Baird’s Bar, Paul McStay and Anton. Brendan is home

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If charm brought European success, Brendan Rodgers would have left Celtic Park with the Champions League trophy yesterday. After speaking to the media he sat down with a small number of fans and immediately bound himself to the group by quoting the vernacular of the Celtic Park of his youth.

He spoke about it all. Paul McStay was his favourite all time Celtic player, “when we were in trouble you always looked to Paul to do something”. There was a special place for Anton Rogan, “flying down the wing” but it was Tommy Burns who made the most durable impression on Brendan.

“He went to Mass every morning before training [at Reading]. Family and people were important to him. He told me all about managing Celtic”.

There was a glint in the eye when he recalled stops in Baird’s Bar on trips to Glasgow before heading to Celtic Park, and of recounting his trips for weeks afterwards. The thought crossed my mind that this was a guy who had just picked up keys to kingdom he dreamed of ruling.

There was a short sentence: “I was 39 when I went to Liverpool”. He didn’t need to elaborate. The Liverpool job came when Brendan was still young enough to be play. He’s sure he is a better manager now than then, although he was a pretty impressive manager to be able to land the Liverpool job when he was still a pup.

Several of you have noted that the pickup in season ticket sales will pay the reported multi-million pound salary Brendan will earn. That will pale into insignificance compared to the money his family spent in the Superstore yesterday. They are a very proud family.

He wants his teams to defend aggressively. The responsibility to develop players remains, but he noted that it takes the right experienced players to properly bring on young talent. Oh, and no one needed to tell him the importance of the last week in August.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the newspaper advert fundraiser, the money is now in and fundraising closed.  The Guardian and Tribune De Geneve have been paid, and the balance will go to Mary’s Meals.

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  1. 25th May 1967

     

    What’s your memory of that night? As an 8 year old, I recall my late dad (God bless him) settling down for some big game.

     

    To be honest, the only recollection I have is him going hysterical near the end of the game, ( someone must have scored) and dashing out the door at the final whistle.

     

    I left the house myself sometime soon after and remember an awful lot of celebrating outside the local pub, which was clearly where my dad had headed.

     

    The enormity of the achievement never resonated with me until a few years later.

     

    I still believe that night, IS THE REASON Rangers went bust and Sevco were born.

     

    The thought of us being the only Scottish club to have won the European Cup proved too much for them.

     

    I don’t suppose for a minute, that a single Celtic supporter realised at the time that they were watching the event that would be the catalyst for the death of their greatest rivals.

  2. Happy Lisbon Day to all. At this time on 25th May 1967, I was on my way by taxi from Estoril to Lisbon airport to pick up some friends from Greenock. The day began well as I was part of a group photo with one of my bhoyhood heros – Charles Patrick Aloysius Tully.

     

     

    The day was to become the greatest day in my following of Celtic. God bless you, Mr Stein and all the Lisbon Lions.

  3. Steinreignedsupreme on

    That moment when you realise you have Sportscene on series link.

     

     

    “And now on BBC Scotland, live coverage of the 2016 Scottish Cup final from Hampden Park with Frank Gardner, Kate Adie and Jeremy Bowen.”

  4. clogher celt on

    Got a text from a mate there. That’s the Aviva Sold Out.

     

    51,700 tickets sold for a friendly!

     

    Hopefully it’ll be on Celtic TV for those not able to make it over.

  5. You do realise of course next year is the 50th anniversary of Lisbon 1967. It couldn’t happen again …. Could it?

     

    ( this from the bhoy who is trying to get others not to set too high an expectation from Brendan in Europe next season:-)

  6. pintaguinness on

    My memory of Lusbon is that my dad and grandad wore suits , white shirts and ties with their scarves almost like a piece of dress rather than a banner. Oh, and it was aholiday of obligation and even though we were in Lisbon, had to go to mass. The chapel was absolutely full of tims and the priest said the collection plate was the fullest it had ever been. He said a prayer in English for Celtic

  7. Neustadt-Braw on

    Starry Plough….just seen your post…apols for late reply.……not sure if Wings was about then….

     

     

    Have a braw 25th…..

     

     

     

    JOHN CLARK….the most valuable asset on our books….

     

     

    Braw.

