Jock Stein - The quiet start to something special

They often say that with the benefit of hindsight your vision is 20/20. For the 20000 match goers congregated on the slopes at Celtic Park on a wet December day in 1951 they may well have changed their whistles to cheers at the announcement of a new signing had they known what the future held. 

Jock Stein was making his debut in the Celtic defence following a move back to Scotland from Llanelly for a relatively small fee. To say the Celtic support was underwhelmed by the signing would probably be an understatement. At the time we were struggling to put the ball in the net, most fans would have been looking for a striker to help improve our position in the league, but in truth we were also losing goals & games that we shouldn’t have been. During November a 2-1 defeat away to Stirling Albion was closely followed by a 4-0 loss at the hands of Queen of the South at the home of the Doonhamers. The team needed a strong head to help steady the defence. 

Stein had made his name in the Scottish game as a strong defender with Albion Rovers in the late 40's, playing just under 100 matches for the Coatbridge side. In 1950 Jock swapped part time football of Cliftonhill & life in the coalmines of Lanarkshire for a professional contract with Llanelly in Wales, but just one year & 44 matches later Stein found himself back in Scottish Football in the East End of Glasgow. 

With 7 players from the 1951 Scottish Cup winning side on the field at kick off the Celtic team was full of big names, but not so much big performances. The fans that made the effort to attend the match in some dismal weather were treated to an enthralling match with superb “inside-forward" play & great goals. 

 Celtic were 2 nil up by half time, thanks to two goals from young forward James Lafferty. James had made his debut 1 week earlier at Celtic Park, and these goals were his first for the club. St Mirren would pull a goal back midway through the 2nd half through their inside-forward Tommy Gemmell. 

 The entertaining match would finish 2-1 to Celtic with Collins & McPhaill taking the plaudits for the home side & Gemmell receiving praise for St Mirren. There was even special mention for Jock Stein in steadying the Celtic defence. 

The season would end in disappointment with Celtic being knocked out the Scottish Cup by Third Lanark & finishing 9th in a league of 16 teams. However, the purchase of an unfancied centre back that season would have an incredible effect on the club in the years to come, it also ignited a friendship that would reshape the history of the club as Jock Stein & Sean Fallon coached the team to an unparalleled period of success in Scottish & European football just 16 years later.

Hillsborough Memorial

On the 30th April 1989 Celtic and Liverpool met at Celtic Park in what was an emotional day for fans of both clubs as they united in grief at the loss of life of 96 Liverpool fans at Hillsborough 2 weeks earlier.

As an 11 year old I watched the events of the opening minutes of the Liverpool v Notting Forrest FA Cup semi final unfold on TV with my dad.     I remember the disbelief in my parents eyes as the reality of the events became clear & the tragic loss of life was reported on news bulletins throughout the evening.

Even though we lived in Glasgow a real sense of sadness & grief was felt in our home for some time after the tragedy.

In the days & weeks after Hillsborough, football matches & results really took on no significance as the people of Liverpool mourned the loss of their sons & daughters as a result of this tragedy.  Anfield became a place for mourners to pay their respects to those who lost their life, as flowers & scarfs were left on the Anfield turf & Kop terracing.

The strength & resilience of the people of Liverpool helped unite their city in grief, as did the actions of the management team & players as they supported the relatives of those families who had lost loved ones.

As some focus moved towards the return to action on the football field, Celtic & Liverpool agreed to play a memorial match at Celtic Park.

My sister picked up tickets to the memorial match & gave me the ticket as a gift for my Confirmation a few days before the match.

I remember approaching the main stand that day & seeing so many different coloured scarfs in & around the stadium as people from across the UK had come to pay their respects.

On getting to our seats, we found we were sitting next to a group of family & friends who had made the trip up from Liverpool for the match.  They were still raw with emotion, but grateful for the welcome given by fans around them on their journey.

Before the match kicked off a Celtic fan lay flowers on the pitch at the Celtic end of the ground & then fans held their scarfs high & joined in a rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone".

Liverpool ran out 4-0 winners on the day, but the purpose of the match was not test who was the better footballing side, but to allow a new chapter to begin as the healing process continued for the people of Liverpool.

Another emotional rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone" echoed through Celtic Park & scarfs were swapped between fans once the match was over.

The Liverpool team returned home & looked to turn their attention back to their actions on the football pitch.

I was at a Celtic match with my son towards the end of the season a few years ago & he asked why some fans were walking round the trackside with a huge Liverpool flag.   It took some time to explain what had happened that day in Sheffield & the link between both clubs.

So much has changed in football since the events at Hillsborough in 1989, but the commitment & dignity shown by the families & friends to ensure Justice for the 96 Liverpool fans who lost their life that day should never be overlooked.

