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31st December 1967 No doubt many of the guys had enjoyed the evening of the 30th, after the Dunfermline match. The Pars always gave Celtic a good workout at that time and the last game of the year had been no exception. So, I suppose we were all entitled to enjoy ourselves but with moderation, …
Morning of the Match I was in early for some treatment but I absolutely knew that I was out. The ankle was still swollen and really tender to touch so I had given up all hopes of making the team that afternoon. It is grim when you miss any game; to be injured at …
Shortly after the 2-2 draw with Rangers on 2nd January, the weather deteriorated badly, with most of Scotland suffering from snow and frost. This meant that training was difficult at both Barrowfield or the track at Parkhead, although after the incident with the pitchfork flying into the air, we were never asked to that running …
22nd January We all reported back in for training on the Monday after the Hibs match and I was called in for a chat by the Boss. He was quite solicitous, asking me how I was feeling and whether I felt up to training and playing. I explained that my nausea would come in waves, …
Read more “27th January 1968: Celtic v Dunfermline Athletic – Scottish Cup”
5th February While we were all in for training at Parkhead, Scotland Boss Bobby Brown was having to cope with some withdrawals from his squad for the U-23 game against England. Both Willie Johnston and Jim McCalliog pulled out with injuries received at the weekend. Training at Barrowfield was pretty tough, a sure sign that …
Read more “10th February 1968: Motherwell v Celtic – League”
11th February It might have been a narrow win at Fir Park the previous Saturday but all the guys were well aware that the Steelmen were one of those sides who usually gave us a hard game so the atmosphere two days later was one of satisfaction. That always made the banter that bit noisier …
Read more “14th February 1968: Celtic v Strirling Albion – League”
15th February Everyone reported for training and for those who had played on the Wednesday evening against Stirling Albion, it was a relatively mild affair. Those who had not played were put through a tougher session. There were a couple of guys on the treatment table. Yogi had injured his knee and Bertie had a …
Read more “17th February 1968: Newcastle v Celtic -Friendly”
19th February After the Newcastle game, it was a busy time for Bob Rooney. A few had picked up knocks and were getting treatment for them. There were also some who had injuries from previous games, like Yogi and Bertie. Yogi was in the Scotland squad due to meet England on the forthcoming Saturday …
4th March Everyone back in for training and with the match against Aberdeen coming up on the Wednesday, there was plenty of effort being put in. This was a time when you wanted to show the Boss that you were very keen to take part in everything that was going on. I was definitely running …
7th March The day after the Aberdeen match was an easy one for the guys who had played; they just did some light work. For the rest of us, it was business as usual and we put a shift in. Later that day, news came through that Rangers were apparently not willing to play …