Hampshire Sport
Saints 0 Celtic 2 - Claus Lundekvam testimonial
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| Claus Lundekvam |
It might have been an evening of emotional farewells but there was also a serious match on at St Mary's tonight.
Jan Poortvliet's first game at St Mary's, fielding a young team against the Scottish champions Celtic was a big deal.
Not only for him to find out whether these undoubtedly talented youngsters could handle the pressure of the big stage but also for expectations amongst the crowd.
In terms of how excited the fans will be for the new season and the crowds that will turn up for the opening matches to see them this game and the two remaining home friendlies against West Ham and Stoke are vital.
All the signs last night pointed to a sense of optimism that is based in reality as well as in hope.
There are still many areas to work on for Poortvliet as you would expect at this stage, including the workings of the new formation, but the St Mary's crowd responded well to what they saw.
Though Celtic were undoubtedly rusty, they were still a class act with players like Aiden McGeady a cut above what Saints will face week in week out in the Championship come August 9.
Going forward was where Saints looked their most impressive.
All the talk of the 4-2-1-2-1 formation, of youngsters with no fear, used to playing alongside each other and happy to zip the ball around is clearly not just talk.
As well as the academy products we know about such as Adam Lallana, new signing Morgan Schneiderlin was outstanding.
With no disrespect, quite how Saints managed to sign a player of this quality and potential is remarkable.
Although the defence at times creaked in the first half under the weight of Celtic's excellence in the final third, Lloyd James was also superb at right back and looks as though he will be the man to solve that dilemma for Poortvliet.
The biggest question mark remains over the exactly how you play the new formation, specifically the wide areas.
As was the fear, when you abandon 4-4-2 and the presence of traditional wide midfielders you can leave your full backs very exposed.
Celtic exploited it ruthlessly in the first half, at times pushing their wide men up to make it four on four at the back for Saints.
At other times they deliberately dropped deep, posing the full backs the problem of whether to stay in line and concede possession and ground or push up and leave the centre halves exposed for pace and numbers with a two on two.
It is an anomaly of the system which Poortvliet can and surely will find a way of combating but these are minor worries in what is still early days in the development of his side.
James proved what a good prospect he is early on with a terrific last ditch sliding tackle in the area to deny Saints old boy Scott McDonald before Saints quickly broke at the other end and were unlucky not be awarded a penalty when Lee Holmes went down in the box.
Schneiderlin threatened with a half volley from 25 yards after great control on 11 minutes but it was Kelvin Davis who was the busier keeper in the first half.
He produced his first stop from close range from McDonald on 19 minutes and followed that up with two saves in two minutes from Chris Killen. The first was a terrific stop low down after Killen had broken the offside trap, the second a strong hand from a rasping effort.
David McGoldrick saw a deflected shot go just wide before Mark Brown was in action, spilling Lallana's effort but grabbing it at the second attempt.
Celtic did eventually take the lead however, Scott Brown's cross finished off by a low first time finish into the bottom corner from Killen.
Though Saints still looked good, Davis had more work to do. First he produced a double save, the first from McDonald and the follow-up a looping Barry Robson header.
Lallana ended the half positively with a toe poke that Brown just managed to react to and stop.
The second period was far more stop start with plenty of substitutions for both sides.
There wasn't so much goalmouth action early on with the biggest cheers reserved for Michael Svensson back on the turf at St Mary's for the start of the second period.
There wasn't much he could do to stop Celtic doubling their lead on 66 minutes, though, with Georgios Samaras breaking through and overrunning the ball. By that time Andrew Surman had committed to a sliding tackle and chopped him down in the area.
Robson stepped up to take the penalty that resulted and smashed it left footed into Davis' top right hand corner.
Samaras almost got in on the act himself on 75 minutes, sliding in to meet Paul Caddis' cross but Davis got down to his left to stop.
The game turned into more of an exhibition match towards the end as first auction winner Tommy Kaland, Matthew Le Tissier and then, to huge acclaim, Claus Lundekvam entered the fray.
But by that stage Poortvliet had seen all he needed, having learnt plenty about his young side, and it was over to the old stagers to have their moment for one last time.
Jason Euell did test sub keeper Scott Fox with a drive from distance that he tipped over before Cillian Sheridan somehow contrived to miss a simple tap-in at the far post for Celtic.
Le Tissier rolled back the years with an outrageous lob that drifted just wide of the far post but the score was to remain the same.
When the final whistle went Lundekvam had got his wish - a proper farewell and a time to remember the past but with more than a glimpse into the future at Saints.
