We were hurting earlier this year. Sentiment among the support, the players and the backroom staff was at floor level. It felt like it was just you and me left. Not for the first time, that was enough. A year after 50,000 bought season tickets and did not get to see Celtic, they did so again, even though the world is not ready for many to mingle in just yet (Martin42 included).
Celtic is not our choice, it is us, as indistinguishable from who we are as our own image in the mirror. Without that pull to support our club, especially when in need, it would have floundered many decades ago. In the 1950s, Celtic was close to being eclipsed by Hibs, who had the players and recent trophies Celtic did not, with crowds on a par. The years before 1965 were humbling for a generation some of whom still come to enjoy success like they once never dreamed.
The 1990s were no better. Made to feel like foreigners in our own land, we looked to Celtic to provide a firm strain of identity. We hung in there, at times by the skin of our teeth. Then the new millennium brought glories not seen since Jock Stein’s great era.
We are a club born to raise funds for the needy. That has been difficult over the last two years, with events precarious to plan and collections needing footfall that was often missing. It is all the more remarkable that your Foundation broke new records this year, raising more money through it’s Christmas Appeal than ever. What I see in the discrete and anonymous actions of Celtic fans is humbling.
People who would run a mile from drawing attention to their acts. Many who clearly have little to give, giving anyway. Others throwing £20 in a bucket and telling their pals to do the same. If you ever want to feel humble, spend some quality time with Celtic fans.
Why do they do this? As I said above, it is indistinguishable from who they are. They are Celtic and this is what Celtic means. It is an honour to stand among you.
Take care and have a very Happy Christmas.
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I don’t see Kyogo playing today so it will be the same team. Last game there was enough chances, we can break defenses down to the extent that we create chances of a sort. It’s just the finishing that is so poor. lack of composure I guess. Professional footballers should be able to direct the ball on target at least from anywhere within about 25 yards.. It’s like hiring an accountant that makes basic errors in Arithmetic or a lawyer that fears public speaking. Also we need to make better use of set pieces – corners and free kicks offer chances . Carl Starfelt and CCV often make contact but neither are good attacking headers of the ball (yet). Corners need to create a sense of “who knows what’s going to happen” among the defense and the second ball maybe even more important than the first. Too often they don’t create any threat at all so that is a real waste, same with free kicks. These things need to be fixed. They are basic. Season’s greeting everyone.
Always remember getting Mr Tollan for maths in my last year there
at the Greg and frequently seeing him at pubs and the dancing in the years
after i left. He must have been over 40 at that time but took his
wind ups well
Philbhoy- Lyndsay was very strange……
Big Jimmy.
How ye doin.always enjoy the racing on Boxing Day especially the King George.had a nice win with Lostintranslation last gime out but yet again failed to back Frodon when it won..dont want to miss it again..so Frodon it is..tho i have feeling il jinx it and it might set up race for Nicholls other Clan des obaux.good luck anyway Big Man.
Trying to remember if a big lad who i played against many times went to St Gregorys..played with Celtic Boys Club.his name was Gerry Allan..great big player and helluva nice guy..
!!BADA BING!!
He took the Chess Club so I was in contact with quite a lot…………..but I had no idea.
Away tae make the breakfast.
Or is it brunch?
Social media was abuzz yesterday that we have a few/a lot of COVID positives due to a party after cup final. Goalkeepers amongst them.
Hope not but it wouldn’t be a massive surprise either.
!!BADA BING!! on 26TH DECEMBER 2021 10:31 AM
Philbhoy- Lyndsay was very strange……
…………….
Over the years I have kept in touch and met up with a couple of my old schoolmates for a wee bevvy and going to see The Celts.
They had some VERY worrying stories about the Gym Teacher Mr Lyndsey. He also enjoyed dishing out the Belt…he called his Belt ” Sammy Brown”.
He also had us playing Rugby Union on a RED ASH Fitba Pitch….Murder Policeman.
I remember a Mr Dolan who was a Maths Teacher, and who not many liked.
However I joined the School Fitba Team and he was the Manager……he was okay outside the Classroom
HH
Philbhoy,
I remember,Feeney, French,Jimmy Miller,Maths,there was a wee teacher called Barney Mc Conville,Economics,great wee guy.Played with Ronnie Glavin in the team.Stayed mates for years.
Moved to the Greg from St Gerrard’s,Govan.
Big Jimmy- correct,he enjoyed extracting red ash from your thigh,true
@Celtic line up v St Johnstone ……
Barkas, Welsh, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Scales, Bitton, McCarthy, Juranovic, Rogic, Kyogo, Abada
Subs: Mullen, Soro, Bolingoli, Dawson, Montgomery, Moffat, Doak
Barkas starts in goal.
Kyogo starts too
Guess COVID rumours amongst the keepers is true.
No Calmac and look at that bench. Holy hell.
Teams up….and yes Barkas is not a typo!
Celtic: Barkas, Welsh, Starfelt, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Bitton, McCarthy, Juranovic, Rogic, Abada, Kyogo.
Subs: Mullen, Soro, Bolingoli, Dawson, Montgomery, Moffat, Doak.
ILJASB @ 10:25
—-
Complements of the season (showing my age). Enjoyed reading your thoughts – good points well-made and equally well-written. HH
Teabhoy.
Thanks.the very one.a v nice woman indeed:-).was my only connection with the Greg.i am ex Bellarmine(silverburn academy)
HH
This will be even tougher than Wednesday.
But I have faith.
I just hope Kyogo is fit.
D :)
Not sure about that team…hmmm !
AIPPLE – She’s buzzing 😂
That bench is unrecognisable. There must be a big COVID problem as rumoured. Suggestion is 8+ players.
Shocked to see the squad. The team’s surprising – the bench frightening. What happens today when we get our usual two injuries?
After last season’s debacle, this, it seems, we are being tested to breaking-point.
ILJASB..Great Post mate echoing my thoughts …..especially Composure
We have lovely football up to the box and then BOOM “Adrenaline surge”…..
and it all goes Helter Skelter…Some team is in for a thrashing if we fix the finishing..
H.H
Doak???? surely naw Martin
live updates up
Saw on Twitter yesterday that 3 keepers were +
Barkas being keeper number 4 obviously wasn’t at the cup celebration party.
This should easily be a good enough team to beat the Perth Saints.
By their wage packets if not their playing regularity.
I still maintain any Celtic 2nd string should be easily able to better any other SPL team.
BTW, I think Hearts have stolen a real gem in the young kid Atkinson from Melbourne City; keep an eye on him.
0-2 in our favour today. Hail hail ‘n’ happy holidays.
ILJASB on 26TH DECEMBER 2021 10:25 AM
Kyogo plays!! por cierto
The only plus from that team is MJ isn’t playing
TYRKEYBHOY
Wee Jimmy could also draw the belt.
He lined my class up one day and looked at our fingers for traces of nicotine.
Those who had were soundly belted.
His dad had recently died of cancer and Jimmy blamed the smoking.
Knew Barney quite well! he was more like one of the boys. Taught me accounts.
I believe he died quite young. Lovely guy.
BOGNORBHOY
Can’t find the New Article!