The Celtic Underground

40 years was one of Celtic’s most celebrated league triumphs. It was a day when the club’s biggest hero was not wearing green-and-white.This is the story of Albert Kidd and 1986.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

In this week’s episode the bhoys take stock of our recent run of results and what it means for the title race. While a strong winning streak has pushed Celtic into a commanding position, the discussion is far from complacent. Injuries, squad depth, and recurring tactical questions remain key talking points. The bhoys deliberate on whether Celtic are peaking at the right time or simply getting the job done.The consensus is that momentum is with Celtic, but the margin for error remains slim and how we navigate the final run of games will determine whether this season ends in success or frustration.Enjoy…Apple podcastsSpotifyAmazonPlayer.fmSpreakerAudioboomYoutubeThanks for reading & listening to 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

45 years ago (25 April 1981) was a small piece of Celtic history. For the first time, the Bhoys received the League trophy in an on-field presentation.The way things are going, that might not be an issue this season!This latest podcast tells the story of Celtic and the League trophy.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…* FREE Celtic history walks - upcoming dates *Learn more about Celtic's Glasgow story:Celtic in the West EndSunday 26 AprilCeltic in the southsideFriday 1 MayCeltic in the city centreSunday 26 JulyTo book or find out more:https://celticwalkingtours.wordpress.com/about/Apple podcastsSpotifyAmazonPlayer.fmSpreakerAudioboomThe 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 week Andrew is joined by a couple of voices you’ll have heard before but not on the regular main podcast as Stephen and Keith join him to talk up the chances of an incredible double. The 6 goals (4 in jig time in extra time) have buoyed up the bhoys and they look positively forward whilst drawingon positive memories.Five 1-0 victories is all we’d need.Enjoy…Apple podcastsSpotifyAmazonPlayer.fmSpreakerAudioboom 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

It happened!  We lost!  3 Players slipped on their arse, the goal keeper had a headrush and pulled down a Hearts player and we thumped it long all second half.  Apart from that we also played poorly…! Yet despite ALL of this we remain top of the league and remain on course for another title and part of the way there to a remarkable back to back treble.  We broke a 100 year record and went 69 games unbeaten.  And of this has happened when you and I are alive.  You’ll tell your grandkids about these days!  Anyway, enough of the rambling…   After the game against Hearts and the end of the record breaking run I thought I should quickly pull together a podcast and discuss the game, the fall-out, the magnificant run and our hopes for the furture.  It’s all here along with the music.   We have Adam Glen with his debut single These Towns and Elvis with Martina McBride singing Blue Christmas from the ‘68comeback concert.   Enjoy…. 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

The past week has seen Celtic lose a two goal defecit to Hibs (a game we should have won by 5 or 6) followed by the Europa League Draw, followed by a FREEZING victory over Hamilton and then all rounded off with a lovely Christmas letter to all season book holders from the club.   With such an action packed week we’ve already squeezed a podcast extra in but have also decided to get @LachieMor1 back on to review the week.   Just before uploading the podcast I asked for cover versions or great intro’s on Twitter and was bombarded.  I have noted all and will get to them all.  Meantime I picked the request from @Hullbhoy for a Sinead O’Connor song and went for her cover of Don’t Cry For Me Argentina (should have saved for @markocooper) and Los Colorados cover of Katie Perry.  It’s quite unique!   Enjoy… 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

The slump continues as Celtic reach 69 games unbeaten in domestic football.  At this rate we’ll be slumping ourselves to back to back trebles!  Following on from completely dominating the game against Hibs but losinga  2 goal lead we had the visit of Hamilton.  An excellent strike and a Jozo gift almost lead to Hamilton getting two goals in this game too but in truth this was a game that would only ever have one winner.  Ntcham was excellent again and Edouard had some good chances that he just couldn’t quite convert.   After the game we had Brendan Rodgers, James Forrest and Martin Canning chat in the media conference.   For music we have Morcombe and Wise and a cover of Kings of Leon.   Enjoy… 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