Teams:
Saints: Davis, James, Thomas (Svensson 45), Perry (Lundekvam 83), Surman, Schneiderlin (Wotton 63), Gillett (Le Tissier 76), Lallana (Kaland 68), Wright-Phillips, Holmes (Mills 55), McGoldrick (Euell 63).
Celtic: Brown (Fox 78), Hinkel, Caldwell (Odea 45), McManus (Balde 78), Naylor (Wilson 45), Hartley, Robson (Caddis 71), Brown (Donati 45), McGeady (Mizuno 62), Killen (Samaras 45), McDonald (Sheridan 45).
Att: 18,664.
9:44pm Friday 18th July 2008
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CommentPosted by: Dave on 9:59pm Fri 18 Jul 08
Not bad for a friendly !! The Saints lads showed a lot of skills and spirit.
Its looking very promising for the season.Well done Lowe and the new management team.
No doubt the negative nonces will be up in arms at our defeat though lol !
Not bad for a friendly !! The Saints lads showed a lot of skills and spirit.
Its looking very promising for the season.Well done Lowe and the new management team.
No doubt the negative nonces will be up in arms at our defeat though lol !
Posted by: Tracey, Southampton on 10:10pm Fri 18 Jul 08
[quote][bold]Dave[/bold] wrote:
Not bad for a friendly !! The Saints lads showed a lot of skills and spirit. Its looking very promising for the season.Well done Lowe and the new management team. No doubt the negative nonces will be up in arms at our defeat though lol ![/quote] Sounds like the Saints gave a good account of theirselves, good turnout too!!
Dave wrote:
Not bad for a friendly !! The Saints lads showed a lot of skills and spirit. Its looking very promising for the season.Well done Lowe and the new management team. No doubt the negative nonces will be up in arms at our defeat though lol !
Sounds like the Saints gave a good account of theirselves, good turnout too!!
Posted by: La Manga Saint, Spain on 10:13pm Fri 18 Jul 08
Nice report Adam.
Posted by: N on 10:21pm Fri 18 Jul 08
Nice positive tone to the start of the season, long may it continue!
Nice positive tone to the start of the season, long may it continue!
Posted by: Ragtt Brummer, Merstigitte on 10:30pm Fri 18 Jul 08
ja tack, önskar jag dig bra lycka
ja tack, önskar jag dig bra lycka
Posted by: Condor Man, Southampton on 10:35pm Fri 18 Jul 08
Given that Celtic have played in the Champions League regularly it wasn't a bad result. Still time to improve but a creditable result none the less.
Given that Celtic have played in the Champions League regularly it wasn't a bad result. Still time to improve but a creditable result none the less.
Posted by: Mike, Soton on 10:47pm Fri 18 Jul 08
Tonight was not a night to judge more a cheerio to a loyal servant THANKS FOR THE SERVICE YOU GAVE SFC CLAUS!
There were signs of promise and signs of woe and wether this is going to work out im not sure?
We started bright but Celtic soon adjusted to the game and from then on in we were mostly inefective!
The youngsters look promising but Wooton & Euell look a couple of has beens to me ! By the way who was the old man with the deft touch who came on late in the second half thats what you call a player!
Anyhow roll on the first ganme of the season as I wont be supporting another friendly until we know where we are going and that like I say I am still very concerned about but hope * i really do mean I hope im wrong!
Tonight was not a night to judge more a cheerio to a loyal servant THANKS FOR THE SERVICE YOU GAVE SFC CLAUS!
There were signs of promise and signs of woe and wether this is going to work out im not sure?
We started bright but Celtic soon adjusted to the game and from then on in we were mostly inefective!
The youngsters look promising but Wooton & Euell look a couple of has beens to me ! By the way who was the old man with the deft touch who came on late in the second half thats what you call a player!
Anyhow roll on the first ganme of the season as I wont be supporting another friendly until we know where we are going and that like I say I am still very concerned about but hope * i really do mean I hope im wrong!
Posted by: Ian Owen, owenian@hotmail.com on 10:52pm Fri 18 Jul 08
The young lads look good and I was impressed by our new French lad (Schneiderlin). But it was clear to see that our defence needs adding to. We can't continue to play midfielders as full backs. Lets hope the rumours are true and we are going to get some. I shouldn't say this as I couldn't get to the match, but I was hoping that the stadium would of been fuller. Surely the absence wasn't because of Lowe.
The young lads look good and I was impressed by our new French lad (Schneiderlin). But it was clear to see that our defence needs adding to. We can't continue to play midfielders as full backs. Lets hope the rumours are true and we are going to get some. I shouldn't say this as I couldn't get to the match, but I was hoping that the stadium would of been fuller. Surely the absence wasn't because of Lowe.
