A Busy Weekend But, Not A Lot Of Memorable Football

LIFE'S a bitch, particularly for the members of the Scottish Football Writers Association's A-Team. Those poor wee dears whose life is spent on an endless walkway between Celtic Park, Hampden and Ibrox and wherever the Scotland team or the Bigot Brothers are playing got a nice wee jaunt to Malta for the weekend. The only bother was, they had to watch Scotland stumble to defeat against what is, by Italian standards, a fairly poor team, then file their reports.

Being outplayed and gubbed 5-0 we can all probably take, but, to be outclassed 1-0, that hurts. The Azurri could only get through a Scottish defence once, but were still the width of Valetta's Grand Harbour better than us. I knew we were bad, but, I didn't think we were that bad.

I suppose, at my great age, I am now a member of the Tartan Army's Home Guard. I no longer go off with the expeditionary force to foreign climes, but now I fear – we are no longer capable of getting it up 'em. I already fear for our 2018 World Cup campaign.

My lack of enthusiasm for matters Scotland was not helped on Sunday, at the Junior Cup final, when one member of the press corps revealed, he got the impression, at his press conference at Hampden, on Friday, that even WGS was having difficulty gathering himself for the Italian and French friendlies which will end this lengthy season for Scotland.

If WGS canny be arsed – we're awe doomed, doomed Ah tell ye.

 THE Junior Cup Final, or, The ETHX Energy Scottish Junior Cup Final, as corporate demands insist we label it was..... Well, to be honest, it was shite. A poor game, contested by two poor teams. Or, am I being too harch? Did I, like many seasoned Junior Cup final veterans – this was my 30^th – miss that sense of adventure, the whiff of cordite which you only get when the mighty Auchinleck Talbot are there?

Maybe aye, maybes naw. But this one, for me, never caught fire. As an Ayrshireman, I was delighted to see Beith keep the magnificent old trophy in god's County fr a fourth straight year, and a magnificent six out of the last eight years. I was doubly delighted for Beith boss, wee John Miller, as a player the scorer of two of the best cup-winning goals ever, and for Robert McCarter, my old mate, the long-serving Beith secretary.

Robert is one of the game's good guys, and he delayed crucial surgery to attend Sunday's game. To witness Robert walking across Rugby Park on Sunday, carrying the Junior Cup, was to see what it means to all those fanatics who keep wee clubs like Beith going.

 Robbie Winters - still a class act at 41

Sunday's game also demonstrated that eternal football truth – form is transient, class is permanent. Pollok were going nowhere in their quest for an equaliser, when, in the 70^th minute, they sent on the 41-years young Robbie Winters, to join younger brother David up front. Thirty seconds later, with his first touch, the former Dundee United, Aberdeen and Scotland front man levelled matters. They could have gone to penalties there and then, that was the only sniff of goal the Beith rearguard allowed him.

Prior to the elder Winters' arrival, Pollok's most-fruitful means of attack was Route One, for David Winters to chase. Beith, after a sticky opening quarter, always looked the likelier team thereafter.

 The Junior Cup Final skippers, Paul Gallacher of Pollok, left, and Beith's John Sheridan

It was a big day too for Beith's veteran skipper, John Sheridan. I grew up on 'Fun and Games wi' Andy James' in the old Weekly News. Tales of Wan Fittit and Invertottie Howkers for instance. Sheridan, to me, is veteran Howkers' centre half Auld N Dunne, made flesh. If you were looking for a blueprint for a junior centre half, you would pick Sheridan. Well done Big Man.

There have long been suggestions that Pollok's Newlandsfield Park is the alternative football destination of choice for the decent Rangers fans – the guys who like fitba rather than being up to their knees in something. On reflection after Rugby Park, it could be true.

The Pollok fans in the Frank Beattie Stand regularly applauded when a Pollok man managed to pass to an unmarked team mate, five yards away – that's classic Bill Struth Stand conduct. But, tellingly, Richie Burke's winning penalty for Beith had hardly stopped moving, when, the main stand was bare. Only one support on earth can clear a stand that quickly after a defeat, and that support is Ra Peepul.

THE weekend's other big final, the European Cup one, in the San Siro, was a much -better game. Well, it did have a better class of player, although, Real Madrid's Pepe would benefit from a couple of months in the West of Scotland Superleague – that would soon rid him of his play-acting and nonsense.