Tuesday night was a pivotal game in our season.  Provided we didn’t lose by 3 or more goals we could enjoy European football after Christmas and this was achieved but perhaps not in the way we would have liked…but we’re there.   Following the complaint by Mark Cooper that he always gets the graveyard shift of a post Euro defeat I decided to get another guest on this weeks podcast and so we have Lachie Mor.  As the podcast was recorded we received breaking news about the basket case of another Glasgow Club and so we have a wee laugh for a minute or two at that too!   Music this week is from The Life of Brian and Madness.   Enjoy…. 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

Well that was the PSG double header then…12-1. We all knew we would get beaten by the most expensive team ever and whilst none of us like heavy defeats, to channel my inner half glass full guy, there were some positives to take from that game…not many, but more than the home leg.   Immediately following the game i decided to ring up my pal Mark in Argentina in an attempt to pick the bones out of the performance.  We both decided that there was no point in analysing the game on a goal by goal basis and trying to pick out who was at fault.  we lost, let’s move on, learn what lessons we can and win on Sunday.   The music this week in, at the front end, expected - it’s Atmic Kitten with their cover of the Lustig song.  At the end of the podcast it’s the Nirvana cover of the Bowie classic The Man Who Sold The World.   Enjoy… 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 I am joined by St Anthony in a chat that was supposed to be about our marvellous 100 yr record breaking achievement but in typical Celtic Underground Podcast fashion it went on a meander.   We started with the Anfield Wrap (neither of us could remember the name) briefly touched on the winning run and then got onto the meat and bones of the team and the challenges of team building.  It finished with Saints Ross County preview and has a few mentions of Lawrence Donegan in between.   In recognition of this weeks Country Music Awards the covers have a country fell and also are two generations  apart.  We have Harry Styles covering Girl Crush and Ray Stevens from 1975 covering Misty in a Country Music style.     Enjoy… 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 Harry is joined by Guardian Football and Golf correspondent Ewan Murray.  If you pick up your copy of the Guardian at the local paper you will be aware of Ewan for his coverage of the major games in Scottish football and perhaps have worked out that he is a Jambo.  If you’re aware of Ewan from his online presence you will either like him or loathe him or see him simply as a “hurting Hun”.   I normally can’t be bothered with people who occassionally take to trolling on twitter but in Ewan’s case I make an exception and must admit I find his interaction with many quite amusing.  Ewan and I have a very long ramble through his career and then onto Scottish football.  We recorded this just after the loss at home to Bayern so that performance is covered as is Hearts, their new stadium, Pedro, SEVCO coverage and…Airdrie.  It’s all explained when you listen.   The music this week is cover versions of a Bee Gees 1971 song and a Stevie Wonder classic.  We have the Rev Al Green version of How Can You Mend A Broken Heart and As by George Michael and Mary J Blige.   Enjoy… 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 fanzines older than some top flight clubs - Not The View is 30!   For fans under the age of 40 it’s always been there but for those of us of a certain age it was an essential part of Celtic culture growing up.  Perhaps it was the arrival of Souness at Rangers that spawned it or perhaps it was just luck but with everything that happened at Celtic in the first 7 years of its existance NTV was essential reading.   Without NTV perhaps Celts For Change may not have happened.  Certainly without NTV you wouldn’t be listening to this.  It is an essential part of our modern history and St ANthony met up with some of the guys to discuss the 30 years of history.   Prior to the NTV chat we have Brendan pre-Bayern game and Dedryck post Bayern.  Enjoy… 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 weeks podcast extra is Brendantastic.  We start off with a brief chat before Brendan went on stage for his book launch at the Armadillo in Glasgow and then we have both Brendan and Leigh in fine fettle after the 1-1 home draw against Kilmarnock.   There is irritation in from Leigh about the failure to get a win and frustration in Brendan’s body language but none of us will complain if we get another treble but more importantly if resting players for ushc games facilitates Europe past Christmas.   Enjoy… 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

