Celtic Underground

Controversy at the 1946 Victory Cup

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 04:45:00 +0000

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.com

The 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’

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 27 May 2026 04:45:00 +0000

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.com

The 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

Just champion

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 22 May 2026 04:46:11 +0000

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com

The 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…

Celtic and Dunfermline at Hampden

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 20 May 2026 04:45:00 +0000

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.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

The impossible dream?

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 15 May 2026 04:45:00 +0000

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…

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 and final day title wins

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 13 May 2026 04:45:00 +0000

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.com

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

2 to go

The Celtic Underground — Mon, 11 May 2026 04:45:00 +0000

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…

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

Three to go

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 06 May 2026 11:35:04 +0000

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…

The 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 Little Ant - The Bertie Peacock story

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 06 May 2026 04:45:00 +0000

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.com

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

Andrew H in conversation...The Miracle at Love Street

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 03 May 2026 10:08:01 +0000

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com

To 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…

Andrew H in conversation with...Tom Grant

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 03 May 2026 08:31:11 +0000

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com

We’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…

Albert Kidd Day

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 04:45:00 +0000

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.com

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

Form, Fixtures & Fine Margins

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 10:29:27 +0000

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…

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Celtic and League Trophy Day

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:45:00 +0000

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.com

Enjoy…

* 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/

The 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

A Celtic mood ring

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 18:02:00 +0000

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…

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

Andrew H in conversation with...The Kano Foundation

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 17:45:00 +0000

Andrew sums up this chat right at the start when he talks about organisations like The Kano Foundation being the best of us. Most match goers will be aware of the section at the front of the Lisbon Lions stand that houses loud and enthusiastic kids every week and most will know that they are there with the Kano Foundation. For a large section of our support there is little knowledge and understanding of who this group is and the work involved in organising these visits. If you want to know more, listen is.

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

Where's the coaching

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Andrew is joined by Saint Anthony to take a hard look at the current state of the club, with a focus on recent performances that have raised serious concerns about structure, cohesion, and identity. The discussion highlights a team that appears disjointed and short of ideas, with midfield imbalance, a worrying lack of creativity, and a growing goal drought compounding the issues. Player form and fitness come under scrutiny, from struggling confidence levels to questions about squad depth, while tactical adjustments, or the lack of them, are examined in detail.

Beyond the pitch, the conversation turns to bigger-picture concerns around coaching, recruitment, and the possibility of managerial change.

Enjoy…

Every week we have multiple podcasts for your listening delight. Interviews every Sunday, post game monopods along with history podcasts! This podcast 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 games in a day to win the title

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 04:45:00 +0000

Celtic have had many dramatic title wins. But 110 years ago to day (in 1916), the Bhoys had to play two games in one day to become champions.

This latest podcast tells the story of these unusual events.

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

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

Farewell to the Lisbon Lions

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 08:06:44 +0000

In May 1971, it was time for Celtic to say farewell to the men that won the European Cup.

For the final time, the Lisbon Lions XI walked out together onto the pitch. This latest podcast tells the story of that momentous day.

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

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

Five-a-side Celts

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 04:45:00 +0000

When people think of five-a-side football, they probably associate this with friends playing for fun and to get fit.

However, in Celtic history, five-a-side football was often an important part of the club’s experiences.

This is the story of the five-a-side Celts.

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

Enjoy…

Thanks 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

Sand, Strategy & Shite

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 05:45:00 +0000

In this week’s free podcast, Andrew, Matthew and Ross pull no punches as they dissect a dismal 2–0 defeat against Dundee United at Tannadice. On a pitch that looked closer to Prestwick Beach than a professional surface, Celtic somehow managed to be just as poor as the conditions. The performance lacked structure, urgency, and any clear game plan, prompting serious questions about tactics, leadership, and direction. As one comment neatly summed it up: “Where’s the strategy? Where’s the game plan?”

Beyond the immediate frustration, the discussion broadens into Celtic’s wider struggles this season… a team “living close to the edge” and relying too often on moments rather than method.

On a less depressing note, there is a reminder of the club’s deeper foundations, with attention turning to the upcoming Celtic history conference, a timely nod to a past built on clarity, innovation, and purpose. The contrast with the present could hardly be starker.

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

Johnny Madden - a hero in 2 countries

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 05:45:00 +0000

Most footballers would love to be a hero at just one club; one famous Celt achieved this in two countries.

Johnny Madden was at the heart of Celtic’s rise to success, and then became a legend in the Czech Republic. This is his 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

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

Andrew H in conversation with...Frank McGuire

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 18:15:51 +0000

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com

Jimmy McGrory (the fact he wasn’t voted the greatest ever Celts is one of the reasons I’d never have such votes, but that’s for another day) bowed out at Celtic in October 1937. Since then we’ve had the 2nd world war, Charlie Tully, Neilly Mochan, Bertie Peacock, Bobby Collins, John McPhail and Bobby Evans. Then McNeil, Johnston, Murdoch Auld & Hay. …

Johnny Doyle, the man who loved the green

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 07:41:45 +0000

Some men are truly born to ‘wear the green’. That was certainly the case for Johnny Doyle.

A popular Celtic player in the 1970s and 1980s, his life ultimately ended in tragedy.

This is his 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

Enjoy…

The 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

Not 'daft as a brush' - The John Clark Story

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 05:45:00 +0000

John Clark was a true Celtic legend.

Not only was a Lisbon Lion, he is also the second longest serving figure in the Bhoys’ history, having been a player, coach, assistant manager and kit man.

This is his fascinating 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

The Kendo Nagasaki edition

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 05:45:00 +0000

On Sunday Celtic visited Ibrox. Of the players in the 1st team squad who would be expected to start if all fit, the hoops had almost an entire XI missing - KT, AJ & CCV at the back, McGregor & Engels in midfield with Jota from the final 3rd and Osmand missing from the team that won the league cup semi under Martin earlier in the season.

The current poor squad was further depleted. And still they couldn’t win. So angry at losing on their patch, the Kendo Nagasaki loyal invaded the pitch at the end.

We discuss it all - including another Hail Hail History walking tour.

Enjoy…

The 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

Back on..schedule or schedule

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 20:53:20 +0000

“Day-ta” or Da-ta”. “Shed-ule or shced-ual”. It’s the important things in life that are discussed weekly on the CU Podcast and that’s why you keep coming back and have been doing so for 20yrs!

This week we review Ibrox (the points not raised on Harry’s Monopod) and we review Pittodrie. Then we preview Ibrox and it’s all bundled up in a neat 50 minute podcast prefaced with the state of teeth for the 50+ gent and whether pronunciation is the American or UK version.

Enjoy…

Thanks 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

Celtic's first ever trophy

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 04 Mar 2026 05:45:00 +0000

When celebrating Celtic’s history, few people will think of the 1889 Glasgow North Eastern Cup.

But for the Celts, this is where it all began, the club’s first trophy.

This latest podcast tells the story of that competition.

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

Enjoy…

The 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

Andrew H in conversation with...Hugh MacDonald

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 05:45:18 +0000

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com

This week, Andrew is joined by legendary Scottish football writer Hugh MacDonald to explore the history, identity, and modern dilemmas of Celtic.

From European triumphs to agonising near-misses, the discussion revisits defining chapters in the club’s story including the enduring legacy of Billy McNeil and the transformative influence of Jock Stein, whos…

Celtic at 'home' at Ibrox

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 05:45:00 +0000

This Sunday, the Celts will head to Ibrox, a ground that has been home to both of the Rangers teams.

However, Celtic have also been the ‘home’ team at Ibrox on various occasions.

This latest podcast tells these surprising stories.

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

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

Andrew H in converstion with...Paul T

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 05:45:00 +0000

This week we decided to go back to basics with The Collective. When you’re online all the time talking about Celtic, it can be easy to forget that many people just dip in and out of the Celtic chat and therefore some of the detail of the Celtic fan

dispute with the board can pass them by. For that reason we decided to go back to basics with a who, what, why, where podcast.

