Aiden McGeady broke the Scottish transfer sale record when he left for Spartak Moscow in 2010. Neil Lennon had just taken over as permanent manager after the departure of Tony Mowbray and Celtic put the McGeady money to good use.
Over the next two years, they embarked on a purple patch of signing players. Kris Commons, Gary Hooper, Fraser Forster, Virgil van Dijk, Mikael Lustig, Victor Wanyama all joined the club in that period and went straight into the first team, but Neil had other ideas for Aiden’s direct replacement.
Two years earlier Gordon Strachan appointed Neil as part of his backroom team, where he held a couple of positions before getting the top job. During that time, he worked with James Forrest and learned enough to know the teenager’s potential.
From the off, James’ impact was marked. He had speed, delivery and a powerful shot. He created and scored goals. That explosive pace brought hamstring injuries, which he patiently nursed for years. In 13 seasons as a first team player, he has won 11 league titles, six Scottish Cups and five League Cups, an historic haul bettered only twice.
Contracted for another three years, until just shy of his 35th birthday, those hamstrings are likely to limit James to a supporting role at the club, there to act as an adjunct to the managerial team and captain.
Athletic Bilbao have a One Club Man tradition, marking greats who played only for one club, making them a natural opponent for James# testimonial this evening. Enjoy it. Enjoy basking in the remembered glory of all those trophy wins, cup final and European qualifier goals – what financial value the latter?
69 Comments- Pages:
- 1
- 2
- »
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=70-OjM-Ap7c&pp=ygUNamFtZXMgZm9ycmVzdA%3D%3D
Good luck Jamesie
Happy match day all!
HH
HH our James.
KLV
Worth a wee RE Post maybe ?
BIG JIMMY on 1ST AUGUST 2023 10:47 AM
There is a THREE Year old RACE Horse in Canada.
It finished 2nd in a Race yesterday, but it has won a previous Race in Canada.
It is a ” FILLY”.
Its Name ?
Wait for it…..
” PENALTY TO RANGERS” !
LOL
Magic name. I will try and look out for it running again on my Bookies Website.
THEBHOYFROMU.N.C.L.E on 1ST AUGUST 2023 11:10 AM
I had a bet on ‘Penalty to rangers’ and it fell at the first…….. (chance)
…………..
Good Wan mate.
LOL
HH.
All the best Jamesie
HH
Thanks for the great service, James. Enjoy your night.
I’m a bit surprised reading that Forrest is contracted until he’s nearly 35.
That’s almost definitely a case of the heart over ruling the head. I thought we were all about the model these days ?
James Forrest – just kinda gets on with it. On his day a very good player. Well deserved testimonial tonight. Hope it goes well.
Have a great night Jamesie HH 🍀⚽️💚
The way football is, this will probably be our 2nd last Testimonial, Callum next,and can’t see it happening again……
Good afternoon all from the Crystal Palace. Plenty of the Irish Brigade around old Glasgow Town. That’s devotion for ye. 🇮🇪👍
Great article, Paul.
James has had a lengthy career with Celtic. Really enjoyed his purple patch, when he really blossomed.
Well deserved appreciation tonight. Hope all who are able to get along have a thoroughly good time.
Thank you jamsie.
Your days with us have been blessed and trophy laden. HH
Will be there tonight to celebrate Jamesy. What a player, what a contribution. Such a humble lad too and more highlights than you can list. Looking forward to it.
Paul67
“ Basking in glory “
I see what you did there 👍
@Big Jimmy
Just don’t waste your money betting on Rangers Concede Penalty…
Bilbao Bhoys CSC I Peña Celtic FC supporters group of Bilbao I Entrevista – Interview – Elkarrizketa
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5L_s309n8NI
BRRB at 11:36
Was hoping to get away from here by 3 p.m. but daughter has now got a tribunal on at 2. Unlikely to get to the Holy Ground before 6, by which time Almore’s Café will be packed.
Another time………..probably
Scaniel
No problem old chap. I could always throw GFTB and St Tams oot to make room for you. 🤔
😂
Keep Rocco Vata.
Give Rocco a new contract CSC
Quad, Burnley last thread…
Total agreement re the uber-fan cartoon (c)ult ra supporters groups.
Do not agree with the lazy ‘their plus points outweigh their bad’ nonsense…according to some on here, you would think that th GB are the only fans that support foodbanks or have an affinity for persecuted minorities…
More accurate to state that they shout the loudest about all the good they claim to do while conveniently glossing ovr the hundreds of thousands of pounds they cost the club in fines or the fact that while they put their name to the collections, its the silent majority of Celtic supporters who dig deep for their chosen charities and pay for their sometimes questionable tifos…
According to Phil, we’re in for a keeper, a left back and a centre mid.
Fingers crossed we get at least two of the three in before the window closes.
https://philmacgiollabhain.ie/2023/08/01/homegrown-love/#more-31086
I can see James McCarthy getting a testimonial.
AN DÚN on 1ST AUGUST 2023 12:42 PM
Jamesie will be 33 for all of his last season, not old for a player these days
The model requires highly experienced players. Jamesie, who’ll be one of the most decorated Celts ever when he retires fits in perfectly.
Always space for serial winners
CELTIC40ME on 1ST AUGUST 2023 1:57 PM
—————
Spot-on!
And the impact and if he can have on the younger talents hoping to make the grade will be priceless.
Losing far too many youngsters to other clubs in the EPL and so on.
Hopefully Jamesey’s story can inspire some to hang about for their chance.
😃👍🍀🏆🏆🏆🇮🇪
Forest does what should be simple ( but isn’t always) things well…he can take a ball at speed.. kill it and pass it straight to another celtic player …terrific first touch ..if only they could all do that.
Hairlikespaghetti
Well put ref GB.
Agreed.
Good to see quite a few Bilbao fans in the city today. Hopefully a decent number of them at the game later.
Just back in with my ticket for tonight (first time in upper deck) and with my new home top (no sponsor)……….looks fantastic on.
Spoke to quite a few Bilbao fans ……..mostly chicas…….they also look fantastic.
captainfantastic csc
The stars are aligning – 7.30pm ko and a pre-match speech from the man of the night. Thanks James, enjoy your deserved night. Being able to head for a half-nine train home instead of half-ten, after a match, is a rare treat.
—————————————————————————————————————————————————-
The Celtic thoughts of ‘GG and David Potter will be sadly missed by many from now forward.
BRRB
Reserve me & MissGFTB some seats in Almores cafe we are en route from sunny Helensburgh right now
Well deserved James………all the best for the future.
GFTB on 1ST AUGUST 2023 3:20 PM
I think BRRB has his own wee Lounge in Almore`s.
!!BADA BING!! on 1ST AUGUST 2023 12:45 PM
The way football is, this will probably be our 2nd last Testimonial, Callum next,and can’t see it happening again……
___
I think you’re right. Scott Brown was the last, I think and if I recall correctly it was a Sunday, after the season had just ended. Can’t remember who we played. I think there’ll be a good turnout tonight, high 40k. I think Scott had similar, though I don’t think this has been arranged as well.
Hot Smoked 3.30pm
I think he has his own personal lounge in many Glasgow establishments :-)
Happy to report I passed my fitness test. On my way to Leith. Can’t wait.
COYBIG
🟩⬜🟧
When you need help to get to a game, there’s always a Celtic mate to answer the call.
Hail Hail