But, Sunday's Rugby Park game did demonstrate the benefits of doing away with extra time and going straight to penalties. The part-timers of Beith and Pollok were nowhere near as knackered as CR7 Gareth Bale and the other Galacticos, who had to play an additional 30 minutes, before they got to penalties.

And, by the way, Jordan Longmuir of Pollok and Stephen Grindlay of Beith, the respective 'keepers, had to work a damned sight harder in their shoot-out than their opposite numbers from Madrid had to in the San Siro. No penalties were missed at Rugby Park, but, three were saved. The Juniors at least got their shots on-target.

AM I alone in thinking, English commentators should be banned? I ask because of the performance of Darren Fletcher – no, not our West Brom one – the other one, who commentates for BT Sport – in Saturday night's European Cup final.

Fernando Torres - a European Cup Final loser

Before the game, we all knew he would concentrate on those players familiar to his mainly-English audience, Welshman Gareth Bale, former MU man Ronaldo and from the Atletico ranks, Fernando Torres. But, we also knew, English referee Mark Clattenburg, regardless of what he did, would get an easy ride.

This blog is on-record as dubbing Clattenburg: “The English Willie Collum”, in fact, I believe, oor Willie just might be the better referee – certainly he has never been accused of being as pro-Old Firm as Clattenburg is clearly pro-Manchester United.

 Mark Clattenburg, above, failed to send off Pepe, below, for over-acting and simulation

Fletcher made much of Clattenburg's withering looks at Pepe, when the Real Madrid defender was at his worst, over-acting following a coming together with an Atletico player. Listen, if Clattenburg had done his job properly, Pepe, already on a yellow card, would have seen red there and then, for disgraceful over-”simulation”.

Rugby's Nigel Owens would have sorted-out Pepe pretty damned quick.

Ah! The Banter

“STICKS and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me” - thus goes the old chant from my childhood. On one hand, in a football context, the chant is worth remembering, when the opposition is belting out songs and invective designed to annoy and antagonise. On the other hand, a fans collective, rationing their hatred to songs and chants might reasonably be able to claim – it was only words, no violence was involved.

Rangers' MD Stewart Robertson

That appears to be the defence adopted by Rangers' Managing Director Stewart Robertson, as the fall-out from Saturday's Scottish Cup Final continues to dominate the football news.

It goes without saying – far better that the fans sing than fight. However, when the fans' choice of song has already landed their club in bother, both at home and abroad, and is widely considered to be illegal, under the terms of the Offensive Behaviour at Football Act – well, should they sing it?

In trying to defend belting out: “The Billy Boys”, I am afraid Mr Robertson merely joins the lengthy list of Rangers apologists, attempting to seize the moral high ground, not territory one normally associates with a club, and more-particularly a Support, lang syne recognised as: “A permanent embarrassment and occasional disgrace”.

Of course, the whole post-game shooting match on Saturday was kicked-off by the Hibs' supports' spontaneous field invasion on the final whistle – when they realised their 114-year wait for Scottish Cup success had finally ended.

1-0 Rangers

Then, a section of the Hibss' support made a bad situation worse, by running downfield to goad the disappointed Rangers' support.

2-0 Rangers

Another section of the Hibs' support then poured further petrol on the flames, by interacting with the Rangers' players. There is anecdotal evidence, one or two Rangers players were assaulted or jostled, one or two were certainly further goaded by fans of the Edinburgh club.

3-0 Rangers

However, faced with celebrating, goading Hibs' fans, a section of the Rangers support entered the park, to “do battle” with the Hibs' fans.

3-1 Rangers

As with the reports of Hibs' fans assaulting Rangers' players, there is anecdotal evidence of Rangers' fans co-operating to prevent Police reinforcements from getting to the ground after the trouble flared.

3-2 Rangers

Therefore, Rangers' do not emerge from the affair as the innocents and victims club spokesmen are trying to make them out. The greater share of the blame for events has to lie with Hibs' fans, but, Rangers' fans were also involved in the disorder.

