The moment Scott Brown threw himself into a challenge on the edge of his own penalty area, laser-like in precision, to dispossess Barry Robson, brought the memories flooding back. Barry was regarded by many as a journeyman when he signed for Celtic alongside Georgios Samaras in January 2008. A month later he scored against Barcelona in the Champions League knock out stage and was well on the way to convincing the Celtic support of his ability.
At the time, Scott Brown’s fortunes were different. He’d arrived the previous summer, a £4m buy from Hibs, but had yet to acclimatise to the central midfield role at Celtic. In the spring of 2008, Celtic were well behind in the title race, and playing poorly. Robson was on the bench with Brown given midfield responsibility.
The script for that season was written by a gifted hand. As the season reached a climax, Scott was suspended for three games, punishment for a rash of misjudged tackles throughout the season. Gordon Strachan turned to Barry, who was made for the moment.
Seven years ago Barry Robson could tackle, in fact, he could foul, without being noticed. He brought determination and menace to a team which was questioned in the CQN comments section for an apparent lack of leadership.
Two of our last five league games that season were at Celtic Park against Rangers. Rangers had a games in hand but the effective gap was 10 points, Celtic needed five wins, and even then their chances of winning the league were regarded as remote. Towels were thrown everywhere.
The first, a midweek game, memorably started with Barry Robson putting a thumping challenge into Christian Dailly in the opening minutes. The tone was set, Celtic were there to fight for everything. Rangers thought they had the point they needed, their manager offering high-fives in the technical area as they cleared the ball late into added time.
I still can’t quite believe what happened next. In the 95th minute Gary Caldwell threw a long ball into the Rangers box, which was won in the air by Scott McDonald, the smallest player on the field. McDonald headed across the face of goal for Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink to head into the net. Celtic survived to fight another day.
11 days later Celtic Park saw an equally dramatic game. Scott McDonald (scorer of incredibly important goals) put Celtic ahead but the season looked to be in tatters as Rangers struck back with two goals direct from corner kicks.
1-2 down in a must-win game it was an uphill struggle, but McDonald struck again two minutes from the break to level the game with the assistance of a deflection. The second half was a tense affair, so much was invested in one game of football, but one man was made for the moment.
McDonald broke free inside the box and was hauled down by Broadfoot. Barry Robson stepped forward to take the penalty, it was the defining moment of his career. If you’re in Celtic Park early enough before kick-off these days you can still hear the echo of the roar that went up when his penalty hit the net. His celebration was unforgettable.
It’s remarkable that Barry is still performing at this level so many years after his peak but yesterday’s decisive challenge by Scott Brown demonstrated the enormous leaps our captain has made since becoming a Celtic player. We need players with that fight and craft.
Many of us are still telling stories of the 1985 Scottish Cup Final. A goal down, Celtic roared back to beat Dundee United with a Frank McGarvey diving header. Frank’s offering the jersey he wore that day for auction to raise funds for Maryhill Foodbank. It’s a genuinely unique piece of Celtic history, for a very worthy cause. Check it out here.
710 Comments- Pages:
- «
- 1
- ...
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 14
- ...
- 19
- »
While I do think Ms Black would improve her standing by simply apologising to all Celtic supporters, there seem to me to be some folk on here defending her who were rather abusive themselves about the likes of Murphy and Milliband. Personally, I don’t like being called scum by anyone of any age.
SFTB lol,
I’ll try but you’ve just reminded me of an old joke which it is not suitable for on here. I knew I’d kept that shoebox for a reason.
D D
Pro Bull Riding
HT
He told me that they were goading Celtic fans and looking for a reaction.
John is in a professional job and was in the company of our parish priest.
theglasgowcelticway
20:26 on
11 May, 2015
Stokes case postponed due to the nervous disposition of his accuser.When questioned about his medical situation his alleged victim said that since the attack he had been “All shook up.”