ICD Operation & Mental Health Recovery

Hogmanay is normally a time of celebration for families and friends across Scotland, however the bells that welcomed in 2017 rang with a little more trepidation for me.    Earlier that day I had endured/enjoyed a day out at the football with my 2 children watching Celtic come from behind to secure a 2-1 victory against city rival Rangers.   From my seat high in the Broomloan Road stand I had watched my team Celtic secure our first win at Ibrox for a few years.   The pulsating ninety minutes had left many in the 50000 strong crowd checking their heartbeat, but for me, the day brought me a new sensation & worry.


As I made my way to my seat at the very top of the away end at Ibrox, my heart was racing.    Was it the expectation of another Glasgow derby – or was my heart trying to tell me something? 


Shortly after I was born in 1978 I was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect called Tetralogy of Fallot (a combination of four abnormalities of the heart).    The condition meant that I needed 2 operations to help restore my oxygenated blood circulation when I was just 3 and 6 months old.  These procedures were followed up with 4 open heart surgeries (including 3 pulmonary valve replacements) when I was 3, 9, 19 & 31.    It’s fair to say that I am aware of just about every heartbeat.   However, the frenetic sensation in my chest was all very new to me & was very different to the increased heart rate when celebrating a winning goal.


As part of my aftercare with the Scottish adult  congenital service at the golden jubilee hospital I was able to discuss my symptoms with the nurse practitioners who arranged for a 24 hour tracing of my heart.   Unfortunately, no irregularities were identified during the review.    This was simply because my heart never raced out of control when it was being monitored.     Over the next 2 years I continued to feel the strong palpitations in my heart intermittently, until in late December 2018 I visited Glasgow Royal Infirmary after I had experienced a series of palpitations lasting well over 20 minutes.


On admission to the hospital I was diagnosed with non-sustained ventricular tachycardia symptoms.   These were no ordinary palpitations, this was serious and the condition had to be treated immediately.     I was given beta-blockers to treat my extra prominent heartbeat, however my specialist would not allow me to leave hospital until I had been fitted with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator.    An ICD is a small device which can treat people with dangerously abnormal heart rhythms.    It sends electrical pulses to regulate abnormal heart rhythms, specifically those that can be dangerous and cause a cardiac arrest.   So, I had to spend Christmas in the hospital and was scheduled for surgery on Friday 28th December 2018, almost 2 years to the day since I first experienced the dangerous heart rhythms.


I was taken to the operating theatre for surgery early in the morning.   The device would be implanted under local anaesthetic and I would be awake during the entire procedure.   This was a particularly unsettling experience, however the surgeon and his team ensured I was comfortable throughout and kept me informed of the progress being made.   I was taken back to my ward to recover and have a bite to eat.    The device was tested to ensure the wires were in position correctly  and could regulate my heart if required.    This was a rather strange sensation feeling  a machine change my heartbeat.


With the operation a success I was discharged from hospital the following day, oddly enough just as Celtic were playing Rangers at Ibrox again for the traditional New Year fixture.   This time I was happy to be in my own home instead of the stadium.


Over the next 4 weeks I had to learn how to adjust physically to my new device, this included sleeping, stretching and getting dressed.    I also watched as the bruising & swelling dwindled during my recovery.     A little over 5 weeks after my operation I returned to work with the support of my employers, colleagues and family. 


I managed to overlook the warning signs that should have directed me to my GP to get my racing heartbeat checked for almost 2 years.    I made a similar mistake later in 2019 as I struggled to deal with the mental impact of the change in my heart condition.


As with all my previous heart operations my focus was on physical recovery, some simple exercises to help loosen the tightness around the reforming muscle and tissue surrounding my newly implanted cardioverter defibrillator.    I was fragile both physically and mentally.   This new stage in my desire to overcome the challenges I faced growing up with a serious heart defect left me questioning everything about myself.    However, I thought the best way to deal with it was to get back to being “me"; family life, work, Celtic  and squeezing in as much of everything else as I possibly could, including socialising, gigs and sporting events.

In reality my response to the operation had overlooked the importance of mending the mental wounds caused by the emergency surgery and the severity of the palpitations I had experienced for the previous couple of years.    I had not sensed denial, empathy or justification for the changes in my condition.    I just accepted it, but never really changed.    I kept going, and did not give adequate attention to healing the unspoken trauma.

During the 11 months after my ICD operation I increased my workload and activities in the office and at home.    The impact was crushing.   I completely lost interest in everything I enjoyed and live for.     Family time, football, Celtic, writing and even work - they all suffered.    I woke up on the morning  of the 10th December and broke down in tears, I had no idea why – I felt numb and I couldn't leave the house.   I took some time off from work hoping it would help, but my indifference only grew.