Posted by: Ian Owen, London on 10:54pm Fri 18 Jul 08
[quote][bold]Ian Owen[/bold] wrote:
The young lads look good and I was impressed by our new French lad (Schneiderlin). But it was clear to see that our defence needs adding to. We can't continue to play midfielders as full backs. Lets hope the rumours are true and we are going to get some. I shouldn't say this as I couldn't get to the match, but I was hoping that the stadium would of been fuller. Surely the absence wasn't because of Lowe.[/quote] Forgot to say my main point, Thank you Claus for being a rock all these years. All the best.
Ian Owen wrote:
The young lads look good and I was impressed by our new French lad (Schneiderlin). But it was clear to see that our defence needs adding to. We can't continue to play midfielders as full backs. Lets hope the rumours are true and we are going to get some. I shouldn't say this as I couldn't get to the match, but I was hoping that the stadium would of been fuller. Surely the absence wasn't because of Lowe.
Forgot to say my main point, Thank you Claus for being a rock all these years. All the best.
Posted by: seeing the truth, despite the spin on 11:11pm Fri 18 Jul 08
I was there and I was proud of Claus and good luck to him in the future. Every true saints fan was there as well. The stay at home johnies have no excuse as a ticket was the price of a couple of pints. We need some full backs and more strength up front. Some lovely passing from our youngsters and bags of energy and running but they are not yet ready to play against men. Three years time maybe. The lad Holmes and the french lad did well. The highlight of the evening was when Killer came on and played so well. It was like old times. On one occasion the cameraman focused on Lowe and the stadium booed as one at the sight of his face. You lowe luvvies are in the minority and now you now it. We had all better get used to this league for two or three years yet and may end up playing at least one season in div 1. The fools and dreamers may say otherwise but the truth cannot be denied.
I was there and I was proud of Claus and good luck to him in the future. Every true saints fan was there as well. The stay at home johnies have no excuse as a ticket was the price of a couple of pints. We need some full backs and more strength up front. Some lovely passing from our youngsters and bags of energy and running but they are not yet ready to play against men. Three years time maybe. The lad Holmes and the french lad did well. The highlight of the evening was when Killer came on and played so well. It was like old times. On one occasion the cameraman focused on Lowe and the stadium booed as one at the sight of his face. You lowe luvvies are in the minority and now you now it. We had all better get used to this league for two or three years yet and may end up playing at least one season in div 1. The fools and dreamers may say otherwise but the truth cannot be denied.
Posted by: the totton scrutineer, TOTTON on 11:15pm Fri 18 Jul 08
Thanks a miliion to Claus a very emotional farewell for us all!Trully one of the greats as far as SFC are concerned.It was men against boys literally but the boys looked more like the men at times,playing the ball round finding space and full of energy and commitmant.Is it enough to be in the top six ?I don't think so but they will do well in the championship once they get into the season a bit.Need a strike force with more commitment and punch.But that will come Well done the youngsters
Thanks a miliion to Claus a very emotional farewell for us all!Trully one of the greats as far as SFC are concerned.It was men against boys literally but the boys looked more like the men at times,playing the ball round finding space and full of energy and commitmant.Is it enough to be in the top six ?I don't think so but they will do well in the championship once they get into the season a bit.Need a strike force with more commitment and punch.But that will come Well done the youngsters
Posted by: Saint Stephen, Fareham on 11:16pm Fri 18 Jul 08
I must of been at different game, looked good going forward, no midfield left us exposed at back. Bigest cheer for C L and Gordan S was fans favorite manager. BIGGEST BOO WHEN LOWE CAME ON BIG SCREEN. Its not only me but most of the stadium appeared to feel the same way.
Wake up before its to late.
I must of been at different game, looked good going forward, no midfield left us exposed at back. Bigest cheer for C L and Gordan S was fans favorite manager. BIGGEST BOO WHEN LOWE CAME ON BIG SCREEN. Its not only me but most of the stadium appeared to feel the same way.
Wake up before its to late.
Posted by: ospreysaint, Southampton on 11:42pm Fri 18 Jul 08
An enjoyable game, some nice touches from the youngsters,but Le Tiss showing how to pass the ball, different class. Full credit to the Celtic fans for their sportsmanship,we need to follow their example in getting behind the team. I would have been happier if more than 18,664 could made the effort for Gadget, more of the same at Silverlake tomorrow and we should see most of the rest of the squad, hope that they are up for it. Reckon we still need a couple of genuine full backs?
