pull Celtic back to 2-1. 74 minutes. Celtic thought they'd equalised when Mikey Johnstone headed in Joe Willock's cross, but the offside flag ruled it out. Post-match: Dundee United (2) 2-1 (0) Celtic The Bhoys: Well that wasn't the script. What happened? Stuniverse: We weren't good enough. We got caught straight from the kick-off and then we were 2-0 down after 10 minutes. We did get back into the game with about half an hour to go, but Dundee United are too good to give a two-goal lead to and expect to win. I'll hold my hands up though and say this one's on me. After the emotional roller-coaster at the VELTINS-Arena in midweek, I probably should've freshened things up a bit and made a few changes. Stuniverse (Celtic manager): The Bhoys: Good job you have another seven matches to clinch the title. Stuniverse: Well next up is Rangers at Celtic Park. What a game that would be in which to clinch the Premiership Title? Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates. Edited April 27, 2020 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrlee.1986 Posted April 27, 2020 Share Posted April 27, 2020 Obviously unlikely you’ll throw it away and fail to win the league, but this is starting to look like the End of season derby collapse from your other thread 😐 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted April 27, 2020 Author Share Posted April 27, 2020 (edited) 34 minutes ago, Mrlee.1986 said: Obviously unlikely you’ll throw it away and fail to win the league, but this is starting to look like the End of season derby collapse from your other thread 😐 Hmmmmn, you do have a point, @Mrlee.1986. Actually, it’s something I was aware of in this save based on my SPL seasons at first Falkirk, and then Hibs. At both clubs our form fell off going into the Championship Group following the split after 33 games. I put that down to a long hard season culminating with difficult games against each of the other clubs in the top six. With Celtic, I’d hoped to avoid the late season slump... but it’s happening again! ☹️ Edited April 27, 2020 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted April 27, 2020 Author Share Posted April 27, 2020 (edited) 19 March 2024 CELTIC - 19 PLAYERS CALLED UP The Bhoys: Celtic have had 19 players called up for international duty, including a recall t the Scotland squad for left-back Greg Taylor. Edited April 27, 2020 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted April 27, 2020 Author Share Posted April 27, 2020 (edited) 22 March 2024 GERMANY AGAIN IN ECC The Bhoys: It's Germany again after Celtic were paired with FC Bayern Munchen in the European Champions Cup Quarter-Final. Celtic progressed from Group C that contained current Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund before overcoming 4th placed Schalke 04 in the first knockout round. Bayern Munchen are currently 2nd in the Bundesliga. Celtic will play the first-leg at the Stadion Munchen before hosting Bayern Munchen at Celtic Park for the second-leg. Edited April 27, 2020 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted April 27, 2020 Author Share Posted April 27, 2020 (edited) Sunday 24th March 2024 Pre-match v Rangers (H) - Ladbrokes Premiership (32) Match Preview The Bhoys: This is it, Stuniverse. You can lift the Premiership title with a draw... but it's Rangers at Celtic Park you absolutely must beat them and we don't want a performance like your team put in against Dundee United. On this day of all days, we cannot have the auld enemy celebrating at Celtic Park. Stuniverse: We know the importance of the Old Firm derby and this one in particular. We were very disappointed in our display at Tannadice Park and the players are determined to put in a performance the Celtic fans can be proud of. The Bhoys: Any injury news? Stuniverse: To be honest, we're pretty much at full strength now. Anthony Ralston is back in training after his broken leg, but we won't be rushing him back. Greg Taylor bruised a shin in training, but our medical team have passed him fit to play. Unavailable: Paddy McKee (international duty). Doubtful: Greg Taylor (bruised shin-90), Anthony Ralston (broken leg-45). Stuniverse (Celtic manager): The Bhoys: Will you be making changes after the Dundee United debacle? Stuniverse: Possibly, but not many. The players who played against Dundee United have been superb all season and I have complete faith in them. Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates. Edited April 27, 2020 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted April 27, 2020 Author Share Posted April 27, 2020 (edited) Sunday 24th March 2024 Celtic v Rangers - Ladbrokes Premiership (32) Team Selection Celtic make only ONE change. IN: Greg Taylor (DL-bruised shin). OUT: Brandon Williams (DL). Highlights 6 minutes Karamoko Dembele received Javier Montero's pass out wide, he cut inside, into the penalty area, and scored in the far corner. 1-0. 39 minutes In a goalmouth scramble, following a low cross into the penalty area from Karamoko Dembele, Danylo Sikan siezed on a mistake by Mamadou Fofana and stabbed the ball over the line. 2-0. HT: Celtic 2-0 Rangers 51 minutes. Greg Taylor's cross to the far post is rattled against the post by Karamoko Dembele... ...the rebound was played back out to Greg Taylor by Danylo Sikan and, this time, when the cross came over, Stevie Mallan flicked it on and Karamoko Dembele made no mistake for 3-0. 58 minutes A long clearance from Celtic's goalkeeper Ross Brophy catches out the Celtic defence and Ian Bremner pulls a goal back for Rangers. 3-1. 59 minutes Karamoko Dembele received the ball in the Rangers half, went on a mazy run into the penalty area, beating player after player, and slotted the ball underneath the Rangers goalkeeper for his hat-trick. 4-1. 66 minutes. Ewan Henderson puts Mikey Johnston through and his shot bounces back off the post. 79 minutes A wonderful passing move was capped off by Karamoko Dembele scoring his fourth, and Celtic's fifth goal of the game. 5-1. Post-match: Celtic (2) 5-1 (0) Rangers The Bhoys: Pinch me, I'm dreaming. That was unbelievable. To thrash the auld enemy 5-1 and lift the Premiership Trophy at the same time. It doesn't get any better than that. Stuniverse: I'm glad you enjoyed it. I hope all the Celtic fans enjoyed that because they were unbelievable today. The supporters have been nothing short of sensational all season and they really lift the players. Today, the noise and atmosphere was taken to a whole new level. 