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

Winning Is the Only Tactic

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 05:45:00 +0000

Harry and Andrew briefly revisit the dramatic victory over Kilmarnock before the focus quickly shifts to the looming European test against VfB Stuttgart. The bhoys discuss Celtic’s fluctuating performance levels, the psychology of late wins, and whether scraping through domestically builds resilience or masks deeper issues. They explore how trust within the squad, particularly in midfield, remains fundamental to controlling games and why conviction in possession will be critical against stronger opposition.

Celtic’s character has been tested repeatedly in recent weeks; now the question is whether they can translate late drama into sustained authority. Winning remains the priority but doing so with consistency, clarity, and confidence will define the weeks ahead.

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 story of Bobby Collins

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 05:45:00 +0000

95 years ago this week was the birth of Bobby Collins, one of the most popular Celts of the 1950s.

Collins was involved in numerous memorable Celtic moments, as well as having a very successful career in England.

This latest podcast tells his 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

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's 'love' for the Glasgow Cup

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 05:45:00 +0000

135 years ago this week, the Celts had an important reason to ‘love’ Valentine’s Day.

The Bhoys won what is considered to be their first major trophy, the Glasgow Cup.

This latest podcast tells the 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

Enjoy…

Thanks 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

From Steptoe to Stoppage Time

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 05:45:00 +0000

This week, Harry and Andrew begin with a wander through childhood memories - growing up in the 1970s, when health-and-safety was optional, teeth were questionable, and television meant characters like Harry H. Corbett and Steptoe & Son. Those early reflections set the tone for a conversation about how upbringing, culture, and shared experience shape the way supporters view football today.

Nostalgia gives way to a broader discussion about how fan expectations have evolved, and how moments of joy in football often land harder precisely because they sit alongside frustration, cynicism, and long memories.

The emotionally draining cup win against Dundee was a game that summed up much of the current Celtic experience. Celtic’s struggles in midfield, questionable game management, and ongoing refereeing controversies are all examined, alongside wider concerns about why fans boycotted and the curent and the direction of the club.

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 story of Jimmy Delaney

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 05:45:00 +0000

The story of Jimmy Delaney

80 years ago, the Celtic career of one famous Celt came to an end.

Jimmy Delaney was a hugely popular figure at Celtic Park in the era of World War Two.

This latest podcast tells his 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 that visit the sites that have shaped the bhoys history. To find out more you can visit www.celticwalkingtours.wordpress.com

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

Five Alive?

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 05:45:00 +0000

There’s a glass half full and a glass half empty way of looking at this window. It’s a window where it’s possible to have multiple thoughts all happening at once and all seemingly contradictory.

* Are we stronger today then we were going into the window? Absolutely.

* Did the manager get his preferred options of 2x strikers, a right winger and a centre half. Again, absolutely.

* Have the two we’ve seen so far looked like an upgrade on what was in the squad 31st December? You’d better believe it.

* So all the fans will be delighted? Ehhhh…naw!

The proof of the pudding in judging any window is how the players perform when here. We’ve secured 5 signings and people are understandably concerned that they are all loans. It’s what I expected with a temporary manager so I’m pretty ambivalent. It all looked like it was going south early evening and that is no doubt where so much of the fan angst is coming from. If you leave it to the last minute you give yourself no wriggle room.

But do I think this window has made us more likely that we’ll win the title than if the players didn’t come in? 100%. Do I think the current boardroom will be the one that runs next January’s window? I’d be very surprised.

Anyway, Andrew and me discuss all 5 newcomers (even though 1 was confirmed 10 mins after we’d finished).

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

Andrew H in conversation with...Humza Yousaf

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 05:45:20 +0000

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com

In this episode, Humza Yousaf reflects on what it meant to be the first Scottish First Minister who was openly a supporter of Celtic Football Club, and why he chose authenticity over caution.

(Issue with video for first 15 mins or so but up and running thereafter)

He speaks candidly about the pressure, early in his political career, to downplay his love …

Icicle - the long Celtic story of Alec McNair

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 05:45:00 +0000

In January 1921, Celtic players gathered to celebrate the career of a remarkable club figure.

By the time he retired, Alec McNair had spent an amazing 21 years in the Hoops, making him Celtic’s longest serving player.

This latest podcast tells his life 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

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

VAR’d at Tynecastle

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 05:45:00 +0000

Sunday was a match long on incident but short on quality. Celtic took the lead twice and twice allowed Hearts back into the game, in what was widely agreed to be a poor contest of football. The main talking point came at 2–1 Celtic, when Trusty was shown a yellow card that was later overturned to a red following VAR intervention by John Beaton. The bhoys argue why it should have remained a booking, and that the sending-off fundamentally altered a game that Celtic were still trying (and struggling) to control.

Beyond the referee controversy, the discussion turns to deeper structural issues. Celtic’s tactical approach is criticised as blunt and ineffective, with individual performances (including Callum McGregor’s unusually low pass-completion) raising concerns about form and fatigue. The conversation widens to the transfer window, the recurring absence of a Director of Football, and the growing sense that Celtic are once again asking the same squad to solve the same problems. With Europe looming large and domestic margins tightening, the message is clear - We need to chase it, we need to strengthen the squad, and we need to get through in Europe.

Whether the club has a coherent plan to do all three remains the big unanswered question. One week to find out.

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 Tragic Tale of Celtic's First Tommy Burns

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 11:07:42 +0000

The Tragic Tale of Celtic’s First Tommy Burns

This Burns Night, Celtic fans’ thoughts will be of Tommy, rather than Rabbie. However, the Celtic player and manager was not the first Bhoy with this name.

The life of Celtic’s first Tommy Burns is a tale of tragedy and the dangers involved in football’s early days.

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

Enjoy…

Thanks 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

Andrew H in conversation with...Scottish Sport for Palestine

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 05:45:00 +0000

In this episode of Andrew H in Conversation, Andrew sits down for an open, thoughtful chat about Celtic, its roots, and what the club has always meant to so many of its supporters. From the very beginning, Celtic was born out of solidarity, community and standing alongside those who needed help most. That spirit still matters to fans today, and it’s impossible to talk about modern Celtic culture without touching on the long-standing connection many supporters feel with the Palestinian cause, whether that’s through banners, flags, or vocal support from the stands.

To chat this through, Andrew is joined by Jill Thomson from Scottish Sport for Palestine.

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 v 'defunct teams'

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 05:45:00 +0000

Over the years, the Celts have faced numerous teams who have later gone out of business.

Some of these sides have notable places in Celtic history. This latest podcast tells these stories.

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

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 in the Americas

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 07 Jan 2026 05:45:00 +0000

This summer, Scotland will head to the Americas in their first World Cup since 1998.

The national team could be playing in the USA, Canada or Mexico – all countries in which Celtic have played at least once.

This podcast tells the interesting and sometimes controversial story of Celtic in the Americas.

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

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

From misery to sunshine?

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 06 Jan 2026 05:45:00 +0000

In this episode we get straight into the fall-out from pulling the plug on Wilfred Nancy after just 33 (thirty three) days. It’s one of those situations where you can feel sorry for the guy on a human level, but still accept it simply wasn’t working. The performances were grim, the fit was clearly wrong, and the decision (harsh as it looks) was inevitable. We talk about how this sort of thing isn’t actually new in football, but how social media has poured petrol on the fire, ramping up pressure, shortening patience, and making every bad result feel like a crisis. And inevitably, that brings us back to the board: not so much the sacking itself, but why we ended up here in the first place.

