Fan's Eye View: Monopoly threat to Old Firm

LAST year saw the 25th anniversary of Celtic's European Cup victory in Lisbon, prompting the release of two videos, a book, numerous press tributes and a challenge match with Manchester United as well as an orgy of reminiscence. The celebrations not only highlighted the glories of the past, they unwittingly illuminated the poverty of the present.

But now, with no current triumphs to savour, our past is under threat. Already this season, by defeating Leeds in the European Cup, Rangers have emulated the Celtic side of 1970. For Celtic supporters, left with nothing other than an eagerness to indulge in some schadenfreude, Rangers' Champions' Cup campaign has been a frustrating experience.

Not only are Rangers not losing with the shambolic bewilderment that characterised the Souness era, a frightening symmetry with 1967 is emerging. Before Lisbon, we met Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup final. Should Rangers reach the European Cup final, they will meet Milan. Milan, packed with international stars, the best team in the world, unbeatable. Regarded, in fact, in much the same light as Internazionale were before Celtic beat them all those years ago.

As for tonight's game against CSKA Moscow, you can forget the naive notion that 'all Scotland is behind them'. This polite fiction is peddled by seasoned hacks who, despite their public stance, know legions of us (not just Celtic fans) are willing Rangers to fail. If Marseille beat Bruges, the relief will be overwhelming.

So whose fault is it that a Celtic fan's only crumb of comfort is to be had in the failure of our old foes? The directors of course. A common enough verdict from disgruntled supporters, but not without foundation. Despite being under seige from fans and rebel shareholders, the Kelly and White families cling to their dynastic control. The Souness revolution caught them off guard and, the Double in 1988 apart, Celtic have never regained the ground lost on or off the pitch.

Attempts to combine tradition with modern business methods have failed. The board appointed a chief executive, Terry Cassidy, then fired him after only 22 months. Seen from Cassidy's angle, the directors limited his decision-making powers and, in my opinion, did not actually understand what a chief executive's function was.

However, it would be unfair to the directors to suggest they don't have a long-term plan. It's called waiting patiently. Unfortunately for the beleaguered board, fans are reluctant to wait meekly for history to take its course. We want jam today. Two seasons ago the directors decided Liam Brady was the man to provide it. So far he's the least successful manager in Celtic's history and the reservoir of goodwill toward him is starting to drain.

Billy McNeill made a fetish of only signing players with 'a feel for the club'. Brady built the signing of Stuart Slater, who gave the impression of never having heard of Celtic, into a personal crusade. After a protracted pursuit, the seemingly reluctant Slater gave in due to the absence of an alternative suitor. Among Brady's other purchases, Gillespie, Mowbray and Vata are hardly ever in the first team, and Tony Cascarino came and went in a blaze of mediocrity. Even the manager's much- vaunted experience of Continental soccer was barely discernible when he presided over a 5-1 humiliation by those Euro giants, Neuchatel Xamax.

While welcome, a recent win which ended Rangers' 44-game unbeaten run is a mere footnote to the story of the season. With the exception of Red Star Belgrade, of the previous winners of the European Cup, Celtic look least likely to repeat the feat. Red Star have an excuse, those in charge at Parkhead have a culpability. And if one Old Firm win a season is all we have to look forward to, then it's little wonder nostalgia should prove so attractive. Indeed, why else should Brady re-sign Frank McAvennie if not as a living reminder of better days? But it's not old players we need, it's new directors. And, sorry Liam, a new manager too.