The Celtic Underground

It’s part 2 of the CU Top Ten for season 2025/26 and we’re into the final fab four. With the season we’ve just had, arriving at the Top Ten and even the top 4 was hard for many - there was no standouts. The most common comment was ‘best of a bad bunch’ but we (well you) got there.If you’re a subscriber you may well be reading and listening straight after the release of Part 1 but whatever, if you’ve been on holiday or just stumbled across Part 2, make sure you go back and listen to part 1 first.Enjoy…Apple podcastsSpotifyAmazonPlayer.fmSpreakerAudioboomYoutube This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com/subscribe

20 years ago was a small piece of Celtic history.The days of season ticket booklets came to an end. In their place came credit card-style tickets.This latest podcast tells the story of season tickets at Celtic Park.Every week, you can listen for free to more tales from Celtic’s past, as told by Matthew Marr (Hail Hail History).You can also take part in free walking tours which visit the sites that have shaped the Bhoys’ history. To find out more, visit: www.celticwalkingtours.wordpress.comEnjoy…Apple podcastsSpotifyAmazonPlayer.fmSpreakerAudioboomYoutubeThanks for reading The Celtic Underground Substack! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com/subscribe

Two years ago members of the CU Community got access to the interview with Geir Jordet who wrote the book about how to win a penalty shootout. Since then, Celtic have been in a couple of penalty shootouts, we’ve had in game penalties and of course we’ve got penalties going on during the world cup.In view of all of that we thought we’d re-visit the podcast and, looking at the World Cup ones and thinking about all our penalties, you can see where we have adopted his strategies and who at the World Cup has adopted them.If you want to know more, you can read his book:Pressure: Lessons from the psychology of the penalty shoot-outhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Pressure-Lessons-psychology-penalty-shoot/dp/1915780217EnjoyApple podcastsSpotifyAmazonPlayer.fmSpreakerAudioboomYoutubeThe Celtic Underground Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com/subscribe

