aug2007

KENNY MILLER has today moved to Derby County, signing a three-year deal with the Premiership side. The striker, who joined Celtic from Wolves last summer, links up with another former Celt in Stephen Pearson at Pride Park.

The 27-year-old Scottish internationalist played a total of 46 games for Celtic, scoring 11 goals, and he gained a league championship medal and a Scottish Cup winner’s medal.

One of the highlights of his time at Celtic was his performance against Benfica at Celtic Park in last season’s UEFA Champions League, when he scored two of Celtic’s goals in an impressive 3-0 victory over the Portuguese side.

This season he scored three goals for the Hoops – one against Falkirk and a double at Pittodrie in the recent 3-1 win over Aberdeen.

Everyone at Celtic thanks Kenny for his contribution to the club and wishes him every success for the future with Derby County.

CELTIC Football Club has welcomed the apology issued by STV following an erroneous and irresponsible report on the Scotland Today news programme earlier this month.

The apology from STV reads: ""On Monday, 20th August 2007, Scotland Today broadcast a report suggesting that the SPL was 'set to investigate Celtic supporters for sectarian chanting'. It subsequently became clear that at no time did the SPL confirm that this was the case. STV apologises to Celtic FC and its supporters for this inaccuracy and regrets if any offence was caused."

Former Everton favourite Thomas Gravesen has made a shock return to Goodison Park, as David Moyes looks to bolster his squad before the closure of the transfer window.

The tenacious midfielder, who left the club for Real Madrid in 2005, has arrived on a season long loan deal from Scottish giants Glasgow Celtic.

Danish International Gravesen had a special relationship during his tenure at Goodison, but his arrival has split opinion amongst fans - debating whether this is a good move or a sidestep in ambition following the unexpected failure to capture Portugal midfielder Manuel Fernandes last week.

The player himself, however, has wasted no time in declaring his delight at coming back to his old stomping ground.

"I have always said I would never want to come back to any other club in England other than Everton - I am an Everton player. In my five years here we improved all the way and we ended on a high and that is what I want to achieve again.

"This is a great feeling. I have been privileged to wear this shirt before but over the last few years Everton has improved a lot. Some fantastic players have come into the squad now and I am definitely pleased to be here, that is for sure."

Gravesen becomes David Moyes fifth major summer signing, whilst the Everton boss looks to strengthen with some last-gasp improvements in the 24 hours before the close of this seasons transfer window.

THE CELTIC supporters have earned the praise of both the Scottish Premier League and the club after their behaviour at today’s league match against Falkirk.

Coming in the immediate wake of new guidelines about unacceptable conduct at football stadiums, the supporters’ behaviour at this match was impeccable, with Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell praising their efforts at the final whistle.

“With this game coming in the same week that the club were asked to observe the new rules on unacceptable conduct we are delighted with the magnificent support and response that we got from our supporters at the Falkirk Stadium,” said Lawwell.

“It was a tremendous performance from both them and the team this afternoon.

“We will now look forward to this week’s Champions League qualifier and next weekend’s trip up to Aberdeen, where we are sure they will provide a similar backing.

“With their behaviour today, the supporters have done themselves and the club proud.”

The SPL match observer at the Falkirk Stadium also reported that the authorities were entirely satisfied with the behaviour and conduct of the Celtic supporters.

An experimental United line side were beaten 3-0 at home to a Celtic XI. Celtic were looking for a good result after defeat to Finn Harps last Monday and responded by running out comfortable winners.

A sunny Terryland Park welcomed a near 3,000 crowd for the friendly fixture. United started off well and came very close to opening the scoring on two minutes. Alan Murphy played a neat pass to Vinny Faherty who forced Scott Fox into a finger tip save at full stretch.

Celtic went close down the other end on four minutes. Michael Gardyne crossed for Rocco Quinn who blasted over from close range.

Celtic took the lead on 16 minutes following a free-kick. Gardyne floated in a free that Darren O'Dea flicked on and forced Gough into a good finger tip save but Adam Vargo was on hand to tap home from two yards out.