57,000 Bhoys fans, in a crowd of just over 60,000... they had the hairs on the back of my neck standing on end. But what about the players. They were nothing short of magnificent. The players have worked so hard this season, and they thoroughly deserve the plaudits coming their way, but they were unstoppable today. I'm so pleased for them and I'm proud of each and every one of them. The Bhoys: What about Dembele? Stuniverse: I don't like singling out players, particularly on a day like today, but Karamoko Dembele proved that he's a world-class player today. It's hard enough scoring a goal in professional football at this level, but to score four, in a game of this magnitude, in an Old Firm derby, is sensational. Karamoko works so hard on the training ground and he thoroughly deserves this success. He's not even a striker and he's the leading goalscorer in the Premiership. Graeme Murty (Rangers manager): Stuniverse (Celtic manager): Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates. Edited April 27, 2020 by Stuniverse 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted April 28, 2020 Author Share Posted April 28, 2020 (edited) 25 March 2024 CELTIC'S APRIL FIXTURES Th Bhoys: With the Pemiership Title sewn up for the 13th consecutive season, cup-ties dominate Celtic's fixture list in April with both legs of the European Champions Cup Quarter-Finals against FC Bayern Munchen, and the Scottish Cup Semi-Final against Hibernian. Celtic also round off the regular season before the split with an away match against Hearts. The teams for the Championship Group and the Relegation Group will then be confirmed and the final five Premiership fixtures of the season announced. Edited April 28, 2020 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted April 28, 2020 Author Share Posted April 28, 2020 (edited) 25 February 2024 CELTIC BOARD DELIGHTED WITH PREMIERSHIP WIN The Bhoys: The Celtic Board are delighted with their 13th straight Premiership Title but have reminded manager Stuniverse not to get too carried away as the club are still active in the Scottish Cup (semi-final) and the European Champions Cup (quarter-final). James Forrest (former player): Edited April 28, 2020 by Stuniverse 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted April 28, 2020 Author Share Posted April 28, 2020 30 March 2024 STUNIVERSE WATCHES AUSTRIA BEAT SCOTLAND The Bhoys: Celtic manager Stuniverse was in attendance at Hampden Park as 10-man Scotland lost 0-1 to Austria in a friendly. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted April 28, 2020 Author Share Posted April 28, 2020 1 April 2024 CELTIC SWEEP MAJOR MONTHLY AWARDS The Bhoys: Celtic manager Stuniverse has been named Premiership manager of the month for March. Celtic's striker Danylo Sikan wins the Player of the Month award with Celtic teammates Karamoko Dembele (right-winger) and Mikey Johnston (left-winger) in 2nd and 3rd. Celtic's Karamoko Dembele was named Young Player of the Month. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted April 28, 2020 Author Share Posted April 28, 2020 1 April 2024 MONTHLY REPORTS Manager Performance: Finances: Dynamics: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted April 28, 2020 Author Share Posted April 28, 2020 2 April 2024 STUNIVERSE SPOTTED AT KILMAC STADIUM The Bhoys: Celtic manager Stuniverse was at the Kilmac Stadium at Dens Park to watch Scotland U19s beat Slovakia U19s 1-0 and qualify from their European U19 Championship Qualifying Group. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted April 28, 2020 Author Share Posted April 28, 2020 (edited) Saturday 6th April 2024 Pre-match v Heart of Midlothian (a) - Ladbrokes Premiership (33) Neil Lennon (Napoli manager): Match Preview The Bhoys: With the Premiership Title won, and important cup-ties coming up in two cup competitions, how do you approach this match at Tynecastle Park? Stuniverse: We'll approach the game with Hearts the same way we approach any Premiership game. We may be Champions, deservedly so I may add, but that makes it even more imperative that we play like Champions. The Bhoys: Hearts have been on a poor run of form lately, taking just four points from the last 15 available to them. Does that make this match easier or harder for you? Stuniverse: We can take confidence from having already beaten Hearts three times this season, twice in the Premiership and once in the Betfred Cup, but Hearts are still 3rd in the Premiership, on merit, and we'll have to take this game seriously. The Bhoys: Did everybody return from international duty unscathed? Stuniverse: No, Ryan Shinnie picked up a sports hernia and Chancel Mbemba returned with a tight thigh. Also, Javier Montero twisted an ankle in training. John Robertson (Hearts manager): Stuniverse (Celtic manager): John Robertson (Hearts manager): Stuniverse (Celtic manager): Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates. Edited April 28, 2020 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted April 28, 2020 Author Share Posted April 28, 2020 (edited) Saturday 6th April 2024 Hearts v Celtic - Ladbrokes Premiership (33) Team Selection Celtic make FOUR changes. IN: Scott McKellar (DC), Stuart Findlay (DC), Ewan Henderson (MC), Scott McTominay (MC). OUT: Chancel Mbemba (DC), Javier Montero (DC), Stevie Mallan (MC), Dennis Praet (MC). Highlights 34 minutes Greg Taylor gave Celtic the lead, scoring in style after Danylo Sikan played him in. 0-1. 41 minutes Hearts equalised when Scott McTominay's attempted clearance went in off Luke McCowan. 1-1. HT: Hearts 1-1 Celtic 49 minutes Karamoko Dembele heads home Ewan Henderson' corner. 1-2. 81 minutes Ryan Edmonson squared things up, turning in Harry Pickering's low cross into the penalty area. 2-2. 90+3 Ryan Edmondson out-ran Scott McTominay to grab a late winner for Hearts. 3-2. Post-match: Hearts (1) 3-2 (1) Celtic The Bhoys: You were 2-1 up going into the last 10 minutes and you ended up losing. Did your second-half substitutions cost you the match? Stuniverse: Possibly. I'll admit that may have been the case. I decided to take off the three players on yellow cards and, since I'd named two full-backs on the bench, we had to drop Scott McTominay back into central defence and play Callum Paterson in a deep-lying role in central midfield. The players should've done better than that and to throw the game away the way we did was not good enough. John Robertson (Hearts manager): Stuniverse (Celtic manager): John Robertson (Hearts manager): The Bhoys: You'll need to do much better to get any kind of a result in Munich on Wednesday night. Stuniverse: I agree, although I thought we were more unlucky today than actually played badly. We're determined to do ourselves justice against Bayern Munich on Wednesday night. Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates. Edited April 28, 2020 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted April 28, 2020 Author Share Posted April 28, 2020 (edited) 7 April 2024 CELTIC'S CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP FIXTURES REVEALED The Bhoys: The Premiership will now split into two for the final five fixtures of the season with Celtic qualifying for the Championship Group. Edited April 29, 2020 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted April 29, 2020 Author Share Posted April 29, 2020 (edited) Wednesday 10th April 2024 Pre-match v Bayern Munchen (a) - European Champions Cup Quarter-Final, 1st leg Match Preview The Bhoys: With your form being a bit mixed, shall we say, of late, will you be changing your approach for the first-leg in Munich? Stuniverse: No, I don't think so. Generally, the way we've played has served us well this season and we did well against two other Bundesliga teams Borussia Dortmund and Schalke 04 earlier in this competition. We know it's going to be incredibly difficult in the Stadion Munchen but let's see how we get on, shall we? The Bhoys: You had a disappointing loss at Tynecastle Park last time out against Hearts. Can we expect better tonight? Stuniverse: We're hoping for a better performance and result tonight, obviously, although I thought we were unlucky against Hearts. Overall, I thought we played well. The Bhoys: We'll have to agree to disagree there. Other than Montero, do you have any other injury concerns? Stuniverse: I feel sorry for Javier Montero, twisting his ankle in training, as he's been immense in the heart of our defence since joining us from Leganes. Other than Javier, though, we have a clean bill of health with Chancel Mbemba being given the all-clear following his tight thigh. Jurgen Klopp (Bayern Munchen manager): Stuniverse (Celtic manager): Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates. Edited April 29, 2020 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted April 29, 2020 Author Share Posted April 29, 2020 (edited) Wednesday 10th April 2024 FC Bayern Munchen v Celtic - European Champions Cup Quarter-Final, 1st leg Team Selection Celtic make THREE changes. IN: Chancel Mbemba (DC), Stevie Mallan (MC), Dennis Praet (MC). OUT: Stuart Findlay (DC), Ewan Henderson (MC), Scott McTominay (MC). Highlights 1 minute. Celtic survive a VAR scare after Bayern's early shot, that hit the inside of the post, was ruled not to have crossed the line as Ugurcan Cakir in the Celtic goal scrambled it away. 25 minutes Bayern Munich take the lead when Breitkreuz's header is too powerful for Urgurcan Cakir to keep out. 1-0. 29 minutes Dennis Praet played the ball to Karamoko Dembele, who went on one of his trademark runs before unleashing a long-range shot into the back of the net. 1-1. 35 minutes Bayern thought they'd regained the lead when Pavard's long-range shot was turned in by Gnabry, but VAR came to Celtic's rescue for the second time and the goal was chalked off for offside. HT: FC Bayern Munchen 1-1 Celtic 51 minutes Breitkreuz did restore Bayern Munich's lead with his second goal of the game, heading in Alaba's cross. 2-1. 61 minutes Celtic's attack broke down, Davies ran half the length of the pitch, and hit his shot into the roof of the net. 3-1. Post-match: FC Bayern Munchen (1) 3-1 (1) Celtic The Bhoys: How do you reflect on that one? Stuniverse: Bayern Munich gave us a very difficult game, which we expected because they are a very good team. We had to do a lot of defending and, whilst we conceded three goals, the effort from the players to harass, close down, deny them space, and throw themselves into tackles and blocks was first-rate. We did get an away goal and, maybe, could've grabbed another one but they were more creative and clinical than us and that was the difference. Jurgen Klopp (Bayern Munchen manager): The Bhoys: Are you still in the tie? Stuniverse: We have to believe so. We're two goals adrift, but we do have an away goal. At Celtic Park, with our amazing support behind us, who knows. If we can score the first goal of the night then it'll set the tie up very nicely indeed. Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates. Edited April 29, 2020 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted April 29, 2020 Author Share Posted April 29, 2020 (edited) Saturday 13th April 2024 Pre-match v Hibernian (N) - Scottish Cup Semi-Final Neil Lennon (Napoli manager): "Stuniverse reaping rewards of my good work" Stuniverse (Celtic manager): Match Preview The Bhoys: Last time against Hibs, they humiliated you 4-0. This is a Cup Semi-Final, you have to do better against your former club. You have to win. Stuniverse: Yes, we do. The players know they let the supporters down the last time we played Hibs and they are determined to set the record straight. The Bhoys: With the second-leg against Bayern Munich on Tuesday night, will you be resting any players against Hibs? Stuniverse: No. The Scottish Cup is a winnable competition for us and I won't be disrespecting Hibs or the Competition by selecting anything other than the strongest, fittest team I can select. We want to win this semi-final and then go on and win the final as well. Unavailable: Ryan Shinnie (sports hernia), Javier Montero (twisted ankle). Doubtful: Chancel Mbemba (tight thigh-90), Mikey Johnston (jaded-86%). Stuniverse (Celtic manager): Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates. Edited April 29, 2020 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted April 29, 2020 Author Share Posted April 29, 2020 (edited) Saturday 13th April 2024 Celtic v Hibernian - Scottish Cup Semi-Final Team Selection Celtic make TWO changes. IN: Stuart Findlay (DC), Joe Willock (ML). OUT: Scott McKellar (DC), Mikey Johnston (ML). Highlights 7 minutes Celtic take the lead when Greg Taylor's cross deceives O'Hara in goal and Karamoko Dembele's header hits the goalkeeper's back and goes in. 1-0. 34 minutes Celtic doubled their lead when O'Hara partially saved Stevie Mallan's shot and Danylo Sikan swept in the rebound. 