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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Should read: the noises do suggest a united club.
I liked this one of John Fallon in situ at his beloved ground
RIP
Dick Beattie, Frank Haffey, John Fallon…I grew up with these guys.
I never spoke to Dick Beattie, I spoke to Frank Haffey once whilst asking for an autograph and I only spoke to John Fallon years after he retired. I spoke to him on a few occasions at Celtic Park.
I know he’ll be missed.
I liked John Fallon.
WBC
Funnily enough, my meeting with John Fallon was after a reserve match when I was one of the youngsters waiting for autographs.
He stood and signed autographs for everyone whether it was a book or a scrap of paper.
My old man always spoke well of him both as a goalkeeper and as a person.
new article posted.