From there, the chat moves on to what comes next and why Martin O’Neil’s return is about steadying the ship and getting back to basics. There’s a belief that confidence, so clearly missing, can come back quickly with clarity and authority, but only if recruitment finally starts making sense alongside the manager rather than cutting across him. With winnable games coming up, there’s a chance to reset the mood and get a bit of momentum going again. But the wider point is clear: Celtic need a plan, not just another reaction. Accountability, joined-up thinking, and a proper football vision are long overdue because misery might love company, but it’s not something the club can afford to keep around.

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 and the Ibrox Disaster

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 05:45:00 +0000

2 January 2026 will mark the 55th anniversary of the Ibrox Disaster.

This 1971 tragedy claimed the lives of 66 football fans, a catastrophe that affected families and communities across Scotland.

This podcast tells the story of Celtic and the Ibrox Disaster.

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

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's last Christmas Day game

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 05:45:00 +0000

Tomorrow, Celtic fans around the world will celebrate Christmas. In the past, they could also have gone to watch the Bhoys in action.

This podcast tells the story of Celtic’s last Christmas Day game.

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

Enjoy…(and Merry Christmas)

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

All I want for Christmas...

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 06:01:00 +0000

This podcast starts with Harry asking Andrew & Matthew about the Aberdeen game and discussions around the game last for about 10 minutes before, in our usual way, they meander into a completely different topic where we discuss the squad Nancy inherited, the fan anger and whether it’s justified and the inherent causes.

Someone once described our podcast as a Celtic fan equivalent of TMS. I think in this episode you can see why.

Oh and then the bhoys are asked - if you could have one Celtic present from Santa, what would it be.

Ho Ho Ho - Merry Christmas to you and yours from all here at Celtic Underground.

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

Andrew H in conversation with...John Wight

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 20 Dec 2025 05:45:00 +0000

Andrew and John discuss John’s book ‘Jungle Days’, exploring the deep connections between Celtic Football Club, Irish identity, and political consciousness. They reflect on the historical significance of Celtic as a cultural institution, the role of community in shaping identity, and the ongoing tensions between fans and the club’s leadership. The discussion also touches on the club’s anti-racism stance and its relevance in today’s socio-political climate, as well as personal memories of supporting Celtic during the 1980s.

By the author of This Boxing Game: A Journey in Beautiful Brutality, this engrossing book is perfect for all Celtic fans and anyone interested in social history.

During the tempestuous 1980s, when Thatcher and Thatcherism ruled the roost, Wight found sanctuary and meaning in Celtic FC.

The book is out now and you can pick it up in most good book shops

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 and Fir Park

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 05:45:00 +0000

Celtic’s final match of 2025 involves a visit to Lanarkshire to face Motherwell.

This will be an appropriate way to end the year that marked Fir Park’s 130th anniversary.

In 1895, Celtic were the first team to visit, and over the years it’s been a big part of Celtic history.

This podcast tells the story of Celtic and Fir 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.com

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

Roman Ruins to Hampden Hopes

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 13 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Following defeat to Roma, the murmurings of negativity and uncertainty around the appointment of Nancy have increased from some online fans and the main press. For those who just want Celtic to win every game and every trophy, this cup final on Sunday is big and it’s even bigger for Nancy to prove that with time on the training pitch he can make Celtic an appealing prpospect.

Andrew & Ross join Hary to review Roma and preview St Mirren.

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 story of Paul McStay

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 07:43:01 +0000

30 years ago (12 December 1995), one Celtic servant celebrated his significant place in the club’s history.

Paul McStay – a one-club player – marked his years in green-and-white with a testimonial game. This is his 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

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

Andrew H in conversation with...Andy Walker

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 07 Dec 2025 06:01:38 +0000

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com

Souness had arrived at Rangers along with the England Captain, Goalkeeper and right back. They were the Hollywood team of Britain and things looked bleak when all we could muster was the signing of a young Andy Walker from Motherwell. Andy and McAvennie went on to form a dynamic front two that secured a Centenray Season double and etch their names int…

The history of The Celtic View

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 04:45:00 +0000

60 years ago, The Celtic View was published for the first time.

The Celts’ in-house newspaper was once a staple of the weekly experiences of all Celtic fans. This is its 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.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

Inside the System: An Analysts insight into Wilfried Nancy

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 27 Nov 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Recorded: 19/11/2025I had the absolute pleasure of spending an hour chatting with MLS and NWSL analyst Catalina Bush about all things Wilfried Nancy, with a little World Cup talk thrown in at the end. If you’d like to learn more about Catalina and the ASA, you’ll find the links below.

A huge thanks again to Catalina. She was an outstanding guest, genuinely brilliant to speak with, and I’ve no doubt that once she graduates she’ll become a top-class analyst (Celtic take note). It’s easy to see why she was recommended to me, and I’m excited to see where her journey takes her.

Hope your all enjoy this as much as I did.Ross HLinks:Catalina Bush

American Soccer Analysis

American Soccer Analysis (@americansocceranalysis.com) — Bluesky

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

Paisley, Holland, Edinburgh - Martin's farewell 3

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 27 Nov 2025 05:45:00 +0000

Celtic beat St Mirren on Saturday night. That’s about all we can say, but the bhoys try their best to spend more than 10 mins reviewing the game. Next up is Feyenoord followed by Hibs and we debate how Martin O’Neil is likely to approach what is almost certainly going to be his final 2 games in football management before the arrival of Nancy.

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

Battle of the Hoops

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 05:45:00 +0000

In 1903, the Celts switched to their new world famous hooped shirts.

However, the Bhoys are not the only club to pull on green-and-white hoops; many others clubs have done so too.

This is the story of many of those sides, including this weekend’s opponents, Hibs.

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

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

#TicAGM 2025

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 22 Nov 2025 05:45:00 +0000

The 2025 Celtic AGM started badly and went downhill from there!

Straight after the AGM, Andrew and I retired to the car park and the warmth of the car. Well I say straight, we chatted with a few people offering differing opinions on the events, dodged the waiting media outside and then retired to the car to record this podcast.

If you followed on twitter you’ll know that it was “interesting”.

Members of the CU community wcan listen right now, whilst others will need to wait until the morning.

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 and the opening of various grounds

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 05:46:00 +0000

This weekend, the Celts head to St Mirren Park in Paisley.

Celtic were the first club to play at the original St Mirren Park – better known as Love Street – but this is just one venue where the Bhoys were the first visitors.

This latest podcast tells many of these stories.

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

Enjoy…

Thanks 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

Celtic and the First World War

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 05:45:00 +0000

Celtic and the First World War

95 years ago, the Celts took part in a game which played a role in commemorating the tragic events of World War One.

Like all other people and football clubs, the Celts were hugely affected by events during the 1914-1918. 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.com

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

Why were Celtic founded

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 08:02:00 +0000

Despite what it says on the Celtic badge, the club was formed in November 1887.

Just as there is sometimes confusion over this issue, so too are there arguments about why the club was founded.

This latest podcast examines the influences of charity, religion, politics and business before reaching a conclusion.

Every week, you can listen for free to more stories 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

Enjoy…

The 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

Kung-Fu Derby

The Celtic Underground — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 05:59:00 +0000

Listen to the podcast and you’ll understand the title - Andrew & Matthew join Harry the victory over Rangers.

* The first half was the best Celtic has played this season.

* Celtic’s performance showed energy and aggression.

* Coaching dynamics between O’Neill and Maloney are crucial.

* VAR decisions continue to spark controversy.

* MacGregor’s role is pivotal in midfield.

* Celtic’s goal-scoring opportunities were abundant but not capitalized on.

And if you’re the subscriber in my row at Hampden - sorry I never got your name!

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 tragic tale of Mick McKeown

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0000

In Celtic’s history, as well as the club’s many successes, there are also some genuinely sad tales too.

One of these is about an early Celtic hero called Mick McKeown, who found on-field fame but eventual disaster away from football.

This latest podcast tells the story of tragic Celt, Mick McKeown.