To be fair to Hibs, they have apologised for the misbehaviour of their fans, and vowed to do everything in their power to assist the Police inquiry into the disorder, and to help bring the miscreants to justice. Rangers again poured petrol on the flames with their weasel words of Sunday. Since then, they have back-pedalled somewhat, but, the Glasgow club still comes across as trying to play the victims, and ignoring their part in the whole affair. For instance, there is an element of: “Don't mention the sectarian singing” coming out of Ibrox, but, what's new in that respect?

CONFIRMATION has come, he has been photographed holding the jersey – The Special One is now Manager of Manchester United. Let the revels begin.

The Special One

I still believe, Jose Mourinho and Manchester United is not a natural fit. Certainly he has a terrific record, the win/lost percentages of the clubs he has managed, the trophies he has won, these cannot be dismissed – he is a winning manager. However, none of his sides has ever won with the panache and elan the “prawn sandwich brigade” at the “Theatre of Dreams” seem to demand as a right.

His appointment is a gift to the football writers who are delegated to cover United, they will have fun, fun fun for however long he remains as MU boss – and I would not be confident of him seeing-out his new, megabucks, three-year contract. However, it cannot be denied: there may be trouble ahead; indeed, I redict a riot, but, it will be fun while it lasts.

Whitaboot Yon Joey Barton?

IT HAS been a constant in Scottish football debate for over 120-years, and, it shows no sign of lessening; I refer to the endless “whitabootery” betwixt the fans of the Old Firm. For most of the length of its existence, Whitabootery was fought-out at “piece-time” in the workplace, or in pubs and clubs. The more-fervent believers to either school of belief might have had recourse to the letters columns of our newspapers, but, they were few and far between.

Today, with that interweb thingy, everyone is a potential commentator – no need to even engage brain before dashing off your words of wisdom and pressing send – result, the comments or btl (below the line) or cif (comment is free) sections of newspaper websites or fans' forums are awash with the opinions of the great unwashed. The only people or organisations which do not wish to know what the ordinary fans think are the two clubs and the Scottish football authorities.

To them, fans are not allowed an opinion or stance, they merely have to turn-up to the games, buy the merchandise and cheer. Fitba is, in the eyes of the “blazers” far too important to have any input from the people who fund it – that would never do.

It is all pish, perhaps best summed-up by a spot of banter, reported in the ever-excellent Ken Smith's Diary in the Herald this morning. Mr Smith chronicles an exchange between rival workmates, on either side of the Old Firm divide. The Celtic fan, buoyed-up by the appearance of some 10,000 members of the Celtic Family to welcome new manager Brendan Rodgers to the club, contrasted this with the more-meagre turn-out to welcome new signing Joey Barton to Rangers.

“Where wis youse lot”? The Celtic fan asked.

“At our work”, was the response. One-nil Rangers I would say.

 JOEY BARTON – pictured with David Weir is a player to consider.

A GLANCE at his Wikipedia entry, or at his personal website soon makes one aware – Joey Barton is not your normal footballer. He has travelled a long way from the streets of Huyton, on Merseyside to where he stands today. He has played football in England, in France and soon, in Scotland. He is albeit by a mere 12 minutes, an England internationalist; he is a published author; he has appeared on the BBC's Question Time as a panelist; he has some two million Twitter followers .

Something of an amateur philosopher, he has strong opinions, which he is not afraid to air. Joey has said: “I have probably offended the whole world at some point”.

Joey is definitely different. What his lasting effect on the small, somewhat insular world of Scottish football is uncertain, but, I think we can look forward to an exciting journey.

To begin with, it would appear, Joey has certain issues, which do not see to sit comfortably within the world of Rangers and their fans. For a start, he was raised by his Roman Catholic grand-mother and, apparently he had a Catholic schooling. So, to some of the wilder elements in the Rangers congregation: “He wan o' them”.

He has been widely-quoted as being anti-Monarchy, another black mark on the extremes of Rangersism. He, when asked to name a favourite between Rangers and Celtic, came down on the hooped side, and was even pictured in a Celtic strip he had obtained for his son Cassius.

Clearly, he has bridges to build between himself and the Wee Arra Peepul, but, as he has shown in the past, when he pulls on a new strip for a new club – that club never gets less than 100%. The first time he lands Scott Brown on his backside. And their first mano a ano confrontation is being anticipated with all the relish there was for any of the Ali v Frazier fights, might well be one of those cataclysmic Old Firm moments.