30 years ago – in July 1996 - the Lisbon Lions stand was opened at Celtic Park, continuing the ground’s redevelopment.There are four stands at Celtic Park: the main stand, North Stand, Lisbon Lions stand and Jock Stein stand. Each time one these has been opened, matches have been held to celebrate this.The original Celtic Park opened in 1888 before 1892 when the Bhoys moved the short distance to the second site, which remains the location where the Celts play.Over the years, the look of this venue has changed significantly, with many stands and structures being built and then knocked down, and in the case of the original pavilion, burned down as happened in 1929.If looking at the current Parkhead, the history of this can be traced back to 1971, when the main stand was built, although the foundations of this are much older.The oldest of Celtic’s stands is the main stand. Work on this began in 1970 and was eventually completed in 1971. It ran behind schedule which led to one very strange scenario.By 14 August 1971, the League Cup campaign had begun but Celtic could not yet play at home due to the building works. This meant that their match versus Rangers had to be played at Ibrox – but with Celtic as the home team, and Celtic season tickets being valid!11 days later, the main stand was finally ready for use. In terms of opening games for this new facility, there are two relevant fixtures. The first of these came in the League Cup on 25 August. Morton travelled to Celtic Park and the main stand was now open for fans.To say the least, this was a less than auspicious occasion to mark the stand’s maiden game. Despite getting a penalty – which was missed by Kenny Dalglish – the Celts fell to a 1-0 defeat. Although Celtic still made it through to the final, they famously lost 4-1 to Partick Thistle.However, this Morton fixture was not the main stand’s official opening event. Instead, that took place a week when Nacional from Uruguay were the glamour opponents invited to mark the occasion.60,000 supporters were in Celtic Park, with the main stand being ticket-only and sold out. They watched on as Celtic legend Jimmy McGrory – the club’s all-time top scorer and former manager – performed the official ceremony.This was a much brighter moment as the Hoops won 3-0 to officially christen the new stand with victory. Although there were also complaints from the Scottish League who were upset at the game being played during the season, despite the Scottish FA agreeing to this.In the following decades, little major reconstruction work took place at Celtic Park. By the early-1990s, this left the club facing a major problem. The Hillsborough tragedy had led to a demand that all football stadiums be all-seated.In this era, Celtic faced major financial problems and simply did not have the money to build such a venue. Pipe dreams of moving to Cambuslang soon disappeared. Eventually, this led to Fergus McCann’s takeover, after which there was rapid building progress at Celtic Park.In the 1994-95 season, the Bhoys vacated their usual home and instead played at Hampden. Whilst they were away, Celtic Park was razed to the ground, except for the main stand. Building work soon followed at a cost of £17 million.In place of the old Jungle section of the ground, a massive new North Stand was built. Quite simply, this towered over what had been the former ground. Also, with seats for 27,000 supporters, this was one of the biggest stands in Britain.By 1995, everything looked brighter again for Celtic. The takeover had long since been completed, the Bhoys had held a successful share issue to raise much needed funds and, most importantly, the club’s first silverware since 1989 sat in the Parkhead trophy room.In addition, the North Stand was now finished and ready for an official opening. On a gala day on 5 August 1995, fans got their first experience of this new venue.A sell-out crowd turned up in Glasgow’s east end, with the brilliant sunshine capturing the general mood of optimism. Rod Stewart did the official honours at the ribbon-cutting to open the North Stand, before a friendly match was held.Celtic’s opponents were Newcastle United, with a team full of stars including David Ginola and Peter Beardsley. They all helped entertain the supporters in a 1-1 draw. John Collins got the first goal in front of the new stand, thanks to a 30th minute penalty, before Les Ferdinand’s second half equaliser proved to be the last scoring of the match.Now that one part of Fergus McCann’s new construction was complete, it would not be long before more building work took place. Behind the west stand – or old Celtic end – a temporary stand was erected, but this was only a short-term solution.One year on, there was yet another new stand to be opened. And like in 1971, there were two relevant matches when it came to doing this.Throughout the 1995-96 season, more building work had taken place at the east end of the ground, on the site of what had previously been referred to as the ‘Rangers end’. Now this stand was complete and ready for action.On 31 July 1996, another English team made their way north of the border. This time it was Arsenal’s turn to experience the new Celtic Park, but it was also the first time for Celtic fans too.Another sell-out crowd – this time with 47,300 fans – were in the ground. They witnessed a 2-1 win for the home side. In fact, Arsenal led for most of the match thanks to a Lee Dixon goal, but two very late strikes from Simon Donnelly and Phil O’Donnell ensured a green-and-white win.Despite Arsenal being high-profile visitors, this match was not the official opening of the stand. Instead, this took place a few days later.On 3 August 1996, Billy Connolly this time was given the opening honours. Wearing a standout green suit, the Glasgow comedian officially opened the new east stand, before a clash of the hoops where Celtic played Sporting Lisbon.This match showed the best and worst of Celtic in this era. The Celts looked good going forward and enjoyed a two-goal advantage thanks to goals from Jorge Cadete – playing against his old club – and Simon Donnelly.However, with ten minutes remaining, this good work was undone in little more than a minute. As the clock struck 80, Luis Filipe halved the deficit. And very shortly after this, the unfortunate John Hughes knocked into his own net, to seal a 2-2 draw.In fact, you can argue that this stand has had three official openings. The first two came in 1996 when the building work was first done. The next happened four years later, but this time without any building changes.Instead, the event in the year 2000 concerned a change of name. The stand was simply referred to as the east stand, although some fans referred to it using the old ‘Rangers end’ adage. But now Celtic wanted to use the venue to honour the club’s greatest side.It was agreed that the east stand would be officially christened the ‘Lisbon Lions’ stand in celebration of all those players who contributed to European Cup glory in 1967. This was in response to a public vote in the choice of name, with Fergus McCann being runner-up.On 1 February 2000, Bayern Munich came to Celtic Park. In front of a less than full Celtic Park, the Germans claimed a 2-1 victory. In truth, it was an unimportant game, and it was one that almost did not happen.The previous Saturday, high winds had damaged some of the stadium, including the new stand. This had forced the postponement of Celtic’s Scottish Cup clash with Inverness Caledonian Thistle. The weather eventually calmed down enough to fix the roof and let the Bayern game go ahead.But, of course, when it came to replay the Scottish Cup tie, the Celts were left wishing that the weather had again stopped this. Famously, ‘Super Caley went ballistic’ and knocked the hoops out of the cup, considered to be one of Celtic’s worst ever results.In fact, when the Lisbon Lions stand received its official name, the full ground was now complete. After the east stand was finished in 1996, attentions turned to adding the final piece of the Celtic Park jigsaw.Where the temporary stand had stood at the west end of the ground, construction began. By 1998, this was finished and ready to be opened for fans to use. The completed 60,000 stadium was an impressive sight; the biggest football ground in Scotland.Once more, two matches were involved in the opening of this new stand. On the face of it, the first game played in front of fans should have been a major moment. As well as a fully rebuilt stadium, the Celts were in the qualifiers of the Champions League for the first time since it was rebranded from the European Cup.On 22 July 1998, Dublin side St Patrick’s Athletic came to Celtic Park. 56,864 were in the ground. They watched an utterly lacklustre match which ended 0-0. There were even boos as the team left the pitch at full-time, although Celtic did at least go on to win the second leg.This disappointing fixture was not the official opening though. Instead, that took place just over two weeks later. Liverpool were the latest team from England to open a Celtic Park stand.Before the match began, there was a poignant ceremony. This latest stand was to be named after Jock Stein, the man who had led Celtic to Europe’s pinnacle. His wife Jean opened the stand, and she was joined by most of the Lisbon Lions, who showed off their famous trophy.This time it was a sell-out and 59,727 supporters crammed into the ground, a sight which has become common in the years since. They did not get to cheer a goal as the Merseyside men claimed a 1-0 win, but Celtic knew they were on the upward track.The changing face of Celtic Park has been truly remarkable, including the surrounding areas. For now, the ground has a fixed feel to it although there are always demands from supporters for further changes, including another tier being added to the main stand.In addition, there are regular fan discussions about whether more names should be ad