An enjoyable game, some nice touches from the youngsters,but Le Tiss showing how to pass the ball, different class. Full credit to the Celtic fans for their sportsmanship,we need to follow their example in getting behind the team. I would have been happier if more than 18,664 could made the effort for Gadget, more of the same at Silverlake tomorrow and we should see most of the rest of the squad, hope that they are up for it. Reckon we still need a couple of genuine full backs?
Posted by: WinchesterBond, USS Hampshire on 11:42pm Fri 18 Jul 08
Echo La Manga Saint, in that it is a good well-balanced article Adam has written with no spin or worrying about somebody's red pen! There is some promise in the team, whilst at the same time clearly evident much work to be done. I believe that after last season a bold experiment could easily prove to be foolhardy but this is where we are at so hope has to be at the forefront of a Saint's fan's thoughts for the forthcoming season. I agree with previous postings that Stoke and West Ham will be better benchmarks (one a traditional Championship side and the other a well-organised footballing side). Good performances against these teams may just warrant some optimism, but whatever happens the players and management need unbridled support for the first 10 matches of the season. Re Claus great to see such a deserved farewell and best of luck in whatever he plans to do in the future.
Echo La Manga Saint, in that it is a good well-balanced article Adam has written with no spin or worrying about somebody's red pen! There is some promise in the team, whilst at the same time clearly evident much work to be done. I believe that after last season a bold experiment could easily prove to be foolhardy but this is where we are at so hope has to be at the forefront of a Saint's fan's thoughts for the forthcoming season. I agree with previous postings that Stoke and West Ham will be better benchmarks (one a traditional Championship side and the other a well-organised footballing side). Good performances against these teams may just warrant some optimism, but whatever happens the players and management need unbridled support for the first 10 matches of the season. Re Claus great to see such a deserved farewell and best of luck in whatever he plans to do in the future.
Posted by: saints no 1 fan, New Forest on 12:16am Sat 19 Jul 08
I was at the game tonight and I think that saints gave a very good account of themselves against the scottish champions. I agree with the comments about Schneiderlin he was absolutely outstanding and one I definately think will be the star of the season, how we got him I will never know. Mcgoldrick looked skillfull and Lallana and Gillett were good. I am feeling very positive for the new season! Roll on West Ham and Stoke. Thats where the real tests are. With the team we have I think top six is a possiblilty as long as we get in some full backs although Lloyd James looked outstanding at RB.
Finally thanks Claus for your Service and commitment to the club your a true legend. Best of Luck (And Thanks Le Tiss)
I was at the game tonight and I think that saints gave a very good account of themselves against the scottish champions. I agree with the comments about Schneiderlin he was absolutely outstanding and one I definately think will be the star of the season, how we got him I will never know. Mcgoldrick looked skillfull and Lallana and Gillett were good. I am feeling very positive for the new season! Roll on West Ham and Stoke. Thats where the real tests are. With the team we have I think top six is a possiblilty as long as we get in some full backs although Lloyd James looked outstanding at RB.
Finally thanks Claus for your Service and commitment to the club your a true legend. Best of Luck (And Thanks Le Tiss)
Posted by: Derek Boulter, Dundas, Ontario, Canada on 12:21am Sat 19 Jul 08
18,664, I would have the fans would have been there in higher numbers. Claus deserved better. The game itself seems to have been a success.[bold]bold[/bold]
18,664, I would have the fans would have been there in higher numbers. Claus deserved better. The game itself seems to have been a success.
Posted by: Darren Winter, Romsey on 12:38am Sat 19 Jul 08
Having just returned home from Claus's testimonial I felt i had to comment on the poor attendance by saints fans tonight. just over 18000 - pathetic! This is a man who has served the saints for more than 12 years!! A "foreigner" at that! English football may never see his like again! Where were the 32000 that regularly packed St Marys during the premiership campaigns? I myself have not been too frequently since relegation to the championship - fairweather supporter- maybe? But at least I recognise the huge contribution "Our Claus" has made to our once great club. Reports suggest 20000 were needed just for him to break even! I may not turn up for the forthcoming campaign, mainly because of a certain Mr Lowe, but i will continue to support My Club! Good luck Jan, from what I have seen tonight the future looks fairly bright, one or two new signings and we might have a half decent team - but i wish you all the best getting any transfer funds out of Mr Scrooge!!