Every week, you can listen for free to more stories 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

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

He's Gone!

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 00:58:07 +0000

Ross Hall and me recorded a podcast this evening about the Hearts game that morphed into a discussion about recruitment and where it may have gone wrong (and that pod will be up for Subcribers this week).

We finish the pod.

Ross goes off to read badtime stories and I go to make a cup tea. Then what starts as a trickle of whatsapps from informed friends soon turns into an avalanche and at 9:44pm Celtic release a statement confirming the departure of Brendan. Then at 9:59pm we have the personal statement of our 34% shareholder and goodness gracious me!!!!

Anyway, after stories and a cuppa, Ross and I jumped back on for this emergency podcast.

Brendan’s gone.

Wow!

Enjoy…

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Celtic's record scoreline

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Celtic’s Record Scoreline

130 years ago this week, a notable piece of Celtic history took place. Dundee came to Celtic Park and were hammered 11-0, and this is Celtic’s all-time record scoreline.

This latest podcast tells the story of Celtic’s highest scoring games.

Every week, you can listen for free to more stories 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

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 Academy - Pathway or Pathetic

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 06:30:00 +0000

Preview:thecelticunderground.substack.com/p/coming-soon-the-academy-podcast-guestJosh and I could have spent hours on this discussion and it is something we plan to revisit in the future as it’s something we are both passionate about.We hope you enjoy.Ross

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

Andrew H in conversation with...Alan Rough

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Alan Rough - where do we start.

For younger listeners he’s the light hearted pundit. For older listeners he’s the afro’d keeper of the ill-faited Argentina 78 World Cup campaign and for many he’s just Thistle’s keeper.

Some will have that memory of his brief time in goals for Celtic but did you know it could have been a much longer spell between the Celtic sticks is Jock Stein had got his way and Roughie would have loved that. Roughie wanted to play for Celtic.

Here’s Andrew and Alan Rough in conversation.

Enjoy…

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Jim Craig

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 04:45:00 +0000

Being a dentist and a footballing legend tend not to go together. But one Celt did this and is revered by the club - despite twice scoring for Rangers!

This latest podcast tells the story of Lisbon Lion Jim Craig, and his life on and off the field.

Every week, you can listen for free to more stories 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

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, Well Well - everyone loves a last minute winner

The Celtic Underground — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 16:00:00 +0000

After arriving late because I was watching my mate come 4th for over 55s in the Glasgow Half Marathon, I made my own mad dash across the city to watch our beloved hoops and good ness I wasn’t expecting that!

A goal in the first half of a game. Conceeding 2 goals to go behind and then coming from behind to score including an injury time winner. Gotta love football.

Also, there was the unusual sight of an anti-board banner in the main stand. It was facing out towards the main stand and not the board who would have been around 6 ft away.

We won. Magic.

Enjoy…

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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 supporters ltd

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 02 Oct 2025 05:15:00 +0000

This week Harry sat down with Duncan Smillie to discuss the recent developments surrounding the Celtic Trust and the formation of Celtic Supporters Limited. Duncan outlines the goals of the new organization, emphasizing the importance of amassing shares to gain voting rights and influence over the club’s direction.

Duncan sets out his issues with the current Celtic board, detailing his concerns about their performance and the need for change. He also looks at the work being done by the Celtic Collective (recorded before tonight’s statement about the Collective & club meeting) and the potential for fan engagement to drive meaningful change within the club.

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 fans v Celtic fans

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 08:29:03 +0000

Celtic fans v Celtic Fans

In recent weeks, relations between Celtic’s fans and the Board have fallen to a major low.

But this is far from the first such falling out in the club’s history. This latest podcast tells the story of what happens when the fixture is Celtic versus the Celtic fans.

Every week, you can listen for free to more stories 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

Enjoy…

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Thanks for reading and listening to The Celtic Underground! 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

Celtic v Hibernian - the first competitive meeting

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 03:19:00 +0000

Celtic this weekend host Hibernian. The two sides first met one another in a competitive game in 1894.

This latest podcast tells the story of this first meeting, which was controversial affair.

Every week, you can listen for free to more stories 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

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

Crvena Zvezda preview

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 21:54:36 +0000

There’s a lot going on at Celtic and for those asking “where’s your fan protest podcast?” like Christmas it’s coming. We want to ensure there’s a breadth of voices and opinions on this and Ross has had a cold so his voice wasn’t fit for recording and others have been busy so getting a date for all has been difficult - but it’s coming.

Meantime, Celtic commence their Europa League against Crvena Zvezda (formerly Red Star Belgrade). The bhoys try to find the correct pronunciation and decide to stick to Red Star!

Enough of this ramble, here’s the podcast.

Enjoy…

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There's been a game of football

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 16:01:04 +0000

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com

To paraphrase Bono - There’s been a lot of talk about the club, maybe too much talk…

Since the last day of the transfer window, through the barren spell of the international break there’s been a lot of chatter amongst the support. Online has been full of chat about the club. For those filled with frustration, this has been a righteous anger about the m…

Celtic in the League Cup

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 23:27:54 +0000

Celtic are back in League Cup action this weekend.

The Bhoys are aiming to retain the trophy this season, in what will be the 80th Scottish League Cup Final.

This latest podcast tells the story of Celtic in the League Cup.

Every week, you can listen for free to more stories from Celtic’s past, as told by 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

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

Brendan Presser 12th Sept 2025

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 16:22:12 +0000

Brendan Rodgers Presser

Box office Brendan. There’s no other way to describe today’s press conference. If you get the chance there’s the wee nods and winks. He know what he’s doing and this is explosive.

The coub should do better in transfer windows.

After the window he wasn’t angry, he just felt empty.

The story in The Sun last Saturday was cowardly. He know who did it.

He works closely with Michael, Dermot & Chris. Michael & Chris are great guys who work every day for the betterment of Celtic. He knows who wrote the story. Michael & Dermot are good guys who he works closely with….are you getting the picture.

I (Harry) got to ask the final question.

Should the person who leaked the story to The Sun resign - “There’s no doubt!”

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

Roy Aitken

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 22:59:36 +0000

50 years ago today (10 September 1975), a Celtic legend first stepped onto the park.

Roy Aitken went on to play for the Bhoys for a decade-and-a-half, including captaining the Hoops to a centenary double. This latest podcast describes his story.

Every week, you can listen for free to more stories from Celtic’s past, as told by 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

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 Debuts

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 04:45:00 +0000

Celtic Debuts

The transfer window closed this week and over the course of the window (and beyond) Celtic have brought in some new players – even if it’s not as many as fans would like and we even had to go another 24 hours.

These new Celts will look forward to their debuts. In Celtic history, there have been some memorable – and also infamous! – debuts. This latest podcast tells some of these stories.

Every week, you can listen for free to more stories from Celtic’s past, as told by 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

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

To the car park?

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 04:45:00 +0000

Nothing happened at Ibrox. It was a nothing game. Nothing happened in the window. We signed one player of Celtic quality. And yet out of this nothingness the bhoys manage to create a 1-hour podcast.

Numbed by inaction, the bhoys sound more resigned than angry. Ross sets out why he believes the Head of Football Operations should take responsibility and Harry points the finger at the largest shareholder behaving like the owner and making executive decisions.

Tuesday 2nd September is the meeting of the Celtic Trust - Grace’s Candleriggs, 7pm.

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

Two bald men fighting over a comb

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 30 Aug 2025 08:45:26 +0000

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com

It’s been some week and some start to the league and European campaigns for both teams. One club is a walking disaster. They cannot get anything right and they have a baying group of fans calling for the head of everyone and the other…nope. I’m not going to do that joke!

Celtic visit Ibrox on Sunday. We have won every domestic game played and perform…

Celtic's biggest wins against Rangers

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 04:45:00 +0000

Over the years, Celtic have enjoyed some famous victories against Rangers – both versions!

