In the Press and some Highlights

By: Matt | August 25th, 2008

Former SPL and current Scottish National Team and Caley blogger has a feature where he takes press clippings from the past week’s action. Since the Scottish Press is known for its pro-Celtic bias (*pause* NOT!), perhaps a little analysis of these quotes might be nice for laugh.

“I was marking McManus at the corner and it was just a plain handball. It was obvious. I could have knocked the ref out to be honest.”-Falkirk Striker Micheal Higdon on Stephen McManus’ controversial goal.

Yes, it was a handball. Yes, the reffing in Scotland is atrocious. Yes, you lost 3-0 so if that goal didn’t stand you still would have lost by 2. While Celtic benefited from that particular decision, they certainly have been behind the 8-ball when it comes to controversial decisions (I am thinking of a particular Protestant Minister who is a ref in the SPL, but I digress), but for the most part I would like to think that the SPL doesn’t have any messy Tim Donaghy like refs or those with biases. There is a lack of quality in SPL refs, that I feel comes from two sources. First, the seemingly indifference to the poor quality of official by the SFA. Second, all of the officials in the SPL are part time, and thus not really accountable for their performances. If all SPL officials were to be full time officials, one would think that they would want to ensure quality since their livelihood is on the line.

“I knew how good Aiden was when I left but he has improved a hell of a lot. He has pretty much everything now.” -Shaun Maloney on Aiden McGeady’s improvement since his departure.

You hit the nail on the head, Shauney. Just imagine how much you would have improved with him on your side instead of jumping ship at the first chance for greener pastures. You probably would have been in line for a much bigger payday than MON gave you right about now, like Aiden is.

“I reassured him that everyone at the club was excited about him being back. So I couldn’t imagine the supporters wouldn’t be the same.”-Gordon Strachan on Shaun Maloney’s return to Celtic

Well, this would not be the first time Gordon Strachan and the Celtic support had *ahem* difference of opinions. While some were glad to see Maloney back, no doubt many felt that Maloney was just looking for the Jefferson’s Piece of the Pie and had to pull a Bawwy Ferguson and return back to the SPL with his tail between his legs. However, he could have paraded down the Gallowgate in Union Jack undies, so long as he performs like he did last Saturday, especially against Rangers this weekend, and he will be welcomed back with open arms by Celtic supporters.

Finally, I found some decent highlights of last week’s game. You’ll get double enjoyment from the video if you speak Japanese.