If you met a former Celtic player before a game, it was most likely John Fallon. Of the thousands of players who have worn the jersey over the last 137 years, surely none has paid their way to see his former team more than John. This was never more evident than the last time the Lisbon Lions were celebrated at Celtic Park, John was absent, announced that he was unable to be at the game, which was a surprise to our former keeper, as he was watching from the stands.
He sat on the bench alongside Jock Stein and Sean Fallon that day in Lisbon, beneficiary of a medal he waited too long to collect, but it gave him an insight into what you and I hold precious. His stories will be told forever, but never again in the first person.
There was an authenticity about John’s retelling of his time in the game which is seldom heard these days. Stein? Well, John’s not here to tell you, and I’m not sure I recall. Personally, I will give you my stories of Celtic in the way I want you to hear them, John shot straight from the hip.
He loved nothing more than talking about Celtic, whether it was during his time, or discussing the current edition. Few players on this island took home a signed Cruyff jersey after a European Cup game. Fewer still saw it in the cleaned laundry basket a few days later, ink stain removed.
He loved his family, his Blantyre community, he absolutely loved a good moan, but he had a special love for the thing that binds you and me together. There are 10,000 roads to stop being a Celtic player, but John found the most faithful. Our love to BlantyreTim and the rest of the family. Rest in Peace, John, a truly great Celt.
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John’s Celtic career was of a kind vanishingly rare today. Joining Celtic must have been the achievement of a young life’s ambition. In the 1960s John could have sought out better remuneration and more assured selection elsewhere but his commitment to Celtic was such that leaving Parkhead was never an option. From the 1960s until the mid-2020s John Fallon’s consuming passion was Celtic. I can think of other players of that era whose passion was similar to John’s. But, rightly or wrongly, that kind of dedication is a thing of the past.,
Condolences to BT and all the Fallon family on their sad loss.
A John Fallon story: in Lisbon, John had secured Jock’s bench of choice and he thought this would ingratiate himself with the Boss. John could sense that his Boss was reasonably confident but still tense. Then Ronnie Simpson – yards out of his area – uncharacteristically decided to back-heel the ball just in front of an Inter forward. Stein was livid. But rather than shout at the player in question he whirled round in his seat and gave John a venomous stare. The big man was not especially fond of goalkeepers.
single denim on Shin BRRB?
Blantyretim @ 3:39 pm,
Thoughts and prayers with your family, it will be a huge loss.
A True Legend
John Fallon R.I.P.
Shels 1 nil down agin Qarabag
Sherbourne 2 down.
Shelbourne
ah dang
Commentary team desperate for Germany to beat Spain.Extra time starting.
Good night you absolute shower. 👍
●When John was spoken to by the polis●
1964 Scottish cup game at Cappielow…. after Celtic scored a third to secure victory(3-1 ) John raised his arms to acknowledge the goal,maybe he was a little excited,but seeing that it was Morton fans behind the goal,the polis told John to cease the celebrations.Any old timers remember this.
According to my dad the big seargent was a ‘Hun’ (well stronger words used tbh) and tried to arrest him after the match and he was told to GTF by officials in the dressing room .
Another tale he never told us as children which is why I used to laugh (sometimes with embarrassment at some of his comments) when he attended Q&A’s or just sitting listening to him talking about his pride and days when playing for and latterly following his beloved Celtic home and away. Laterly is was my daughter Monica who accompanied him in his away days . Mini BT as she was referred to in her earlier days when I was posting daily if not hourly in CQN
scullybhoy on 23rd July 2025 5:22 pm
https://i.pinimg.com/736x/ec/be/06/ecbe06fb67796a588436df49c50176ad.jpg
scullybhoy on 23rd July 2025 5:26 pm
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scullybhoy on 23rd July 2025 5:27 pm
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scullybhoy on 23rd July 2025 5:29 pm
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I’ve suddenly become a fan of Michael van Gerwen at the darts.
It might be something to do with his horrible opponent and his outfit.