45 years ago, Celtic completed their own Olympic Challenge.For the first time, the Bhoys played a game in Africa, completing the full ‘Olympics Rings’ set of continents.This podcast tells the story of how this happened.Every week, you can listen for free to more tales from Celtic’s past, as told by Matthew Marr (Hail Hail History).You can also take part in free walking tours which visit the sites that have shaped the Bhoys’ history. To find out more, visit: www.celticwalkingtours.wordpress.comApple podcastsSpotifyAmazonPlayer.fmSpreakerAudioboomYoutube This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com/subscribe

Celtic have finally appointed Maloney and Fotherignham and the bhoys discuss what the delay in getting this deal done say about the club. Were they sweating every pound or simply penny wise and pound foolish? We’ve also appointed a designated set-piece coach and that gets universal approval.The chat’s more than that, but have a listen. We also have a follow up podcast covering Scotland’s departure from the World Cup and that leads to a discussion about youth development and our own youth set-up. If you’re a member of the CU community you can get that today.If not, then click below…The Celtic Underground Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Enjoy…Apple podcastsSpotifyAmazonPlayer.fmSpreakerAudioboomYoutube This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com/subscribe

This is episode II of our special series focussing on supporters clubs from near and far. In this week’s episode, Paul shares the rich history of the HWEU CSC, its traditions like the Tommy Burns Supper, and the unique Edinburgh-Celtic culture. Andrew & Paul explore the club’s origins, memorable stories, and the deep-rooted community spirit that keeps the club vibrant.We’ve had some fantastic guests and the Name of the game series taking in fans special match on Sunday mornings and these are usually exclusive to the CU community however this week, with the CU community getting two Harry monopods we thought we’d release this More Than A Club episode to subscribers as usual on Sunday and everyone else on Monday.If you would like your supporters club feature, then just drop us a line.Oh - and don’t forget you’ve only a handful of days left before voting closes on the CU Top 10 for 2025-26 season.Enjoy…Apple podcastsSpotifyAmazonPlayer.fmSpreakerAudioboomYoutube This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com/subscribe

25 years ago, the Celts completed their first 21st century treble.This achievement – delivered by new manager Martin O’Neill – was the club’s first triple celebration since the days of Jock Stein.This podcast describes the whole story.Every week, you can listen for free to more tales from Celtic’s past, as told by Matthew Marr (Hail Hail History).You can also take part in free walking tours which visit the sites that have shaped the Bhoys’ history. To find out more, visit: www.celticwalkingtours.wordpress.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com/subscribe

Will he/Won’t he? The big debate in the days following the cup final seemed to be whether Dermot would or wouldn’t appoint Robbie Keane. all the while, many were saying that it was MArtin’s job if he wanted it, and he very much did and so (despite, as I write, no official confirmation) it has come to pass that Martin will be confirmed as the continuing/new permenant manager of Celtic.There’s various pros and cons to the appointment, but he’s our manager now. The club know where we’re going, the recruitment team has scouted players that suit Martin and we should now be ready to go. The transfer window opens 15th June, so let’s give Martin the tools to do a proper job next season.Set your diaries - Martin v Jose the rematch, June 5th 2027.Enjoy…Apple podcastsSpotifyAmazonPlayer.fmSpreakerAudioboomYoutube This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com/subscribe

This week, Scotland begin their World Cup campaign, the first time they have done this in the 21st century.95 years ago, it was Celtic’s turn for an American first when the Bhoys first made the journey across the Atlantic.This podcast tells the full story.Every week, you can listen for free to more tales from Celtic’s past, as told by Matthew Marr (Hail Hail History).You can also take part in free walking tours which visit the sites that have shaped the Bhoys’ history. To find out more, visit: www.celticwalkingtours.wordpress.comThanks for listening to The Celtic Underground Podcast! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com/subscribe