 Scott Brown - Joe Frazier to Joey Barton's Ali?

Barton v Brown, would you not just love to be one of the odds-makers in the betting firms who sets the odds for in-play betting? Just think of the permutations:

Who gets booked first – Barton or Brown. Time of first booking. Time of first yellow card. Time of first red card. Who is first to be carded, JB or SB? Who “wins” the fight? These are probably some of the options which the odds-makers are considering.

BUT, this is all flim-flam; the main consideration for Messrs Warburton and Weir and indeed everyone at Ibrox is – will he bring the experience and maturity to the midfield which they hope he will, and, will his presence improve the team? I think he will – however, I do not think buying Joey Barton should have been Warburton's first rebuilding more – after Saturday, is there anyone left who does not believe – Rangers immediate and most-pressing priority is a centre-half around whom they can build the 21^st century version of the club's legendary “Iron Curtain”?

Neither of their goalkeepers is “Rangers Class”; the full-backs are better going forward than they are at defending, while, when it comes to the centre of defence – the cry was No Defenders – Willie Woodburn and George Young must be burlin' in their graves, and what Messrs McKinnon, Greig, Butcher and Gough must be thinking, well, I wouldn't like to ask them. Davie Weir was a good defender, surely he ought to be able to sort out the mess.

I AM glad this week, I was never invited to join the Lap-Top Loyal, that small but influential corps of Scottish fitba writers whose reason d'etre is to glorify the Famous Glasgow Rangers and to ensure, nothing too-bad about the club ever appears in print or online in Scottish newspapers.

Theirs is a hard furrow to plough this week. Their long and unyielding campaign to get Rangers captain Lee Wallace back into the Scotland squad finally paid off, when WGS named him in his squad to face Italy and France in those end of season games. Then, Wallace withdrew.

 Lee Wallace - for me, he has blown his chance of Scotland redemption

As one who would, at 70, crawl over broken glass, all the way to Hampden, if WGS lost his marbles entirely and called me into a Scotland squad – I cannot get my head round this. This was Lee's big chance to show his commitment to the cause and get back into Scotland contention – and, he blew it.

I accept, he will be down after Saturday's cup final loss. I further accept, there are good grounds for believing, those Hibs half-wits with whom he interacted on the park on Saturday, were unlikely to be approaching a former Hearts hero to say: “Jolly tough luck, well-played old chap”. I accept there are ground for believing he was, at least jostled, at worst punched. I accept he has had a long and hard season.

But, FFS, his nations called him up. OK, he figuratively fell off his horse on Saturday; WGS was offering him a leg-up, a chance to re-mount, and he spurned it. For me – taxi for Wallace, goodbye Scotland career.

Well Done Peter - I Think You Got Them Out Of The Doo-Dah

WELL DONE Peter Lawwell, you saved the jerseys again, by wheeling-out new Hoops Honcho Brendan Rodgers on Monday, thereby deflecting the churnalists' attention away from how your pals at the SFA will avoid the truck-loads of shite that were heading their way, following Saturday's Scottish Cup Final and its aftermath.

Peter Lawwell and Brendan Rodgers - attention deflected

Your decision to parade Rodgers in front of the world's media and the Greatest Fans In The World also deflected any opprobrium, and there would have been lots, heading Ibrox way following that honking mass of manure which was the Rangers Tribute Act's Sunday statement on the post-match shennanigans.

Now, when big James Traynor first got his own by-line at The Herald, all those years ago, we thought, here was the next big thing in Scottish sports-writing. Here was the heir to Ian “Dan” Archer; his early work on the Wimbledon beat, which he inherited from Brian Meek, marked young James out as the coming man. Sadly, he faltered, once he got into the Scottish Football Writers Association's A Team – those great and good? writers who only cover the Old Firm and Scotland, then, well, it all went ape shit.

Spells at the Daily Express and the Daily Record, followed by his short stint at BBC Scotland saw him reduced to comic book status – the succulent lamb of Scottish football writing. Over the years JT has produced an ocean of pish. On Sunday, he was, apparently, outed as the author of that RTA press release, truly the most awful, unbelievable lot of rancid pish it has ever been anyone's misfortune to read.