Ahead of the Bhoys’ visit to Ibrox this weekend, this latest podcast tells some of these stories.

Every week, you can listen for free to more stories from Celtic’s past, as told by 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

Enjoy…

Thanks 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

50 shades of shite

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 22:34:02 +0000

You can use whatever negative expletive you want to describe the game, performance and circumstances around Celtic’s exit from the 2025/26 UCL and none would be sufficient. That’s why we’ve taken over an hour to do that rubbish justice.

Hopefully it’s not all completely negative and you are able to gain some enjoyment.

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 Yogi Bear - John Hughes

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 11:00:00 +0000

August 1960 saw the debut of a Celtic legend.

‘The club’s own ‘Yogi Bear’ first stepped onto the Parkhead turf, and he went on to have a big role in footballing history.

This is the story of Celtic’s John Hughes.

Every week, you can listen for free to more stories from Celtic’s past.

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

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

UCL Preview

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 21:28:23 +0000

In our pre-match podcast, Andrew, Saint, and Ross discuss Wednesdays Champions League playoff match between Celtic and FC Karat. Not unexpectedly for a podcast with Saint, there’s a discussion about nerves along with expectations. The bhoys analyse the strengths and weaknesses of our opponents and reflect on Celtic's squad depth (or lack thereof). The bhoys highlight the importance of Champions League qualification for Celtic, the need for new signings and end with predictions for the match.

There’ll be a postgame podcast recorded for subscribers.

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

Andrew H in conversation with...Matt Corr

The Celtic Underground — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 04:45:00 +0000

This week’s In Conversation podcast is an emotional one that we’re making free for all. In it, Andrew Smith and Matt Corr reflect on the legacy of Pat Woods, Celtic’s pre-eminent historian who recently passed away. They discuss the unique contributions of Pat and all the Celtic writers and historians, emphasizing the importance of their work in preserving the club's rich history. The conversation delves into the impact of Celtic's early days, the significance of storytelling in football, and the camaraderie among Celtic writers.

Thanks for listening to The Celtic Underground! This podcast is public so feel free to share it.

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 mystery of Celtic's first league game

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 04:45:00 +0000

In 1890, the Scottish Football League was formed. In August of that year, the first games took place.

But, confusingly, it is not quite clear what was Celtic’s first League game, a mystery caused by illegal payments and legal fights.

This is the story of Celtic’s first League game.

Every week, you can listen for free to more stories from Celtic’s past.

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

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

Here we go - It's season 20

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 07:19:15 +0000

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com

The phoney war is over. We’ve had the pre-season preview, the full season preview. Now it’s the first podcast of the new season and it’s season 20 for “The World’s Longest Running Football Fan Podcast.” Yes, for 20 long seasons you’ve listend to this garbage and you’re still here so we thought we’d treat you to an old school Eddie & Harry show.

We sta…

The story of Celtic & Hibs

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 04:45:00 +0000

150 years ago, Hibernian Football Club were established.

They would have a profound impact on the Irish and football in Scotland, not least their influence in Celtic’s establishment.

Celtic and Hibs would have an often uneasy relationship. This podcast tells that story.

Every week, you can listen for free to more stories from Celtic’s past.

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

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

Season 2025/26 Preview Podcast

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 21:11:09 +0000

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com

And we’re off…. It’ season 2025/26. We’ve had the pre-season podcast and discussed whether we FINALLY managed to win the pre-season cup and now the phoney war is over the season’s beginning.

Many of the team are just returning from holiday and we’ll have some bumper pods coming up to celebrate the 20th season of the world’s longest running football fan …

Martin O'Neill

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 04:45:00 +0000

25 years ago, arguably Celtic’s most important manager since Jock Stein took charge at Celtic Park.

Martin O’Neill arrived in Glasgow’s east end and quickly set about transforming the club’s fortunes, including achieving notable European success.

This latest podcast tells the story of Celtic and O’Neill. Every week, you can listen for free to more stories from Celtic’s past.

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

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

Did we win the pre-season cup

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 04:45:00 +0000

With Eddie & Harry on holiday, Andrew, Matthew & Saint Anthony run the rule over the pre-season and the summer transfer window so far.

The bhoys focus on the frustrations surrounding the transfer policy and the club's financial strategy. They explore the impact of domestic dominance on fan expectations, the importance of strategic signings, and the role of the manager and director of football in shaping the club's future.

This is part I of the two podcasts prior to the start of the new SPFL season 2025/26 - a season which is also the 20th season of the world’s longest running football fan podcast (and there’ll be more about our 20th birthday celebration coming up over the coming weeks).

The 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

History of the Huddle

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 04:44:00 +0000

30 years ago, a notable Celtic event was first witnessed.

Celtic’s pre-match Huddle was used for the first time, a site that has since become a key part of the club’s pre-match preparations.

This latest podcast tells the story of Celtic and the Huddle. Every week, you can listen for free to more stories from Celtic’s past.

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

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's Home Venues

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 04:45:00 +0000

This year marks 30 years since the redevelopment and reopening of Celtic Park.

Although Celtic Park will always be home for the Bhoys, in fact, numerous grounds have been used as a base for the Bhoys – even Ibrox!

This latest podcast tells the story of all Celtic’s home venues. Every week, you can listen for free to more stories from Celtic’s past.

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

Enjoy…

The 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

Madden boat story

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 04:45:00 +0000

Every Celtic fan knows the story of Jimmy Johnstone drifting out to sea when his boat lost its oars.

But decades before this happened, another Celtic hero had his own maritime disaster.

This latest podcast tells the story of Johnny Madden and the Clyde boat disaster. Every week, you can listen for free to more stories from Celtic’s past.

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

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 Celtic Underground - Huddlebreakdown Collab (Pt1)

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 05 Jul 2025 08:59:00 +0000

Many, many, many… (enough) moons ago, when Eddie presented and Harry was just an occassional guest the Celtic podcast world had few places to get your fan chat but like the famous Christmas truce of 1914, Eddie & The Homebhoys took their ball out onto no-mans land and provided a CU/Homebhoys crossover. These bevy filled pods slipped off into distant memories and were replaced by the siloed listening habits of the Celtic faithful through the explosion of fan podcasts more numerous than managers of other Glasgow clubs. Would we see the likes of the Homebhoys/CU collabs? Could we once again see two pods extend a hand of frienship across the wire?

Yes we bloody well can! Hurrahh you all shout!

The Huddlebreakdown extended that hand of friendship and we yanked (I said YANKED) them out of the trench, slapped down the jumpers for goalposts, sifted through our sack of cliches to say “come on over to our place, we’re having a party!”

This is part 1 of a two our podcast special with Alan, Juco James, Eddie Pearson, Ross Hall, Harry Brady (and guest starring Andrew H) to discuss ALL the hot topics of the moment. From Brendan’s future, through to Tony Bloom’s Hearts, a past it guy’s book selling to an old rocker’s Glastonbury set this is everything you need. It’s like the Beano Summer Special merging with 200AD. It’s that good!

Once you’ve listened to Part 1, jump over to

(How the f’k did that big banner arrive on the page?)

Anyway, Enjoy…

The 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 and Cork

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 04:15:00 +0000

Next week, the Celts will be in Cork to play a friendly.

Over the years, there have been numerous Celtic connections with Ireland’s ‘rebel county’.

This latest podcast tells some of these stories. Every week, you can listen for free to more stories from Celtic’s past.

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

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 and politicians

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 04:15:00 +0000

There is often a fight about Celtic and the fans’ political beliefs.

Over the years, there have been numerous direct connections between Celtic and politicians from around the world.

This latest podcast tells the history of Celtic’s political links. Every week, you can listen for free to more stories from Celtic’s past.