For decades, football, boxing and other contact sports have thrilled millions, but an uncomfortable question continues to grow louder: what price do athletes pay for repeated blows to the head? In this fascinating discussion with expert (and Celtic fan) Paul Fivey, we explore the latest research linking sport-related brain injuries to neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and motor neurone disease. From the pioneering work that first identified CTE in boxers to groundbreaking studies involving former professional footballers, we examine what the science now tells us about the long-term consequences of repetitive brain trauma.The recent news that former Lisbon Lion Jim Craig is living with Alzheimer’s disease has once again brought the debate into sharp focus. We discuss the evidence surrounding heading the ball, how brain damage develops over time, the differences between various neurodegenerative diseases, and what governing bodies, clubs and medical professionals are doing to make sport safer for future generations without losing the essence of the games we love.Two websites recommended on the chat are:https://www.brainhelpandhope.org/&https://www.headway.org.uk/Enjoy…Apple podcastsSpotifyAmazonPlayer.fmSpreakerAudioboomYoutube This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com/subscribe

Controversy in matches featuring Celtic and Rangers is hardly unusual.One particularly notable game took place 80 years ago this week. It featured poor decisions, arguments – and on-field drunkenness!This latest podcast tells that story.Every week, you can listen for free to more tales from Celtic’s past, as told by Matthew Marr (Hail Hail History).You can also take part in free walking tours which visit the sites that have shaped the Bhoys’ history. To find out more, visit: www.celticwalkingtours.wordpress.comThe Celtic Underground Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com/subscribe

Celtic’s 1921 ‘Tour de France’105 years ago, Europe was still hurting from the tragedy of World War One.In 1921, the Celts took part in their own ‘Tour de France’ a journey of football and also remembrance.This latest podcast tells that story.Every week, you can listen for free to more tales from Celtic’s past, as told by Matthew Marr (Hail Hail History).You can also take part in free walking tours which visit the sites that have shaped the Bhoys’ history. To find out more, visit: www.celticwalkingtours.wordpress.comThe Celtic Underground Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit thecelticunderground.substack.comThe podcast was supposed to be recorded Wednesday night but circumstances moved it to Thursday and as luck would have it we get to record within 30 minutes of the SFA audio confirming that not only did Hearts know the game was ended by the ref, but they asked for it! Oh the tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive - It is perhaps apt tha…

This weekend, Celtic face Dunfermline in the Scottish Cup Final.It will be the sixth meeting between the sides in a national final, and the previous games involve numerous interesting stories.This latest podcast describes these matches, with often surprising outcomes.Every week, you can listen for free to more tales from Celtic’s past, as told by Matthew Marr (Hail Hail History).You can also take part in free walking tours which visit the sites that have shaped the Bhoys’ history. To find out more, visit: www.celticwalkingtours.wordpress.comApple podcastsSpotifyAmazonPlayer.fmSpreakerAudioboomYoutube This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com/subscribe

Celtic had a woeful summer transfer window. In October we wrote a piece setting out why we were playing so poorly - in the summer and previous Jan window we’d sold players who, in the 12 months prior, had scored 86 goals and had 41 assists and replaced that with 28 goals (16 Nygren). That paucity of attacking options has been evident all season. Chuck in the injuries to CCV, AJ and Jota and the club was in a poor place. It was the principle reason behind the fan unrest.After Brendan left, we looked at Rangers and said “hold my beer” and brought in Nancy.The effect of all of this is that we have lost 8 league games. Martin O’Neil has had to overcome an 8 point then 6 point deficit - yet here we are. Win and the title’s ours.It’s been the most unexpected title decider and it’s previewed tonight.Enjoy…Apple podcastsSpotifyAmazonPlayer.fmSpreakerAudioboomYoutube This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com/subscribe

A Celtic win – or even draw – tonight will ensure that this year’s title race will go to the final day.Over the years, the Celts have had numerous momentous ‘final day’ moments that have brought the League flag to Celtic Park.This podcast describes the whole story.Every week, you can listen for free to more tales from Celtic’s past, as told by Matthew Marr (Hail Hail History).You can also take part in free walking tours which visit the sites that have shaped the Bhoys’ history. To find out more, visit: www.celticwalkingtours.wordpress.comEnjoy…Apple podcastsSpotifyAmazonPlayer.fmSpreakerAudioboomYoutube This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com/subscribe

When Martin O’Neil arrived back at Celtic Park we were 8 points behind leaders Hearts. He closed that and handed a level playing field to Wilfried Nancy. That incredible gamble failed and he came back with the club 6 points behind again. We now go into the final 2 games of the league campaign just 1 point off the lead. It’s there for us to claim history.On this weeks podcast the bhoys discuss the 3-1 victory and THAT goal. As Keith says, IF (and it may be a big IF) this is Martin last derby then his tenures at Celtic have been bookended by 2 of the greatest Glasgow Derby goals - the Henrik dink and the Maeda overhead.Enjoy…Apple podcastsSpotifyAmazonPlayer.fmSpreakerAudioboomYoutube This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com/subscribe