James Traynor at work 

The hypocrisy, the lack of self-awareness, the refusal to face facts. I have now decided, there is no longer a Rangers Tribute Act at the top of the marble staircase at Ibrox – the RTA has morphed into real Rangers.

A period of silence, while the SFA names the members of their independent inquiry team, would be no bad thing. I just wonder where in Scotland, they will find independently-minded people to look into events involving Rangers.

It will be interesting to hear the panel's findings. Both clubs have to answer for the behaviour of their fans, what these answers are, and how they are accepted, will be interesting.

At least Saturday's events have, for the moment, silenced calls for the repeal of OBFA (the Offensive Behaviour at Football Act) – but, for how long?

AS TO Brendan Rodgers. As first impressions go, he has done well. He brings seemingly, the right credentials. He did well, with little money available, at clubs such as Reading, Watford and Swansea; he began well at Liverpool, before losing his way when it came to recruiting.

He made some dud purchases at Anfield, leaving me to think, maybe, he is one of those managers who ought not be given a big transfer budget, since he will waste it. His first job will be to separate the wheat from the chaff in the over-bloated first team squad at Celtic. Heads must roll there. Then, he has to try to build a team which can operate in sterner conditions than they will find in Scotland.

Six-in-a-row should not be too difficult, but, it is on the European front he will be judged. He has to discover, quickly, if the bright young players he will have to promote can cut it on the continent.

THE AXE has fallen, Louis Van Gaal is no longer the manager of Manchester United. We now await the arrival of the Chosen One, to take charge at the Theatre of Dreams.

I predict a riot. Manchester United and Jose Mourinho has never been, never will be a proper fit. Like Celtic up here, Unitd do not just have to win – they must win with style, panache, elan. That is the Uniteed way, the way of the 1948 team, the Busby Babes, the Golden Trinity, the Class of '92.

That style of swashbuckling football, of: “You score four, we will score five”, was never the Van Gaal way, it is even less the Chosen One's way. Covering the Old Trafford beat next season will be fun.

Louis Van Gaal - did not impress Zlatan Ibrahimovic

 

A final word on Louis Van Gaal. I refer you to page 124 of the paperback edition of the Penguin biography: 'I am Zlatan Ibrahimovic”. Just six words, a single sentence, some 12 lines down from the top: “Van Gaal was a pompous arse”. Thus sprake Zlatan. 

 

Commenting on how he received one piece of advice on playing centre forward from Marco Van Basten, and contradictory instructions from Van Gaal, Zlatan asks: “Who should I listen to – Van Basten, who is a legend, or Van Gaal”?

Sunshine On Leith - At Long Last

 Match-winner David Gray raises the Scottish Cup at Hampden

LIKE their late mother before them, my daughters have never “got” football; the emotional part of watching 22 grown men kicking a ball around has passed them bye. My only grand-daughter was a history-maker when, in Primary Six, she became the first girl to play for the village's primary school football team, but, her interest waned – she briefly was a sprinter, now, at 18 and about to go to university, she allows young men to chase her.

So, when I screamed: “No, get off the park you stupid bastards”, yesterday at the end of the Scottish Cup Final, they – two daughters plus grand-daughter merely raised a collective eyebrow – the “Auld Yin” had gone off on one again, for no apparent reason.

OK, I witnessed on TV, the mass invasion of the playing area at Lisbon's National Stadium back in 1967, and the break-in at the Camp Nou in Barcelona n 1972. Like these two mass outpourings of joy, yesterday's Hibs' invasion of Hampden was just that, fans celebrating something wonderful – in Hibs' case, the end of those well-documented 114-years of Scottish Cup torment.

At the moment, I cannot see a single one of the Hibs' history makers from yesterday, any time soon, joining Pat Stanton, Gordon Smith, Bobby Johnstone, Lawrie Reilly, Eddie Turnbull, Willie Ormond and Joe Baker in the ranks of the All-Time Hibernian XI, but, match-winning skipper David Gray and his men achieved something which eluded these Easter Road titans of the past – they won the Scottish Cup.

