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My Celtic Youth

I noted in my inaugural blog that it was a fantastic time for the younger generation to start their Celtic supporting lives and I stand by that.  Some of our younger fans, who have started to go more often than not, probably haven’t seen Celtic lose a domestic trophy and are close to making it 12 out of 12.  This isn’t a cue for a ‘Celtic Da’ ramble, instead another opportunity to say how delighted I am for them all, seeing them pick, choose and support their heroes and sing their songs.  I’m living, dreaming and breathing it all too.  It’s become a part of the match day experience, witnessing the sheer enjoyment of the kids, especially those experiencing the amazing efforts of the Kano Foundation to the young Green Brigade/ Standing Section wannabees. 

 

It all takes me back to when I started my Celtic adventure.  I feel just as fortunate and equally honoured.  I don’t know exactly what my first game was.  I suspect, Partick Thistle in the Glasgow Cup at the beginning of season 1983/84 at the grand old age of 7.  I go there as I remember the strips which can only mean Thistle.  I remember it being in the summer months which again points me to that game.  However, the one game that I definitely remember attending was at the 1984 Scottish Cup Final versus Aberdeen, standing on a sun soaked terrace in the full kit as a 7 year old.  That end not being covered seemed to make it much bigger than it actually was.  Unfortunately, we lost 2-1, after my all-time Celtic great Paul McStay equalised, forcing extra time.  Aberdeen were well on top of Scottish football at the time, having won 7 major trophies in 5 years, 2 of which were in Europe.  Scottish football was at a high point, with Dundee United also being strong alongside Celtic of course.  Aberdeen, Celtic and Dundee Utd squads were packed with quality.  Dundee United also got to a European Final round about that time too.  Terraces were bouncing, stark and primitive in comparison to current stadia, despite it not being so long ago. 

 

Fortunately, I didn’t have to wait long until getting to my second cup final a year later for the 100th Scottish Cup Final.  This time in the pouring rain, seeing Celtic come from behind to win 2-1.  I was fortunate to be at Love Street in 1986, again in the rain, when we seemed to snatch the league from out of nowhere thanks to 2 Albert Kidd and 5 Celtic goals, one of which was arguably the best team goal ever.  I always seem to forget who got the last touch though. 

 

The centenary double season was as good as any and right up there in the club’s historic triumphs.  We were faced with a Rangers team that was getting stronger with every season thanks to their money tree, joining Aberdeen, Dundee United and Hearts.  The team came together and gelled perfectly.  The strips and kit were as good as any past, present and no doubt future.  I do have to confess though that after going to the semi-final and seeing Henry drop the ball for Hearts, I didn’t get to the final as was the case for a lot of my classmates and very good friends.  Unfortunately, at that time we were halfway up a French Alp for a P.7 school exchange trip!  Probably my biggest regret supporting Celtic.  Thankfully, I didn’t have to wait long for another cup final as Joe Miller scored the only goal for Celtic to win the cup against Rangers.  The next cup final was another disappointment as Aberdeen won on penalties which was probably an indication of where the club was going under the board at that time until we were able to finally get rid of them and begin to put Celtic on to the path of modern football and glory such as today's. 

 

So, thanks Dad for taking me, my brothers and all our friends and setting us all on the path to supporting Celtic.  Looking forward to the next game at Celtic Park.

 

To round off, enjoy today’s success as I’m sure you do, but make sure it’s not in envy or in any fashion that suggests superiority or that of a higher moral ground to other fans and share the moment. 

 

Till the next time.  Hail! Hail!

 

M


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