Author Archives: celtic

Rewind Away Days – Estonia

 

With any luck this will be the last time we have 4 qualifiers as it’s tough to squeeze them all in, especially when the UEFA ball guy turns out a new place to watch a game and you just have to go. Having took a full week for the first qualifier for this I really had to be in and out for this one so I could be in work.

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I flew in via Helsinki on the Monday evening getting into Tallinn around 1 am which was just enough time to check-in to the hotel and take a wander down to meet my mates in Mad Murphy’s which was open until 2am and get the trip officially started.

Most of us managed to get booked in to the same hotel in the Old Town. The hotel itself was nice enough, and though I’ve nothing against old timber framed buildings, but the last thing you need when walking along the corridor is having to either jump over or limbo dance under beams like your own personal steeplechase at 2 in the morning.

It had been a few years since I’d visited Tallinn, having went there for the day before the HJK Helsinki match, but I still took the opportunity to take a wander around the old town. Not much has changed, but it’s a nice place.

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Like most qualifiers you have to collect the tickets out there, but the problem you are likely to have if you arrange for this to be in a chain hotel is that some people will go to the wrong Radisson in this instance. Besides it was a nice day for a walk and I’m sure they enjoyed it.

We made our way up to the stadium well in advance of the kick off because we knew there was a sports shop attached to it and my mate Charlie has an endless quest to pick up a jersey from each of our opponents in Europe. We fell into difficulty on this one as despite having a pink Nomme Kalju jersey on display they never actually sold them which lead to a failed attempt at bartering and offering to buy the one off the mannequin. He did get one from another stall outside the ground so all was good in the end.

The stadium is a modern, soulless 21st century out of town all-seater and is a far cry from the one that hosted the famous Scotland game when John Collins kicked off and the final whistle blew due to a lack of opponents.  But what the stadium lacked in character it makes up in facilities so we the took refuge in the stadium bar until kick off.

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Having comfortable won the first leg is was safe to assume a few players would be rested and we’d hopefully get a look at some of our recent signings so there was no surprised to see a second string take the field. It was good to finally see Julien and Shved get a run out. Whilst we comfortable won the tie 2-0 on the night we never really got out of 2nd gear so we could really concentrate on the upcoming St Johnstone match and the next round.

I’d say everyone associated with the club would be unanimous in that we wanted Cluj to win through in their match, with no one I spoke to really fancying another trip to Tel Aviv, I don’t think we’d get much of a warm welcome from Maccabi. I like most had one eye on happenings in Israel so feared the worst when Maccabi took an early lead and a cheer went up from our support as Cluj equalised shortly after. With Cluj scoring again just before half time, those who never had flight held with Wizz Air all had the phones out and onto Skyscanner at half-time to jump on it when they had a chance. I also know one person who travelled with Mummy’s credit card so they could book depending on the result and took the gamble at half-time on flights to Romania.

As I was on a flight at 6am I went back to the hotel so I could try get some sort of sleep before the red eye flight and a days work when I landed so I never went back to the old town for post match celebrations. But a dampener was put on the whole trip when I read through messages whilst sitting in Helsinki Airport from the previous evening, that a few of my mates were attacked on their way back to the hotel by guys tooled up with belts resulting and a few stiches and having to travel back Terry Butcher-esque with their heads wrapped in bandages. It was a totally unprovoked attack and the guys are alright thankfully but was a sour note on another wise cracking trip.

Scott Crystal has been travelling to the games on the Renton CSC for longer than he can remember. He has been watching games on the telly with the Hayes Bhoys since 2010 when he moved south. You’ll find him in one of these 2 places if he’s not off to Hamburg to see St Pauli. He is currently on a mission to tick off every country in Europe so he is always hoping for help from the UEFA ball guy to achieve this.

More than 90 Minutes Issue 109 Digital Edition

 

 

 

More Tabloid Talk this time Ajer to AC Milan …… Lazy Journalism

 

Celtic continue pre-season training ahead of confirmed games in France and the start of the league campaign. Neil Lennon spoke this week and said how important it is for the players to get used to playing behind closed doors and how over whelmed he was by the support of the fans who have renewed their season books for such an important season.

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When the gates open the stadium will be will be full once again but it is so important to be in pole position when we the fans do get back into Celtic Park. Over 50,000 season tickets have been sold in these uncertain times is remarkable of how the Celtic fans continue to back the club in these uncertain times.

It will be interesting to see how the newer players like Kilmala & Soro fit in to Neil Lennon’s plans as the season progresses and hopefully we can get a look at them if the pre-season games are televised.

I have contacted the club regarding Celtic TV or other networks covering the games at the moment JP Taylor has no details but will update us when he has more information. If anyone has any information on coverage of games please let us know.

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The goalkeeping position still remains a concern with only Scott Bain as the only recognised first team keeper at the club. The Foster saga lingers on with rumours and half truths and Ajer is the latest player linked with a move away this time to AC Milan, hopefully its just tabloid talk at a time when the Celtic press office are only giving them crumbs of information to write about.

