So as the new football season is a baw hair away from starting again, I know exactly what all the good people of the “timternet” are asking: What are Dalebhoy’s predictions for season 2011/12?
Well, let me tell you that your luck is in, it just so happens that I’ve peered into my crystal ball and read the tea leaves for five predictions, yes 5 things for you to look out for in this coming season maybe even congratulate me, whilst I sit back and look pretty smug with myself at being correct…
- Top goal scorer
Thing I loved most about Celtic last season was that the team had real fire power. The goals were spread about the team too, which wasn’t happening under Mowbray (less said about Mowbray the better). But it was the partnership of Hooper and Stokes which was impressive with the partnership bagging over 40 goals between them. The minimum individual target for both these players should 20 goals a season. Kris Commons of course was a revolution after his January transfer from Derby County, banging in 13 goals. I don’t think Kris will get over 20 goals next season, but 15 would be a good target for him to aim for. So that leaves Hooper and Stokes to out gun each other to be top scorer. I think if Antony Stokes is given the same amount of games as Hoops, then it will be Stokesy who will finish top scorer. Mark my words the Irishman will be on fire this season.
- Player of the Season
Emilio Izaguirre was phenomenal last season and I believe he’ll be in the running to retain his award again, but I’m tipping Beram Kayal just to pip him to it this season, that’s if he can stay fit all season.
- Neil Lennon
Lenny said at the end of last season “This is not the end, it’s just the beginning”. I think he’s correct; however I’m referring to the disgusting tirade of vile abuse, attacks, death threats, parcel bombs, bullets and pitch side attacks from “fans”. I fear that security will have to be tightened up even more, because these idiots will be even more determined to try and get our manager. I just hope this is one prediction that I’m wrong about. I’d love a controversy free season, and one that we only talked about football, nothing else…. and pigs might fly.
- Silverware
Celtic WILL win the SPL title this season. Lenny and the team are a year wiser and stronger, if they can learn from their mistakes last season and cut out the individual defensive errors then the title is in the bag. I have a feeling that the dark side of Glasgow will win the Scottish cup and a wee inkling that maybe the Jam Farts will win the league cup. Don’t ask me why, but I just feel that the silverware will be split 3 ways this coming season.
- Europe
I think that the team could have a good wee run in the Europa league this season; I think they’ll definitely make the group stage and then qualify for the knockout rounds… then who knows.
Anyway that’s my 5 predictions for next season, if I were a betting man (which I’m not, but if I were) I’d slap a cheeky wee fiver on some of those coming good. So once you’ve read this, get down Ladbrokes, you can thank me at the end of the season.
Right, I’m off to pretend that there’s actually more to life as Celtic…. Yeah right!
Hail Hail and Keep the Faith.
If you liked the above you’ll love this. Click on the pictures for free delights.
Stokes destroys so many of our attacks with his shocking control and passing, but he does know how to put it in the onion bag.
We need a better striker than him.
Anyone of of the numerous trialists going to be better than a guy that has scored about 40 goals in the last 2 seasons?
stokes has brilliant tekkers! he can bring the ball outta the air better than alot of players i have seen. Stokes and Hoops will be the spls top strike partnership this season by a large amount.
You really should be banned for using Soccer AM terminology…..:-)
Stokes? He won’t even get a regular game this season, and even if he does it’s nonsense to think he’ll score as many as Hooper or Commons, just compare their goals to games ratios to see Stokes isn’t in the same league as either of them.
Mmmmm, while I reckon Commons will score a few last season was his best total ever in his career. Him reach those heights two seasons in a row?
Odds are against it. Double figures.
He also got close to Hooper last season. Plus Hoopers past points to him missing a spell of the season injured.
He will score more than Commons for sure, i personally like him and Hooper partnered before any other combination ie Sammy-Hooper or Hooper on his own, Stokes is also a year wiser, not just a year wiser but a year wiser UNDER LENNON and for me i think he’s going to do really well, Lennon will have him that bit more focused.
I can see why people can look at him and think he might not have what it takes though, and he does need to show a little bit more, but i reckon he’s done well so far and i think he’ll improve.
Also i don’t get how Sammy gets less stick than Stokes at times.
He’s the Irish Scott McDonald
HA! I was thinking that when i posted. 🙂
Agree with you, Stokes has made his mistakes and this year returns a wiser player knowing Lenny will tolerate nothing more than what is expected of him!
Any new striker we bring in will need to take Stokesy place in the team and as long as he is scoring he is playing, that will start on Sunday at hibs when he scores our first of the season. Stokes has the ability to produce the goals to become a legend at the club he loves and I firmly believe this season will be the best of his career!
For all his faults Stokes has a proven record. These boys who are coming out of Africa for trials haven’t.
He’s a devil but he’s our devil and we know him.
believe Stokes is learning and might be top scorer believe this team are ready to go far on all fronts but we still need solidify few areas to regular compete at top level which we will do definitely I believe for years to come our time is nearly here
HAIL HAIL THE THUNDER SHALL ROAR FOREVER IN PARADISE!!!!!!!11111111
You are a complete tool.
Please havce a reason. Also
“the disgusting tirade of vile abuse,…”
“the dark side of Glasgow…”
you’re just as bad as “these idiots”
I hope to never end up here again. NewsNow should get rid of you quick smart.
What’s that saying about ignorance being bliss?!
No sir, you are the tool.
Why is he as bad as ‘these idiots’? Is he sending bombs or posting on Faceboak that he wants to kill?
I hope you never end up here again. I’m reporting you to Newsnow for surfing inappropriate material for your brain mass to comprehend or understand.
Sometimes the truth hurts.
Neill Lennon will get trouble and abused regardless of how the season goes, but if Fat Sally has a bad season, the Gers support realise Whyte is taking them for ride and the Tax Man asks for the money owed (they might want to pay to keep a hospital from closing down or something) then things could get really nasty, hopefully it will do the opposite and people will have too much going on at their own club to obsess over Mr Lennon and what kind of mannerisms he is supposedly using.
Seriously though i honestly hope it’s a good season for scottish football, hope we run away with it but hope everyone can focus on the footy, the atmosphere at times last season was phenomenal and Celtic fans raised the bar! An honest Ger would agree, they are getting organised though to try to match our atmosphere, the football will be intriguing as well with Mcoist looking to make a statement of intent.
If they were getting relegated they would still abuse us. Look at there 9iar. They didn’t enjoy winning they enjoyed the chance to abuse us.
It will never change. There mindset is set to hate not love.
Cracking blog Dalebhoy delighted you’re on board! should be a cracking season
This
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