.
scullybhoy on 23rd July 2025 4:58 pm
EKBhoy on 23rd July 2025 9:27 am
SCULLYBHOY
Always enjoy your links to the pictorial history of the bhoys , but your posting about Sean and not John Fallon … apologies if I’m missing something here
HH
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
A thousand apologies. I had a long night and was not concentrating when I started those posts. I always tend to call people named John Sean, even friends of mine. I was going to say I was I silly Billy, but I will go for a silly Liam instead.
scullybhoy on 23rd July 2025 5:03 pm
https://e0.365dm.com/25/07/1600×900/skysports-john-fallon-celtic_6971117.jpg?20250722210456
scullybhoy on 23rd July 2025 5:10 pm
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scullybhoy on 23rd July 2025 5:12 pm
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scullybhoy on 23rd July 2025 5:13 pm
A fearless lion left us today,
With grit and grace, he led the way.
A keeper bold, a Celtic soul,
Whose hands and heart would guard the goal.
For those in green, you’ll never fade
A name etched deep where legends stayed.
With every cheer and thundered cry,
The Holy Goalie soars the sky.
He wore the Hoops with pride and fire,
Through rain and storm, he’d never tire.
Two finals graced on Europe’s stage,
A hero carved on football’s page.
His Irish roots he held so dear,
Sligo’s call rang strong and clear.
A passport gained in twilight years,
Fulfilled the dream he chased for years.
He once told me a tale so rare
Of angels clad in green out there.
They walk among us, watch and guide,
Forever with the Celtic side.
Ah, but referees his lifelong feud,
A stubborn curse he’d not elude.
With heartfelt laughs and honest fight,
He made his mark in green and white.
And now with tears we say goodbye,
Our lion rests beneath the sky.
Goodnight, God bless, your spirit’s free
The Holy Goalie, eternally.
Slán go fóill
J. J. Whelan
scullybhoy on 23rd July 2025 5:15 pm
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scullybhoy on 23rd July 2025 5:16 pm
https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi.pinimg.com%2Foriginals%2F94%2F29%2Ffa%2F9429facebb5b5e51ccce94f6b54550d0.jpg&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=72fcd13b64d167324aa08eb47b2eef9b4a3df3fd79266
The Holy Goalie.
Played for the finest team in Scotland.
We are always in his shadow.
HH
BLANTYRE TIM @ 10:44
Thank you for your response and condolences on your great loss.
BT
2 memories of yer dad.
That photo of him swinging on the bar in some celtic book i read long before i met you.
Then doing the tour at CP. Yer dad was the guide. I told him i played with you and he said he remembered me.
I dont know if he did but i felt 7 feet tall (which would be quite big for me !). A celtic legend maybe knew who i was ! Good enough for me :)
Keep The Faith
Cheers Steph
Our legends are never forgotten …and you Sir were one of them ..,RIP John Fallon and may perpetual light shine upon you 🙏🍀
Thanks again guys. Just watched the chat with Brendan when he mentioned my dad trying to get to Cork game . He travelled over and met Pat O’Halloran but was unable to complete the journey to Cork and Monica completed the rest of the drive . I think him being in Ireland 2 weeks in a row and attending John Clark’s funeral in between times really took its toll and he faddd dramatically from Sunday 😪😪
blantyretim is praying for the Knox family on 24th July 2025 12:00 am
Thoughts are with you and your family 💚
Davie Oldtim67 Funeral arrangements from One Molloy
Hi Bhoys and Geraldine – An update on the Funeral arrangements for our friend Davie OldTim. The service will be at 1pm on the 4th August at Thomas Cuthells Funeral Home, Boness Road, Grangemouth, a Humanist service conducted by a Mr Peter McDonald. The burial service will be in Gransable Cemetery, Polmont. The purvey will be in the Leapark hotel, Grangemouth. Davie’s niece Fiona has asked that I ask for numbers of those attending regards the purvey. She has also asked for some stories that I can pass on to the Humanist celebrant, if possible PM these to me please, thank you. 🍀💚
Good to hear from our old friend BlantyreTim at this sad time for him and the family .💚🍀
Good morning all.
