‘THE CHAMPIONS’ MATCH REPORT: DUN U 0 CELTIC 1

PRE-MATCH COMMENT:
Had to give up my invitation to be a complimentary Dun U ticket and stay at home and so nervous was I that I decided to take a sleeping pill at 19.30, waken up after midnight and watch the game in peace and quite on C67. However the closer it came to the game I knew I couldn’t do it so gathered myself for an extremely tense 90 mins.
Was pleased that the ref’s were who they were as I didn’t fear Clarke at Pittrodie and would rather have McDougal under our scrutiny!

After each player’s mark and comment I am showing how the player has performed over the season. The ave mark is 5.8

BORUC ….…….7 Pulled off one really good save and did everything that was asked of him with professionalism.

What a vital player he has been during the campaign. He has played in 44 games, has been MOM on 9 0ccassions and has averaged 6.86………just terrific. Must stay.

NAYLOR.... ….. 4 He couldn’t even shy the ball effectively and just proved again that he does not have what is necessary to play in a Champions team.

Has played in 46 games, won MOM once and has an ave of 5.07. Must go

CALDWELL…. 7 Steady and sound throughout. What a vital player he has been during the campaign.

Has been a very important player during the campaign.He has played in 50 games and has averaged 6.22. After his trials and tribulations in the early part he has become a rock in our defence. Must stay.


McMANUS…. …7 Has won the title in his first year as Captain and I hope that this experience will make him a more composed player and a Captain of authority.

Never wavered in his commitment all season. He has played in 52 games and has averaged 6.34 Must stay.


HINKELL …….….5 Can’t make up my mind about this guy. He’s fast, he’s comfortable on the ball, has a good shot but is he a defender?

He has played in 19 games, has been MOM on 2 0ccassions and has averaged 5.74. Hopefully his second season will see him being a more confident attacking wing back.


McGEADY …. …..6 Didn’t have the impact I hoped he would have had but he was marked very closely.

Has been a vital player during the campaign. He has played in 50 games, has been MOM on 6 0ccassions and has averaged 6.38…Must stay to continue his very exciting development.


ROBSON. ……….8 MOM From the first moment you could tell that he was going to give his all and so he did.

Just a newcomer to the team but was a cert pick at the end. He has played in only 15 games, has been MOM on 1 0ccassion and has averaged 6.39…What a player he will be next season.


HARTLEY. …….8 MOM He too was totally focused on chasing every ball, harrying every opponent in order to pick up THE medal.

Was not an automatic choice until the end. He has played in 39 games, has been MOM on 5 0ccassions and has averaged 6.31…. Must stay


NAKA…….. …….. 6 In the first 30 mins I thought he was going to destroy Dun U on his own. He supplied McGeady and Robson with great chances but then he started to fade. The night ended with him being booked for simulation (it was a bit over theatrical).

Was injured for a chunk of the season. He has played in 33 games, has been MOM on 1 0ccassions and has averaged 5.76…Glad to have him for another season.


McDONALD.. ….. 5 Displayed good skill and an unselfish side to his play but then faded out of the game badly.

What a bargain buy! He has played in 51 games, has been MOM on 3 0ccassions and has averaged 5.90…Must stay to continue his very exciting development.


JVOH…………7 For me the enigma of the team. He can’t run, his control with the ball at his feet is poor and yet he has scored 20 goals with the one to-night winning the Championship and the one against Rangers giving us hope.

He has played in 47 games, has been MOM on 2 0ccassions but has only averaged 5.43…Should he stay or should he go?



SUBS

SAMARAS …….. 4 He has played in 18 games (14 as sub), has been MOM on 1 0ccassions and has averaged 5.63…Would not offer him a contract.
.
BROWN …… ….. 5 Replaced Naka and stayed out on the wing.He has played in 50 games, has been MOM on 3 0ccassions and has averaged 5.78…Would hope that next season we will see the real player emerge.





REF…………. (Dougal) 8 Thought he did well.

THE GAME ……8 A very fast, committed game with both teams trying to win. Was very impressed with United’s attitude and fitness but was more impressed by The Champion’s determination to retain their title and their commitment as a team

GOALS ………. 1. Brought back memories of Big Billy soaring in the Hampden evening to win the cup.



COMMENTS ….. 1. All that mattered was retaining the title but Celtic did it with style.

2. The joy of watching the goings on at Aberdeen only added to the great spectacle.

3. Celtic are now in the Group stages, Rangers have 2 qualifying games to play.

4. Can now look forward to the close season with a certain laissez faire attitude and am looking forward to the transfer rumours.

5. After the Motherwell game I said that I would have no regrets if GS resigned…………..now I would have. Well done Wee Gordon.