Having just returned home from Claus's testimonial I felt i had to comment on the poor attendance by saints fans tonight. just over 18000 - pathetic! This is a man who has served the saints for more than 12 years!! A "foreigner" at that! English football may never see his like again! Where were the 32000 that regularly packed St Marys during the premiership campaigns? I myself have not been too frequently since relegation to the championship - fairweather supporter- maybe? But at least I recognise the huge contribution "Our Claus" has made to our once great club. Reports suggest 20000 were needed just for him to break even! I may not turn up for the forthcoming campaign, mainly because of a certain Mr Lowe, but i will continue to support My Club! Good luck Jan, from what I have seen tonight the future looks fairly bright, one or two new signings and we might have a half decent team - but i wish you all the best getting any transfer funds out of Mr Scrooge!!
Posted by: Harley, Gosport on 1:31am Sat 19 Jul 08
Great Night, All the very best to Claus, trully desreved evening and I thank you for putting it on, great to see some of the ex players, especially le God in a Saints shirt again. I think we looked exciting with some lovely short passing which actually led to some nice attacking opportunities which is something we definatly have lacked for a while but totally agree with other posts about needing defenders cos when we didn't have the ball we looked exposed at the back & it could have been a bigger defeat without some good saves from Davies. But all that said no disrespect to Celtic, who's fans were Brilliant as well as our own tonight are world class but I think we will get a better idea about how we will fare in the new season against Stoke & West Ham because they are typical hard working sides that we will be facing week in week out.
Great Night, All the very best to Claus, trully desreved evening and I thank you for putting it on, great to see some of the ex players, especially le God in a Saints shirt again. I think we looked exciting with some lovely short passing which actually led to some nice attacking opportunities which is something we definatly have lacked for a while but totally agree with other posts about needing defenders cos when we didn't have the ball we looked exposed at the back & it could have been a bigger defeat without some good saves from Davies. But all that said no disrespect to Celtic, who's fans were Brilliant as well as our own tonight are world class but I think we will get a better idea about how we will fare in the new season against Stoke & West Ham because they are typical hard working sides that we will be facing week in week out.
Posted by: Bath Saint, Bath on 2:14am Sat 19 Jul 08
Just got back from the game, great night and thanks Claus for all the effort over the years.
Just got back from the game, great night and thanks Claus for all the effort over the years.
Posted by: chip monk, southampton on 7:06am Sat 19 Jul 08
so what,who cares if only 18000 turned up last night, 6000 of them were celtic fans.claus was paid good wages for playing football.if the club had lowered the prices the ground would have been full,but there again lowes back & we all know he's out of touch with planet earth. down down deeper & down.
so what,who cares if only 18000 turned up last night, 6000 of them were celtic fans.claus was paid good wages for playing football.if the club had lowered the prices the ground would have been full,but there again lowes back & we all know he's out of touch with planet earth. down down deeper & down.
Posted by: rational on 7:37am Sat 19 Jul 08
[quote][bold]chip monk[/bold] wrote:
so what,who cares if only 18000 turned up last night, 6000 of them were celtic fans.claus was paid good wages for playing football.if the club had lowered the prices the ground would have been full,but there again lowes back & we all know he's out of touch with planet earth. down down deeper & down.[/quote] I think you will find that the ticket prices were set by Claus' testimonial committee, nothing to do with Lowe.
chip monk wrote:
so what,who cares if only 18000 turned up last night, 6000 of them were celtic fans.claus was paid good wages for playing football.if the club had lowered the prices the ground would have been full,but there again lowes back & we all know he's out of touch with planet earth. down down deeper & down.
I think you will find that the ticket prices were set by Claus' testimonial committee, nothing to do with Lowe.
Posted by: Love the players, but hate Lowe on 9:19am Sat 19 Jul 08
[quote][bold]rational[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]chip monk[/bold] wrote: so what,who cares if only 18000 turned up last night, 6000 of them were celtic fans.claus was paid good wages for playing football.if the club had lowered the prices the ground would have been full,but there again lowes back & we all know he's out of touch with planet earth. down down deeper & down.[/quote] I think you will find that the ticket prices were set by Claus' testimonial committee, nothing to do with Lowe.[/quote] Chip Monk you are a stupid little fool. You would have got in for a fiver for that was the price for little kids. If you had turned up yourself to buy the ticket they would have probably let you in for nothing in sympathy for you being the ignorant, know nothing little snotty nosed retard you are. This game was not about Claus making money it was about saying cheerio. I was there along with every other true Saints fan. There were no lowe luvvies there for when his image appeared on the screen the whole stadium booed. Not a single cheer was heard. But then Friday night is when the PR guys drink their champers in wine bars. They don't go to footie matches, that is for plebs. If you consider yourself a saints fan and you were not at this match then you should hang your head in shame.
rational wrote:
chip monk wrote: so what,who cares if only 18000 turned up last night, 6000 of them were celtic fans.claus was paid good wages for playing football.if the club had lowered the prices the ground would have been full,but there again lowes back & we all know he's out of touch with planet earth. down down deeper & down.