These newspapers and google add parade websites are the same ones that got so much inch columns and thousands of hits out of Victor Wanyama returning to Celtic not so long ago and they will continue to peddle bullshit until they get one rumour correct and then they can tell us how they broke an exclusive while searching Twitter for their next exclusive!

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Andrew started More than 90 Minutes in 2001. He has written for numerous publications and online about Celtic.  He is a former newspaper columnist with the Daily Ireland and the man behind celticfanzine.com. He is host of the Celtic Soul Podcast & Celtic AM pre-match events at Malone’s in Glasgow on match days and follows Celtic Home & Away. He is a season ticket holder for Celtic FC and the Republic of Ireland. He is also P.R.O. of St. Margaret’s CSC, a member of the Celtic Trust and the Celtic Graves Association.

More than 90 Minutes Issue 109 Digital Edition

 

Ten of the best- A decade of Celtic dominance

 

So we said goodbye to the noughties on a bit of whimper after a defeat to them at the end of December. Still one defeat, albeit a sore one at the time was never going to define the most trophy laden decade in our history. Fitting that we recorded our eighteenth trophy win on the very last month of the decade at a rain soaked Hampden Park.

It may not have been Hampden in the sun, but it certainly was Hampden full of fun as we did a classic smash and grab, win over the tribute act. Safe to say that our domestic haul of eight consecutive league titles, five Scottish Cups and Five League Cups may take a while to beat. Included in that run are the Trinity of Trebles, eight league titles in a row, the Invincible season, Celtic’s 100th trophy, a record breaking 69 domestic game unbeaten run, four consecutive League Cups in a row (A trophy that haunted the Bhoys for years), and ten domestic trophies in a row. Yet the decade started with the huns end bouncing leaving Celtic Park after they snatched a draw. Kind of puts December’s defeat into perspective doesn’t it.

Many of us are guilty of not enjoying the moment and always just looking forward so it is nice to take time to reflect and look back on a decade of mesmerising memories. A recent poll carried out online on the top ten Celtic games of the decade caused much debate

The games in question were as follows in date order,

(1) Celtic 2-1 Barcelona November 7th 2012

What more can you say about this night, on a personal level my favourite ever night in Paradise, a day after our 125th anniversary. The Fairy-tale that is our club was encapsulated perfectly on this night. While it has just been the most brilliant of decade’s there still can only be 1 winner for game of the decade.

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(2) Celtic 3-0 Shakhter Karagandy August 28th 2013

The dramatic comeback as much as the achievement itself of back to back Champions League qualifications is what resonates with most who were present on this night, a classic European night at Paradise. Amazing what you remember on a personal level about games looking back. I was due in for an important work meeting at 8 a.m. the following morning and I remember thinking as the seconds ticked away to what looked to be extra time, we’ll miss the ferry home and I’m going to be screwed getting to work the next morning. Forrest’s late late winner saw every emotion jump out of me. We’d won the match, we’d made the ferry and most importantly Celtic’s name was in the pot for the upcoming Champions League draw.

(3) Celtic 5-1 Rangers (2012) September 10th 2016

The first ever League meeting between the two sides and like our first ever game against the old Rangers (1872) we hit them for five. Paradise was bouncing, the Sun was out and Moussa Dembele ensured a Dembelition in style. Talk about putting down a marker. I will not confess to being brilliant at predictions but I remember telling all who would listen at half time, with the game balanced at 2-1, that the Huns were there for the taking and that we’d hit them for five, a magical game in a truly magical season.

(4) Celtic 3-3 Manchester City September 28th 2016

Pep Guardiola brought his so called stars to Paradise, having won their opening ten fixtures in the league. A raucous atmosphere greeted them as we went toe to toe with the so-called top team in Britain. My Wife had given birth to our little Ghirl Grace just days before this game so I had to sit this one out. As Paradise roared to the tune of “Grace”, holding my little one in my arms, I’d swear I got a bit of dust in my eyes that night.

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(5) Rangers (2012) 1-5 Celtic April 29th 2017

This game saw us tear a Rangers team (Both 1872 and 2012 versions) apart in a way I had never seen before. I genuinely believe a four goal trouncing was not doing justice to the day. Just a magical day from start to finish. I previously wrote a piece in this fanzine on that day and what it meant to so many of us that had experienced terrible days at Ibrox. The Broomloan Road end partied like it had rarely partied before. Pure ecstasy!!

(6) Celtic 2-1 Aberdeen Scottish Cup Final May 27th 2017

The last game of season 2016/17 saw the Celts on the verge of history. Rogic’s last minute winner saw scenes of adulation amongst the Celtic Faithful in the stands that you know you will only ever see a small number of times in your life. I grabbed my best Celtic mate whom I have travelled with for years and he just looked at me, tears streaming down his face and laughed. Such scenes were replicated all over the Celtic end. Despite there being so many brilliant domestic moments over the past decade for me this Cup final stands apart, A truly never to be forgotten Celtic Cup final win.