Sorry for the break for the past few weeks but we’ve been busy but we’re back.  A football fans podcast from the guys behind The Celtic Underground and now in our 12th season possibly the greatest time in those 12 years to be a fans of the hoops and maybe longer.  Officially the best football fans in the world, we support a great team that is also in a different league to the rest of Scottish football.   Since the last podcast we’ve defeated Hibs to reach the first final of the season, bossed the 2nd best team in Scotland on their own patch and moved close to European football after Christmas.  With all of this (and the sacking of Pedro and construction of a 1960’s office block by Hearts) there was so much to chat about we needed two guests - Mark Cooper and Hullbhoy.   The music this week is Scott Bradlee’s Post Modern Jukebox with a cover of Shake it Off and Morcombe and Wise.  Ohh and it’s the Basque Atletic Bilboa and not the Castillian Athletico Madrid.   Enjoy… 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

Following the comfortable 2-0 victory in our second Glasgow Derby of the season (after a more tightly contested game against Glasgow’s second club at Firhill) we now have perhaps our most important Champions League game of the season coming up.  With such an important fixture I thought I’d continue our new podcast guests with a foreign based journalist, from Airdie, working for a French news agency.   New music comes from Tuvband and Mark Sharp.   Enjoy… 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

We Battered Them   Make no mistake, whilst this wasn’tanother 5-1 victory we once again showed, on their patch, that the newest version of Rangers Football Club are a million miles away from competing with Celtic.  Not only are they a million miles away from competing with Celtic but as today’s league table shows, they’re quite a way from being the second or even 3rd best team in Scotland.   Audio was recorded at the game to try and capture the emotion of the day and then I dialled up Henrik Vegetable on the way home to try and capture the joy of the supporters in the immeidate aftermath of the game (so excuse the audio as the podcast is recorded in the car on the way back).   Rangers couldn’t cope with our movement in the first 15 minutes and were nothing after the 2nd goal - their heads went down and our superior fitness told.  Yes, we are 35 - 40 minutes fitter than them.  That is a huge gulf.   Enjoy… 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 Michael McCourt of The Celtic FC Foundation joined us to discuss the new fund raising initiative the Hail Hail Trail.  Time to coincide with our 130th Birthday on 6th November, Michael explains how everyone, everywhere can get involved in this 130 mile walk over a 6 week window - listen in and see what you can do (already 2 sistsers in San Francisco have signed up).  Prior to Michael we have Brendan’s press conference following the Ross County game.   The Covers this week are Mayssa Karaa covering the Jefferson Airplae classic White Rabbit and then we have Adele’s cover of Steeldrivers If It Hadn’t been For Love.   Enjoy… 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

Tonight (as we record this) Celtic were on the reciving end of a 5-0 defeat to PSG.  I expected to lose so I’m not too down because I believed that this group would always come down to the head to heads between ourselves and Anderlecht for European football after Christmas.   Mark & I therefore discuss the game and highlight our flaws, but hopefully in not a too negative way.  Personally my biggest fear is the consequences of the idiot who came onto the park and the hope that this doesn’t result in a stand closure or worse.  Here’s hoping.   We have two new music tracks for you.  My Green Machine and Ecletic Electric by Bluevale St.   Enjoy… 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

The Champions League is returning to Celtic Park and we will have a team with over £800m worth of talent gracing the green green grass of home… and PSG are not too bad either (boom boom).   Prior to the UCL first group stage game, there was the usual round of press conferences and we managed to get the audio from Brendan and Olivier Ntcham pre-game.  There is a wee bit of the translators in there and also if it sounds like Olivier is answering some questions with a French accent & some with a Scots one, it’s because when asked a question in French he replied in French and therefore we have the translator answer only.   With regards to the music covers this week, the first one is from @Joebloggscity with the Flying Lizards and Money (which I thought was apt) and the second is from Derek McLean suggesting Elvis Costello & The Attractions ‘(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace Love & Understanding - a Nick Lowe cover.  Apparently it’s Derek’s wife’s favourite all time song.   Enjoy… 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