Good Morning BRRB
Good morning fholks…
Back to Basics – Glass Half Full @ 3:08 pm,
“Chairbhoy @ 12:21 – cheers.
Good points made.
I’m generally supportive of the sustainable trading model but, IMHO, it has its weaknesses.
First, I’m not sure enough credit is given to the manager and coaching team for turning £3m players into £15m players in just 18-24 months.
Maybe they do get that appreciation and we just don’t see it.
Second, we need to be careful of too many £3m players arriving simultaneously. The manager has finite capacity and trophies to win.
Third, I’m fine with Celtic signing the Kwons of this world for a song – but their has to be a clear understanding that they’ll need to get to a certain level before the first team manager will grace them with his presence and their inclusion in our first team training group.
Fourth – and this one connects back to your post AND is my biggest concern in the model
We sell these HVPs as you call them at the exact time we need them most (Summer transfer window ➡️ leading into CL qualifiers)
BTW – I get that their heads can be turned in June and so are not fully up for it in mid-August before leaving us in late August
It does have it’s weaknesses but my feeling is, it’s getting better.
The implementation is better, the understanding that a HVP must be backfilled is better and the ratio of prospects to “hit the ground running players is much better.
It was interesting what Brendan Rodgers said…
“It’s pretty straightforward. There will be players within our recruitment team that are not just for now but for the future.
“Clearly, I will look at those players and assess, and see if those players can come in and play. Then there will be other players we specifically need. It’s still very much joined up.
“I suppose it’s more around whether the players are for now or later. People know the model over a number of years. There are players who come in who are maybe not expected to hit the ground running, but some of them do.
“That’s what I need to assess, those guys coming in. But I also need to win now, and we need to get those players in. Either way, I will be responsible for that…
“…whether a player costs £250,000 or £12m, I’m not really concerned. I’ve seen and worked with players who have cost more but others who have cost less but are much better players.
“I’m not really fixated on, ‘I need £10m, £15m or whatever’ – I just need quality players.”
That is of course the common sense approach – the Clubs strategy is followed and we get players in we need.
The frustrating part of course is the delay in the quality players coming in, in a timely manner but it is a weakness in the model.
Hopefully, we are working towards improving this, making the whole process smoother.
One things for sure, it is not going to happen this window which has a ways to go…
Hail Hail
Cornflakes read ,
Brendan Rodgers says he understands that the punters are itching for more new arrivals, writes Michael Gannon in Italy.
The Hoops boss is chasing targets to strengthen his first team and knows the clock is ticking towards the start of the new Premiership season.
But Rodgers also shot down suggestions of a difference between club signings and his own top targets.
The Irishman described new recruits Hayato Inamura and Shin Yamada as part of the club’s long term strategy, along with youngster Callum Osmand.
But Rodgers is adamant he has the full final say over any players coming in while underlining his desire to land first-team-ready stars.
He said: “It’s pretty straightforward. There will be players within our recruitment team that are not just for now but for the future.
“Clearly, I will look at those players and assess, and see if those players can come in and play. Then there will be other players we specifically need. It’s still very much joined up.
“I suppose it’s more around whether the players are for now or later. People know the model over a number of years. There are players who come in who are maybe not expected to hit the ground running, but some of them do.
“That’s what I need to assess, those guys coming in. But I also need to win now, and we need to get those players in. Either way, I will be responsible for that.
“Club signings, with the greatest respect, I don’t care where they come (from), I just need good players in the building who can help us win today, tomorrow and the next week.
“I’ve always developed players in my career, so I respect that side of it, but also the need for the present.”
Rodgers can understand fans frustration with the Hoops desperately needing at least one winger and another striker ahead of the new campaign – and the Champions League qualifier on the horizon.
He said: “I respect what the supporters are – I want players in tomorrow. But I understand the market and what you need to do to bring a player in.