(7) Rangers (2012) 2-3 Celtic March 11th 2018

Yet another magical win at Ibrox, This was the Bhoys fourth successive win here and ultimately this was as they say the straw that broke the camel’s back with the Huns reducing the away allocation for Celtic fans following this win, sick no doubts at the endless parties that were taking place in the “Free Broomloan stand”. French Eddie’s late winner was a dagger into the hearts of a Huns support that thought they may finally get a win at home in this fixture. I watched this game surrounded by the Tynseside Bhoys in the Irish centre in Newcastle, as I was over there for a friends stag. A lively afternoon on Tyneside followed!!

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(8) Celtic 5-0 Rangers (2012) April 29th 2018

This win was that bit extra special given we had the opportunity to seal seven in a row that day. A freakish loss to Hibs at Easter Road the week before by the Bhoys set this up as a title decider. For those within the Celtic support who thought they would have a nervy afternoon, going five nil up with forty minutes left to play put to bed that idea. In a very strange way I remember walking out of the ground, while elated, also with a tinge of regret that we did not beat the famous 7-1 score from the League Cup final sixty one years earlier. I know what many of you are thinking and you’re right, we’ve all got a bit greedy given the success we have seen of late.

(9) Celtic 2-1 Hearts Scottish Cup final May 25th 2019

The day the Treble Treble was sealed. The first final Celtic have played on the same date as the Lions lifted the European Cup since 1967 and low and behold we come from a goal down to win it late. Scenes of adulation and joy were mixed with sadness given the recent passing of our greatest ever Captain Billy McNeill and the man who scored our most important ever goal, the winner in the European Cup final Stevie Chalmers. The whole occasion was a fitting tribute to their legacy. A momentous day, the day we secured the Treble Treble.

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10 Lazio 1-2 Celtic November 7th 2019

A momentous away win in Rome, backed by over ten thousand Celts who had made the journey. A couple of weeks previous the Bhoys had put Lazio to the sword in a thrilling night in Paradise. A dramatic last second winner by super sub Ntcham saw unbridled joy in the Celtic end. I was sitting at home cursing the fact I wasn’t in Rome. The final game of the list was certainly a game that will be talked about for many years.

So there you have it, the top ten games of the decade according to the online Celtic Faithful. No doubts many will disagree with the games picked and have their own favourites. Isn’t that the joys of being a football fan?

One interesting note is that in a similar list made from 2000-2010, four of the five games picked were European fixtures. Domestic bliss is magical but wouldn’t it be great to see us in the near future making serious waves in Europe again. Ten magical games over an astonishing decade is always something we can look back on with a smile. Now roll on 2020 and Here We Go 9 In A Row!!!

Keep The Faith and God Bless the Celtic.

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Ciaran Kenny is a member of Naomh Padraig CSC in Dublin since the early nineties. Ciaran is also a regular to Paradise and beyond since 1995, he is a season ticket holder at Celtic Park since 1999. and a Shareholder and also a member of the Celtic Trust. Ciaran has worked closely with the homeless services in Dublin City working with Don Bosco Care since 2001. Ciaran is also Chairperson of the Irish aftercare network which advocates for better outcomes for young people in care throughout all of Ireland. Ciaran has contributed to Mt90M since 2008.

More than 90 Minutes Issue 109 Digital Edition

 

 

 

 

The Quick Chat – Paul Byrne

 

Joining Celtic?

It was the best feeling ever, I had offers from other clubs but when Celtic came inmfor me there was no other club in my mind.

Liam Brady?

Liam is an Irish football legend when he first signed me I lived with him for six months as he wanted me to get match fit and keep and eye on my dietary habits.

Settling In?

I found it hard to settle in immediately and had to work hard on my fitness but I got there in the end.

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Teammates?

Great bunch but I would say I was closer to Frank McAvennie and Rudi Vata.

Nights Out?

We had some great nights out and I had plenty with Macca, do I need to say more!

Lou Macari?

He gave me a new contact and played me in the team but he should have beenmanager of a running club.

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Fergus McCann?

He said what he was going to do and he did it, rebuild Celtic Park and kick startedthe silverware returning to the Celtic Park trophy room. He put in the foundations for the club that we have today.

Tommy Burns?

Tommy trusted me and played me in the big games although he did drop me for the 1995 Scottish Cup final. Tommy is a Celtic legend and I will never forget him.

Scoring against Rangers?

I played in 8 games against Rangers and scored in two. A lot of better players than me played in those games and never hit the back of the net so I am proud of those goals.

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Raith Rovers?

I took a penalty and scored but we lost and it was a very disappointing feeling.

Scottish Cup?

I think I played every round but not in the final. It was my last day at the club and I knew my time was up as Celtic were bringing in quality players like DiCanio, Cadette and Thom.

Leaving Celtic?