2-0. HT: Celtic 2-0 Hibernian 58 minutes. A long-range shot from Hibs's Field hits the crossbar and bounces over and behind for a goal-kick. 90 minutes Hibs pull one back when Vargas catches Karamoko Dembele in possession, dribbles into the penalty area, and slots the ball past Ugurcan Cakir. 2-1. Post-match: Celtic (2) 2-1 (0) Hibernian The Bhoys: You were holding on a bit by the end but, congratulations, you're in the Scottish Cup Final. Stuniverse: I thought we were good value for the win and, but for a bad individual error, Hibs didn't look like scoring against us. Yes, it made for a nervous period of added-on time but we were the team on the front foot in the closing minutes of the game. The Bhoys: You took your captain off before half-time and Johnston looked to be limping towards the end. How are they and will they be ok to play Bayern Munich on Tuesday night? Stuniverse: Our captain Dennis Praet has bruised a knee and Mikey Johnston felt his calf tighten. We would've liked to have taken Mikey off as a precaution, but that wasn’t possible as we'd already made three substitutions. We'll have to see how they are over the next couple of days and then make a decision, but they have to be considered doubtful. Stuniverse (Celtic manager): The Bhoys: Rangers play Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the other semi-final tomorrow. Do you have a preference on who you'd prefer to face in the Final? Stuniverse: There's no point worrying or speculating about things we have no control over, although I will be back at Hampden Park tomorrow to watch the game. Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates. Edited April 29, 2020 by Stuniverse 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted April 29, 2020 Author Share Posted April 29, 2020 14 April 2024 Mouth-watering Old Firm derby in Scottish Cup Final The Bhoys: Celtic will play Rangers in the Scottish Cup Final after Rangers beat Inverness Caledonian Thistle 2-0 at Hampden Park today. What a way to end the season! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted April 30, 2020 Author Share Posted April 30, 2020 15 April 2024 CELTIC ROCKED BY MALLAN INJURY The Bhoys: Celtic's preparations for the European Champions Cup Quarter-Final second-leg at home to Bayern Munich have been thrown into turmoil with news that their highly influential midfielder, 28 year-old Stevie Mallan will miss up to five weeks with a calf strain. An injury which might mean Mallan doesn't play again this season. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted April 30, 2020 Author Share Posted April 30, 2020 (edited) Tuesday 16th April 2024 Pre-match v Bayern Munchen (H) - European Champions Cup Quarter-Final, second-legBayern Munchen lead 3-1 on aggregate. Match Preview The Bhoys: You're 3-1 down from the first-leg, albeit you do have an away goal. How do you go about turnng that around in the second-leg at Celtic Park against a team like Bayern Munich? Stuniverse: To be honest, with great difficulty. We saw at the Stadion Munchen exactly how good Bayern Munich are. We're under no illusions that this is going to be an extremely difficult game for us. We've prepared well, we're ready, and we feel our best chance of upsetting the apple-cart may be by doing something a little bit different tonight that Jurgen Klopp and his players won't be expecting. Unavailable: Ryan Shinnie (sports hernia), Stevie Mallan (calf strain), Javier Montero (twisted ankle). Doubtful: Mikey Jonston (tight calf-90/jaded 76%), Dennis Praet (bruised knee-90/jaded-81%), Karamoko Dembele (jaded-84%), Callum Paterson (jaded-84%), Paul Shankland (jaded-81%), Stuart McJanet (jaded-83%), Jordan Ross (jaded-81%). Stuniverse (Celtic manager): Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates. Edited April 30, 2020 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted April 30, 2020 Author Share Posted April 30, 2020 (edited) Tuesday 16th April 2024 Celtic v Bayern Munchen - European Champions Cup Quarter-Final, second-legBayern Munchen lead 3-1 on aggregate. Team Selection Celtic make FOUR changes. IN: Anthony Ralston (RB), Ewan Henderson (MC), Scott McTominay (DM), Fraser Hornby (ML). OUT: Callum Paterson (RB), Stevie Mallan (MC - calf strain), Lawrence Shankland (SC), Joe Willock (ML). Highlights 44 minutes Ruben Neves gives Bayen Munich the lead with a pile-driver into the top corner. 0-1. HT: Celtic 0-1 Bayern MunchenBayern Munchen lead 4-1 on aggregate 62 minutes. The referee gives a foul against Chancel Mbemba on the edge of the penalty area and, after consulting VAR, awards a penalty. Ruben Neves calmly converts the spot-kick. 0-2. 65 minutes Armstrong Oko-Flex gives Celtic a slim glimmer of hope, heading in Anthony Ralston's cross. 1-2. Post-match: Celtic (0) 1-2 (1) Bayern MunchenBayern Munchen win 5-2 on aggregate. The Bhoys: Your fantastic European Champions Cup run is over. How do you feel? Stuniverse: Disappointed, obviously. I'm sure when we look back and reflect we'll be able to take pride in our accomplishments in Europe this season but, right now, it's a difficult one to take as I feel our performances over the two-legs aren't truly reflected in the aggregate scoreline. We changed things around tonight. We went 4-1-2-3 and looked to play out from the back more. It worked, I felt, particularly in the first-half which I thought we more than edged. It's gutting though, to concede a wonder goal right on the stroke of half-time like we did. We really needed to score first tonight which, if it hadn't been for Alexander Nubel in their goal, we would've done. Once they scored, we had to chase the game and it was harder for us then, even more so when the referee awarded them a soft penalty... I don't even think it was a foul, I thought Chancel Mbemba won the ball fair and square. The Bhoys: You substituted your captain early again, Dembele looked to be struggling by the end, as was McTominay. How are things looking in the medical room? Stuniverse: To be honest, the calf strain to Stevie Mallan in the build-up to this game didn't do us any favours. Dennis Praet and Karamoko Dembele were both jaded and neither should have started tonight but, given the magnitude of the game, we felt we had to risk them. Taking off the captain was more tactical, to be fair, as it allowed us to change our shape to something a bit more attacking. Karamoko did well to last the full game. Scott McTominay has bruised his shin, but he should be ok. We'll give the players a well deserved couple of days off and then we'll regroup at Lennoxtown and focus on the final six games of the season, culminating in a Scottish Cup Final against Rangers. Stuniverse (Celtic manager): Stuniverse (Celtic manager): Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates. Edited April 30, 2020 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted April 30, 2020 Author Share Posted April 30, 2020 22 April 2024 WILLOCK ADDS TO CELTIC'S INJURY LIST The Bhoys: Celtic's injury list continues to grow with the news that Joe Willock has twisted his ankle in training. Unavailable: Ryan Shinnie (sports hernia), Joe Willock (twisted ankle), Stevie Mallan (calf strain), Javier Montero (twisted ankle). Doubtful: Mikey Jonston (tight calf-90), Dennis Praet (bruised knee-90). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted April 30, 2020 Author Share Posted April 30, 2020 Saturday 27th April 2024 Pre-match v Heart of Midlothian (H) - Ladbrokes Premiership, Championship Group (1) Match Preview The Bhoys: With the Premiership Title already under your belt, and a Scottish Cup Final against Rangers to end your season, will you be looking to protect your key players through these last five meaningless matches in the Championship Group? Stuniverse: Obviously I want our players to be fit for the Cup Final but these Championship Group games aren't meaningless to the other five teams chasing European qualification based on where they finish in the league. We're the Premiership Champions and we owe it to ourselves, our opponents, and the Premiership itself to play like Champions. To do anything else,would be short-changing our on supporters. The Bhoys: You changed from 4-4-2 to 4-1-2-3 against Bayern Munich. What can we expect from you today? Stuniverse: We may use these five Championship Group games as an opportunity to try out a few different things. Unavailable: Stevie Mallan (calf strain), Joe Willock (twisted ankle), Ryan Shinnie (sports hernia), Javier Montero (twisted ankle). Doubtful: Mikey Johnston (tight calf-90), Dennis Praet (bruised knee-90), Scott McKellar (bruised ankle-90). Stuniverse (Celtic manager): John Robertson (Hearts manager): Stuniverse (Celtic manager): Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted April 30, 2020 Author Share Posted April 30, 2020 (edited) Saturday 27th April 2024 Celtic v Heart of Midlothian - Ladbrokes Premiership, Championship Group (1) Team Selection Celtic make TWO changes. IN: Wuilker Farinez (GK), Mikey Johnston (ML). OUT: Ugurcan Cakir (GK), Fraser Hornby (ML). Highlights 1 minute Ewan Henderson puts Anthony Ralston away and he gives Celtic the lead. 1-0. 18 minutes Danylo Sikan makes it 2-0, turning in Anthony Ralston's low cross. 35 minutes Wuilker Farinez punches away a Hearts cross to the edge of the penalty area and Purdue volleys the ball into the back of the net. Farinez should've done better as the shot went through his gloved hands. 2-1. HT: Celtic 2-1 Heart of Midlothian 68 minutes Celtic fail to clear a Purdue corner when Scott McTominay's header lacks distance and Halkett smashes an equaliser past Wuilker Farinez. 2-2. 77 minutes Mikey Johnston restores Celtic's lead after being set-up by Ewan Henderson. 3-2. 83 minutes Karamoko Dembele heads home Dennis Praet's flighted free-kick. 4-2. Post-match: Celtic (2) 4-2 (1) Heart of Midlothian The Bhoys: You started the match with a positive 4-1-2-3 and ended it with your tried-and-tested attacking 4-4-2. Was that an admission that your original tactics for this match weren't working? Stuniverse: No. I don't think so. We were comfortably in control of the game for large periods and, but for a two bad individual errors, the scoreline would've been comfortable too. We changed our approach late on because we needed a goal to win the game and time was running out. Fortunately, it worked and we added not one, but two goals in the last quarter-of-an-hour. Stuniverse (Celtic manager): The Bhoys: Hearts will probably finish 3rd this season, but you've put them in their place by winning three of the four games you've played against them. Stuniverse: Yes. I'd agree with that. It's important when you're chasing a Premiership Title to put markers down, particularly against your closet rivals. And we've been doing that all season. We've played very well against Hearts in all three Premiership games we won and we were unfortunate to lose the other; in fact, I held my hands up after that game and admitted my substitutions probably cost us. I'm pleased we had an opportunity to get that defeat out of our system less than a month after it happened. Don't forget we also beat Hearts in the Betfred Cup so it's four wins out of five against them this season Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates. Edited April 30, 2020 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted April 30, 2020 Author Share Posted April 30, 2020 1 May 2024 CELTIC'S MAY FIXTURES The Bhoys: Celtic will complete the 2023/24 season with two Old Firm derbies which are the highlights of the month. As well as concluding the season against Rangers in the Scottish Cup Final at Hampden Park, Celtic also play Rangers at Ibrox Stadium in the Premiership Championship Group. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted April 30, 2020 Author Share Posted April 30, 2020 1 May 2024 MONTHLY REPORTS Manager Performance: Finances: Dynamics: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted April 30, 2020 Author Share Posted April 30, 2020 Saturday 4th May 2024 Pre-match v Kilmarnock (a) - Ladbrokes Premiership Championship Group (2) Match Preview The Bhoys: You're away to 5th placed Kilmarnock. Recently, your away from has been a bit, shall we say, hit-and-miss. Can you get a win at Rugby Park? Stuniverse: We've won three out of three against Kilmarnock this season, including a 5-0 victory last time at Rugby Park so, yes, we're confident of getting the win. Unavailable: Stevie Mallan (calf strain), Joe Willock (twisted ankle), Brandon Williams (ill). Doubtful: Scott McKellar (bruised ankle-90), Javier Montero (twisted ankle-0), Ryan Shinnie (sports hernia). Stuniverse (Celtic manager): David Moyes (Kilmarnock manager): Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted April 30, 2020 Author Share Posted April 30, 2020 (edited) Saturday 4th May 2024 Kilmarnock v Celtic - Ladbrokes Premiership Championship Group (2) Team Selection Celtic make ONE change. IN: Ugurcan Cakir (GK) OUT: Wuilker Farinez (GK) Highlights 1 minute Celtic win a corner after 20 seconds. Dennis Praet takes it, Greg Taylor's shot bounces off the post, and Karamoko Dembele slides in to poke the ball over the line. 0-1. 