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

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

Kidnapped! The story of unusual Celtic transfers

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 05:01:00 +0000

Now that summer is here, Celtic fans’ attentions are drawn to the transfer market, as they wonder what new players might walk through Parkhead’s gates.

But in the 1890s, football transfers were very different, and they sometimes even involved kidnapping!

This latest podcast from @hailhailhistory tells the story of some of these signings and the strange circumstances and people that were involved.

Every week, you can listen for free to more stories from Celtic’s past.

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

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

Name of The Game - Liam Brady's last match

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 15 Jun 2025 04:15:33 +0000

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com

The Name of the Game - That unique and special game that will live for you forever and, in the first episode Andrew is joined by Lawyer and Celtic fan Martin Kelly where they hdiscuss Liam Brady’s last game as Celtic manager away to St Johnstone in October 1993.

The bhoys don’t just talk about the match itself; they dive into its significance beyond tha…

Season 2024/25 in review Pt3

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 04:15:00 +0000

This is part 3. The shortest of the end of season review and the final episode that’s free to all. If you want to listen to the final part (part 4 for those struggling with numbers) then subscribe and that will also give you free access to our brilliant chat community.

Part 4 will be out to our communityvery very soon.

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

Season 2024/25 in review Pt2

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 05:01:00 +0000

First things first, this is part 2. If you’ve not listened to part 1 yet then get around to listening to that bit first. Now I’ve kept Eddie’s intro in so don’t think you’d missed it and listening to part 1 again.

Ok, so have I used the word ‘part’ enough yet?

Anyway, if you’re a member of the Celtic Underground chat community you can be listening to this right after listening to part 1. For everyone there are 3 parts of the podcast and for subscribers there is a secret 4th part just for you that has Ross, Andrew & Eddie engaging with all the questions posed by our chat community.

If you’re new to the world’s longest running podcast and not sure how to get this on your favourite podcast provider, CLICK HERE for instructions.

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

Season 2024/25 in review

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 22:09:45 +0000

Andrew, Eddie, Matthew, Ross and Saint Anthony got up early on the morning of Saturday 7th June and broadcast a LIVE 3 hour+ podcast review of the season. Whilst all podcasts are recorded live (we’re not dead), this one is was available on Substack and Facebook as it went out!

We didn’t publicise as we didn’t know it would work so we’re sure the email to those in the CU community would have come as a surprise. Future live pods will be publicised in advance.

Anyway, this podcast is available to EVERYONE but if you are a member of the Celtic Underground community, you can listen to Part1 and then IMMEDIATELY listen to part 2…wow! For everyone else you’ll need to wait 24 hours.

If you cannot wait, but are not a member of the community then click on the link below and you can join and get exclusive content.

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 & consecutive season scorers

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 04 Jun 2025 04:15:00 +0000

Across the entire season 2024-25, there was surely no louder cheer than when James Forrest scored at the end of the season.

This wrote him into history by scoring in 16 consecutive seasons, a truly remarkable and historic.

This latest podcast from @hailhailhistory tells the full story of all the other men who have consistently scored for the Bhoys across multiple seasons.

Every week, you can listen for free to more stories from Celtic’s past.

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

Enjoy…

Thanks for listening and 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

Andrew H in conversation with...Manus Gallagher

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 04:00:24 +0000

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com

This week Andrew chats all about Celtic fandom and memorabilia with Manus Gallagher. The bhoys delve into Gallagher's extensive collection of the Wee Green Book, his early memories of supporting Celtic, the influence of family on his fandom and his role as a Celtic Tour Guide.

This is for Celtic Underground Club Members only. If you are a subscriber but don’t know how to get your paid chat at your usual podcast provider, here’s two guides:

https://support.substack.com/hc/en-us/articles/4519588148244-How-do-I-listen-to-episodes-on-my-podcast-app#:~:text=Click%20on%20the%20publication%20you,On%20the%20Spotify%20app

https://support.substack.com/hc/en-us/articles/25303480158228-How-do-I-listen-to-paid-episodes-on-Spotify#:~:text=1.,From%20the%20Spotify%20app

The 1970 European Cup Final

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 29 May 2025 04:00:00 +0000

55 years ago – in May 1970 – the Celts played in their second European Cup Final.

Despite this notable achievement, the game can sometimes seem to be forgotten when telling the Bhoys’ history.

This latest podcast from @hailhailhistory tells the full story of Celtic and the 1970 European Cup. Every week, you can listen for free to more stories from Celtic’s past.

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

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

One of my teammates will step up

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 25 May 2025 22:15:18 +0000

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com

It was supposed to be our first live podcast on substack but it ended up being the first live podcast on Facebook and not live on Substack at all. We’ll see how to fix it for the next one but meantime we’ll release this on Sunday night for paid subscribers and everyone else will need to wait until Tuesday morning. There is a little freebie bit for eve…

Cup Final Preview

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 23 May 2025 04:03:16 +0000

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com

Saturday provides an incredible opportunity for Celtic to secure their 6th treble in 9 seasons. Despite trebles becoming as common as a new Rangers manager, win or lose this has been another wonderful season to be a Celtic fan. Indeed, if a treble is secured and taking into account Europe, it may even surpass the invincible season as our best since Se…

Celtic’s Most Importan Scottish Cup Finals

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 22 May 2025 12:47:18 +0000

The Celts face Aberdeen this Saturday, with the Bhoys hoping to win their 43rd Scottish Cup.

Over the years, some of the Celts’ most exciting games have come in the Scottish Cup Final.

This latest podcast from @hailhailhistory tells some of these tales. Every week, you can listen for free to more stories from Celtic’s past.

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

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

Paradise - The Celtic origin movie

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 14 May 2025 21:00:00 +0000

You may not know Peter Broughan but you will be familiar with his work. The producer of Rob Roy, The Flying Scotsman and Your Cheatin’ Heart (among others) has turned his attention to his great passion for Celtic and has set in motion the production of Paradise - the film that tells the story for the formation of our club.

Please listen to or watch the podcast and if interested go to:

https://gofund.me/aa8c6ba9

Paradise is a compelling narrative that dramatises one strand of the tragically eternal immigrant experience. The film is centred on the foundation of Celtic Football Club by the post-famine Irish community in Glasgow in 1888.

The lead character is the Marist teacher Brother Walfrid, who had survived "the great hunger" as a child in Sligo. The club's founding mission statement encapsulated his charitable vision.

"A football club will be formed for the maintenance of dinner tables for the children and the unemployed"

If you want to know more about the film you can watch on youtube

You can fund it by clicking here

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 and Rangers playoff game

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 14 May 2025 04:59:00 +0000

In 1905, Celtic faced Rangers in a very unusual game. It was a playoff game to decide that season’s title winners. The Bhoys’ victory set them on a path to a then world record six successive league titles.

This latest podcast from @hailhailhistory tells the full story. Every week, you can listen for free to more stories from Celtic’s past.

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

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, WW2 and the Victory in Europe Cup

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 07 May 2025 04:59:00 +0000

80 years this month (May 1945) saw the end of World War Two in Europe. Millions celebrated on VE Day, and Celtic also claimed another trophy.

This latest podcast from @hailhailhistory tells the full story of this victory, and also examines Celtic’s World War Two experiences.

Every week, you can listen for free to more stories from Celtic’s past.

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

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

Billy McNeill

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 01 May 2025 21:25:00 +0000

50 years ago – on 3 May 1975 – Billy McNeill’s remarkable playing career came to an end.

Fittingly, this saw Celtic win the Scottish Cup, ensuring that the iconic sight of McNeill holding aloft a trophy was again repeated.

This latest podcast from hailhailhistory tells his life story and on Sunday morning we have a piece from St Anthony with his own reflections on the 50th anniversary.

Every week, you can listen for free to more stories from Celtic’s past.