The biggest mistake I made was leaving Celtic I should have stayed and worked onmy game to win Tommy over but I cant look back in anger as I loved my time there greatly and to have been a small part of the Celtic story. I am part of the Celtic family and I have made friends for life.

You can listen to Paul chatting to me in Episode 8 of the Celtic Soul Podcast

Andrew started More than 90 Minutes in 2001. He has written for numerous publications and online about Celtic. He is a former newspaper columnist with the Daily Ireland and the man behind celticfanzine.com. He is host of the Celtic Soul Podcast & Celtic AM pre-match events at Malone’s in Glasgow on match days and follows Celtic Home & Away. He is a season ticket holder for Celtic FC and the Republic of Ireland. He is also P.R.O. of St. Margaret’s CSC, a member of the Celtic Trust and the Celtic Graves Association.

More than 90 Minutes Issue 109 Digital Edition

Revolutionising Celtic – How the Rebels Won 

 

Fergus Dowd take us back in time, when the Rebels took power at Celtic Park ahead of Matt McGlone joining Andrew Milne on the Celtic Soul Podcast this Friday.

A group of unsung heroes (and fans) who helped to save Celtic in the 90s, and went beyond what could ever be asked of them…

In the summer of 1986 Graeme Souness came home to Glasgow from Italy and was unveiled as the new Glasgow Rangers player/manager.

Flanked by Chairman David Murray and Chief Executive David Holmes in the aptly named ‘Blue Room’…revolution was in the air.

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With English Clubs banned from Europe due to the Heysel tragedy, Souness went about luring the cream of English football to Ibrox.

Souness smashed the Ibrox wage structure to prize the likes of Terry Butcher, Chris Woods and Graeme Roberts North of the border whilst breaking down years of religious bigotry with the signing of Catholic and ex Celt Maurice Johnson from under the noses of rivals Celtic.

He amassed three league titles and four league cups within five years and aided Murray’s purchase of Rangers; whilst laying the foundations of the glorious nine in a row era led by his right hand man Walter Smith.

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On the other side of the great Glasgow divide there was trouble in paradise, the double of 1988 in Celtic’s centenary year had not been built on and fans were dismayed at the success and buying power of their great rivals.

In 1991 Willie Wilson a Celtic fan from Clydebank setup an invite only meeting in Shettleston Town Hall a neighbouring district of Parkhead.

As Wilson rose to address the crowd in the hall he was joined by three hundred like-minded souls and so the group ‘Save Our Celts’ was born.

Their aim was to pressurise and dethrone the Kelly-White dynasty at Parkhead or as Wilson and his comrades saw them ‘the old incumbents on the Biscuit Tin board’.

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The group garnered support among the green and white faithful and larger rallies took place with special guest speakers.

On one such occasion sacked board member Brian Dempsey took to the floor stating to all and sundry “Go that extra mile to achieve what we want and deserve as the paying customer”.

Lisbon Lion Jim Craig also spoke at one of the rallies and legend has it that he lost his role as an analyst with Radio Scotland due to his presence at the rally.

Sadly just as the group began to prosper, Celtic on the pitch hit a purple patch including the St. Patrick’s Day Massacre of March 1991 over their bitterest rivals.

Spirits among the Celtic fans began to rise and so saw the demise of the protest group.

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Disparaging comments from the Glasgow Celtic board in the official club newspaper did not help the cause and the lack of support of George Delaney (General Secretary of the Celtic Supporters Association) who refused to attend any of the groups meetings was detrimental also.

It was all very disappointing and would take three further years for the board to be brought down.

However Wilson had stirred the rebels and in the shadows were a quintet who would help shape the success and future survival of Glasgow Celtic – they being Matt McGlone, Brendan Sweeney, Colin Duncan, Dave Cunningham and John Thompson.

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From the ashes of ‘Save Our Celts’ came ‘Celts For Change’ in 1993; as Celtic floundered on the pitch those in the boardroom seemingly watched with blinkers on.

The groups aims was to push for change within the club as things had deteriorated since 1991, it was felt if they failed the club was going to fail alongside them.

Similar to Wilson’s idea the group setup rallies in town halls with initially low numbers attending, however word spread which saw numbers swell to the hundreds for these functions.

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Demonstrations were also held outside The Bank of Scotland head offices, which drew interest from media circles promoting the group’s cause, and empowering them among the Celtic fans as a group they could vent their anger through.

On the 1st of March 1994 the group announced a boycott of the home game versus Kilmarnock.

Unknown to the board the group employed a member at each turnstile to count the numbers attending the game at Parkhead.

The rebels announced an estimate of 8,225 attended the game whereas the club announced the official attendance of 10,055.

Back then the 10k figure was a break-even attendance requirement for the club to remain operationally profitable, so this figure was key.

In the eyes of the group and their supporters the level was breached and they believed the action to be a success.

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Similar to the previous group the ‘Celts For Change’ found an initial lack of support from the Celtic Supporters Affiliation & Association groups in their actions – some were disgusted by the ‘ Back the Team Sack the Board’ demonstration on the jungle and the boycotting of Celtic matches.

