On the night following Celtic’s 2-0 victory over Kilmarnock in a league match at Rugby Park, I reported to Parkhead for a reserve game. After having been involved with the first team for a few weeks, I did not really fancy the idea of going back to the second team. And, if I am being …
Read more “30th March 1966 – An Important Reserve Match….and a Change of Name!”
Next Match The next match was not until the 5th April and it was against St Mirren at Love Street. The Buddies were struggling, lying in 4th bottom slot in the table, and would be fighting for their lives. Their stadium in Paisley was very compact, with a pitch that normally held up during the …
Read more “5th April 1966: St Mirren v Celtic League – Part One”
Playing….but not in the First Team! While the guys listed on the first team sheet were having a wee rest in bed or getting ready for their pre-match meal before the St Mirren game, I was getting stripped and ready to play for the Second team in a Combined Reserve League match against Jordanhill College …
Read more “5th April 1966: St Mirren v Celtic League – Part Two”
Training As we had played on the Tuesday and had another match on the Saturday, training on the Thursday evening was fairly relaxed. Indeed, it was almost enjoyable, not much sweat and very little problems with the ankle. Sean Fallon had suddenly become my best pal. Don’t forget, I did not know at this time …
Read more “9th April 1966: Celtic v St Mirren League – Part One”
More Punishment Expected? Only four days after they had lost to Celtic at home, St Mirren made the trip up to Glasgow to meet the green-and-whites again, in another league match at Parkhead. After comfortably winning the Love Street encounter only four days previously, the Boss decided to tinker with the side, bringing in Davie …
Read more “9th April 1966: Celtic v St Mirren League – Part Two”
Exciting Days These were great times for everyone connected with Celtic, only the second time the club had got to the semi-final stage of a European competition. It was a particularly good time for the players and management, who were at the sharp edge of the venture. Obviously, though, the players actually involved in the …
Read more “14th April 1966: Celtic v Liverpool ECWC SF – Part One”
The Odds On the day of the match, the odds being offered at the bookies were 4-6 Celtic, 5-2 Liverpool. The Teams What the papers had said was probably correct. Celtic had no injury worries but the Boss had decided to leave out John Hughes; while for Liverpool Roger Hunt was out, having failed …
Read more “14th April 1966: Celtic v Liverpool ECWC SF – Part Two”
Reaction After Liverpool Match Even after a period of reflection, press reaction was that Celtic had been the better team on the night but there was also worry that a one-goal lead might not be enough to see the Bhoys through. Funnily enough, that had been the feeling of the guys sitting with me up …
What the Papers Were Saying ‘The championship contenders, Celtic and Rangers, are both away today, both on tough assignments. Celtic go to Easter Road for the second game in their vital 10-day spell which could bring them the league, the Scottish Cup and entry into the cup-winners’ tournament. Today, its Hibs. On Tuesday, comes the …
Pressure I was under a bit of pressure at that time. Celtic might have about to travel south to play Liverpool in the return leg of the European Cup Winners’ Cup and you might think that such a scenario would have been enough pressure for anyone to cope with. Unfortunately, I was under the cosh …
Read more “19th April 1966: Liverpool v Celtic ECWC SF – Part One”