With the wonderful nature of modern social media and without any overhyping from the club, fans have managed the make the return of Patrick Roberts the signing coup of the last few seasons.  That’s not to say it’s a bad thing, just a wonderful way the fans have whipped up the fervour on this.  As we pull this audio together it’s looking like another French translator may be required at the club, but we’ll see.   This is the audio from the #PR7 press conference and some exclusive chat we were able to grab with him at the end.   Enjoy… 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

The end of summer is signaled by the Champions League Draw.  It is the moment when Europe’s elite are drawn together for nights of excitement under the lights and today we got glamour and and possible hope for Europe past Christmas.   Harry spoke with Hullbhoy and the two discuss the draw and how we got there with the victory over Astana.  we also hear from assistant boss Chris Davies and Kieran Tierney and Olivier Ntcham.   Cover versions were suggested by Sean Hamilton and Derek McLean with Waterloo sunset by The Jam and I Saw Her Standing There by Elton John.   Enjoy… 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

So close you can almost touch it.   Wasn’t Wednesday fantastic?  Reaching this round of Champions League qualification is very special.  We know we have European football until Christmas but these two games will determine whether that in the Champions League or the Europa League.  The anthem starts, the nerves jangle and the game gets going for a crucial double header.  There was much debate on whether the sigings had been enough but Brendan had faith that the Invincibles squad is good enough and in Brendan we trust - a 5-0 hammering!   For music we had to have something that recognised the UCL atmosphere so Cum on Feel The Noize (Oasis cover of the Slade song) and I am The Walrus (again Oasis covering, this time the Beatles).   It’s Harry chatting with Hullbhoy - Enjoy… 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

CU Xtra - Brendan & Astana Manager   If you thought only Colonel Gaddafi held press conferences in a tent then you’ve not been to Celtic Park on a Champions League night.   Following the stunning 5-goal victory we had the press conferences.  I expected the defeated coach to say a few words and go.  Unfortunately he was first in and he talked.  And the transaltions were long!   To avoid the pain I swapped around the order and we have Brendan followed by the Astana Manager.  as best possible I edited out the translations.   Enjoy… 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 weeks podcast features Danny wilson, Franz Ferdinand St Anthony and Harry Brady - quite a collective!   St joins Harry to discuss the great start the the campaing with the thumping of Hearts in the league and then Kilmarnock in the league cup.  we discuss who played well and our thoughts on various players but are stunned mid podcast as we discover the startling news that Rangers have been drawn AWAY in the League Cup…   The cover versions this week are from Franz Ferdinand with Bowie’s Sound & Vision and the some more Danny Wilson with the Abba classice Knowing Me Knowing You.   Enjoy… 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

