eightball 0 Posted September 7, 2007 Share Posted September 7, 2007 http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6981446.stm Celtic Cup proposals take shape Plans for a Celtic Cup featuring Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have taken another step forward. Representatives from the four national associations met in Cardiff on Monday. And Scottish FA chief executive Gordon Smith told the Daily Mail: "We are getting some answers on the issues surrounding a tournament like this. "It could even start in 2008 or the year after at the latest - if we all reach agreement." England were not interested in a return to the Home Internationals Championship, which was abandoned in 1984. And the latest meeting failed to iron out whether the format will be a knockout competition or a league system. "There is debate taking place but there are positive vibes from the four countries involved," Smith continued. "Friendly dates from Fifa are available in August, November and February, so those could be used. "And it could be every two years to keep space for other friendlies. "We are getting answers and we will meet again in a few weeks." Smith also confirmed that Scotland manager Alex McLeish liked the idea. "I have spoken with Alex McLeish and we are keen," said Smith. "One of the attractions is the semi-competitive nature of it after our success at the Kirin Cup in Japan last year." Kinda surprised no-one has posted about htis yet. What do we think about this, sort of like the Home Internationals, but with ROI instead of England (who doon want to take part cause they don't want to get beat all the time!). Not sure of the name of the cup tho! British Isles Cup might have been better... 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
theboyharley 5 Posted September 7, 2007 Share Posted September 7, 2007 Would be a great idea IMO, it would do away with meaningless friendlies and would be replaced with competitive games where any one of the 4 teams would have a chance 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bmck 117 Posted September 7, 2007 Share Posted September 7, 2007 definitely. a great idea. cant help thinking following frankie's recent article how linked rangers are with scotland again. smith had a chat with 'is mate eck and was somehow in a position to put forward his views. we own scotland! 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gribz 743 Posted September 7, 2007 Share Posted September 7, 2007 This should have been done years ago and would be perfect for a summer with no WC or Euro Champs. I hope it happens. But England will come crawlling in once they realise what they are missing and the revenue it would bring to there stadium they have to pay off. But they realise they would get stuffed at Hampden 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CammyF 6,779 Posted September 7, 2007 Share Posted September 7, 2007 Meaningless unless England are involved IMO. Will only draw average crowds (at best) and with Euro and WC qualifiers can't see this being taken seriously. Cammy F 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
eightball 0 Posted September 7, 2007 Author Share Posted September 7, 2007 Another thing that has been brought up is that all the 'home' nations play a similar style. So the youngsters that are being brought into the team won't get to play friendlies against a more continental style of play which might hinder thier development. Cammy could be right tho, it might not attract the crowds (Although it'd be interesting to see the GAWA (NI fans) singing their hearts out in Croke/Hampden?) 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gribz 743 Posted September 8, 2007 Share Posted September 8, 2007 Meaningless unless England are involved IMO. Will only draw average crowds (at best) and with Euro and WC qualifiers can't see this being taken seriously. Cammy F Cant agree with that. Scotland v Wales would fill Hampden and Millenium no probs. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian1964 10,411 Posted September 8, 2007 Share Posted September 8, 2007 I would be all for it,however without England i'm not so sure about it 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CammyF 6,779 Posted September 9, 2007 Share Posted September 9, 2007 Cant agree with that. Scotland v Wales would fill Hampden and Millenium no probs. Wales couldn't 1/4 fill their stadium last night against the Germans - what chance a winters night v Scotland / NI / ROI? Cammy F 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gribz 743 Posted September 9, 2007 Share Posted September 9, 2007 Wales couldn't 1/4 fill their stadium last night against the Germans - what chance a winters night v Scotland / NI / ROI? Cammy F Could be played at a smaller venue like Ninian Pk for the NI games, would create a better atmosphere. 0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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