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

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

Conclave Special

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 16:02:38 +0000

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com

This unholy trinity of CU sages discuss Celtic's title win and the cultural identity of the club. They reflect on personal experiences, family connections to the game, and the atmosphere during the match. The discussion also touches on ticket pricing, fan reactions, and the legacy of players like James Forrest, highlighting the emotional ties fans have …

Six in a row

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 04:59:00 +0000

Six in a row

Tomorrow Celtic can secure their 55th league championship. However, the coming days also mark the anniversary of another notable Celtic title achievement.

Celtic fans have great memories of the club’s two nine-in-a-row league winning runs, from 1966-74 and 2012-2020.

Before this, there was another titles tale. From 1905-1910, the Celts set a then world record for successive league wins.

This latest podcast from @hailhailhistory tells the full story. Every week, you can listen for free to more stories from Celtic’s past.

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

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

No Saintly jeopardy

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 04:45:14 +0000

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com

In this weeks post game podcast, Harry and Andrew discuss their experiences attending a recent cup final match, focusing on the app setup for tickets, the performance of the teams, the atmosphere at Hampden, and the key incidents in the game.

They discuss how straight forward the app was, their thoughts on the game itself, and the overall experience of …

VAR and the unspoken margins of error

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 04:59:00 +0000

This conversation delves into the complexities and controversies surrounding VAR (Video Assistant Referee) technology in football, particularly focusing on offside decisions.

The discussion highlights the limitations of current technology, the challenges of accurately interpreting video footage, and the implications for the integrity of the game.

Harry and Bjørnar emphasise the need for better understanding and transparency in VAR operations, as well as the importance of maintaining the joy of football amidst technological interventions. The chat delves into the complexities and controversies surrounding VAR (Video Assistant Referee) in football. highlighting the impact of VAR on refereeing, the challenges of making accurate decisions, and the public's perception of referees. It also explores the specific context of VAR's implementation in Norway, the technology's limitations, and the role of fans in shaping the future of football.

If you are a subscriber, read the accompanying article where Bjørnar sets out why decisions can be wrong by over 30cm.

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

Sean Fallon

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 04:59:00 +0000

55 years ago this week, an important figure from Celtic’s history first pulled on the green-and-white jersey.

Sean Fallon made his mark not simply as a Celtic player and captain, but more notably as Jock Stein’s assistant as the Bhoys climbed to Europe’s football pinnacle.

This latest podcast from @hailhailhistory tells his life story. Every week, you can listen for free to more stories from Celtic’s past.

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

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

Breaking Records and Setting Standards

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 05:00:00 +0000

In this week’s episode Andrew Smith and Ross Hall discuss Saturday’s 5-1 victory over Killie, reflecting on the team's performance, fan reactions, and the impact of social media. They analyse individual player performances, tactical insights, and game statistics, while also looking ahead to future matches and potential player selections.

The bhoys delve into various aspects of Celtic's performance, focusing on player roles, expectations, and coaching strategies focussing on Adam Idha's positioning and effectiveness, the significance of Greg Taylor's contributions, and the pressures surrounding Celtic's ambitions. The discussion also touches on the relevance of the League Cup, the dynamics of squad engagement, and the importance of set pieces in football. Furthermore, they explore the development pathways for young players and the challenges they face in breaking into the first team.

They also look at how modern football's reliance on statistics can sometimes stifle the joy of the game, emphasising the need for players to have confidence in their abilities.

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

Patsy Gallacher

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Celtic’s history is replete with stories of exciting players, yet few have achieved the legendary status of one notable Irishman: Patsy Gallacher.

The skilful forward made his mark at Celtic, not only as one of the Bhoys’ all-time top scorers, but also as scorer of one of the club’s most famous cup final winners, which happened 100 years ago this week.

This latest podcast from @hailhailhistory tells his life story. Every week, you can listen for free to more stories from Celtic’s past.

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

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 and Glasgow's West End

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 11:49:24 +0000

When you think of Celtic, it’s natural to think of Glasgow’s east end. However, the Bhoys have numerous connections in the west end too.

Whether it is some of the most famous figures in Celtic’s history, links to war and tragedy and some momentous footballing firsts, it is a fascinating tale.

This latest podcast from @hailhailhistory tells more. Every week, you can listen to free stories from Celtic’s past.

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.

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

Jambo ramble

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 12:35:06 +0000

In this weeks matchday review podcast, Andrew and Matthew discuss recent Celtic matches, focussing mainly on the Hearts game, the impact of key players, and the ongoing tensions between fans and policing.

* The recent match against Hearts was strange but ultimately successful for Celtic.

* The importance of key players like McGregor and Maeda in the team's performance.

* Tensions between fans and policing are a long-standing issue in football.

* The need for legal challenges against perceived overreach by police.

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

Bertie Auld

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

70 years ago (in March 1955), Bertie Auld walked into Celtic Park for the first time.

It was the start of enduring and famous relationship, which saw Bertie help the Celts to the pinnacle of European football.

This latest podcast from @hailhailhistory tells the full story of this. Every week, you can listen to free stories from Celtic’s past.

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

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

Andrew H in conversation with...Peter Nasir

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 06:01:53 +0000

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com

We have been blessed to have some very special guests join us for Andrew’s “In Conversation” podcasts and this week believe we have one of the most interesting yet.

Peter Nasir is the General Secretary of the East Jerusalem YMCA (EJ-YMCA), a position he has held since 2019. Under Peter's leadership, the EJ-YMCA continues its mission to empower youth an…

Michael Davitt

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

The history of Celtic has political connections, particularly in the club’s earliest years.

One obvious example is Michael Davitt. He was a prominent Irish politician in the late-1800s, and also a patron of Celtic.

This latest podcast from @hailhailhistory tells this tale. Every week, you can listen to free stories from Celtic’s past.

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

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

St Patrick Day Rangers Preview

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 15 Mar 2025 06:01:09 +0000

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com

Celtic take on Rangers this Sunday in the 3rd derby of the league campaign. According to Andrew, a 2-0+ victory for Celtic will be the best home season on the derby since the late 70s. According to Harry any victory will be the first time any Celtic manager has beaten either versions of Rangers 6 times in a row at home…ever and according to Ross, he d…

A bobby dazzler

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 05:15:00 +0000

Celtic defeated Hibs in the Scottish Cup at the weekend with one of the largest away supports in years at Celtic Park. It was billed as the domestic game of the year so far with the league leaders and champions elect against the form team, unbeaten in 15 games. It was no contest as Celtic breezed past Hibs who struggled to lay a glove on Celtic and barely a shot on target.

Both Eddie and Harry were at the game and roasted in the unusual March Celtic Park sunshine. They review the weather, the game and the experience with so many away fans present.

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

Jock Stein

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 05:15:00 +0000

Jock Stein

10 March 1965 was a massive day in Celtic’s history.

Jock Stein took charge of the club as the manager, and in doing so started on a road which made him a legend.

Stein is one of the true giants of Celtic history – and this latest podcast from @hailhailhistory tells his story.

There’s a Celtic history tale out every week, free to everyone, whether a CU Subscriber or not and to find out more about the free Celtic walking tours visit Celticwalkingtours.wordpress.com for more information.

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

Takeover

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 05:30:00 +0000

31 years ago – on 4 March 1994 – one story ended for Celtic whilst another one began.

Fergus McCann’s takeover was finally successful, removing from power the club’s old Board.

It was a change that transformed Celtic, and built the foundations of the club’s 21st century dominance.

This latest podcast from @hailhailhistory tells the story of those events.

The full details of this is told in the latest podcast from @hailhailhistory.

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

Andrew H in conversation with...Celtic Graves Society

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 02 Mar 2025 05:01:07 +0000

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com

One of the things that makes football supporting so great is the joy of the moment and the celebration of the club’s history and this is never more evident that the work undertaken by The Celtic Graves Society.

