David

From the time I saw our lineup on television before leaving the pub I knew we weren't going to take anything from this game today. Playing Higdon up front by himself set off alarm bells in my head, and my worst fears were confirmed when we played a defensive game throughout the first half. We survived. Barely. It was always odds-on that Celtic would score eventually, and when they did that it would then be a case of damage limitation. Other clubs who have seen success against either of the Old Firm have all went at them in an attacking fashion, showing them no respect. We aren't capable of doing that, for whatever reason. Neither of them are all that good to be honest. There's no Larssons, Laudrups, Gascoignes, Lennons or Fergusons out there anymore. I can't really think of anyone in that Celtic squad who would get a regular game in the Premiership. Our players, and possibly our manager, is intimidated by the shirts these players wear. Simple as that.

Taking todays result & performance out of the equation, I feel that this issue has to be addressed. First of all, is there any rule that stipulates that spectators must be seated? Surely there can't be, as the entire south stand was on its feet for the full 90 minutes (not to mention that fucking huddle thing they do where they all face away from the park and jump around like mentalists)? When you find yourself leaving the stadium 10-15 minutes early simply so that you can avoid the vast number of cretins who'll be swarming all around Fir Park after the match you start to question why you even bother showing up. Until the time comes that our club look past the cash that they can make from basically giving these fuckers an extra home game I doubt I'll be back at Fir Park to see us play either Celtic or Rangers.

We'll need this thread when we find ourselves finishing in the bottom half of the table, fighting against relegation. We're fighting for third place for fucks sake! Even a fourth place finish isn't the time to start asking about the credibility of the manager.

I think some people around here need to calm the fuck down. We lost to Celtic. It was expected.

Christ, with a team like that it's a wonder we're not fighting relegation

You're picking United to beat Hearts and us to lose at home against St Johnstone then?

I thought this thread could do with an early introduction, maybe help to balance out the hysterical reactions we'll have regarding todays result. This is a must win game. If we're looking to finish third we have to take a minimum of seven points from our home games against the Saints & United, and our away game at Hearts. Anything less than that and we'll only have ourselves to blame for not taking advantage of a once in a lifetime opportunity to play Champions League football.

I'm not saying that the club shop shouldn't run regular deals for the general fanbase, I was arguing that when the club say that a season ticket comes with "deals in the club shop" they have to deliver on that front, and that running those particular deals for season ticket holders only make perfect sense. To cry about season ticket holders getting a special promotion in the club shop is ridiculous. If he had said that the shop should be doing more for the regular fans as well then I'd have agreed with him.

How ironic is it that Boyle saw fit to spend a lot of money to try and make us the third force in Scottish football, and now we see ourselves sitting third virtually all season after living the past few years on a realistic budget? It may have taken a few mistakes along the way, but we're sitting very pretty at the moment both on & off the field, and those who stuck around after administration have to be recognised for that. Nevin isn't one of those people.

Moe, if you have an issue with posting on here then simply stop posting. It's the only option. Now, having had a silly ten minutes regarding the offer to season ticket holders can we go back to normality?

Yes, I did. I don't have the authority to delete accounts, and as far as I know they can't be deleted by the account owners themselves either. The only option is to simply stop posting if you feel so strongly against whatever it is that you're upset about.

Exactly. The game against St Johnstone next week is far more important than this one today in my opinion. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I don't want a win today, but a win next week is extremely important. If we perform as we know we can the final game against United could be nothing more than a formality.

I can't say I have. My only thoughts today are what I'm going to buy using my special voucher K from my season ticket in the club shop

I see no real reason why it would happen if I'm being honest. Surely the reward of winning the league will be being presented with the trophy at their own stadium in front of their own fans?

Don't be ridiculous! If a company sell a membership to something, and promise certain benefits with that membership in an attempt to drive sales you can't get upset if you choose, or are unable to purchase a membership that you don't get to take advantage of those benefits. I'll end up purchasing a Steel level membership to the well society as it's pretty much all I can afford at present, but i'm not going to start complaining when I don't get the benefits promised to the 1886 level membership. It has nothing to do with royalty, and everything to do with the club rightfully rewarding those people who invest in the club at the start of every season. Put simply, if you want the benefits that come along with being a season ticket holder, buy a season ticket!

I'm astounded that there's anyone who can argue against the club giving incentives for people to pay up front and buy a season ticket! It's basic marketing 101 for fucks sake! You can't expect to get the same discounts and incentives that come along with a season ticket if you don't actually buy one!

Taking anything from our game with Celtic tomorrow will be a bonus, but the truth is if we take somewhere in the region of seven points from our games against Hearts, United & the saints then we'll be fine for third place and the Champions League. With two of the three games being at home it is really all in our own hands.

Aside from a cup game, I usually go into a game against the Old Firm assuming we'll get nothing from it. All I expect is a hardworking performance from the players. Anything else is a bonus really. My main concern this week is the result of todays game between Dundee United & St Johnstone. I'll be hoping that a draw is the outcome there.

Exactly what I was thinking. McCall's comments in public may not be the same as what he says behind closed doors. Well, I'd certainly hope they aren't!

A defence like theirs is just asking to get hammered by Higdon and taken apart by Ojamaa.

After seeing Celtics defence at the weekend, this game coming up against them at Fir Park at the weekend is the ideal time for the big man to make his mark and cement his place as a "not too bad" striker!

Nice one. If you're ever looking for semi-decent photos of any displays just give me a shout.

I missed the start of the whole Dazzer/Humphrey love-in. How did it start? Why is he such a fan of the guy? Is he related to him perhaps?

I've just updated the original post with our post-split televised games. We're on quite a lot; Motherwell vs Celtic 22/04 Sky Sports Hearts vs Motherwell 01/05 Sky Sports Rangers vs Motherwell 05/05 Sky Sports

No, I know that's what you meant, but there are probably people on here who believe such a sign would be a good idea.