TOMMY CALLAGHAN’S sad passing yesterday at the age of 78 has brought the anticipated flood of tributes in memory of a genuine Celtic fans’ favourite.
Many have said a fond farewell to a lovely, unassuming gentleman I was privileged to meet and interview on several occasions for a variety of national publications.
Tommy gave his time freely and completed every conversation with the words: “If you need anything else, Alex, don’t hesitate to call. Always happy to talk about Celtic.”
ON THE BALL…Tommy Callaghan in a typical action pose for his beloved Celtic.
One recollection of a chat with Tommy – ‘TC’ or ‘Tid’ to his team-mates and many friends – that always made me smile came when we were discussing the daunting task he faced attempting to get into Jock Stein’s all-conquering side of season 1966/67 when he arrived in a £35,000 switch from Dunfermline in November 1968.
“Aye,” said Tommy, “lads such as Tommy Gemmell, Bertie Auld and Jimmy Johnstone were never slow to ask me: ‘You think you’re good enough for Celtic, do you? Show us your European Cup winners’ medal.’
“My retort was always the same. I would look them straight in the eye and say: ‘Please remember, guys, Big Jock brought me here to enhance the Lisbon Lions.’
“That shut them up. For about a minute.”
Thanks for all the excellent reminisces, on and off the pitch, Tommy. Please rest in peace.
ALEX GORDON