Smith, Johnstone, Reilly, Turnbull and Ormond - the Famous Five

However, as the vanguard of the citizens of Leith brushed aside that puny line of stewards, I just knew a bad thing had ripped the feel-good factor from the moment. Of course, the vast majority of the celebrating Hibs' fans were simply allowing their outpouring of joy at the end of “Hibs' cup hoodoo” overtake them, but, those stupid wee erses who decided it was a good idea to go up the other end and goad the followers of the Rangers Tribute Act, perhaps the heirs to Begbie & Co from 'Trainspotting' – well, they managed to shite on arguably their club's greatest day.

Because, you simply do not, under any circumstances, over-celebrate when you beat Rangers – Ra Peepul (or at least a sizeable minority of them) do not do dignity in defeat.

Have a look at this list:

1. Scottish Cup Final, Hampden Park, 1909 – Celtic v Rangers: post-game riot
2. UEFA Cup semi-final, St James's Park Newcastle – Newcastle United v Rangers: in-game riot
3. European Cup-Winners Cup Final, Camp Nou Barcelona – Rangers v Moscow Dynamo: post-game riot
4. Scottish Cup Final, Hampden Park, 1980 – Celtic v Rangers: post-game riot
5. UEFA Cup Final, Manchester, 2008 – Zenit St Petersborg v Rangers: post-game riot
6. Scottish Cup Final, Hampden Park, 21 May, 2016 – Hibernian v Rangers Tribute Act: post-game riot

I would not, indeed could not, say it was all their fault, but, there is a common thread running through these examples of terrible behaviour at football matches: Ra Peepul were involved in some way.

What will happen next? SFA Honcho Stewart Regan has already assured us: “There will be an inquiry”. Aye Stewart, so there will be, and that pile of badness swept under the SFA boardroom carpet will just get bigger. I have been chronicling the affairs of Scottish football for over 40-years, and I have absolutely no confidence in the Hampden “blazers” getting it right, when they convene to consider yesterday's events.

The RTA and their apologists in the Lap Top Loyal will milk it for all they are worth. There is, unfortunately for Hibs, evidence of several of the Leith Loonies interacting with Rangers players on the park. The RTA are claiming several players and staff were assaulted. I have only seen shaky, grainy footage, probably filmed on a mobile telephone, but, from first glance, the RTA may have a case. This is potentially bad news for Hibs.

There have been plenty of newspaper photographs of rival fans fighting on the park, which is bad for both clubs, although the fact the fans were on the park in the first place was already bad news for Hibs and the RTA. I wait with interest, to see what happens next.

The match itself was a cracking cup tie. I was watching the Saracens v Leicester English rugby match before hand, so switched over just before the kick-off yesterday. The game began at 100 mph and in just over two minutes, Anthony Stokes fired Hibs in front, to briefly silence the first rendition of a wee Rangers ditty which in any sane society would qualify as Offensive Behaviour at Football.

Thereafter the action never let-up, we had woodwork shaking at both ends, four cracking goals, then, just when we were thinking of extra time and perhaps penalties, David Gray popped up to ensure, he will never have to buy another drink in certain Leith pubs as long as he lives, by winning the Cup for his team.

Now, we await the outcome of the SFA inquiry. I do not now how that will pan-out and what will be decided at its conclusion, far-less what punishment, if any, is meeted-out.

But, this I do now – whatever they decide to do, the members of any SFA-led inquiry are almost certain – TO GET IT WRONG.

I DIPPED in and out of the FA Cup Final – my main focus was on the Connacht v Glasgow Warriors Pro12 sei-final. But, I did watch the highlights on Match of the Day. The players at Wembley were technically better than those at Hampden, however, as a spectacle, the Wembley game lacked the passion we saw at Hampden.

Jesse Lingard - definitely scored the Goal of the Day

Mind you, I thought Jesse Lingard's winner for Manchester United, was the Goal of the Day – marvellous technique, reminiscent of Sir Bobby Charlton's debut goal for England, at Hampden in 1958.

FINALLY, what happened after the final whistle at Hampden has, unfortunately, taken a lot of heat off the disgraceful singing of the RTA's followers during the game. The much-debated OBFA has not forced RA Peepul to clean-up their act. Today, there are newspaper reports to the effect, the attitude of certain RTA directors, following the recent Scottish Cup semi-final win over Celtic persuaded Celtic Honcho Dermott Desmond to up the ante.