I tried to focus on healthy eating and some light exercise even some mindfulness techniques, but noticed my focus easily strayed.     I found it hard to speak and even harder to sleep.  I started to experience long spells of anxiety and began counselling sessions, arranged through my employer.   My GP prescribed antidepressants, but I drifted into a dark lonely depression.

I made an appointment with my nurse practitioner at the golden jubilee hospital.   Our discussion covered the last 12 months and more, but the focus was on my actions in the last fortnight.   I broke down as I shared details of my growing anxiety and depression, the images and thoughts that had left me paralysed with fear. 

The importance of speaking to someone became very clear to me.   I have follow up appointments with a clinical psychologist to discuss the next steps with me.   I know that there are no quick fixes and it will not be easy.     However, I also appreciate that mental well being is as crucial as physical health and I will be working hard to repair both.

The strength and patience shown by family and friends during this time has helped me open up and to say “I am not ok”.    I am still frightened, but I have taken the first steps in helping overcome my fears.

That Was The Celtic Goal That Was

That Was the Celtic Goal That Was




No. 7 26th April 1969 Steve Chalmers

　

Celtic complete the domestic treble as they thumped their city rivals 4-0 in front of over 130,000 fans at Hampden Park. The 2nd treble in 3 seasons cemented our place as the leading club in the country & Jock Stein as one of the top managers in world football at the time.

　



With a few big names missing from the starting line-up, Celtic surprisingly were not the clear favourites going into the match. Rangers had crushed Aberdeen 6-1 in the Semi final & with Jinky suspended & John Hughes injured, the media had Rangers edging the final.

　



In a blistering first half Celtic scored 3 goals with out reply. The first coming from our captain & leader Billy McNeill. After only 3 minutes Celtic took advantage of some poor marking in the box, a corner swung into the box was met perfectly by McNeil as he steered the ball into the corner of the net.

　



Rangers had chances but Fallon in goal kept Celtic in front. As the match approached half time Celtic scored 2 quickfire goals. Bobby Lennox made it 2-0 when he capitalised on some slack passing in the Rangers Midfield. With the Celtic fans still celebrating the 2nd Goal, George Connelly dispossessed John Greig on the edge of the rangers box, then rounded the keeper to make it 3-0.

　



With the match over as a contest Celtic continued to attack in the 2nd half, then on 76 minutes Steve Chalmers scored Celtics 4th goal. In a move that started from inside our own 6 yard box, Celtic swept from defence to attack in seconds.

　



McNeil headed a cross clear & within 4 passes Chalmers found himself in acres of space in the Rangers half, he advanced on the left wing, cutting into the box, bearing down on goal he had support from Lennox & Auld, but with the angle closing Chalmers clipped the ball with the outside of his right foot passed Martin in the Rangers goal & inside his near post.

　



As the Celtic players & fans celebrated the huge victory the rangers fans made their way for the exit, some trying to enter the field of play.

　



The cheek of the finish from Chalmers not only showed the confidence in that Celtic teams ability it also showed the gap in quality between both teams in the final.

　



To win the treble was reward for a fantastic performance, but to secure it so emphatically against our rivals made it more special.

That Was The Celtic Goal That Was

That Was the Celtic Goal That Was



No. 6 24th August 1996 Paolo Di Canio



On the 31st May 1996 Paolo Di Canio joined Celtic from AC Milan. Tommy Burns had been looking to add a game changer to our team, someone who could unlock defences , make & score goals - Tommy & the Celtic fans were not to be disappointed.


The arrival of Di Canio complete the "Three Amigos" forward line of the 96/97 season with Cadete & Van Hooijdonk. Andreas Thom would add some more firepower to a sometimes unstoppable attacking formation. However, with so much focus on going forward our defence were often left wide open & even with a fast flowing strikers we couldn't always get the win we so sorely needed that season.


In an early season match at Rugby Park, Celtic scored 3 second half goals coming from behind to beat Kilmarnock.


After going into the dressing room at Half-Time 1 down Celtic had to find a way to get back into the match. Having survived a scare early in the 2nd half when Kilmarnock should have doubled their lead, Di Canio & Cadete burst into life.


With an hour gone Di Canio picked up the ball near the half-way line & broke forward at pace before exchanging passes with Cadete on the edge of the Kilmarnock box. The Italian had slipped passed his marker in the box, he took one more touch to jink passed the last defender & then stabbed the ball with the outside of his boot into the bottom corner of the net, wrong footing the goalkeeper as Celtic drew level.


The hunger to get a winner was evident as the Italian retrieved the ball from the net to get the match started again.


