Celts on the Rampage


St. Johnstone vs Celtic
McDiarmid Park, Perth
Wednesday 7th May, 2014
7.45(GMT)


One of Sammy's Last Games?​

Ever since the split Celtic have opened up slightly. Conceding three goals against Motherwell and then another two against Aberdeen, this has certainly not been the norm this season. Then again if we are winning these games by scoring 4,5,6 goals i don't really see the problem.

The shackles which have been removed have resulted in more attractive games on the eye being played. The complete dismantling of a competent Dundee United and Aberdeen side, both fighting to secure European positions, was a joy to behold. A few gaps and openings have crept in along the back-line but this is to be expected with a more attacking approach now being used.

As the season draws to a close there will be players in the next two games who we may never see wear the famous Hoops again. Samaras is one such player who has given a large chunk of his career, playing in the Green and White stripes. The Greek has divided fans opinions for years. What has always remained constant with Samaras is his love for the club he plays for, unlike a few others, he knows the size of the club, he knows that it should be a privilege for any player who dons the Celtic strip.

The day a horrific record was broken​

Though his time at Celtic may well be coming to a close i cannot recall a time he has slated the club, even the Scottish game, like so many others do. He has been a consumate professional, he plays because he loves the game not because of the money he receives. His languid style of play does cause divides in ones opinion of him. Some will say he is lazy, or his application isn't what it should be. Others will say thats simply how he plays. What i will say of him though is that even though i am not his biggest fan he will be a big loss to the club. Samaras in Europe has been our weapon, our out-ball and our danger man. His style is certainly suited to the Champions League and it was on this, the grandest stage of them all, where we saw the Greek shine.

His last minute winner in Spartak Moscow will live long in the memory of every single Celtic supporter, even thinking of it now brings a tear to my eye. I would like to say thank you to Samaras for staying through the good times and the bad, for receiving adulation and criticism from the fans and for representing Celtic the way a professional should. I wish you good luck wherever you go next.

There will be others who could be gone by next season. I hope that all of them including Samaras will be given a sending off that they merit for their services to this great football club this weekend at the title ceremony. Too many good players have left on poor terms, it would be fitting for players like Sammy to be given this.