I wasn’t engaged in Celtic politics 20 years ago, never attended the Celts for Change meetings and I wasn’t there to hear ‘The rebels have won!’ in person, but it was clear the Celtic Movement had achieved a remarkable revolution.
The old board’s biggest failing was its lack of strategy. 20 years on Fergus McCann rightly receives the plaudits for putting his money where his mouth was but until that very week he was merely one cog in the machine. Celts for Change were the advance party, others, such as McCann and John Keane were the generals, playing a critical role in the revolution, while the circa 30,000 fans who came forward to buy season tickets and shares were the foot soldiers who did the heavy lifting.
It cost £620 to participate in the subsequent share issue. People borrowed money in order to do their bit – in order to help Celtic, while others clubbed together to raise the target amount. This was an era when credit was even less pervasive as it has been in recent years. Thousands ‘did without’ to make this happen, and no one knew this more than Fergus.
The Revolution came 20 years after Jock Stein’s world record nine-in-a-row, but the intervening period brought obscurity in Europe, only once did we progress beyond Christmas and that was after overcoming Dundalk and Partizan Tirana. Six league titles were won.
The 20 years since have produced nine titles, with another in the oven, while former directors of former clubs are talking about the prospect of Celtic winning 10-in-a-row. We’ve had Seville, and lots of genuinely great achievements in the Champions League. It has been a fantastic two decades.
The one thing Fergus drove most thoroughly was his vision of the club’s social mission. Bhoys against Bigotry and Celtic Charity were launched and put squarely in the middle of who we are as a club. The renamed Celtic Foundation has grown and now engages thousands of fans each year in outstanding feats of generosity. If we are not ‘just another club’ this is the reason. If you’re not involved, get involved.
Over the years I’ve heard talk about a monument to Fergus, which would be entirely inappropriate, the man is a low-profile pragmatist, but we’re overlooking the biggest monument in sport. When he took over as managing director, Celtic Park was a magnificent football arena but fit only for our memories. We needed a safe, all-seater stadium. He raised £14m at a share issue, built the biggest football stadium in Britain apart from the decrepit Wembley, and left five years later with the club around £2.5m in debt.
It was an economic miracle which still beggars belief. I cannot explain how on earth this was achieved.
So Fergus, take a bow, you were years ahead of your time; ruthlessly uncompromising, just when we needed the same, but to those who only wanted to do their bit, without a wish for credit or glory, treat yourself this Pancake Tuesday, you deserve it. Every goal since is down to you.
Congratulations to Peter Lawwell on his appointment to the executive board of the European Club Association (ECA), alongside Bayern’s Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Milan’s Umberto Gandini, Ajax’ van der Sar and Ivan Gazidis of Arsenal; a heavy-hitting team. The appointment reflects not only on Peter Lawwell but on the fans and everyone who makes the club what it is.
Celtic are the club who more than any other in Europe have been disenfranchised by the drift of football success away from meritocracy to TV markets. Denied access to the TV markets neighbours enjoy, their status will inevitably decline further compared to those in other territories.
Do the ECA care? They will now. If football is to continue its 150 year tradition as a meritocratic sport, structural change must come. Celtic have been promoting this message consistently for years, so the ECA know who they have invited into the room. Let’s get on with it.
Seville, The Celtic Movement, launches this month.
“The long walk home from the game was memorable for the incredible reaction we got from the locals. They applauded each of us as we walked past their homes in recognition of what took place in their city throughout the day. Things like this don’t happen but that day was different. Seville, like Lisbon, will always remember Celtic.”
Order yours below:
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HT
Just aswell the belts been banned , six of the best for such langauge lol
john o’neil
18:11 on 4 March, 2014
Hamilton tim,
I defend the right of anyone to post on this site so long as they adhere to Paul’s rules. I am with Orwell when it comes to free speech. Read his preface to ‘Animal Farm’. Silencing those who you disagree with is usually Marxist or Nazi behaviour.
———-
Honestly I’ve read Animal Farm probably every 2 years for the last 25 years and I’ve never seen that!
Is it maybe just the copy I’ve got?
Was between giving up drinking or the blog for lent – todays posts have swung it in favour of the blog which will make Mrs gene happy – so no lurking till Easter
have a holy lent
HT
What about my serious posts? * I want credibility * ° ͜ʖ ͡°)
John O’Neil
Take care over there
HH
HT Dangerous???
He’s a puddy cat!
marspapa
18:12 on 4 March, 2014
My apology for doing so on CQN was genuine and sincere.
Great statement from Celtic this afternoon, I would say it is long overdue and that they have finally realised the anger amongst Celtic support.
Hamilton tim,
It was an essay which was eventually published by The Times. However, it is also in some later editions of ‘Animal Farm’. He was a courageous man.
Good ole Celtic actually speaking up for the wee diddy club who are top of the league on the Offensive Behaviour Act – charges.
We’re only second CSC
Livibhoy@15.02
Great post. Respect big guy. Only problem is you had a choice between going to see The Bhoys every week and you chose to get married instead. Wrong choice lol. I suppose you can’t be happy for all of your life.
Anybody who has missed should scroll back.
HH and KTF. HT abu.
hamiltontim is praying for oscar
18:11 on 4 March, 2014
tonydonnelly67
18:07 on 4 March, 2014
I hope you can explain this, and you better have proof, and I know you don’t, but go ahea anyway, it’s just another accusation from a very dangerous man on this blog.
——-
Tony, ah loves ya baby x
Ps surely you’re not threatening me sweet cheeks?!
_______________
I’ve never threatened you or anyone here, all Im asking is proof of your accusations against me, that’s all.