Saturday saw the opening game of the new season with the league flag unfurled for the 6th consecutive year and the umpteenth year if we discount the cheating years.  After the game Jon Daly, Leigh Griffiths, Christophe Berra and Brendan Rodgers spoke with the press.  We couldn't be arsed getting in to hear Daly and therefore missed the newsworthy chat!   Anyway, here's the others who took part.  PS - The hearts media guy has a weird haircut.  It looks like he cut the fringe himself after a night on the lash! 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 weeks podcast is all about the finances of Celtic - is there scope for growth or are we all maxed out? We know that the only thing that matters in football is winning on the pitch but that is determined by the quality of player and quality of manager at the club and THAT is largely determined by the money you have to spend, specifically when it comes to the Champions League and European Football in general. With the draw for Europe pending I therefore wanted to speak with two Tims who could give an insight to the finacial climate within which we operate and to ascertain if we could squeeze an extra £10m or so that might push us over the edge and into regular UCL last 16 territory. Alan and Robin know their finances and are worldly wise so who better to have this chat with? Enjoy… 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 is nothing better after a nail biting game to be able to listen to some Celtic chat, whoever is producing it.  There is nothing worse after a defeat than recording said Celtic chat so my night was on a knife edge.  Not only with the Celtic game but whether I would be having an enjoyable or frustrating podcast chat with Mark Cooper.  Fortunately it was the former.   Mark Cooper and I discuss the victory over Rosenborg that guarantees European football to Christmas and we discuss the possibility that that football will take place in the Champions League - we hope and expect it will.   The music is - for intro A Forest by The Cure and for play out the cover version of The Patriot Game by The Bluebells.     Enjoy… 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 past week has seen the feel good factor kicked the the baws at Celtic Park with the stramash over the Green Brigade followed by the Rangers Fraud whitewash and then the lack lustre home performance against Rosenborg.  The Rosenborg game was played after this podcast was recorded and this is actually part 2 of the long chat Hullbhoy and I had about all things Celtic earlier in the week.   Part 1 has already been uploaded and covers the football and the supreme court decision.  This podcast is all about the Green Brigade, their banner and their subsequent ban.  We tried to not make this adversarial and discuss the issues at hand.   Enjoy… 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

So, what do we have to talk about….Harry and Hullbhoy pondered that question and the chat quicker meandered into 2 hours of Celtic chat so we’ve decided that this should be cut down into two podcast - one mainly football and one mainly banners.  This is mainly football, with a bit of what to do with cheats.   The bhoys discuss the recent Linfield victory and the forthcoming tie against Rosenborg but as this podcast was being recorded the SPFL made some more noises about letting cheats go free so Hullbhoy and Harry also discuss that.  If you want banners, bans and brigades discussions - along the corridor, third door on the left.   The cover songs this week are Oasis Cum on Feel The Noize and Scott Bradley’s Post Modern Jukebox covering Creep.   Enjoy… 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

The world famous Celtic Underground Top Ten is finally here. Celtic are about to kick off in the first competitive game in season 2017-18 and so we thought it about time that we finally unveil who you, the Celtic Underground podcast public voted for in the top 10 players of season 2016-17. We pulled together some of the team and we all sat around a Skype mic and ran through that ten. Lachie Mor, Mark Cooper, Saint Anthony and Harry reviewed and discussed the ten along with the Samaras Award for top moment. So who won? No spoilers here, you’ll need to listen all the way through. Enjoy… 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

David Friel is a former journalist at The Celtic View and has previously written a Celtic Book - The Century Bhoys.  If that wasn’t enough to put him off David has taken the bravery pills and dived into the world of football authors again to write about the Invincibles.  We have a copy of the next book to give away and the question is at the end of the podcast.   David tells us about the book and that leads into a discussion about the marvellous past 12 months and specifically what makes Brendan so special.   The music is a tribute to Tony Hadley leaving 80’s band Spandau Ballet and also following my comments on the intro to Superstition last week, Andy Gronneberg suggested Waterfront - so there you go Andy.   Enjoy… 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

