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Nir Bitton

Discussion in 'Ex Players' started by ILoveTheCeltic, Aug 28, 2013.

Discuss Nir Bitton in the Ex Players area at TalkCeltic.net.

  1. Henrik 07 Gold Member Gold Member

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  2. Henrik 07 Gold Member Gold Member

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    The Story Of' is a web series dedicated to small but special tales from Celtic’s illustrious history. Here, Nir Bitton reveals a message from Neil Lennon shortly after signing in 2013.

    This story is an excerpt from James Forrest’s Celtic FC biography, Homegrown Hero, out now.

    “I THINK I’d played maybe one or two games for Celtic at the beginning of my career here,” said Nir Bitton. “Neil Lennon pulled me into his office. Here’s how the conversation went:

    Nir Bitton: Hi gaffer, you wanted to see me?
    Neil Lennon: I did. Niro, I’m going to tell you something. From now on, you’re going to chase the ball, and you’re going to pass it back to Jamesy.
    Nir: Okay…
    Neil: If Jamesy loses the ball, you’re going to get the ball back again, and you’re going to pass it to Jamesy. You work for Jamesy now.

    “That’s what he said to me, I was only about two weeks into the job. Worse than that, I didn’t even know who 'Jamesy' was! I knew who James Forrest was, but who was this ‘Jamesy’ guy the manager was speaking about?

    “At that point, I didn’t know because I hadn’t mastered Scottish nicknames yet. I’ve never forgotten that since. Honestly, Neil Lennon is like James’ second dad.”

    Behind Scott Brown and Forrest himself, Bitton is the next longest-serving player in the Celtic dressing room, and the latter two have shared many memorable games on the pitch since.

    Interestingly, the Israeli put pen to paper at Paradise on the afternoon of the club’s 3-0 Shakhter Karagandy win in August, 2013 – where Forrest netted the 3-2 aggregate winner in second-half added time.

    While not involved that night, Bitton still considers it one of his fondest memories of the Celtic Park atmosphere to this day. And he’ll never, ever forget his manager’s directive just weeks after moving to Glasgow.

    “I’ve not stopped bringing that story up with James to this day,” continued Bitton. “If ever he loses in the ball, I say, 'Jamesy, don’t you worry, I will get the ball back and I’ll pass it to you. If you lose the ball, I will get it back and give it to you'.
     
  3. eire4

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    Great little story that. You work for Jamesy now that is brilliant.
     
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  4. Henrik 07 Gold Member Gold Member

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    Absolutely brilliant stuff.
     
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  5. Henrik 07 Gold Member Gold Member

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    Last edited: May 8, 2020
    bkk bhoy likes this.
  6. Henrik 07 Gold Member Gold Member

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  7. Henrik 07 Gold Member Gold Member

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  8. Gyp Rosetti Gold Member

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    My favourite ever Jew other than Hitler. :fear:
     
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  9. Metrobhoy

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    I'd like to see Bitton back in contention when we go 3-5-2.
     
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  10. Dan Breen

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    Would not let us down but I would rather see ElHam.
     
  11. Gyp Rosetti Gold Member

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    He’s not a natural CB, he gets bullied the same as Ajer and Jullien. We need a big dirty * of a CB not Bitton.
     
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  12. Marty McFly Whoa, this is heavy

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    Loved him celebrate the goal today

    He gets it
     
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  13. Metrobhoy

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    Love his composure at the back. Suits the back 3 more but still a terrific option for me. The days of duds like Boyata and Balde falling over the ball are long gone with the current options!
     
  14. King of Kings

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    Think he can be very underrated on here at times, and honestly feel that his best position (domestically for us at least) is centre back.

    He isn’t a big bruiser but he reads the game well, intercepts well, tackles well, and of distributes the ball very well.

    We still need defensive reinforcements, but I’m happy to go with him and Julien as the main two just now.
     
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  15. dbhoy72

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    I think a right physical, backs to the wall game might not be the game for him, but he's darn near perfect for a lot of games.

    Very composed and has decent enough defensive abilities.

    I think his days in midfield is gone as he slows the game down too much, but as said a good option to have.

    Probably our best player yesterday.
     
  16. TheHappyLoss

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    He really does. He loves it here. Very underrated player. Does a job pretty much every time he comes in.
     
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  17. Aidan O’Shea

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    Beautiful passer of the ball. Sprayed a couple of lovely balls about and his composure is crucial. With current options I’d much rather him alongside Jullien than Ajer, especially against the Huns.
     
  18. joemc

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    I agree with that although yesterday against utd he sprayed a few to the opposition , but i love him as a player, happy to do wot is asked, funny , and complete pro , wots not to like , but in reference to losing possession on a few occasions , he was championed by many yesterday and broony slated , were I dont think it was his best game for us passing wise .
     
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  19. Blochairnbhoy

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    Underrated imo. He came as a CM you can see that but always felt he slowed the game down was like a quarterback yesterday!
     
  20. Big els

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    Yup. He knows the city.


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