Hey bhoys and ghirls, I would like to apologise for the lack of updates during the last month or so.  I am currently in the process of re-designing the blog and I've been having a few problems.  Hopefully it will be up soon.

The Celtic Blog

      

Match: Pre-Season Friendly Match

Date: Saturday, July 19, 2008

Match Result: Fulham      3      Celtic  1 

                    (Nevland 2,         (Robson 42)
                     Zamora 31,
                     Andreasen 86)                          


Celtic were beaten by Fulham three goals to one in their second pre-season friendly in two games.

Fulham scored after 2 minutes thanks to Nevland, with Zamora doubling the lead after 31 minutes.
Celtic got back in the match with Robson scoring on 42 minutes, but it was not enough as Andreasen sealed the victory for the London club late on.

Read the full match report at The Official Celtic Website

      

Match: Claus Lundekvam Testimonial Match

Date: Friday, July 18, 2008

Match Result: Southampton  0  Celtic  2 

                                                 (Killen 26, Robson 67)



Celtic defeated Southampton in their first friendly of the new season by two goals to nil.

Chris Killen opened the scoring after 26 minutes, with Barry Robson making it comfortable for Celtic with a penalty after 67 minutes.
Celtic looked sharp throughout and deservedly won the match.  As always a good number of Celtic fans turned out for the match.

Full match report at The Official Celtic Website

      

After Aiden McGeadys incredible season last year, including some memorable performances and picking up the player of the year award.  He will be rewarded for his achievements with a new extension onto his contract which will see him committed to Celtic until 2013.

The Evening Times has the details

      

If Bobo Balde can find a deal at another club he will be allowed to leave on a free transfer it has been revealed.  Even though he still has a year left on his current contract, Celtic are looking to offload the Guinea international due to his high wages and lack of first team chances.

BBC Sport has the full story

      

Celtic are looking at possibly signing Romanian international, Gabriel Tamas.  Sources close to the Auxerre defender have said that a meeting between Celtic and Tamas will take place soon.

Full details can be found at BBC Sport

      

Georgios Samaras has joined Celtic on a three year contract, reportedly taking a considerable wage cut to join the hoops.  Celtic were always his first choice he has stated even though there was interest from other clubs including, Stoke City, Hull City, Lazio, Besiktas, Feyenoord and Werder Bremen.

Samaras had this to say about his move:

“Celtic are one of the best teams in Europe, with a very distinguished football manager”

“His unique way and unconditional desire to see me in his squad persuaded me to sign for the club.”

Full story can be read at The Official Celtic Website

      

John Kennedy looks close to a short term loan deal with Motherwell, from the start of the season to the end of December it has been reported.
Gordon Strachan feels the defender needs more games after being out for a long spell with a serious injury.  With Motherwell playing in the Uefa cup this season he could also gain some experience playing in that.

There is currently some debate over the validity of these reports though as Celtic deny any dealings with Motherwell.

Read the story at BBC Sport


Alternatively read what Celtic have to say about the report

      

Celtic are closing in on greek international, Georgios Samaras from Manchester City, Samaras who was previously at Parkhead on loan looks set to return and could be back with Celtic in the next couple of days according to his agent who said this:

"It's very close."

A man of very few words is Lee Anderson..

After interest from other clubs including, Werder Bremen, Feyenoord, Lazio, Fenerbahce and Hull.  Celtic looked to have missed out on the first-refusal after his loan spell, but Celtic were always Samaras's first choice he has said.



Celtic also seem to be getting near a deal for Auxerre defender, Gabriel Tamas, who played with Romania during the Euro 2008 championships.

Tamas said: "I'd like to go to Celtic and it's better than 50% chance that I will if the offer is made."


Have a look at the rest of the story at The Evening Times

      

Vitorino Gabriel Antunes, the Roma full-back has admitted he is excited at a possible move to Celtic. 
With recent speculation on a Celtic bid for the Portugese youngster and with Gordon Strachan supposedly keen on him, it now seems the feeling is mutual between Celtic and Antunes.  With Auntunes wanting regular first team football in the new season, he could be available on either a season long loan or permanent deal.


He said the following:

"They get to the Champions League every year and having played in that competition last season for Roma I want more of it. That is one of the things that makes a move to Celtic interesting for me.

"If something happens that allows me to come to Glasgow I would be playing for a massive club in the Champions League.

"That's why I would not regard moving from Italy to Scotland as a backward step in my career.

"If I could come on loan for a year I would be happy. Maybe after that something could be done for me to stay longer."

Read the article at Sky Sports