But as the final curtain fell on the Kelly-White dynasty and the end game was played out by the shareholders and financiers; the ‘Celts for Change’ group had laid the foundations for the rebel shareholders to lead Glasgow Celtic football club into a new era.

Without the courage of these people other outside investors could have come in and would have acted as vultures after waiting till the club entered administration.

On the 4th of March 1994 Fergus McCann & Brian Dempsey stood on the steps of Celtic Park and announced ‘the rebels have won’…revolution was in the air.

More than 90 Minutes Issue 109 Digital Edition

 

 

Take Me To Your Paradise – Perfect Summer Reading

 

Take Me To Your Paradise looks at the history of Celtic from a very unique angle, focusing on individual incidents and organised events that have taken place throughout each decade of the club’s existence. It relives the controversies, little known tales and unusual events throughout the annals of this grand old team. 

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No time is wasted in capturing the reader’s attention, with an astonishing opening incident relating to (Founding Father) Pat Welsh’s daring escape after the Fenian Uprising, aided by a sympathetic soldier named Sergeant Maley. This incident precedes the first event, in which Brother Walfrid holds his first charity football venture at Barrowfield Park in 1886. One could only imagine the impact that both stories would have on the establishment of Celtic Football Club.

It’s not all antiquity though, as readers are taken on an enthralling journey through the decades… from 1896 Irish Race Conventions to 1968 Soviet invasions, the Johnstone Vigilante Committee to the Jungle’s last stand. There are stories of Paradise speedway meetings and other unusual uses of the stadium, Cappielow riots, British Cup champions, flag controversies, Tannadice U-turns, The Invincibles and everything in-between! With wild disorder, hysterical laughter and downright tragedy – this a different read from your usual book.

Take Me To Your Paradise is ultimately an historical and contemporary record of the extraordinary Celtic story. It is told from a uniquely entertaining angle, which captivates the values, achievements and tribulations of the club both on and off the pitch.

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Hailing from an Irish background, the author, Liam Kelly grew up in Bournemouth with the good fortune of watching Celtic during the Martin O’Neill era. Still living on the south coast, he now has a season ticket at Paradise and also travels to European away matches when possible. 

At the age of 19, he published his first Celtic book – Our Stories & Our Songs: The Celtic Support, which focused exclusively on the Celtic faithful throughout the club’s history. Then, last year, he published his second book – Take Me To Your Paradise: A History Of Celtic-Related Incidents & Events, which has now sold out in Waterstones, Official Celtic FC stores and Calton Bookstore. It is, however, available on Amazon at the following link: www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1700120271/

Liam Spoke to us at Celtic AM at our pre-match event in Malones, Glasgow last season.

Click to watch

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Celtic Have Nothing to Fear – Frank McAvennie on the Rangers Challenge

 

With Edouard and Griffiths upfront and the signing Rangers have made former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie is confident that Celtic can turn on the style this season and thinks Aberdeen could beat Rangers on the opening day of the season and Celtic will make easy work of Hamilton on the first weekend.

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Frank was in conversation with me today on the Celtic Soul Podcast as we looked ahead with plenty of confidence but disappointed with the services of Frazer Forster not being secured and with Frazer being financially secure he could come back and get his photo on the wall at Celtic Park forever and is surprised he has not signed.

Joe Hart’s name was mentioned, Macca says he was terrible at West Ham and Burnley and was released from Man City because of his feet and not his goalkeeping skills but Neil Lennon prefers his goalkeepers to be more direct rather than sweepers and it would be a chance to get his career back on track in front of 60,000 fans.

He speaks so highly of Scott Brown equalling his gaffers Billy McNeill achievements of 9 in a row but he does not see who can take over from him as he talks about the current crop of players and what they have to offer this season. Scott is the man in his opinion and thinks he could be the perfect partner to Neil Lennon in the dugout when he does retire.

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On the defenders Ajer and Jullien he would like to see a player or two to come in to put pressure on the two first choice central defenders. On the fixtures he has no doubt that the players will have been looking to see when and where the game v Rangers is as he reflects back on his clashes with them.

Macca also chatted to me about pre-season, life in lockdown in Glasgow, The Centenary season, the players he played alongside and against, the managers John Lyall, Billy McNeill, Alex Ferguson, Liam Brady and Lou Macari.

Macca turned down a move to Rangers and Arsenal because of his emotional connections to Celtic and Westham and he tells me about Souness trying to sign him when they roomed together at the World Cup before Judas as he describes Mo Johnston and also his fall out with Fergie and Lou Macari.

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He jokes about his time at St. Mirren when Tommy Burns made an ejit out of him when Celtic came to play. Injuries and Kris Kamara breaking his leg and of course his time off the park and how he enjoyed the nightlife and bright lights of London but stresses that he would like to have done half as much as the tabloids suggested and would have never been forgiven by his team mates at Celtic for not putting in 110% on the field.