There’s now just 4 games to go in the search for an unlikely double, 3 of them in the league. At the weekend Celtic (and the officials) made the victory over Hibs much harder than it should have been and then there was the Hearts v Rangers game where every outcome could be seen through positive or negative eyes, depending upon your outlook. Hearts won and it has now become a two horse race.Victory on Sunday guarantees Celtic a Champions League play-off and confirms 3rd spot for Rangers but we’ve not played well all season and haven’t beaten Rangers over 90 mins for far too long.The bhoys review and preview.Enjoy…Apple podcastsSpotifyAmazonPlayer.fmSpreakerAudioboomYoutubeThe Celtic Underground Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com/subscribe

65 years, the Celtic career of one popular Celt came to a conclusion.Bertie Peacock – the Bhoys’ ‘Little Ant’ – ended his time in Glasgow, an era with some notable Celtic moments.This latest podcast tells Peacock’s Celtic story.Every week, you can listen for free to more tales from Celtic’s past, as told by Matthew Marr (Hail Hail History).You can also take part in free walking tours which visit the sites that have shaped the Bhoys’ history. To find out more, visit: www.celticwalkingtours.wordpress.comEnjoy…Apple podcastsSpotifyAmazonPlayer.fmSpreakerAudioboomYoutube This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit thecelticunderground.substack.comTo quote George Michael “If you were there, you’d know…”I don’t think there’s any Celtic fan of 50+ who couldn’t tell you in minute detail about every aspect of that cold May Day at Love Street. For most of us now, those memories are the TV ones, the fans errupting behind Jim Stewart as the news of the Albrt Kidd goal comes through on the trannies, the…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit thecelticunderground.substack.comWe’ve been here before - disputes between fans and The Board and for those us old enough to remember, the names of the protagonists are seared in our memories. The Kelly’s, The Whites, The Grants, The Weisfelds, Brian Dempsey and Fergus McCann. Just like today, everyone was a Celtic fan and just like today all had different visions of who would achiev…

Working at Celtic During the McCann Revolution Fergus McCann came into Celtic Park and changed everything.  He changed the board and replaced family inheritance with business acumen.  He changed the ground from seats on Terracing to a 60,000 seated stadium.  He built all the foundations that have now established Celtic as THE premier club in Scotland. He is one of the greatest Celts in history.The transformation in Celtic pre and post March 1994 was incredible and one of the few people with a front row seat both before and after was Andrew Smith.  working at The Celtic View he was part of the team who had to put out the messaging of the old board and their proposals for a move to Cambuslang.  He was then part of the McCann messaging as he sought to transform Celtic through a share issue and the building of a new stadium. The tales from Andrew are incredible, and his impersonations aren't bad either.This is a 2 part podcast.  Part one is out on our standard feed and part two will be available on TheCelticunderground.substack.comEnjoy...

In the past week we've had the league secured at Rugby Park, a title party at Celtic Park rounded all off with the Cup Final at Hampden on the iconic date of 25th May.  Who else could I ask to discuss this than full-kit Jow Hart love-in man Remy McSwain.Remy and I review everything and jump all over the place because an easy verbal ramble through the past 10 days became a rushed preview and review because the IT set up/wifi crashed.The audio is good because the crap bits are editted out.Enjoy...

Following securing the league, Andrew Smith met with Celtic FC Foundation CEO Tony Hamilton to ask about the work of the Foundation and discuss the forthcoming charity game against the Dortmund Legends.Andrew asks searching questions such as - aren't all chairtie just a tax on the poor?  But Tony robustly defends the work of the Foundation and the input of the club who are by far the biggest contributors to The Foundation.To get tickets for the game, which takes place after the cup final, log on herehttps://www.celticfc.com/tickets/celtic-legends-v-borussia-dortmund-legends/Enjoy...

Winners…again This Saturday saw the final Glasgow Derby of the league campaign and for listeners to last week’s podcast the result will have come as no surprise.  Despite the comments of pundits, this is a game where form does not go out of the window.  It is a game that the form team (or more appropriately the better team) nearly always win. Celtic are the better team.  Celtic won. Whilst the league is not mathematically secured, we’re almost there being 6 points clear with just 2 games remaining.  We therefore got two boys to discuss with Harry their thoughts on the game and where we are as club.  So listen to Eddie Pearson and Andrew Smith wax lyrical about the game, the manager and the club. Enjoy…

Fun Bhoys Three We have the final Glasgow Derby of season 2023/24 coming up this weekend and so we have organised some experienced heads to discuss the prospects with @Paul1888 joining Andrew & Harry to discuss the game. We roll out the metaphors and the cliches to preview the game in the context of our performance on last weekend when Brendan finally had his full first choice 16 to field. As Andrew H says - use your testicular metaphor of choice when previewing the game and have some fun. Enjoy…