  8. Guys need advice

     

     

    Booked a Short holiday July In MAjorca

     

     

    Flights RYANAIR

     

     

    One of my bhoys cant go so trying to take my nephew instead.

     

     

    To change name it said £110 quid yesterday but been advised that might be each way !!!!

     

     

    Nephew would be cheaper booking from down south himself from MAnkchester or

     

    Newcastle(He stays down there)

     

     

    Any advice ?

  9. I’m popping in to see Tommy Gemmell around 4pm today. Will see if he’s up for coming on to the blog for a wee chat. If you’re around, you can ask him about what he was doing 49 years ago today.

  10. JC2 on 25TH MAY 2016 9:29 AM

     

     

    I think that’s right. I’ve read this before. It’s ridiculous. You might be cheaper at this stage just cancelling the ticket.

  11. On this day in 1978 I did my talk assessment while teacher training at Notre Dame on,

     

    The Lions of Lisbon.

     

     

    That also turned out well.

     

     

    Eurochamps67

  12. The Battered Bunnet on

    Hat tipped to Jobo:

     

     

    As always, first to report the meteorological conditions prevailing on and around the Dechmont Massif.

     

     

    Also, first of the CQN FS2ers to renew his season ticket.

     

     

    And first with the news that EKFC/ EK Community Trust have been given planning consent for a new 4000 seater stadium in East Kilbride.

  13. Neustadt-Braw on

    Winning Captains….that will be a :BIG SHOT: in your otherwise quiet day…

     

     

    Enviouscfc

     

     

    Braw.

  14. BOBBY MURDOCH'S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS on

    HAPPY HOOOOPY BIRTHDAY to

     

     

    our twelfth man on a great day!!!!!

  15. It’s the birthday of one of the most successful European Cup finals EVER, the sun is coming out to make it a lovely day, we won the league (five in a row) we have a new top of the range manager in position to lead us to more success, young players signing three year contracts (good players too) a new bumper sponsorship, a breakthrough in the UK for our supporters, Sevco got pumped in the SCF , PEP Warburton hasent been seen or heard of since 5:00 PM on Saturday?

     

    Yet some ( the predictable little Level 5 helpers) keep on about PL, his bonus heated driveway all the usual pash, I’m being very honest here, there are Huns in here, I’m serious, even if they deny it I’m telling you they’r Huns, now I’m only asking a question here, because obviously neve been there I haven’t a clue, I’m being serious here, is this what the talk about at CQN corner before a game? Is this how they get ready for a game? Do they wear Celtic scarfs? I’m being honest here, and I’m definitely not accusing everyone who stands there are like this, but ffs man they really honestly need to up their game ffs, talk about doomed? My god its lamentable, take up hill walking ffs, or maybe even train spotting, idiots IMO. Rant over.hh

     

    Lurking Huns GIRFUYs

  16. BOBBY MURDOCH'S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS on

    HAPPY HOOOOOPY BIRTHDAY to

     

     

    HANA SKYE!!!!

     

     

    Well done,Starry. Good timing.

     

     

    My Dad nearly caused me to be born on 12 July!

  17. Forty Nine years ago this morning I went to the Corpus Christi Holiday of Obligation Mass. The theme of the liturgy was ‘ This Cup’.

     

     

    Sorry if us Ould Wans make you Young Wans jealous.

     

     

    Hail Hail.

  18. BOBBY MURDOCH'S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS on

    JC2

     

     

    He’s cheaper changing his name! I’m sure I read someone doing that not long ago.

  19. I’ve often fancied myself as a manager . I reckon I could put a team out that would have a defence no fekker messed with, flair and aggression in midfield, and forwards capable of hitting the mark every time.

     

    I guess you all do, but most of you are just deluded. I’m the real deal. To prove it, I’ll demonstrate the type of team you need. Now I know you’ll be concerned at the apparent lack of harmony but that would all be forgotten on the pitch with me, the Pep G of managers, at the helm.

