Iconic

As the beginning of the 2020/21 season approaches you must agree that this could very well be an iconic season.  A season’s achievements that would sit side by side with the many others throughout the club’s history.  For me, the club is steeped with many iconic figures, moments and a history that is the envy of many a football club the world over.  You may think I am biased, and probably I am.  Thankfully though, through the expansion of Social Media, the worldwide fan base that we have is clearly evidenced.  It is also magnified through the many tweets, posts, videos and pictures of supporters clubs, bars, homes, friends, and families all partying and celebrating the achievements past and present. 

 

Brother Walfrid is in no doubt the first icon due to him being instrumental in the formation of the club in order to feed the poor and starving people of the East End of Glasgow and beyond.  The next is of course Jock Stein.  Former player and manager whose achievements need no explanation.  Both these men quite rightly take pride of place outside Celtic Park on the very impressive Celtic Way.  Brother Walfrid in his seated pose designed upon one of only two pictures that I understand exist.  Jock’s is of course, a pose of him holding the European Cup with the words “Football without the fans is nothing”.  They share this setting alongside Billy McNeil and Jimmy Johnstone.  Jimmy in the familiar stance of dribbling the ball past defenders, tormenting them and their supporters while entertaining Celtics and assisting his fellow teammates all in the one move.  Billy’s statue illustrates him holding aloft the European Cup exactly as he did in 1967.  A note to the many visitors to Glasgow and reminder to its residents of Celtic’s finest achievement and the greatest football story ever. 

 

It was a recent visit to the Celtic Way to search for Dad’s/Grandad’s newly laid paving stone that triggered reflection upon that ‘iconic’ label that is very much ingrained in the club.  This was further prompted by listening to recent podcasts where discussions highlight that the club is truly blessed in its history, achievements and of the players who wore the shirt.  Our search for the paving stone, naively began close to the main entrance, however after some thought we discovered it to be pretty much in the shadow of Cesar’s statue.  On another personal note, we also found that a sadly departed and missed friend’s paving stone was also very close.  An act and very nice touch from his family, just like the many others who have been immortalised on ground that is set against a very famous background. 

 

I am not sure if there are any further plans to add further statues to the Celtic Way.  Probably not, but if there was to be one more finishing touch, my wish would be a statue of the famous image of the Lisbon Lions walking single file on to the pitch at Lisbon before putting the supposed favourites very much in their place.  Wishful thinking yes, but how great would that be to have it to scale and pretty much on ground level.  Being able to stand alongside them, kids running in and out and getting pictures on the end and actually getting to be that twelve man. 

 

To finish, I would like to say a massive well done, thanks and appreciation of the hard work and effort to retell and maintain the iconic tag.  Through the families who begin the younger generations journey, to those that run the supporters clubs and buses from all over.  The authors, podcasters, clothes, and pin badge designers.  The musician’s, photographers and those that spruce up the fantastic photos from yesteryear.  You know who you are, so thank you and please continue in your great work and to support the iconic image of Glasgow Celtic Football Club. 

 

In memory of Wullie Gall, McGinley’s Bar.

 

Till the next time.  Hail! Hail!