Smith and Brady - Dundee review and Hearts preview This week Andrew H Smith joins Harry to review the performance and result at Dens Park.  The chat takes a meandering turn as the bhoys discuss the events at Dens almost 34 years ago to the day when Celtic really blew the 1979/80 season by losing 5-1 to Dundee during the title run in.  Andrew was there and experienced the vitriol. When they get on to the 21st Century tie they get on to discuss how brilliant James Forrest is and anyone who disagrees will go on Wolfie Smith’s list. Finally, the bhoys get to the Hearts game. Enjoy…

Smith & Brady - The Scottish Cup Semi Final Following the dramtic 3-3 draw and subsequent penalty shoot-out victory, Harry Brady and Andrew H Smith review the cup semi and discuss all of the action. There’s a review of the defensive short-comings and like every discussion by Celtic fans of a certain age, 20+ year old Hampden games are shoehorned in. Enjoy…

What’s Going On? There’s hasn’t been a podcast in ages and then, in usual style, two come along at once. If you’ve not listened, then get your ears around St Anthony’s Recollections podcast out earlier in the week. It was a short sharp pod all about Paul McStay. For the longer form podcast (and it’s very long) we have Remy, Lawrence & me asking (and attempting to answer) the simple question - what’s going on? The answer seems to be Dermot with everything flowing from that! It’s nearly two hours long so you’ll maybe listen in instalments. Enjoy…

Recollections - Paul McStayPaul McStay was born on 22nd October 1964 in Hamilton, Lanarkshire. Grand-nephew of former Celtic team captain and manager Jimmy McStay, playing for Celtic was in the family blood. A hotly tipped youth prospect Paul McStay was a member of Celtic Boys Club who burst onto the football scene in remarkable style when he hit two goals and was man of the match as Scotland schoolboys defeated their English counterparts at Wembley in front of a live TV audience in June 1980.He signed for Celtic aged seventeen and made his senior Celtic debut in a 4-0 home Scottish Cup win over Queen of the South on January 21st 1982. Part of a great Celtic dynasty – his Great Uncle’s Jimmy and Willie were both Hoops greats while brothers Willie and Raymond also played for the club – Paul McStay seemed almost destined to write his name into Celtic folklore…. Enjoy

Are we at the end of the roadThe Green Brigade - ostensibly a small group of fanatical “ultra” supporters below the age of 30 so who better to discuss their behaviours than a group of aging middle aged fans…?Hullbhoy, Lawrence, Eddie & I appreciate that none of us share the likely demographic of the supporters group that we discuss, but Celtic is a broad church with fans from 1-100 and all within that spectrum are entitled to their views. Online is principally in one place on the GBand so one element that we discuss is whether the wider fan base are broadly supportive of the GB and their actions or whether there is a “silent majority” who passionately disapprove. Like all things the truth is probably somewhere between these two positions.In general (and this is not a judgement by us, mere an assessment of the dynamics) we all agree that it’s probably the end of the Green Brigade as a recognised group within Celtic Park. We discuss the damage the banner of 7th October did or didn’t do to Celtic’s reputation and yes, we do get on to talk about football, specifically the Motherwell game. We very rarely edit the podcast and tend to put out the audio “as live” (as the recent ‘mother-in-law comments showed) however at times the debate got a little heated and there is a small section where we all talk over each other and it’s pretty much unlistenable and so if there sounds like a jump in the recording, it’s where this bit was taken out. Enjoy….(if you can).

Born to lead the green & white Any goal for Glasgow City, another victory for the cause, another reason to giving another cheer just for the bhoys. All week I have heard and read ill-informed nonsense about Celtic getting a heavy defeat and responded the same way - have you seen them? We the best manager in Scotland and one of the best in Britain. He’ll spend all week getting the team right…and he did. A marvellous preformance by Celtic. Bossed the first half and controlled the game to preserve the lead in the 2nd. Should have scored on the breakway and we only get better from here. Top of the league, one away Glasgow Derby down and 4 points clear of the Glasgow rivals and 2 points clear at the top. Not bad for a club with half the 1st team missing. Enjoy…

Sense and sensibility Podcast No1 of the new season had 2 of us, podcast No2 had 3 of us and this week, podcast No3 we’ve got 4 (four) of us on it! Whatever next…? Following the victory over Aberdeen, we’ve got Eddie, Saint Anthony and Paul T on to discuss the game, where the club are at, signing gossip and the forthcoming game against Killie in the cup. This weeks’ podcast is not as long as last week’s marathon but it’s still an hour of Celtic chat by middle aged Celtic fans - just what we all need on a regular basis. Enjoy…