35 minutes Kilitie rolls a short free-kick to Nguinda who equalises with a sensational long-range effort. 1-1. Post-match: Kilmarnock (1) 1-1 (1) Celtic The Bhoys: Despite taking the lead in the first minute, you were unable to build on that and win the game. Stuniverse: Overall we played very well. We created many chances and Kilmarnock produced very little. Their goal was an absolute worldie of a goal and sometimes you just have to applaud. On another day we win this game, nine times out of ten we win this game, but today their goalkeeper Jak Alnwick was in unbelievable form. Stuniverse (Celtic manager): The Bhoys: That's three wins and a draw against Kilmarnock this season. Stuniverse: We're disappointed not to have won today but that's a very good return overall. Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates. Edited May 1, 2020 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted May 1, 2020 Author Share Posted May 1, 2020 (edited) 8 May 2024 ALL ENGLISH EUROPEAN CHAMPIONS CUP FINAL The Bhoys: The European Champions Cup Final will be an all-English affair after Arsenal overcame Bayern Munich and Liverpool defeated Milan in the semi-finals. Celtic were knocked out by Bayern Munich in the Quarter-Finals. Edited May 1, 2020 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted May 1, 2020 Author Share Posted May 1, 2020 (edited) Saturday 11th May 2024 Pre-match v Rangers (a) - Ladbrokes Premiership Championship Group (3) Match Preview The Bhoys: You've done us proud by winning all three Old Firm derbies this season but you absolutely must win this one at Ibrox to keep the auld enemy demoralised ahead of the Scottish Cup Final at the end of the season. Stuniverse: We've had a good run against Rangers since I came here and the players are determined to keep that run going. We know it won't be easy, at Ibrox Stadium, but if you're a Celtic player you have to stand up and be counted in these games. The players know exactly what's expected of them. We've trained hard, prepared well, and we're determined to give the Celtic fans the bragging rights in Glasgow once again. The Bhoys: Will you continue to try different things against Rangers, as you've been doing recently, or will you stick with what's worked so well, namely your attacking 4-4-2, so far this season? Stuniverse: I think the most important thing today is that we find a way to win the Old Firm derby. Unavailable: Stevie Mallan (calf strain), Joe Willock (twisted ankle). Doubtful: Scott McKellar (bruised ankle-90), Javier Montero (twisted ankle-45), Ryan Shinnie (sports hernia-45). Stuniverse (Celtic manager): Graeme Murty (Rangers manager): Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates. Edited May 1, 2020 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted May 1, 2020 Author Share Posted May 1, 2020 (edited) Saturday 11th May 2024 Rangers v Celtic - Ladbrokes Premiership Championship Group (3) Team Selection Celtic make ONE change. IN: Lawrence Shankland (SC). OUT: Scott McTominay (DM). Highlights 3 minutes Celtic take an early lead when Karamoko Dembele heads Mikey Johnston's cross against the crossbar, the ball bounces down, hits goalkeeper Brophy on the back, and crosses the line. 0-1. 28 minutes Celtic double their lead when Karamoko Dembele heads in Mikey Johnston's cross at the far post. 0-2. 31 minutes Rangers pull one back when Anthony Ralston misses his interception and McPake heads in Aribo's cross. 1-2. 45+2 minutes After creating two goals, Mikey Johnston gets on the scoresheet himself, after being set-up by Ewan Henderson in a crowded penalty area, just before halftime. 1-3. HT: Rangers 1-3 Celtic 78 minutes. Rangers's Kent rattles the post with a superb volley from Tavernier's cross. 88 minutes Aribo grabs a late goal for Rangers, heading in Kent's free-kick. 2-3. Post-match: Rangers (1) 2-3 (3) Celtic The Bhoys: As Celtic fans we can't ask for more than that in the Premiership. You've won the Title and beaten Rangers four out of four. Congratulations. This one was a bit close though, wasn't it? Stuniverse: We're delighted to have given our supporters the bragging rights in Glasgow for the fourth time this season. Once again, they were loud and magnificent today and they really kept the players going when Rangers put us under pressure late-on in the game. When Rangers pulled back to 3-2, we shut-up shop, went very defensive, and defended everything Rangers threw at us. It's hard work doing that, in the cauldron of Ibrox Stadium, but the Bhoys really lifted us and helped us get over the line. I know how much beating Rangers means to our supporters and to do it in their own back yard is something special. Graeme Murty (Rangers manager): Stuniverse (Celtic manager): Graeme Murty (Rangers manager): The Bhoys: You just have to beat them for a fifth time this season in the Scottish Cup Final in two weeks time. Stuniverse: Believe me, we really want to win that one and claim a domestic treble at the same time but we have the small matter of games against Hibs and Dundee United to play before the Scottish Cup Final. Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates. Edited May 1, 2020 by Stuniverse 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JaytheGreat Posted May 2, 2020 Share Posted May 2, 2020 Nice try against Bayern, the team played admirably. Celtic is really tearing up all the domestic competitions, I know there's still a lot of games left, but I can't wait to see what next season brings. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted May 2, 2020 Author Share Posted May 2, 2020 (edited) 42 minutes ago, JaytheGreat said: Nice try against Bayern, the team played admirably. Celtic is really tearing up all the domestic competitions, I know there's still a lot of games left, but I can't wait to see what next season brings. Thanks, @JaytheGreat. I was happy with how we did against Bayern but, in truth, we never looked like beating them over two legs. Looking back though, we had a brilliant ECC campaign getting to the QFs. Yes, my first season as manager of Celtic has gone very well with the Premiership Trophy and the Betfred Cup already tucked away in our trophy cabinet and the Scottish Cup Final against Rangers looming large in a couple of weeks time. Actually, the season is nearly over with just two more league games plus the Cup Final to go. I do have some thoughts about next season myself, and what it may bring, but I'll wait until the season is actually over before posting them on here... To be honest, I'm a little bit concerned about our recent form dropping off as it did towards the end of my previous two SPL seasons with Falkirk and Hibernian. At Falkirk, I put it down to overachieving and, following the split, being hit with the intensity of five tough Championship Group games in succession against the Top Five, but last season, at Hibs, we we were flying, comfortably 3rd, seriously challenging Rangers for 2nd before the form dipped, with no danger of finishing 4th. It's not just us though, Rangers in 2nd and Hearts in 3rd are also on a poor run of form. Edited May 2, 2020 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted May 2, 2020 Author Share Posted May 2, 2020 (edited) 13 May 2024 TRANSFER SPECULATION BEGINS WITH WILLIAMS The Bhoys: It wouldn't be Celtic without transfer speculation but the rumours are beginning before the season has even finished with reports from FOOTBALL 365 that English Championship side Brentford are preparing to splash the cash on Celtic's 23 year-old left-back Brandon Williams this summer. With interest and bids made in the Winter Transfer Window for Celtic's Armstrong Oko-Flex, Dennis Praet, Ewan Henderson, Karamoko Dembele, Mikey Johnston and Scott McTominay this transfer window might be more about who Celtic manager Stuniverse can keep hold of, rather than new signings he can actually bring into the club. With one of the Celtic Board's preferred philosophies being 'sign players to sell for a profit', Stuniverse may find that for the right price, the Celtic Board take things out of his hands by accepting bids that meet their valuation. Edited May 2, 2020 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted May 2, 2020 Author Share Posted May 2, 2020 15 May 2024 15 CELTIC PLAYERS CALLED-UP The Bhoys: 15 Celtic players have been called up for international duty this summer. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted May 2, 2020 Author Share Posted May 2, 2020 (edited) Wednesday 15th May 2024 Pre-match v Hibernian (a) - Ladbrokes Premiership Championship Group (4) Neil Lennon (Napoli manager): Match Preview The Bhoys: This is the third time you've been to your former stomping ground, Easter Road, this season. You've won one and Hibs have won one - a 4-0 drubbing. What can we expect today? Stuniverse: That's one thing I don't get with the split. Why we don't always end up having two home and two away fixtures against some teams but a skewed three away and one home, or three home and one away? The Bhoys: I think the intention was always to make it two and two but, sometimes, that isn't always possible because the SPL place a higher importance on getting an overall balance of 19 home and 19 away matches for each team, than they do the individual head-to-head balance. Even then, it isn't always possible to achieve. By the way, the split was introduced to make the final run-in more competitive and reduce the overall number of matches, and meaningless mid-table clashes, from 44 to 38 a season. Reference link: https://spfl.co.uk/news/guide-to-the-split-2010-04-09 Stuniverse: Today we're going to go all out in our attempt to get a win against Hibernian. That 4-0 defeat really hurt us and, although we later knocked Hibs out of the Scottish Cup in the semi-final at Hampden Park, we'd like to get a result against them at Easter Road. It's not so much because it's my former club, it's not about Stuniverse at all, this is about the professional pride of my players. They want to put the record straight. The Bhoys: How are things looking injury wise? Stuniverse: Good. For once. Stevie Mallan (calf strain-75) and Joe Willock (twisted ankle-45) are our only concerns. They are both back in full training and our medical team have cleared them both to be available from the bench should we choose to select them. Chances are, we won't be risking either of them today. Stuniverse (Celtic manager): Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates. Edited May 2, 2020 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted May 2, 2020 Author Share Posted May 2, 2020 (edited) Wednesday 15th May 2024 Hibernian v Celtic - Ladbrokes Premiership Championship Group (4) Team Selection Celtic make TWO changes. IN: Javier Montero (DC), Fraser Hornby (SC). OUT: Stuart Findlay (DC), Danylo Sikan (SC). Highlights 31 minutes Two of Celtic manager Stuniverse's former players combined to give Hibs the lead, against the run of play, when Sam Field's shot went in off the post after good work by Curtis Jones. 1-0. 37 minutes. Celtic's Anthony Ralston was caught in possession and the resulting Hibs attack saw Hulme's shot bounce back off the post. 45+1 minutes A brilliant Celtic passing move, that started with goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir playing out from the back to Chancel Mbemba, produced an equaliser when Dennis Praet played the telling through ball into the penalty area for Karamoko Dembele to slot the ball past O'Hara in the Hibs goal. HT: Hibernian 1-1 Celtic 82 minutes. Hibs thought they'd won it late on but Hulme's strike was ruled out for offside. 87 minutes Celtic did take the lead when Dennis Praet's free-kick was parried at full-stretch by goalkeeper O'Hara and former Hibs player, Lawrence Shankland, reacted quickest in the penalty area to put the ball over the line. 1-2. 90+1 minutes A superb passing move saw Johansen equalise for Hibs. 2-2. 90+2 minutes Celtic's response was immediate and after a great cross-field run by Ewan Henderson and pass out wide to Armstrong Oko-Flex, Ewan took up a position in the penalty area to steer home Greg Taylor's low cross. 