Moments later Celtic found themselves ahead as we quickly broke up the park from a Kilmarnock corner. Cedete rode a heavy challenge on the half way line & made an inch perfect pass for Thom to complete the move with left footed finish.


A third goal was added in the final minutes when Di Canio slipped the ball through to his Portuguese team mate to wrap up the 3 points. The explosive introduction of Di Canio turned the match around & gave a clear indication of how Tommy Burns wanted his side to perform & entertain.

That Was the Celtic Goal That Was

That Was The Celtic Goal That Was
　
No 5 - 29th April 1995 - Tom Boyd
　
During the early 90's there was very little for Celtic fans to get excited about, boardroom unrest & inconsistency on the pitch. The tail end of the 94 season saw the boardroom struggle finally coming to an end as Fergus McCann took the reins at the club. A new plan & vision was sold & the supporters joined him in the quest. In our push to become the number one team in Scotland again we had to take a few detours on the way & one of these detours took us to Hampden for the 1994/95 season
　
The league season at Hampden could easily be forgotten, but in reality the season spent there allowed the Club to replant their roots at Celtic Park & make inroads to winning silverware once again.
　
In one of the many away days during the season Celtic visited Brockville for a important League match against Falkirk.     The hosts were playing well & looking to finish in a European spot in the league, Celtic on the other hand were struggling to put a run of results together & with one eye on the Scottish Cup Final at the end of the season, that could perhaps be forgiven.
　
Celtic started well & scored after only 5 minutes through Phil O'Donnell. Falkirk came back into the match with Maurice Johnston missing a good chance in front of goal much to the amusement of the travelling support, especially when it was clear that Bonner had also caught Johnston & left the striker checking all items in his shorts were still intact.
　
Into the 2nd half Falkirk were awarded a soft penalty which was converted to bring the sides level. With so many draws hampering Celtic all season it seamed like it would be another day without a win.
　
From a throw in on the right, Tom Boyd made his way passed two defenders & tried to square the ball, following a game of pinball on the Falkirk box the ball broke to O'Donnell who snatched at his shot, the ball fell kindly for Boyd & he diverted the ball passed the Falkirk keeper from close range.
　
As Boyds team-mates swarmed round him, you could see what the goal meant. It wasn't a league decider, it wasn't a cup final, but it was one of the few times in the season when we managed to grind out a win when it seamed more likely to leave with a point.
　
Tom Boyd only scored 2 competitive goals in his 11 years at the Club & although he had to endure the difficult times during the early nineties, he was able to sign off his Celtic career in some style Captaining the team that won the title in 1997/98 & then secured a Treble in 2001.
　
　

That Was The Celtic Goal That Was

That Was The Celtic Goal That Was


No 4.   4th March 1970, Bertie Auld

　
"Once a Celt, yer always a Celt"

　
As one of the famed Lisbon Lions Bertie Auld will always be remembered by Celtic Fans the world over. Playing almost 300 competitive matches during his time at Celtic Park, he saw some lows but enjoyed far more highs.

　
A tough tackling, hard working playmaker in midfield, he was at the heart of our greatest ever triumph. He played 25 matches in Europe for Celtic & scored 1 goal, that came in March 1970.   Celtic had been drawn against Fiorentina in the quarter final of the European Cup after eliminating Benfica in the previous round.

　
The Italian team came to Glasgow for the first leg in what would be the biggest attendance for a European match a Celtic Park, with just over 77200 people there to watch a masterclass from wee "Ten-Thirty".

　
After 6 weeks out of the team due to injury, Jock Stein had no hesitation in throwing Bertie back into midfield for the big match. Bertie didn't let the boss down, he took control from kick off & powered Celtic into attack with willing support from Tommy Gemmell & Davie Hay.

　
After 30 minutes Celtic got the breakthrough, Bobby Murdoch crossed the ball from the right wing, John Hughes headed the ball back to the edge of the Box where Bertie Auld was in acres of space, he took a touch to control & powered a low shot passed the keeper & into the bottom corner of the net. Celtic were 1 up & in control of the match.
　

In the opening exchanges of the 2nd half Auld had the ball wide left & delivered a cross waiting to be attacked, in the panic Carpenetti connected with the cross only to loop the ball over his own keeper & double the advantage for Celtic.

　
Celtic continued to dominate & got the reward of a 3rd goal in the final minute, Once again Bertie Auld played his part. Picking up a loose ball in the final 3rd of the pitch, he drifted wide left & crossed the ball for Harry Hood to set up Willie Wallace who was on hand to seal an impressive victory 3-0 victory over the Italian Champions.

　
Celtic would loose the 2nd leg 1-0, but the tie was effectively over after a Bertie Auld & Celtic had produced a flawless performance at Celtic Park.