Just like buses…you wait months for a podcast and then two come along in a week and what a podcast we have for you. I’ve no idea if it’s any good but it’s long, my goodness it’s long. Nearly two hours of Celtic chat (although, it could be argued that it’s 2 hours of sport chat with around 45 mins of Celtic chat but I’ll let you be the judge of that). Anyway, I am joined by Lawrence Donegan and Eddie Pearson to discuss all things Celtic, Scottish Sport, male grooming products, VPNs, youth development and everything in between. In fact if you’re an avid listener and get all the way to end you’ll get a discount code for our Patreon site (if we were to ever have one!) We enjoyed recording it and hopefully you’ll enjoy listening to it and if you do please rate us on apple podcasts and if you don’t then unsubscribe because they’re all like this! Enjoy…

But who’s the left back…?Nice to see you to see you…nice! It’s good to be back and especially when we’re back to talk about the new seaso, with a new manager, new signings, new signing gossip and all for our 18th season of podcasting.This week it’s the old team of Eddie and Harry who ramble and rumble over everything from fans objecting to people moving on, fans on message boards taking transfer rumoutrs too seriously, what those transfer rumours may be and our predictions for the next game.It’s a huge bumper edition to kick off the new season so please enjoy…

Ange train keeps on rolling Sunday saw the coronation of Celtic as back to back champions in Scotland. It was the 11th title out of the last 12 and the 11th of 11 titles were fans have been in attendance. All in all a remarkable period of domination by Scotland’s most succesfull living club. The game itself was a 2-0 triumph with Hearts trying hard for 20 mins or so before normal service was resumed. A (valid) red card helped but no doubt Celtic would have gone on to win as they have done in all bar 3 previous domestic games. Antony Murray is on the podcast this week to review the game compare this team with the invincibles and preview the next Glasgow derby. Enjoy…

Double Denim Edition First up an apology. After every podcast this season we have promised the the paucity of podcasting provision from CU will ceases and a plethora of podcasts will follow. If you’re being pedantic you could say that promise after every pod has been a pile of pish - and you’d be right. So sorry. With that out of the way I can talk about this week’s podcast -it’s a mamoth 2 hour extravoganza that starts by talking about the cup wemi and then just gets into a ramble and covers just about every topic - including (but not exclusive to) toxic masculinity and can grown men carry off double denim in the 21st century? We also discuss being better than Rangers - in every department! Enjoy…

I should be so lucky Once again the lucky bhoys triumphed and Ange won his 3rd out of 4 domestic trophies he has competed for and Bullshit Bingo Beale went home with his tail between his legs. Celtic won the league cup on Sunday with a 2-1 victory over Rangers in a game that was pretty comfortable throughout and that Celtic could, in the end, have won by 3 or 4. St Anthony was at the game with Saint Jnr and they were larging it up with the young team in the Celtic End and so I thought who better to call up and discuss the game. We review the match, the crowds, the Tifos and preview St Mirren. Enjoy…

The Celtic Da Podcast returns You can have all your whipper snapper podcasts with your Xthis and that but there is only one podcast that can continually hark back to the 90s and earlier and it’s this one - the world’s longest running football fans podcast. We’re now in our 17th season (18th year) and although we may have taken a break, you can be sure that we will always have something old and hackneyed to say about the modern game and this episode is no different. We discuss the League Cup semi-final victory over Kilmarnock, we discuss VAR, how rubbish Scottish refs are, group think of refs, the transfer window and then touch on the forthcoming St Mirren game. Amazingly in all of that we manage to debate whether the Lambert challenge on Albertz was indeed a penalty. Enjoy…

We’re in the mixTonight, before recording this podcast, I was in a whatsapp debate about how to describe the draw with Shaktar. I described it as brilliant, others said disappointing.Personally I couldn’t see how you could describe an away UCL prefromance wehere we should and could have won by 2-4 goals as disappointing. Yes, there’s disappointment that we didn’t win but surely it’s absolutely brilliant that we were that good that we feel disappointed about only drawing away?Anyway, enough of the use of the word disappointment in one small section of text - I am joined by Antony Murray as we discuss the draw with Shaktar, the away game to St Mirren and I also debut my open all mics try-out as Napoli get 2 pens as we record.Enjoy…

The Celtic SteamrollerSaturday 3rd September Celtic played Rangers. Saturday 3rd September Celtic toyed with Rangers.We played them off the park in the first half and coasted the second. You got the impression that if Ange had told the team at half-time that they needed to score another 4, we could have.We startt the podcast with a quick exert from the Heart & Hand Podcast that someone sent us previewing the game, we then move on to a review of the game before a preview of the game against some team from Madrid.We hope you like it as much as we liked recording it.Enjoy…