“It’s not as easy as clicking your fingers. We all want them in at the start, absolutely, and none more so than the coach.
“But there is a middle and an end, and as long as you have them in by the end, it’s such a long season, so I’m very hopeful we’ll do that.
“I am, because there is a lot of hard work going on behind the scenes in terms of players.
“Of course, you look at our squad and you can see where there are needs for improvement. It’s pretty clear.
“The market is difficult in terms of timings and everything else. On the same token, we are only 11 days away from the new season and we want to get players in as quickly as we can.
“If you are looking to bring in a player that will improve us, the other club is looking to maximise their assets as well.”
Celtic have a pile of cash in the bank after the £17m sale of Nicholas Kuhn on top of impressive reserves.
But Rodgers is not demanding a bumper war chest as he defended last summer’s £26m trio of Arne Engels, Adam Idah and Auston Trusty.
He said: “There was a bit of focus around the players who came in last year and question marks around what they brought.
“For one, they didn’t set the price. But, two, Celtic did as well as they’ve done for a decade and those guys really helped us.
“Trusty was outstanding in the Champions League. Engels, his running power, was really helpful for us, he’s a young player who will get better.
“Idah scored over 20 goals and still has improvements to make. It depends on perspective. I felt we needed physicality and power for the Champions League and that really helped us.
“Those players have still more to develop.
“Whether a player costs £250,000 or £12m, I’m not really concerned. I’ve seen and worked with players who have cost more but others who have cost less but are much better players.
“I’m not really fixated on, ‘I need £10m, £15m or whatever’ – I just need quality players.”
Rodgers’ men will face Ajax in Como tonight but Hoops fans might need to wait to see Yamada in action, while Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnston will get back on the pitch.
The boss said: “I’m not sure. Shin has obviously just come in. He’s been with us for a few days and it’s just assessing and we’ll take it from there.”
I met John at the foot of Mount Errigal Mountain in Donegal a few years back after a charity event. Surrounded by Celtic suporters he gave his time to everyone, but I managed to get him on his own. Our talk at first, instigated by me, was of some of his stand-out Celtic games. I then mentioned members of my extended family in Cambuslang, that he had known well through school and early adulthood. John wanted to know what had become of them, and we had a good old natter. Thanks for everything, John: a great goalkeeper and genuinely lovely guy.
R.I.P John Fallon
It was sad news to read yesterday about the death of John Fallon, a great Celt. This article is a thoughtful tribute to a successful life well lived, Paul67
He played for our team for many years and moved among the great and the good of the club. I think though, he will be remembered by the Celtic foot soldiers as one of our own.
Perhaps it could be a consideration to involve representatives from the Callaghan, Williams, Clark and Fallon families at the fly the flag unfurling next week.
No doubt, prayers will be offered to his soul in every Catholic church in Glasgow.
From BSR link at 9:13 am:
“It’s not as easy as clicking your fingers. We all want them in at the start, absolutely, and none more so than the coach.”
Some CQNers might want to take note of that comment by our Manager.
BT
Sad news about you father, may he rest in peace.
Used to see him outside the Superstore having a blether with Charlie Gallagher prior to a game
RIP John Fallon 🙏
Good morning CQN.
Enjoyed those posts from Chairbhoy and
(scrolls back to check cos he has a memory like a hen these days)
Bournesouprecipe.
🙂🙂
Looking forward to a sunny day today and a Celtic match tonight.
A bottle of beer might come into the reckoning …. tonight that is.
Hope all in here have a good one.
Good morning
I would like to offer my condolences and prayers to the Fallon and Semple families on their recent
bereavements .
They may be able to take some comfort from days like this when CQN shows itself to be much more than a
bhlog .
Thanks guys
The noises coming from Celtic does a united club, working to a common purpose
Brendan’s comments yesterday were very encouraging, but more importantly, as always actions are what counts and our recruitment this summer does seem to be back on track –
“People know the model over a number of years.” – as Brendan said.