I think you will find that the ticket prices were set by Claus' testimonial committee, nothing to do with Lowe.
Chip Monk you are a stupid little fool. You would have got in for a fiver for that was the price for little kids. If you had turned up yourself to buy the ticket they would have probably let you in for nothing in sympathy for you being the ignorant, know nothing little snotty nosed retard you are. This game was not about Claus making money it was about saying cheerio. I was there along with every other true Saints fan. There were no lowe luvvies there for when his image appeared on the screen the whole stadium booed. Not a single cheer was heard. But then Friday night is when the PR guys drink their champers in wine bars. They don't go to footie matches, that is for plebs. If you consider yourself a saints fan and you were not at this match then you should hang your head in shame.
Posted by: Max, Soton on 10:32am Sat 19 Jul 08
Thanks Claus, had a very good evening and it was a good game to watch. Some excellent moments when Killer, Le Tiss and Claus came on. As for the comments about no Lowe luvvies there because nobody cheered him, what sort of proof is that. I'm not a Lowe Luvvie but I never booed as that is not how I want the season to start. We need to focus on the team not him. Anyway to me when his image was booed it seemed more like a pantomine booing, not a serious one. If we want more players like Claus & Le Tiss to stay faithful to the club in the future we need to show that we are a supporting club, not a load of moaners.
Looking forward to the new campaign, COYR.
Thanks Claus, had a very good evening and it was a good game to watch. Some excellent moments when Killer, Le Tiss and Claus came on. As for the comments about no Lowe luvvies there because nobody cheered him, what sort of proof is that. I'm not a Lowe Luvvie but I never booed as that is not how I want the season to start. We need to focus on the team not him. Anyway to me when his image was booed it seemed more like a pantomine booing, not a serious one. If we want more players like Claus & Le Tiss to stay faithful to the club in the future we need to show that we are a supporting club, not a load of moaners.
Looking forward to the new campaign, COYR.
Posted by: Phil, Marchwood on 10:53am Sat 19 Jul 08
I enjoyed what I saw. Some really good promise and effort was shown. When we field a genuine goalscorer like Stern John, Rasiak or Saganowski with the new lads I think we might get somewhere. Svensson looked a class act and if we can get him match fit and stable this could be a massive bonus for us. Le Tissier showed pure class with some passes and it just goes to show what that kind of quality delivers. Finally, thank you Claus for all the years you have given us - I hope that all goes well for you in the future.
I enjoyed what I saw. Some really good promise and effort was shown. When we field a genuine goalscorer like Stern John, Rasiak or Saganowski with the new lads I think we might get somewhere. Svensson looked a class act and if we can get him match fit and stable this could be a massive bonus for us. Le Tissier showed pure class with some passes and it just goes to show what that kind of quality delivers. Finally, thank you Claus for all the years you have given us - I hope that all goes well for you in the future.
Posted by: Tom, Winchester on 11:36am Sat 19 Jul 08
All the best Claus you have been an excellent servant for the saints down the years. The game was a good bench mark against champions league opposition. Just a shame the celtic fans couldnt behave properly I noticed a few of them being chucked out of the ground. Why do they persist to sing their hate filled songs? The songs that fill the air with such vitriol & hatred of all things British. Why even invite celtic surely a Man Utd or a Liverpool wouldve been better and more fitting opposition for a legend like Claus not against a team who struggled to win the SPL.
Anyway rant over good luck Claus for the future!
PS was great to see le god again he is still pure class!
All the best Claus you have been an excellent servant for the saints down the years. The game was a good bench mark against champions league opposition. Just a shame the celtic fans couldnt behave properly I noticed a few of them being chucked out of the ground. Why do they persist to sing their hate filled songs? The songs that fill the air with such vitriol & hatred of all things British. Why even invite celtic surely a Man Utd or a Liverpool wouldve been better and more fitting opposition for a legend like Claus not against a team who struggled to win the SPL.
Anyway rant over good luck Claus for the future!
PS was great to see le god again he is still pure class!
Posted by: Bill, Southampton on 4:27pm Sat 19 Jul 08
Just a shame that a substantial number of celtic fans thought that this was the correct forum to sing their entire selection of hate-filled anti-Englsih songs.