His first instinct was to try to find another cheaper option – a Ronnie Deila Mark Two if you like – to succeed the Norwegian. After noting the arrogance of the men in suits on the other side of the posh seats at Hampden, DD apparently allowed Peter Lawwell to recruit a big-name, big-hitter manager, hence the appointment of Brendan Rodgers.

If the men at the top of the marble staircase are that stupid, what chance of common sense and dignified behaviour breaking-out among Ra Peepul.

Good Luck Brendan - I Think You Will Need It

THE spirit of Jock Stein has not, I not, entirely vanished from Celtic Park. It was a move worthy of the Big Man himself, for the Parkhead club to choose yesterday to announce that Brendan Rodgers has become the 14^th manager of the club (15^th if you count Billy McNeill's two terms in office), in the 38 years since Stein quit in 1978. In the 90 years prior to Stein going, Celtic had had a mere four bosses – Willie Maley, Jimmy McStay, Jimmy McGrory and Stein.

Brendan Rodgers - Celtic's 18th manager 

 

The timing of the announcement nicely spiked Rangers' guns, denying them a free run at the back pages for the morning of their Scottish Cup Final meeting with Hibs. Such small touches are important in the eternal game of one-upmanship and “whitabootery” which is such a big part of the battle for bragging rights in the Second City of the Empire.

It is difficult to forecast how “Buck” Rodgers will do in the Glasgow goldfish bowl. At least, having already operated in the Liverpool one, he will be in some way prepared for the madness which engulfs the Old Firm. He forged his coaching/managerial reputation in youth football, which should be good news for the promising Celtic kids. He did well with the lesser clubs he managed, Watford and Swansea, but, not so well at Reading, his old (playing) club.

He did win more than half his games as Liverpool manager, but, he appeared to struggle in the transfer market there. Well, he will find, he does not have silly money to spend at Celtic. On past form, and on-paper, he ought to be successful at Parkhead. Let's face it, he MUST be successful. I wish him well.

But, he will immediately discover, tough though managing in Liverpool is, that great football city is not quite the mad-house that is Glasgow where the rivalry between Celtic and the Rangers Tribute Act is concerned.

RIGHT, You are a football-loving neutral, sitting down this afternoon to watch the BBC Scotland broadcast of the Scottish Cup Final, between Rangers and Hibs, from Hampden.

What would be your choice for background music as the winning team parades the trophy round the “Old Lady” as Hampden is sometimes romantically described? Would you rather hear the representatives of the Republic of Leith celebrating the end of their 114-year wait with a massed rendition of 'Sunshine on Leith', or would you rather hear Ra Peepul celebrate their “Treble” with the usual medley celebrating being: “Up to our knees in Fenian blood – wearing my father's sash – along the green grassy slopes of the Boyne – as we guard old Derry's walls”? That one at least is a no-brainer.

I have this strange gut feeling, Hibs, after so-many recent near-misses, just might come out on top this afternoon, to end their long wait for Cup success. But, they may have to go all the way to penalty kicks to do this.

TODAY'S other big cup final is the English one, at Wembley, between Crystal Palace and Manchester United. Everything here points to a United win, but, with this 2016 United team, you never know. The talent is there, but, somehow, they do not convince as a Untied team is expected to.

Earlier this week, an English journalist, in a piece on the club, came up with the information that martinet manager Louis Van Gaal INSISTS, his players always take a touch before shooting.

I make no comment on this other than to say: what would the Golden Trinity of George Best, Denis Law and Bobby Charlton have made of such instructions? I don't think they would have paid any attention to the manager issuing such instructions, far less obeyed them.

The Trinity - take a touch: Aye Right boss!!!

TOMORROW'S key action will be the second leg of the SPFL Premiership Promotion Play-Off,between Kilmarnock and Falkirk, at Rugby Park. “Forward though Ah canna see – Ah guess and fear”, is the pre-match view of this particular Killie fan. I am not confident.

FINALLY, one cup final result for you. Auchinleck Talbot are again in possession of the West of Scotland Cup, after they beat Hurlford United 2-0 in last night's final at Newlandsfield Park. As previously mentioned, these same teams will do battle, at Hurlford's Blair Park, on Wednesday night, in what is in effect a West of Scotland Superleague title decider.

Still a hard one to call, but, I think maybe last night's result has swung the mental advantage the way of the 'Bot.