United almost levelled through Barry Moran on 24 minutes. A Shane Tracy free into the box was met by an over head kick from Moran that went narrowly over the bar.

Vargo should have added to his goal on 48 minutes. Philip Reilly misjudged a header and the former Brighton player nipped in but his lob was not high enough to trouble Gough.

On the hour mark Quinn went on a good run down the right before crossing for Paul McGowan who shot over from close range.

Another fine cross from Quinn seven minutes later picked out Gardyne, but he too did not trouble Gough from close range.

Celtic's Simon Ferry sprung the off-side trap on 70 minutes but sub 'keeper John Egan pulled off a fine save low to his right.

United u21 player Paul Sinnott went close when he glanced a header wide on 72 minutes following a Tracy corner.

Celtic finally wrapped up the game on 81 minutes. McGowan scored from close range after he was picked out in the box by Ferry. Celtic hit goal number three two minutes later when O'Dea shot home from close range with an over head kick in the penalty box after the ball was delected into his path.

United nearly got a consolation goal on 92 minutes after Tracy struck a powerful drive that Fox pushed out. United trialist Adam Hughes was on hand but failed to convert when under pressure from O'Dea.

Galway United: Gough (Egan, 60), Robson, Charles (Sinnott, 60), Reilly, Tracy, Moran, Murphy (J. Keane, 60), Foley (McCormack, 60), Davoren (McBrien, 60), Faherty (Molloy, 60), Hughes.

Bookings: Robson

Celtic XI: Fox, Caddis, O'Dea, Cuthbert, Conroy, Quinn, Ferry, Sno, Gardyne, Vargo, McGowan.
Subs: Reid, Skinner, O'Carroll, O'Brien on 84 mins for Caddis, Ferry, Gardyne, Vargo.

Goals: Vargo (16), McGowan (81), O'Dea (83)

Referee: A. Lynch

CELTIC Football Club has welcomed the full backing given by the various Celtic supporters’ associations to the new rules being implemented as part of the SFA and the SPL’s drive to tackle unacceptable conduct at football grounds.

The new rules form part of the Stadium Regulations at Celtic Park and every other football ground in Scotland, and it is a condition of entry to stadia that the Stadium Regulations, including these new rules, are followed.

CLICK HERE for the rules.

Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell said: “Celtic supporters have become famous for the positive manner in which they support their Club and we thank our fans for this backing.

“We have made great progress in recent years in tackling a small minority who choose to indulge in unacceptable behaviour and we will continue to make sure that at all times we deal with anyone who attempts to bring the Club's name into disrepute.

“Fundamentally, as a family club, open to all, Celtic fully supports these new guidelines and the Club can state clearly that it will not tolerate any form of unacceptable conduct by supporters.

“In addition, severe penalties have been put in place which could affect individuals and indeed the Club and all supporters should be fully aware of the potential impact of any form of negative or unacceptable conduct.

“Our fans time and time again show their tremendous backing for the Club at home and abroad. We are sure that our supporters will observe these rules and continue to represent the Club in such a positive manner.”

Jim Divers, General Secretary of the Celtic Supporters’ Association said: “The new season will see Celtic FC implement specific new rules stipulated by the Scottish Premier League to tackle unacceptable conduct at football matches.

“These rules are based on UEFA regulations and the Scottish Executive’s plans to eradicate sectarianism in Scotland.

“UEFA and FIFA have already acknowledged the excellent behaviour of Celtic fans. However, the CSA will continue to support Celtic FC in their effort to eliminate any attempts to bring the Club’s great name into disrepute.”

Peter Rafferty of the Affiliation of Registered Celtic Supporters’ Clubs added: “We fully support the new initiative set up with the SFA & SPL in conjunction with Celtic FC. We would ask fans to adhere to the new rules and regulations as it is in the best interests of the club.

“We are now sure that genuine supporters would look at the possibility of points being deducted from us. This, of course, could happen to us this season.

“We ask fans to do what we do best - get behind the team vocally, keeping in mind our responsibility to Celtic FC.”

Wednesday 08th August 2007

Galway United 0 Celtic X1. 3

Celtic XI run out easy winners