Bourne
I don’t read your serious posts :-)
Rarely do I read anything from you that I disagree with and even when I do I know that your motives are neither malicious or deliberately provocative.
They’re driven by a love of Celtic.
‘The freedom of the press’ by Orwell. My mistake. It was actually a proposed preface. Very pertinent essay.
Thanks Bourne.
Good ole’ John Kerry turns up to give Ukraine a LOAN of 1 billion pounds to see them through.
Meanwhile Putin says if the rammy doesn’t stop am putting the gas prices up.
At least they are a bit more transparent these days.
Gazprom wears orange n brown stripes ans Exxon is yella n blue.
Gazprom Half Time/Full Time for me.
jimtim
16:41 on 4 March, 2014
Absolutely, and I think that’s what BRTH and winning Captains had in mind.
Sorry for the late reply, still working, allegedly.
Tony D
‘You better have proof’
Is that not threatening language?
Tony, how about I give you my email and we take this off the blog people are scunnered reading it?
weeminger
17:18 on 4 March, 2014
Seems in those days it was always the same clubs that were fortunate enough to get 100% allocations on a regular basis
But then again nepotism is something that would go against the club ethos so some of the clubs must have been really really lucky
hamiltontim is praying for oscar
18:23 on 4 March, 2014
Nah carry on its quite entertaining bud
Just like to throw in a wee bump for a post @15.41 in between the fisticuff stuff.
Play the original and follow the lyrics from Awe Naw, “sheer class.”
And for any fellow musicians stick a capo on the first fret and play along
with Mr Jones.If that doesn’t cheer ye up then yer welcome to exit this planet.
Call me x
Does tonydonnelly67 exclusively own Celtic? Reading back he comes out with some absolute pash. The board never do any wrong? ffs gie us peace. They are human beings with their own set of values & politics to describe them as infallible is just nuts.
HT
And I’me envious of the travelling Celtic fan, that takes it on the chin *literally*
John O’Neil
Always conscious of your Putin on the Blog
HH
Hamiltontim is praying for Oscar
18:23 on
4 March, 2014
Gonnae no dae that…
You all realise Celtic’s excellent statement was released because thee OBA was being discussed by the justice committee today. Timing.
Floor plan for CQTEN for those interested. Bars at the back, screens at the front to show the game etc
http://i674.photobucket.com/albums/vv109/241media/0001Ax_zpsd66a1e6e.jpeg
Welcome statement by Celtic FC.
Not sure if the referendum has anything to do with the timing. More likely the review of the bill?
Weeminger…..yup :-)
hamiltontim is praying for oscar
18:23 on 4 March, 2014
Tony D
‘You better have proof’
Is that not threatening language?
Tony, how about I give you my email and we take this off the blog people are scunnered reading it?
_________________________________
Naaaaaaaaaaaaa, my life is just peachy as it is, the last thing I want is your e mail pal, I’ll just give you enough rope, you’ll hang yourself, an if you don’t, you don’t, .
Mickbhoy1888
Sorry but pancakes are calling soon :-)
How’s things with you?
mickbhoy1888 – I couldn’t possibly comment. It would be like banging a drum in chapel.
One of the Reasons, fur the Falling Attendances at Celtic Park..
is.( Not the Only one.. Of course.. But. the Paramount Wan…)
Is…
The Disappearance of a Viable Threat, tae Celtic Invincibility in the Scottish Premier League Championship Racel.
Fir thur is Nae Honor in . Easy Won Victory.
Hence, the Spread o’.. A Dreadful .. Doze o’ ENNUI.. among the Celtic Faithful.
Yep..it Soitenly is..
Pete, Knows it.. Ah know ..
But, the Majority oan here
DON’T WANNA KNOW IT!
Wance, the “Viable Threat” Tae Celtic’s Invincibility.. in Takin the League Championship.. Every Damn Year..
Returns..
Then..
Once more, We wull witness the Return of a Packed n Enthusiastic Stadium, at Parkheid oan the Clyde.
As a Dyed in the Sharkskin.. Capitalist..
Ah know that COMPETITION.. ( Although, Ah believe it’s a Bloody Pain in the Neck..n Ah detest it.)
Ah am Forced , Kickin’ n Screamin,n Maist Reluctantly, tae Ruefully , Admit..
That…
“Competition.. WOIKS!..”
Yes, Virginia, although, Ah hate the sight o’ it..
IT JIST. Damn well.. WORKS!
When the Sevco once mair.. Return tae the Premier Division..
Jist watch all those Vacant seats at Oor Magnificent Stadium. oan Match days…
Fill Up..
Pronto!
YaBetcha.
You’ll See.
Kojo,
Still,Laughin’
Good statement by Celtic. But the Scottish Government isn’t going to agree to anything this side of September 18.
Weeminger/Ritchie
Yep but why let that fact get in the way of some mad cap, off the planet idea about the referendum being the catalyst for it?!
Brian Dempsey on SSB
HT
A lot of emotive issues on here , i dont think there is any need for an apology , we give and take on here , i’m sure Paul would come down like a ton of bricks if it was needed , maybe yir standards are set higher than mine ….eh noo that i think aboot , ah huvnae goat ennae lol get back to what you do best :))
Derek Ferguson
‘Scotland game v ROI should be played at a park where the ROI will feel uncomfortable’
Kenny McIntyre ‘ so are ypu saying Ibrox ?.’
KF ‘ Naw am sayin where the republic will feel uncomfortable’
God help us
Bourne,
People on here usually think I talk a load of Sarah Palin.
On The Moov
bobhoskinscsc
HT
Off subject….what are your thoughts on this :-)
http://m.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-26431417