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Andrew started More than 90 Minutes in 2001. He has written for numerous publications and online about Celtic. He is a former newspaper columnist with the Daily Ireland and the man behind celticfanzine.com. He is host of the Celtic Soul Podcast & Celtic AM pre-match events at Malone’s in Glasgow on match days and follows Celtic Home & Away. He is a season ticket holder for Celtic FC and the Republic of Ireland. He is also P.R.O. of St. Margaret’s CSC, a member of the Celtic Trust and the Celtic Graves Association.

More than 90 Minutes Issue 109 Digital Edition

 

 

Fraser Forster – Money Talks & Ambition Walks

 

Ok I’ll admit I have more or less checked out of the current weird restarted football leagues throughout Europe. I wish I could enjoy it more but something about the whole thing has just felt ‘off’. The piped in crowd noise, the shouts of the players and coaches, the knowledge that this possibly shouldn’t be happening at all but is being done not out of sporting integrity or a bid to ‘raise our spirits’ but out of a necessity to fulfill a financial obligation. Thankfully, Celtic have made everything feel a bit more ‘real’ again by lurching into one of our famed goalkeeping crises. Just like the good old days!

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A few short weeks ago we had Fraser Forster who had been utterly revitalised following his truncated loan season – everything seemed to point to him staying – at the very least for another year. Then we had two very capable backups in Craig Gordon and Scott Bain. Smash cut forward to now and the current number 1 and most senior goalkeeper at the club is Bain, Gordon was offered reduced terms and the likelihood of a place on the bench, at best, so he returned to Hearts, the kicker was Forster’s apparent U-turn on learning that, actually, now that he’s been rehabilitated they might quite like to have him back and give him a few games. So, as things stand, he’s not coming back and that leaves us with quite the gap to fill.

In this, the year of the potential 10, I am sure Neil Lennon did not envisage having to replace his goalkeeper at short notice. Frustratingly, last season was possibly Forster’s best for us in his two spells here and his best personal season in a number of years as his form had utterly deserted him in his last two years in England. Football is football and money talks but it is still a little deflating to lose him for the chance at ‘maybe’ being number 1 for a mid-table EPL club. He had fit back in so seamlessly, now we have a gamble to take on who to replace him with.

As much as I love the holy goalie, Artur is probably a little too old and rusty from his sweet gig on Bournemouth’s bench the last few years. David Marshall has also been mentioned and he’d be a safe if unspectacular choice. Joe Hart’s name has popped up too but his decline in recent years has been remarkable and that might just be asking a bit too much of Stevie Woods. We have also, apparently, asked about the AEK Athens keeper Vasilis Barkas who would cost around £5m. I can’t profess to watch much Greek football but the fact that his club want actual money for him whereas everyone else on the list would be free probably makes this the least likely move.

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It wasn’t all bad on the Southampton front as they have been good enough to loan us Elyounessi for another season and the prospect of him fully fit, for the entire campaign is a genuinely exciting one. He’s another who fit in to the team almost immediately and aside from the goals and assists is a diligent worker, a good get and it means we don’t need to put too much pressure on Mikey Johnston  and risk burning him out like we did with Kieran Tierney. In general, the squad seems settled though there’s always the lurking spectre of a gigantic bid for French Eddie which currently makes every transfer window a jittery prospect.

Celtic begin their pre-season games soon, ideally this would have been with a first choice keeper in tow. For now we just have to hope that the club makes the right call or that Southampton or Forster have a change of heart. The whole affair lays bare the risk we take with loan deals and the lack of security is something we’ll have to get used to if we continue with those kinds of deals (we invariably will). Wages in England remain on a whole other stratosphere than what we could offer and even if a player loves it here, you’ll do well to find one who loves it enough they’d take a 50% pay cut to stay here.

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Eoin Coyne was born and raised in Dublin and studied print journalism back when that was a thing. Aside from blethering on about Celtic he can often be found at Richmond Park bemoaning another poor St. Pat’s performance. Once saw Tony Cascarino score a goal for Celtic. Temporary stand survivor.

Terrible twitter is @toomanybigwords

More than 90 Minutes Issue 109 Digital Edition

 

 

Naka, Boruc, Big Jan, Tommy G & Me – Skippy

 

If the news and social media are making you want to crawl inside your own body and hide at the moment, some escapism might be on the cards. For that, look no further than Andrew Milne’s Celtic Soul Podcast, a relaxed, funny and interesting chat show where, alongside discussion with former players, topics such as current affairs and supporter projects are covered by fans involved in the arts and media.

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I began listening to the podcast mid-way through lockdown as social distancing measures meant that I had to work alone. Being launched at the end of May, the Celtic Soul came at an ideal time for me, providing a welcome break from the monotony of one’s own thoughts throughout the working day.