The big talking point in Scottish football is the Supreme Court decision which confirms the scale of the Rangers cheating during the latter half of the calamitous David Murray era.  We will no doubt have a detailed podcast on that soon but one key point to know - The top clubs DO have a large say in the actions of the football authorities.  Pressure from Celtic, Aberdeen and perhaps Hibs & Hearts would result in a judicial review of the LNS decision.  Celtic have made an important statement on this.  The silence of those other clubs is deafening.   The role of fans will now be vital.  We await fans of clubs like Aberdeen, Hibs and Hearts making sure their clubs follow Celtic lead.  Meantime we have our chat on BBC GMS with Graeme Spiers.   Enjoy... 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 Harry is joined by Martin McCardie…you may not know his name but you will be aware of his work.  A writer and producer on River City, Martin has also starred in, written and produced many well know works on Scottish TV and also written and starred in Scottish plays.  Martin is here because he has also re-written the ply Lions of Lisbon, 25 years on from its debut to fit for its 50th anniversary.   This is a fascinating podcast for anyone who loves Celtic and anyone who’s thinking of getting into play writting or acting.  Oh and also tells a wee story that left me speachless about Mo Johnstone still being a Celtic fan…!   Enjoy… 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 Brendan arrived we knew that season 2016/17 was going to be something special, but no-one could have foreseen just how wonderful it was.  Few if any of us will ever see a team go the entire domestic season in Scotland unbeaten and in the process pick up every domestic trophy with the youths chipping in too.   The Celtic Underground team always peruse the key moments from seasons past and this year is no different so Harry is joined by Hullbhoy and Mark Cooper to discuss the key games from last season that saw us start and finish the domestic campaign with thrilling 2-1 victories away from Celtic Park.   Of course we do not discuss whether, having only drawn 4 games domestically and beating the 2 best team in Scotland on 6 occasions we should be further ahead than we are over a team we thumped 5-1 in two games because that would be silly!   Enjoy... 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

In 2012 our greatest rivals, Rangers Football Club entered administration, they never exited it.  They limped along, finished the season and died.  The story of that death is a decades long story of cheating in the vain attempt to compete with Celtic.  This is a podcast about that cheating. As most of you will know, the blame for the death of Rangers was laid at the door of Craig Whyte by the fans of the that club and the media.  Such was the reach of the established order that when poor business practices led to the clubs death, fans git the courts to chase after Whyte.  His case was damning on that decision with no need for a defence case.  He won just from the evidence of the prosecution, but we don’t really care about that. Pertinent to Celtic was the confirmation during the trial that people within Rangers pursued an active policy to defraud all of our game.    So desperate were those in charge to keep their club going with largess rather than living within their means that they cheated and defrauded to obtain a European license.  They nearly got away with it too.   This podcast sets out where we are now that the fraud has been confirmed and is about what could happen next.   Enjoy… 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

his week Saint Anthony returns with another reflection on a Celtic life in former left back Mark Reid.  When I was growing up the Celtic full back pairing was Andy Lynch at left back and Danny McGrain at Right Back.  This then changed to see Alan Sneddon come in with Danny moving over to the left.  Again that changed and our guest arrived allowing the world’s best right back into his natural position.   Over the years left back has been a challenging position for the hoops with younger fans spoiled by the likes of Tierney and Emilio.  Fans of my generation will no doubt have a soft spot for Mark Reid who was rather an unsung hero of the ‘80s.   For it was then that he made nearly 200 appearances for the club, winning several trophies including two league championships in an exciting and talented Hoops side.   However, with his first-team chances becoming more limited, the full-back elected to leave and join Charlton Athletic. As someone who had spent his entire career in Paradise, emerging from the club’s youth set-up, this was a difficult decision but one which he would ultimately reap the rewards from.   Reid helped the London side reach the old First Division and he got the opportunity to face some of the top teams and players in England of that era, staying there for six years before returning to Scotland in 1991.   After an injury-plagued two seasons with St Mirren, he decided to call time on his playing days and he has since carved out a successful career as a driving instructor.   Enjoy… 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

It’s summer time so we have something a wee bit different on this week’s podcast…basketball.  Now don’t worry we haven’t chucked our principles, our sport and and our game in the bin.  This is the Celtic Underground Podcast so obviously there has to be a Celtic angle to this and there is (thank goodness I hear you say).   This week Harry is joined by part owner of the Glasgow Rocks basketball team Duncan Smillie.  Duncan is in business with David Low running the Glasgow basketball franchise.  The team play on our doorstep and both men are massive hoops fans (that’s hoops of the green and white variety) so why not have a chat about our near neighbours?   There’ll be more podcasts along soon - old players, Res 12, The Lions of Lisbon play, the CU Season Review and the CU Top 10.  The close season isn’t long enough!   Enjoy… 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