Why would fans do such a thing at a testimonial?
A decent enough team, supported by sectarian thugs and morons. Perhaps they next time they feel the need to sing such songs they can do it in earshot of our local servicemen ...
Just a shame that a substantial number of celtic fans thought that this was the correct forum to sing their entire selection of hate-filled anti-Englsih songs.
Why would fans do such a thing at a testimonial?
A decent enough team, supported by sectarian thugs and morons. Perhaps they next time they feel the need to sing such songs they can do it in earshot of our local servicemen ...
Posted by: Brian, Southampton on 7:07pm Sat 19 Jul 08
Typical testimonial game although with a crowd of away fans i have never had the "pleasure" to see and hear.
What happened to the great Celtic support i have heard about in the media? Do they actually sing songs about their own club? They obviously hate Britain and Rangers more than they love their own club.
Songs in praise of the IRA?
Songs about "F" the Queen?
Songs about hate the F ing Rangers?
And those strips, looked more green and grey than green and white where we were standing.
I heard Rod Stewart was at the game is that true. So basically an Englishman who thinks he is Scottish supporting a football team who think they are Irish.
If they have that much love for the Republic give them the option to go over. I can't see the Dubliners tolerating them either.
Not a Rangers fan but i really hope Rangers as a true Scottish and British club win the SPL this year.
Typical testimonial game although with a crowd of away fans i have never had the "pleasure" to see and hear.
What happened to the great Celtic support i have heard about in the media? Do they actually sing songs about their own club? They obviously hate Britain and Rangers more than they love their own club.
Songs in praise of the IRA?
Songs about "F" the Queen?
Songs about hate the F ing Rangers?
And those strips, looked more green and grey than green and white where we were standing.
I heard Rod Stewart was at the game is that true. So basically an Englishman who thinks he is Scottish supporting a football team who think they are Irish.
If they have that much love for the Republic give them the option to go over. I can't see the Dubliners tolerating them either.
Not a Rangers fan but i really hope Rangers as a true Scottish and British club win the SPL this year.
Posted by: Tom, Fleet, Hampshire on 7:38pm Sat 19 Jul 08
I was astounded by some of the songs that I heard at the game yesterday. I thought the Celtic fans were invited as they are supposed really good supporters of their club and create an atmosphere.
All I heard was songs about performing a sexual act on the queen, Support for the IRA and multiple songs relating to their hatred of their Glasgow rivals.
Thank you Claus you have performed well for the club and you will be missed.
Anyway my final question, Where abouts in Ireland is Glasgow?
I was astounded by some of the songs that I heard at the game yesterday. I thought the Celtic fans were invited as they are supposed really good supporters of their club and create an atmosphere.
All I heard was songs about performing a sexual act on the queen, Support for the IRA and multiple songs relating to their hatred of their Glasgow rivals.
Thank you Claus you have performed well for the club and you will be missed.
Anyway my final question, Where abouts in Ireland is Glasgow?
Posted by: James,, London on 7:52pm Sat 19 Jul 08
As an exilled Scot working & living in London I am often asked about the Old Firm in Glasgow and what all the fuss is about.
Most Londoners are asounted to hear that Rangers a very much a Pro-British club. Also at the end of EVERY home game, God save the Queen is sung. Particularly at a time when it seems that every Scot and their Granny is wanting Independence. It is simply not true.
Celtic have a long association with Ireland, however their historical leanings are very much toward Ireland. The vast majority of their fans would rather wear RoI shirts, and proclaim their Irishness, than admit they are British. Indeed, many of them do not even class themselves as Scots. Such is the twisted view of many of them.
The History of Celtic FC, is not the romantic notion which they would like you to believe. It was a club started to feed the poor, yes that it is true. However it was started to feed only Irish Roman Catholics in order that they be kept away from Protestant Scottish Soup Kitchens. This was so that the Church could keep a very tight grip on the influx of Irish immigrants after the famine.
The very essence of Celtic Football Club is steeped in lies and double dealing. Indeed they were not adverse to shafting other Irish/ Scots team Hibernian of Edinburgh. That is an episode erased from the history books of Celtic FC.
During the 2nd World War, you may wish to investigate further as to why Celtic Park was closed down. Yes, my fellow Brits, there is quite a distorted view of the Glasgow teams coming from Scotland, and which is being fed to the media throughout the rest of Britain.