Tifo or Tifno…?Sometimes the title provides little or no insight into the real content of the podcast but I've got to do one so, there you go. Anyway, this week the middle aged podcast by middle aged fans for EVERYONE returns (have we mentioned we are the world’s longest running football fans podcast?). Anyway, back to the point…we are enjoying lige under Ange and so we are enjoying life in general. Lawrence is on his usually summer sabbatical to the Raploch and Eddie’s life is just one big long holiday. With both of them having time to spare I connected the phone line, dialled them up, listened to that weird screaching noise you get with dial up internet and I connected to the two guys to discuss life, the arts and the football.First up was the V & A. Next up was Eddie discussing whether Tifo’s are for him and finally we reviewed the Aberdeen game and then previewed the Ross County game.It’s a bit of a ramble and if you want xyz and tactis chat…you’ll need to look elsewhere.Enjoy…

When we started this podcast (did I mention it’s the world’s longest running football fans podcast) we never thought it would last 17 seasons. It’s ebbed and flowed and the young kids have arrived with their xg, xa, xt, abc, easy as 1,2,3 but we’ll always be here - the middle aged podcast for the middle aged fan who loves the hoops and gets mildly irritated.And so we are back for that record breaking 17th season (every season is record breaking because I’m not sure I’ve mentioned it but we’re the world’s longest running football fans podcast). This week I am joined by Duncan, St Anthony and Lachie Mor to preview the season, discuss the Aberdeen game and even get around to questioning if Queens Park can become Glasgow’s second team.Enjoy…

Celtic today secured a draw against Rangers to put us just one win from the title. It's the 4th time in a row we have secured either a draw or win against the team from the South Side of the city.It's a game that Celtic had the chances to put to bed before the Rangers equaliser. We didn't and a few players looked exhausted towards the end but we held on, secured the draw and now only a dire change of form will prevent Ange picking up another trophy and his first Scottish title at the first time of asking.This week I am joined by Eddie Pearson and Lawrence Donegan to discuss their favourite podcasts, whether Zebedee is an outdated cultural reference and the meaning of various police hat colours.Enjoy...

The podcast is back (again) after a midseason breakNow where were we....ah that's right, we're on track for a treble!Sorry it's been so long but you know how it is, life, work, IT issues - they all get in the way of creating the latest episode of the world's longest running football fans podcast. Anyway, the IT issues have been resolved (like most I'm not sure about volume of hours in work) but we're ready to go.This should have been out a week earlier but the aforementioned IT issues prevented. Anyway - it's Saint & me discussing the recent victory at Ibrox, just prior to the 7 goal victory over St Johnstone.

Welcome HomeThe podcast is back for another episode and we have some old and older voices for you in the names of Lawrence and Eddie. Yes, Lawrence is on and fresh from his recently return on a Sunday night on Twitter Spaces, we are joined by Eddie Pearson.The boys go on to discuss Ange-ball, whether the board should get praise or not for the transfer window. Also following the departure of French Eddie we discuss the top 3 post Larsson strikers. We also take 5 mins to discuss the weird and wonderful world of “fan media”.Enjoy…

Ange-ball Rolls OnCeltic have tonight come through what was at times a very nervy evening (a very self-inflicted one) to progress to the group stages of the Europa League and they can now prepare for Sunday.I was unsure about organising a post game podcast. I always recall Mark Cooper bemoaning that everytime I organised one with hime we lost. But I am not a believer in “what’s for you won’t go past you” or the concept of “tempting fate” so I organised one. We lost but we’re through and that’s all that matters.I am joined this evening by Anthony and Season to review the game, discuss our stresses and celebrate the overall result. We also breifly touch on how crap the other clubs are to not achieve the Conference League and have a brief review of Sunday.Enjoy…

The Game Episode 7 - Barca 125November 7th 2012. The night before a Mass was held in St Mary’s to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the forming of Celtic Football Club and that week illustrated that Big Billy’s words about there being a fairytale about this club were never more true.We has invited the board of Barca to share in our commemoration mass and the following night they visited the Cathedral of noise that was Celtic Park as 60,000 fans and 13 players put on a show that had the whole world talking.On this weeks podcast Antony Murray and I discuss The Game with Ewan McLean (@_ewanmclean). We talk about what he was doing at the time and the marvel of that evening. Paul Hayward of The Telegraph wrote “ Somehwere between madness and love, this fanaticism did for Barcelona on a night when the Celtic team and their disciples were indivisible. Money can’t buy you that”What a night! The world's greatest team beaten by the world's greatest club….

Celtic and our Irish heritageThis week St Anthony takes control of the podcast to discuss Celtic and it’s Irish heritage. Saint is joined by Sean McDonagh who lecture politics and Scots/Irish history at OU. There cannot be a Celtic fan out there who does not know some basics of the coubs formation and heritage however it is always good to get the details from an expert in the field and Sean provides that in spades here.Enjoy….