……………………………………
Some people with Suspicious Minds overheard him say That’s Alright Mama.
tallybhoy…
No prob mate, hope all is well with the family.
I’ve been busy of late myself, kids think because they are working that I do all the cooking and cleaning, I was told it was meant to get easier…my erchie :(
I’ve got dury duty at the high court on Wednesday, really hoping I won’t get picked as it will cost me plenty, I couldn’t opt out as the last time I was called my mum had just passed and was not in any frame of mind for it. HH
Jude
Cheers. :)))
Pog
I too got a letter – but from the lovely Siobhann at Celtic FC about the loss of pciture etc during the later stages of yesterday’s game.
Is that misogynistic or sexist or deluded?
I have never met nor seen a photie of the wummin.
CharmSchool CSC
A mate just said the school tie in Bridgeton St Johns was blue n green , has one in the cupboard
Swindon 6 Sheff U 4 on agg SS 2
Pog
Finished a 10 hour shift and switched on the Arsenal game. Struggling to stay awake.
exSlaemuirbhoy
It probably was but since Gordon J was asking about John St School…..:o)
Presuffix CSC
Shuggiebhoy67,
Many thanks for that. I knew someone on CQN would have the answer after Google failed me for once.
Bada…
Cheers for the nod, switched over from the borefest.
rwe,
I replied to the gorgeous Rachel and the lovely Siobhann responded to me, so I’ll see your Siobhann and raise you a Rachel.
I see some are lining up to defend young Ms Black’s unfortunate attack on Celtic supporters. Mmmmmm. I wonder if you’d do the same if it was more overt racism.
Uch she was young after all……………..
The EPL should change their sponsors to Horlicks. As the ole Dire Straits once said “money for nothing and chicks for free”
RWE
21:21 on
11 May, 2015
On holiday this week and still celebrating the title, school bhoy error
Big Dave didn’t look happy about being subbed
Hi Everyone,
This is for Delaney’s Dunky
I know it isn’t perfect but thinking about James Connolly.
James’ 99th anniversary is dawn tomorrow
http://youtu.be/vWGIOIbhOHk.
Clogher
Bada..
A great shout, nail biting finish.
Clogher
I share a birthday with James Connolly.
I made my first communion on May 12th.
I will save that for later.
Thank you
What age was miss black when she posted on her Facebook. Also I’m sure gold and green was not the colour on the the tie of John Street school .and I’m sure Willie Millar went there and stay around Baltic or Sunnybank St.
Watching Micky Harte, Tyrone manager, on UTV Ireland now. Amazing guy. Watch it on catchup or utvplayer if you can. Truly inspirational.
Goal Swansea!
DD: happy birthday. Do you have a James Connolly badge?
Excellent decision by the goal line technology :o) goal Swansea
Swindon v Sheffield Utd.. 9 mins added on…scottish referee!
Almore
My birthday is not till next month.
Yes mate I do have a treasured JC badge.
16 roads et all
I am sure Jobo will agree that it was a pleasure and fun to run.
More so that it helped wee Shay Bhoy and his young family.
The plan next year is to continue to support the family ( we need to raise around a further 6-7k) and Last Man Standing will make a wee dent in this.
We also have a few more ideas coming to fruition over the coming months as well. So watch this space.
Of course this could not be done without the superb support as always from CQN.
So a big thank you to one and all.
HH
CRC
Fabianski doing well against his old team
Hope I don’t curse him now
timbhoy2
Willie Miller did indeed go to John Street. The family lived in Ruby Street.
I played in a kick about which included his brother, who told everyone that the family wanted Willie to play for the people and that Willie would not as he was happy at Pittodrie.
By the way the brother was useless.
DD: I got confused with his anniversary. The green and gold one?
Almore,
See you tomorrow.
I got your e mail.
HH,
Clogher
Almore
The very one! :)
sipsini-cracking game.
Don’t think I’ve seen a team dominate a half as much as arsenal….yet loose!
CRC & Jobo-great work bhoys.HH