It was not so long ago, that Celtic fans were on their fanzine websites celebrating the deaths of those gallant Soldiers from 2 Para in Afghanistan. These are the same fans who regularly contribute to Irish terrorism, and have done so for many many years. So to anyone out there who has lost a friend, relative or someone to the troubles in Northern Ireland, you have the fans of Glasgow Celtic FC to thank for their contribution.
As for their claim that they are a family friendly club and non-sectarian. I have never heard such lies in all my life. Indeed the much reverred Jock Stein, was only offered a job in the Celtic Pools Office, due to the fact that he was Protesant.
You may wish to look at the unofficial sites involving these clubs. However the family friendly image of Glasgow Celtic Football Club, just simply is spin and one in a scale which Alistair Campbell would be proud to have masterminded.
As an exilled Scot working & living in London I am often asked about the Old Firm in Glasgow and what all the fuss is about.
Most Londoners are asounted to hear that Rangers a very much a Pro-British club. Also at the end of EVERY home game, God save the Queen is sung. Particularly at a time when it seems that every Scot and their Granny is wanting Independence. It is simply not true.
Celtic have a long association with Ireland, however their historical leanings are very much toward Ireland. The vast majority of their fans would rather wear RoI shirts, and proclaim their Irishness, than admit they are British. Indeed, many of them do not even class themselves as Scots. Such is the twisted view of many of them.
The History of Celtic FC, is not the romantic notion which they would like you to believe. It was a club started to feed the poor, yes that it is true. However it was started to feed only Irish Roman Catholics in order that they be kept away from Protestant Scottish Soup Kitchens. This was so that the Church could keep a very tight grip on the influx of Irish immigrants after the famine.
The very essence of Celtic Football Club is steeped in lies and double dealing. Indeed they were not adverse to shafting other Irish/ Scots team Hibernian of Edinburgh. That is an episode erased from the history books of Celtic FC.
During the 2nd World War, you may wish to investigate further as to why Celtic Park was closed down. Yes, my fellow Brits, there is quite a distorted view of the Glasgow teams coming from Scotland, and which is being fed to the media throughout the rest of Britain.
It was not so long ago, that Celtic fans were on their fanzine websites celebrating the deaths of those gallant Soldiers from 2 Para in Afghanistan. These are the same fans who regularly contribute to Irish terrorism, and have done so for many many years. So to anyone out there who has lost a friend, relative or someone to the troubles in Northern Ireland, you have the fans of Glasgow Celtic FC to thank for their contribution.
As for their claim that they are a family friendly club and non-sectarian. I have never heard such lies in all my life. Indeed the much reverred Jock Stein, was only offered a job in the Celtic Pools Office, due to the fact that he was Protesant.
You may wish to look at the unofficial sites involving these clubs. However the family friendly image of Glasgow Celtic Football Club, just simply is spin and one in a scale which Alistair Campbell would be proud to have masterminded.
Posted by: Martin, southampton on 10:29pm Sat 19 Jul 08
We should never play either side of the old infirm, cos, as soon as we do, we get idiots, who have posted above, who clearly were not at the game, hearing things, that were never sung!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
They are as bad as each other and im sure if we played rangers, we would have celtic idiots as well, waxing lyrical about how inbred rangers are as well.
P.s. Thanks Claus for all your efforts, throughout the years
We should never play either side of the old infirm, cos, as soon as we do, we get idiots, who have posted above, who clearly were not at the game, hearing things, that were never sung!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
They are as bad as each other and im sure if we played rangers, we would have celtic idiots as well, waxing lyrical about how inbred rangers are as well.
P.s. Thanks Claus for all your efforts, throughout the years
Posted by: golden bhoy, southampton on 12:37am Sun 20 Jul 08
[quote][bold]Tom[/bold] wrote:
I was astounded by some of the songs that I heard at the game yesterday. I thought the Celtic fans were invited as they are supposed really good supporters of their club and create an atmosphere. All I heard was songs about performing a sexual act on the queen, Support for the IRA and multiple songs relating to their hatred of their Glasgow rivals. Thank you Claus you have performed well for the club and you will be missed. Anyway my final question, Where abouts in Ireland is Glasgow?[/quote] in reply,where in scotland is ulster?[bold]bold[/bold]
Tom wrote:
I was astounded by some of the songs that I heard at the game yesterday. I thought the Celtic fans were invited as they are supposed really good supporters of their club and create an atmosphere. All I heard was songs about performing a sexual act on the queen, Support for the IRA and multiple songs relating to their hatred of their Glasgow rivals. Thank you Claus you have performed well for the club and you will be missed. Anyway my final question, Where abouts in Ireland is Glasgow?
in reply,where in scotland is ulster?
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