As a keen student of Celtic history, I have researched much about the foundations and culture of the club. The drive to do that came as a result of my experiences supporting Celtic in modern times. Indeed, it’s fair to say that I enjoy history being made today as much as I enjoy seeing it written about yesteryear. Andrew captures that balance between history, current talking points and the identity associated with being a Celtic supporter, magnificently in this podcast.

Interviewing the likes of John Fallon, (Celtic’s original Holy Goalie from the 50s/60s/70s), Paul Byrne, Tommy Johnston, Bobby Petta, Alan Thompson and John Hartson, these former players give a unique insight into various bygone eras. Those conversations with Celtic stars are supplemented by discussions from the stands, as supporters from a range of backgrounds are invited to tell their story. From the man behind a CSC in Dortmund to a journalist and regular in the standing section, a Belfast Celt exiled in the States to the Sky Sports News Editor, an actor, a poet, fanzine writer, former professional footballer in England and the Kano Foundation – the show has it all!

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A smooth, easy listen, which combines laughter with unique stories and insights, each of the 11 episodes to date have been excellent. However, it was episode 10 with Scott McDonald, which made me feel compelled to write this review.

As a 24-year-old, I’m able to remember Scott breaking my heart just before my ninth birthday. Scott scored the goal that would lead to the day forever being termed ‘Black Sunday’, at least in Celtic circles. In doing so, he ruined my only footballing heroes’ season and spoilt my trip up to the Cup Final a week later as the game ended up a damp squib after the disappointment of blowing the league. Nevertheless, I have nothing but good will towards Scott and can appreciate that he was a professional doing his job.

When I think of Celtic, the first thing that springs to mind is European nights. The Road to Seville was special for me growing up, but thereafter I enjoyed several evenings watching AC Milan, Benfica and Manchester United get toppled in Paradise. Scott McDonald was a big part of those wins and it goes without saying that I was interested to hear what he had to say about his time at the club, especially as I was aware that he was a boyhood Celt, despite being born in Australia. That said, the podcast was more enjoyable and honest than I could ever have imagined.

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I found it fascinating to hear Scott talk about his Scottish background and how the family were split between Celtic and Rangers. It was interesting to hear the personal stories of things like his Granddad bringing a Broxi Bear teddy back from Glasgow to try and sway him away from the right side, which he had followed thanks to his Castlemilk born Father. From there, Scott reveals his earliest Celtic memories, climbing a tree to get pictures of the team training at Barrowfield, just as Morten Weighorst struck a wayward shot in his direction!

Andrew then asks Scott about the early stages of his football career and allows Scott the time to talk listeners through the development of his sporting life in Australia, before revealing how he got his break to move into the professional game in Europe. It sounds like a chat between friends, a great relaxed setting, allowing Scott to open up and give information of genuine interest rather than a reserved, co-ordinated or crowd-playing response which so often accompanies these types of interviews with media trained sportsmen.

Continuing that friendly conversational theme, the discussion goes on to the current situation in Australian football, where Scott still plies his trade with Brisbane Roar. The beauty is that the podcast doesn’t follow a rigid chronology, walking through his life step by step. Instead, it’s more of a natural conversation, ebbing and flowing with stories and entertainment throughout, discussing Scott’s career at the beginning and present, before going back into the detail of his time at Celtic and beyond.

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Gordon Strachan managed Scott at Southampton and released him, before signing him at Celtic and then Middlesbrough. Meanwhile, Tony Mowbray managed him in Glasgow and sold him down south before linking up with him again on Teeside. So there’s a natural jump back and forth in time through certain discussions and humorous stories to go with it.

McDonald talks about his arrival at Celtic Park and the confidence he got from gaining Tommy Burns’ approval in training. This was key in order to get a spot in the first team when Venegor of Hesselink, Miller and Zurawski were at the club. Things started well as Scott set up a goal in Moscow during the Champions League qualifiers, before scoring in the return leg. We are given a description of how each moment felt and how the opportunity to play in Europe arose so early thanks to Kenny Miller, who had scored a brace at Pittodrie on the opening day of the SPL campaign, not wanting to be cup tied in Europe as he looked set for a move to Italy!

There are fantastic stories about Artur Boruc “Enjoying his weekends,” and Tomas Gravesen “Walking off after round 15 on the bleep test,” or scoring a screamer in training and saying “That’s it now, I’m done, I go home.” These are contrasted with serious points about his level of confidence in the 2007/08 season, when McDonald scored 31 goals throughout the campaign, including a number against Rangers and AC Milan. McDonald talks about the dressing room at this time, Strachan’s demands of the team and he names Nakamura as the best player he’s ever played alongside.

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As ever, all good things must come to an end. That ending at Celtic came for Scott when Tony Mowbray took charge. Not only were the team performing poorly, but Mowbray picked up on a lot of negative points in Scott’s eyes and felt that the manager didn’t rate him despite his previous exploits in a Celtic shirt. This conviction was compounded when Marc Antoine Fortune was signed and Celtic didn’t offer decent terms to the Australian striker, despite knowing what was on the table from Middlesbrough. Feeling that Celtic were happy to let him go, as proven by the club accepting a bid, and not enjoying his football under Mowbray, McDonald begrudgingly moved on; this despite the fact that he “Wanted to finish his career at Celtic.”