2-3. Post-match: Hibernian (1) 2-3 (1) Celtic The Bhoys: What a spectacle that match was. How were your nerves throughout that scintillating second-half? Stuniverse: That was a special game, wasn't it? Its the kind of game that reminds you why you fell in love with football as a kid. Forgetting the fact that the game should've been over and done with long before the final nerve-tingling few minutes, if it hadn't been for our wasteful finishing or rather lack of finishing, I thought my players showed tremendous grit, determination and character to keep going and get the win. We took a 2-1 lead on 87 minutes, only to be pegged back to 2-2 into added on time, for my players to then respond immediately and go back in front 3-2 shows the strength of character this squad has. I'm so proud of them. They work so hard on the training ground and it's a pleasure to manage them. And our supporters... what can I say? 6,000 Celtic fans in a crowd of just over 20,000, were incredible tonight. The noise they made all evening was amazing, but the crescendo of noise when our goalkeeper came through a crowded penalty area to claim the ball from Hibs 95th minute corner really did make the hairs on the back of my net stand on end. The atmosphere was electric. I experienced some special times at Easter Road as manager of Hibernian but tonight was something else. The Bhoys: Despite being level at the break, were the two half-time substitutions a sign of your disappointment and frustration with the first-half showing? Stuniverse: Yes. Frustration more than disappointment... but, yes. The Bhoys: Care to elaborate? Stuniverse: No. Stuniverse (Celtic manager): Gaeton Bong (Hibernian manager): Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates. Edited May 2, 2020 by Stuniverse 3 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted May 2, 2020 Author Share Posted May 2, 2020 19 May 2024 RELIEF FOR HAMILTON The Bhoys: The curtain came down on the Premiership Relegation Group today with Hamilton Academical breathing a huge sigh of relief as they avoided relegation. Livingston weren't so fortunate and will play their football in the Championship next season. Motherwell will contest the relegation playoff against St. Mirren. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted May 2, 2020 Author Share Posted May 2, 2020 (edited) 19 May 2024 STUNIVERSE WINS WRITERS' MANAGER OF THE YEAR The Bhoys: Celtic manager Stuniverse has been named Football Writers' Manager of the Year. Edited May 2, 2020 by Stuniverse 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted May 2, 2020 Author Share Posted May 2, 2020 (edited) Sunday 19th May 2024 Pre-match v Dundee United (H) - Ladbrokes Premiership Championship Group (5) Match Preview The Bhoys: Dundee United are in great form having won six and drawn one of their last seven matches, a run that started when they beat you 2-1 at Tannadice Park. As you round-off the Championship Group at Celtic Park today, how do you see this one going? Stuniverse: Dundee United have been very impressive under Stuart McCall's managership this season, building on last season's 9th placed finish in their first year back at this level to a guaranteed 4th placed finish this season. Their form suggests they are going from strength-to-strength as they finish the season strong. It's set to be a difficult afternoon for us. Having said that, that loss at Tannadice Park came immediately after our European Champions Cup away leg against Schalke 04 when we played magnificently at the VELTINS-Arena to progress through to the Quarter-Finals. That was an emotional roller-coaster of a night and I kept an unchanged team for the visit to Tannadice Park. In hindsight, I should've made changes and freshened things up. Fair play to Dundee United, they out-played us and deserved their 2-1 victory but today gives us the opportunity to set the record straight. The Bhoys: With the Scottish Cup Final against Rangers coming up next weekend, are you likely to rest some players with the Cup Final in mind? Stuniverse: Obviously, we want to finish the Premiership season with a home victory at Celtic Park but, I have to admit, my team selection will probably allow for the fact we have a big Cup Final to play six days later. Doubtful: Stevie Mallan (calf strain-45), Joe Willock (twisted ankle-45). Stuniverse (Celtic manager): Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates. Edited May 2, 2020 by Stuniverse Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted May 2, 2020 Author Share Posted May 2, 2020 (edited) Sunday 19th May 2024 Celtic v Dundee United - Ladbrokes Premiership Championship Group (5) Team Selection Celtic make SIX changes. IN: Wuilker Farinez (GK), Callum Paterson (DR), Brandon Williams (DL), Paddy McKee (MC), Scott McTominay (MC), Danylo Sikan (SC). OUT: Ugurcan Cakir (GK), Anthony Ralston (DR), Greg Taylor (DL), Ewan Henderson (MC), Dennis Praet (MC), Fraser Hornby (SC). Highlights 18 minutes Danylo Sikan gives Celtic the lead, heading in Karamoko Dembele's cross. 1-0. 32 minutes Danylo Sikan grabbed his and Celtic's second goal, this time turning in Callum Paterson's cross. 2-0. HT: Celtic 2-0 Dundee United 52 minutes. Amid a goalmouth scramble in the Dundee United penalty area, Mikey Johnston's shot hits the post. 69 minutes Danylo Sikan completes his hat-tick, getting on the end of an exquisite through ball from Brandon Williams. 3-0. 74 minutes The relief on Fraser Hornby's face was plain to see as he powered home his first goal in a long time after Lawrence Shankland flicked on Callum Paterson's cross. 4-0. Post-match: Celtic (2) 4-0 (0) Dundee United The Bhoys: Six changes and a demolition job on the Premiership's in-form team. That's an impressive way to finish off a successful Premiership campaign. Stuniverse: Thank you. We mixed it up a bit today, gave some players an opportunity who've been unfortunate not to play more than they have recently, but made it clear we expected them to finish the Premiership season with a home win. The players responded magnificently and I don't think the result was ever in doubt. This a great squad of players, they work their socks off in training and deliver on a matchday. I'm delighted for our supporters that we could finish the Premiership season in style for them at Celtic Park. Stuniverse (Celtic manager): The Bhoys: You've finished the season on 97 points, that's more points than Neil Lennon's Celtic achieved in the last three seasons. Stuniverse: Better not tell him that then [grinning]. Please LIKE if you enjoyed this update and FOLLOW the thread so you don't miss future updates. Edited May 2, 2020 by Stuniverse 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuniverse Posted May 2, 2020 Author Share Posted May 2, 2020 20 May 2024 UPDATE FROM THE CELTIC BOARD Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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