The WORLD FAMOUS Celtic Underground Top Ten is here.  It’s time to vote!   Yes the Top Ten is back again and it’s your opportunity to cast your vote for the Celtic elite.  The podcast gives you a reminder of the runners and riders and also a reminder of past glory days and those more forgetable seasons.   This year we also have a new award - the Samaras Award for that unforgaetable moment in the season that just made it perfect to be a Celtic fan - the final whistle in Israel, the Lustig Goal at Ibrox, the Simunovic tackle on Miller, the Senderos slide or that Rogic winner.   All votes count, this is not a first past the post election.  Our STV methodology means that the best rise to the victory podium.   Enjoy and get voting [email protected] 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

The InVIncibles have their final game - the final chapter in a remarkable season.  Celtic Football Club are just 90 minutes away from finishing an emotional year with an incredible achievement - completing an entire season unbeaten domestically and in the process picking up all possible domestic trophies - a treble of senior honours and matching the Lions on the domestic front by also bagging the Glasgow Cup.   Harry is joined by Hullbhoy to preview the final and discuss the fantastic year.  We also have chat with Boyatta, Gordon and Roberts before closing out with some audio from the Hydro.   Enjoy… 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

It’s the night before and what else could we possibly do but release a podcast in tribute to one of the most remarkable achievement in all of Scottish sport.  25th May 1967 is a date written into the folklore of our club but for those of us under 50 it is only something we have read about or watched on video.  Our older fans were lucky enough to experience it so we thought it essential that we ask our own Lachie Mor for his memories.   Fresh faced and rosey cheeked, the 19 year old Lachie was at college down in Manchester but he made the treck back to Glasgow to watch the game at home.  And this is that story.   With one or two other bits of audio you might recognise (including a posh Archie) Enjoy… 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

inVIncible   You will tell your grandchildren that you were there, that you saw Celtic win the league without loosing a game.  Wonderful.   This week we hear from Brendan Rodgers and Leigh Griffiths immediately after the Hearts victory.  Leigh still had the mud on his boots at the press conference whereas Brendan had spent quite some time on the park before the press conference commenced but it was all good.  Brendan talked a lot about being invincible, infrangible and Leigh talked about which boss is the best kisser!  As for Mark and I?  We just meander and ramble this way and that.   Enjoy... 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 Harry is joined by St Anthony, fresh from his trip to the hospital.  Many have wondered what part of his body Saint had enhanced...we couldn't possibly comment!  After discussing how difficult it was to have a hospital visit sandwiched between two humpings of a team from Ibrox, Harry & Saint then go on to discuss the victory over Aberdeen before a more mundane discussion around the parking proposals at Celtic Park, the lack of thought that surrounds the proposal and the possible impact.   After this chat the bhoys revert back to football and the forthcoming Thistle game.   Enjoy... 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 the guests (nearly) are all Celtic. Following from the victory over St Johnstone when Celtic’s starting outfield 10 had a combined age of just 22, we hear from one of those young stars Patrick Roberts.  We also have 10 minutes from the manager where he discusses the performances of Ralston and Johnstone, the chances of keeping Paddy and his general thoughts on the victory.   Also this past week we had the launch of the new strip and at that event myself and a few other Celtic websites were able to have a chat with Stuart Armstrong, Callum McGregor and Kieran Tierney, so we have the 10 minutes per player exclusive chat also.  At the end we hear from St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright who confesses that we were just too good for his team.   Enjoy… 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

WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE!   In the darkest days of the 1990’s, pre Fergus McCann, never in my wildest dreams did I think I would stand at Ibrox and witness such an imperious performance.  They may be a new club but it’s the same ground with the same fans and we absolutely thumped them.  Destroyed them.  Ground them into the ground.   From almost the first goal there was an air of menace, a thought that at any time their end could flip and go bonkers.  Brown’s attack, monkey taunts and Directors fighting.  This was THEIR Dallas Game, their Mars Bar game…except they have no Fergus coming!   So en-route home I was joined by gentle Jim to discuss the game.  We wanted a raw and fresh podcast that captured how we felt immediately post game.  It’s recorded on the journey home so please accept our apologies on the sound quality.   Enjoy…! 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 Harry is back and joined by Hullbhoy to discuss the fabulous walk in the park victory of the Rangers. Fresh from taking off his lycra blue/green body suit, Hullbhoy discusses with Harry how good Celtic were, how bad Rangers are and how a ref getting red card decisions wrong will be seen as having a good day!  The bhoys wax lyrical about the team and then at the end Harry reminds everyone that being Celtic is not just on the park performances but off the park charity. Oh and good luck to Saint with his impending galbladder op. Enjoy… 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 Sunday, the Celtic Graves Society will host a special event to commemorate the final resting place of James Kelly, Celtic's first ever captain.  And it's appropriate that the event falls on the 125th anniversary of Celtic's first ever Scottish Cup triumph - a 5-1 victory over Queen's Park on April 9, 1892 - when James Kelly led the Celts to the first of the 101 major trophies that the club has won in its long and illustrious history.   The commemoration ceremony will take place at St Patrick's Cemetery, 29 King's Drive, New Stevenston on Sunday, April 9, starting at 2pm.    Following this latest Tale From The Wiki we have audio from Brendan, James Forrest & Elbows.   Enjoy... 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 weeks podcast revisits the Celtic Graves Society event that took place last week in Prague.  The work of the Celtic Graves Society in keeping the memory of former Hoops Heroes alive is amazing and never more evident than this past week with the guys travelling to the Czech Republic to commemorate a former Celt.  Jim takes us through the events of that weekend with audio in three parts from the Johnny Madden celebration and commemoration.  An early Celt Johnny was also the father of Czech football. If you can listen to last weeks podcast extra and then this.   Enjoy… 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 is a trip that the Celtic Graves Society have been looking forward to for a very long time, commemorating the "Father of Czech Football", Johnny Madden. The Celtic Graves Society and Odbor přátel have been working hard on various different aspects of this commemoration and we would like to extend the hand of friendship to all Slavia fans as we prepare to arrive in the beautiful city of Prague. Any Celtic Supporters in the Prague area are invited to attend to the commemoration on Saturday. Alongside the committee they have 3 Supporters of the Society travelling with us to Prague. The Garves Society would a special thanks for the commitment shown to be able to join us. Your support will never be taken for granted. They also have members of Johnny Maddens family arriving from Belfast for the commemoration. A friendship formed through a common bond. Johnny Madden.   Enjoy… 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 we have the return of the Saint.  Fresh from his trip to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital St Anthony delivers and excellent podcast about Nutmeg magazine.   We can all be guilty of trotting out the lazy Scottish Mainstream Media label as a catch-all for bad journalism but to be fair we shouldn’t tar them all with the same brush.  There are some very good journalists out there covering the Scottish game and Nutmeg is one of the publications providing a platform those good journalists.   It’s a periodical which promotes itself by saying “It’s not a book, it’s not a magazine.  It’s somewhere in between, and something completely new in Scotland; a quarterly subscription-only long-form publication filled with top quality writers, great articles and fascinating stories.  And it’s all about Scottish Football.”   Enjoy… 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 we have a bumper guest filled podcast. In no particular order you will hear; Harry Brady, a Pearson child, a member of the brady Bunch, Lachie Mor, Craig Gordon, Lewis, Robin & Robert! Value for money if I do say so. It’s a podcast of two halves. The meat and bones of the podcast is a chat between Lachie and Harry. The two bhoys discuss the recent St Mirren game and the “furore” around Brendan’s comment that St Mirren were quite good. We then hear from Craig Gordon after he signed his new contract and then it’s on to the Glasgow Derby. Lachie and Harry discuss this game before we get a very brief preview from 3 Celts, two of whom have come all the way from Singapore and Hong Kong to see the hoops triumph (Hopefully). Enjoy… 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