There’s a great insight to McDonald’s maturation in the game and how he had to adapt at Middlesbrough, where his side no longer dictated possession week in week out. Suddenly, Scott needed more mobility and fitness, which saw him take better care of his body and become a stone lighter than when he was in Glasgow. As earlier alluded, McDonald linked up with Mowbray again when the Englishman ironically took over from Strachan at the club, having been sacked by Celtic. Scott lived in the same street as Strachan and saw the news of his departure appear on Sky Sports News. He took a stroll to Gordon’s house, where Strachan told him that he was leaving as it wasn’t working out. The Scotsman then burst out laughing as he revealed that Tony Mowbray would be taking over, much to the disgust of McDonald, who bemoaned Strachan’s “Wicked sense of humour.”

That said, McDonald ended up living next door to Mowbray and the pair got on much better second time around. Scott explains the reasoning behind this and why the breakdown in their relationship may have occurred at Celtic.

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The podcast is humourous, informative and enjoyable. It covers so much and reveals unknown, unexpected details at times, such as the story of how McDonald almost joined a League Of Ireland club in Andrew Milne’s native Drogheda back in 2003!

The episode is 100% worth a listen, along with the others. Quite simply, The Celtic Soul podcast is a breath of fresh air in terms of independent Celtic fan media, and long may it continue to entertain me in my socially distanced place of work!

Click into link below to scroll through all episodes of the Celtic Soul Podcast.

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Hailing from an Irish background, Liam Kelly grew up in Bournemouth with the good fortune of watching Celtic during the Martin O’Neill era. Still living on the south coast, he now has a season ticket at Paradise and also travels to European away matches when possible. 

At the age of 19, he published his first Celtic book – Our Stories & Our Songs: The Celtic Support, which focused exclusively on the Celtic faithful throughout the club’s history. Then, last year, he published his second book – Take Me To Your Paradise: A History Of Celtic-Related Incidents & Events, which has now sold out in Waterstones, Official Celtic FC stores and Calton Bookstore. It is, however, available on Amazon at the following link: www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1700120271/

 

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How Celtic Fans are controlling the Media

 

From the early Celtic Fanzines to Instagram, Celtic Fans are controlling how they consume media. No longer can the tabloids get away with false headlines to sell newspapers and we have Celtic fanzines like Not the View to thank for being one of the originators who kicked off the independent Celtic fan media revolution and they continue to produce the fanzine decades later.  So with them in mind it was great to kick off our own Podcast with Not the View’s Average Joe Miller a few weeks ago.

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The Celtic Soul Podcast was the final piece of the jigsaw for the Celtic Fanzine Independent media platform. I never thought in 2001 when I started More than 90 Minutes Celtic Fanzine that 19 years on I would be still involved in producing Independent Celtic Fan content across every platform both new and old available.

So much has changed in how we consume media, back then it took forever and a day to download content from the worldwide web when you had to dial in before Wi-Fi. Fanzines were once the only form of independent media and were followed by websites, bloggers, forums and then social media that changed the game completely.

YouTube, Podcasts, Fan TV have all added to quality content getting produced, I know there are a few websites who prefer to push out great headlines instead of decent content but these are a minority there is plenty of quality out there to read, watch and listen to and fair play and well done to everybody contributing to the independent Celtic fan media scene.

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We have just released episode 9 of the Podcast with Glasgow Poet, Erin Boyle a Celtic Fan who is involved with the Kano Foundation and the Glasgow Arts Scene. Next up we will be chatting to former Celtic striker who once broke our hearts, Scott McDonald in Episode 10.

All the Celtic Soul Podcasts are available on all Podcast Platforms including Acast, Apple, Spotify etc. or you can listen to them on this website celticfanzine.com We would love to hear your feedback on the first 9 Podcasts, what you liked or disliked please get in contact.

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Episode 1: Average Joe Miller / Alan Thompson

Episode 2: Frank Noelkenbockoff/ John Fallon

Episode 3: Michael Pringle/ Tommy Johnston

Episode 4: Charlie Lord/ Bobby Petta

Episode 5: Johnny Ward

Episode 6: John Hartson

Episode 7: Anthony Joseph

Episode 8: Paul Byrne

Episode 9: Erin Boyle

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Andrew started More than 90 Minutes in 2001. He has written for numerous publications and online about Celtic. He is a former newspaper columnist with the Daily Ireland and the man behind celticfanzine.com. He is host of the Celtic Soul Podcast & Celtic AM pre-match events at Malone’s in Glasgow on match days and follows Celtic Home & Away. He is a season ticket holder for Celtic FC and the Republic of Ireland. He is also P.R.O. of St. Margaret’s CSC, a member of the Celtic Trust and the Celtic Graves Association.
 

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More than 90 Minutes Issue 109 Digital Edition