     

     

    In a 4-4-2 formation:

     

     

    The Battered Bunnet ( safe pair of hands)

     

     

    Neganon

     

    Canamalar

     

    The green man

     

    St Stivs

     

    (no-one will mess with this back4)

     

     

    BMCUW ( flair)

     

    Auldheid ( calmness personified )

     

    Tony D ( aggressive )

     

    P8ddy ( rare appearances but quality)

     

     

    BRTH

     

    Italiabhoy

     

    ( always hit the target)

     

     

    Now you’ll all be thinking “I should be in that team” but that’s why I’m manager. To make the tough decisions.

     

     

     

    News flash :

     

     

    Cup Final result:

     

     

    CQN 7

     

    Follow follow 1.

  20. My auld man was baby sitting duties as my Mum was out working I can remember very little about the actual game itself, though my wee sister at the time who was probable 3 years old standing on a chair looking out the window & nearly went through it as my auld man let out such a roar when big Tam’s equalizer went screaming in

     

     

    After that I can remember us wee yins marching round the cul de sac with made up banners & placards like the we were a very 1st version of the ” Green Brigade ” :) Whilst the men headed to the pubs in droves

     

     

    Never had any idea how momentous the occasion was but i think our fathers did, I just remember it being such a joyous & happy day being a kid

     

     

    Glasgow district 11 csc

  21. And feel free to tell me why you should be in the team but be prepared for the tough answer you might have to deal with:-)

     

    In fact, too much complaining from any squad member and you’ll be freed!

  22. BOBBY MURDOCH'S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS on

    TWISTSNTURNS

     

     

    Flair?

     

     

    Aye,yer right. That’s where you’ll find me towards the end of the evening.

     

     

    Btw,left-footed. You’ve got me on the wrong side of the pitch!

  23. Joe Filippis Haircut on

    Good Morning Bhoys from a dry sunny Central Scotland things are quiet around Parkhead after the excitement of the last few days. H.H.

  24. TWISTS N TURNS

     

     

    Who would your backroom staff be?

     

     

    And you forgot to name a Captain.

     

     

    C’mon now!

     

     

    HH!!

  25. Hunderbirds are Gone on

    JC2

     

     

    Think you have lost your money dude.

     

     

    Myself and three others had tickets to go to Barcelona for the 6-1 game. (We had been to the previous, nearly historic, 2-1 game).

     

     

    The day before we were due to fly Ryanair from Prestwick, one of the guys took I’ll and was hospitalised, therefore unable to travel . The tickets had been bought by a friend/business acquaintance as a wee treat, and he asked me if anyone I knew fancied coming instead. Miss Hunderbirds had always wanted to go to the Camp Nou, so I phoned her. The bloke that booked the tickets tried to get the name on one of them changed, but had no luck either phoning or online. The girl on the phone suggested we might have more luck at the Ryanair desk at the Airport.

     

     

    But, long story short, in spite of much effort at Prestwick and later Barcelona (for the return flight), we basically had to pay for last minute new tickets, that became available only because we knew there was at least one no-show on the flight – the guy that was in hospital. My friend very generously paid up, but Miss Hunderbirds tickets cost about 8 times the price of the originals.

     

     

    In spite of that, and the result, we had a great time, and it’s a great memory for me with my daughter. No thanks to Mike O’Leary though.

  26. Geordie Munro on

    Jc2,

     

     

    It’s crazy the fees they charge.

     

     

    I’ve heard of cases where changing your name and then passport works out cheaper.

     

     

    Try looking at flights from one of the North England airports as their schools provably won’t be off yet.

     

     

    HH

  27. thetimreaper on

    Twisty

     

     

    Get me up front. Never mind Donnelly he’ll spend the whole game arguing with the ref.

  28. I’m in turmoil here. Just realised I’ve more quality at my disposal I’d forgotten about.

     

    DBBIA

     

    BSR

     

    Geez this isn’t as easy as I thought.

     

    TBB. Whit? You being 5 foot tall ? does not phase me:-)

  29. Geordie Munro on

    “Celtic Power 4.45 Hamilton 3/1”

     

     

    Eurochamps,

     

     

    I was at the meeting at the start of the month and the horse never run worth a sook.

     

     

    Carrying a bit of a penalty I believe for winning at the same venue at the tail end of last season.

     

     

    Will be interesting to see what it’s carrying today.

     

     

    Funny enough it was a nag called neganon (well not really but very similar) wot won that day :)

     

     

    HH