This week Andrew is joined by Frank and Jim to discuss the motivation behind the society, how it came to be formed and the work it does in keepin…

Willie Maley

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 04:15:00 +0000

Willie Maley

85 years ago, in February 1940, one of the most significant chapters in Celtic’s history came to an end.

Willie Maley – player and manager for more than half a century – ended with time at the club.

This latest podcast from @hailhailhistory tells Willie Maley’s remarkable Celtic story.

The full details of this is told in the latest podcast from @hailhailhistory.

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 and floodlights

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 05:59:00 +0000

Celtic and floodlights

A power failure in Glasgow’s east end last month threatened to turn out the lights and end Celtic’s game with Dundee.

This would have been the latest chapter in Celtic’s floodlight history, a tale that goes back to the 1890s, and even includes joint teams with Rangers.

The full details of this is told in the latest podcast from @hailhailhistory.

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

Marvellous in Munich

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 23:59:29 +0000

There are piviotal occassions in your Celtic supporting life when you realise everything has changed. For me, one of those was the night we went out on pens to Valencia. I went to work the next day and proudly claimed - we’ll reach a European final.

Tonight is one of those moments. We have an elite manager who has, through tactics and motivation, convinved our players they belong at this level. There is now no turning back. No more signing players for games against Dundee Utd & Motherwell. We are on the cusp of becoming a standard last 16 UCL team. It’s time for the Michael, Chris and Dermot to give the manager what he needs, both personally and with the squad to take that final step.

With all that in mind, Andrew H and Harry B discuss their pride, the fine margins on show tonight and agree on how proud we are of Brendan and the bhoys.

Enjoy…

The 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

Glasgow Cup - First win

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 05:15:00 +0000

Valentine’s Day is a night for couples – and it’s a day for Celtic fans to love.

On 14 February 1891, Celtic won what is considered their first ever major trophy. It’s a tale of success and controversy.

To tell this story, here is the latest podcast from @hailhailhistory.

There’s a Celtic history tale out every Wednesday, free to everyone, whether a CU Subscriber or not and to find out more about the free Celtic walking tours visit Celticwalkingtours.wordpress.com for more information.

Enjoy…

Thanks 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

The transfer window's final slam

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 07 Feb 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Another transfer window closes and another load of whailing and gnashing of teeth from the Celtic fans (online at least) from many disgruntled hoops who wanted more. On this site we have had Andrew H’s positive review and a critical take (as you’d expect) from Critical Bill.

Earlier in the season we had Ross Hall of The Football Talent Report provide us with his review of the summer window and so he is now back to review the January window. Harry B asks him was it good bad or indifferent. as you’d expect it’s a bit of all.

The review of the window leads to a wider discussion of the youths and the challenges of getting them into the first team discussing the facilities, the coaches and of course us, the fans and how we all have an impact.

Enjoy…

The 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 worst ever result

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Celtic’s worst ever result

Raith Rovers come to Celtic Park this Saturday for a Scottish Cup tie.

Any mention of cups and the Fife team will always bring back memories of the 1994 League Cup Final.

Losing a final to lower league team is never a good result – but what is Celtic’s worst ever scoreline?

This latest podcast from @hailhailhistory examines ten of Celtic’s poorest games.

Enjoy…

The 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

Andrew H in conversation with...Jenna Burns

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 02 Feb 2025 09:44:46 +0000

As most will know, our ‘In Conversation with…’ series is usually exlcusive to paid subscribers but we decided to make this one free. It’s a wee bit different to most in conversations with Jenna talking openly and emotionally about both her mum and her dad.

It’s quite an emotional discussion and one that will be appreciated by anyone who has lost their parents.

You can listen to our podcasts wherever you pick up your pods.

Thanks for reading The Celtic Underground Substack! This podcast is available for all 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

Aston Villa Celtic and the World Championship

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 11:11:36 +0000

Celtic today travel to Birmingham to face Aston Villa in the Europe’s premier competition.

But one 1890s clash between the two sides aimed to decide who was the best team in the world…

This the latest tale from Celtic’s history brought to you by @HailHailHistory.

Enjoy…

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A eurovision ramble

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 05:00:00 +0000

With the postponement of the Dundee game on Saturday (result - I was away in London and would have missed it) then there’s only one show in town for this week’s podcast and it’s Europe.

The last match podcast was a preview of the Young Boys game and so in this podcast we review (in our usual complete ramble that doesn’t really review) the YB game and preview the Villa match. In between we discuss VAR, Kyogo, Maeda and Jota.

For nearly 20 years we’ve been rambling away like this, but you keep coming back for more so please 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 bhoy from Portugal

The Celtic Underground — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 22:50:53 +0000

There was tear in the eye for many a Celt today with the departure of Kyogo, a player who clearly appeared to loved playing football, performing with what seemed like a permanent grin. But his departure has been tempered with the return of Jota.

The deal was officially confirmed by Celtic today with the press conference late afternoon.

Enjoy…

(Oh and there’ll be a Eurovision podcast out very very soon).

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 and the Burns statue

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 05:06:00 +0000

Most Celtic fans prefer to toast Tommy rather than Rabbie on Burns Night.

However, in the past, some Celts were involved in a famous tribute to the Ayrshire poet, who is remembered each year on 25 January.

This the latest tale from Hail Hail History History.

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

Andrew H in conversation with...Mark McNally

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 19 Jan 2025 05:00:50 +0000

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com

A product of the Celtic youth system, Mark was unfortunate to come into the first team around the time when fans had lost faith in the senior management running the club. It wasn’t a happy time to be around Celtic and Mark and others suffered from the general environment. Despite this he achieved what many of us could only dream of - puling on the hoo…

Is p*ss really that weak?

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 18 Jan 2025 05:00:00 +0000

It;s exactly 14 days since we released our last matchday podcast. In that time, there’s been around 15million hours of alternjtive Celtic chat on other Celtic podcasts and almost the same number of Celtic games.

The bhoys briefly chat about the games and the “weak as piss” performance in the second half at Dundee. We discuss playing teams from Dundee almost every week and the excessive fixture calendar preventing any coaching, any rest and whether that impacts enjoyment.

We discuss transfer gossip, the forthcoming YB and Killie games and rarely mention THEM - apart from H reminiscing about telling David Murray he was talking shote about fixture congestion.

Enjoy…

The 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

The Scottish Cup Final 1904

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Celtic are back in Scottish Cup action this weekend, and aim to retain their trophy.

The Bhoys have long and successful record in the Scottish Cup. But of all their victories, arguably none was more dramatic or historic than the 1904 final.

For the full story - including how its legacy is felt even today - listen to the latest tale from Hail Hail History history.

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

Andrew H in conversation with...Sanjeev Kohli

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 12 Jan 2025 05:00:45 +0000

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com

Over the near 20 years of the CU podcast we’ve been blessed with the array of Celtic fans, celebrities and players who have accepted our request to come on the podcast. Here at CU towers we like to mix up the guests between players and famous fans and following last weeks Brian O’Neil/Pierce Brosnan mash up (that joke only works if you watched the podc…

Celtic walking tours

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0000

The story of Celtic is a fascinating one, with many different aspects to it.

First thoughts of Celtic will naturally turn to Glasgow’s east end, but in fact the Bhoys have connections right across Glasgow.

If you’re looking for something differenet for the new year, a series of walking tours tell more about these tales, and are free to attend.

This is the latest tale from Hail Hail History , who runs these walks.

Enjoy…

Thanks for listening to The Celtic Underground Substack! This post is free to all so please share the love.

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Andrew H in conversation with...Brian O'Neil

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 05 Jan 2025 10:55:25 +0000

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Looking more like Pierece Brosnan than the fresh faced lad who played for his bhoyhhod heroes, Brian O’Neil sat down with Andrew H to discuss his Celtic career. For the younger listeners (do we have any) Brian was a tall elegant midfielder, turned in a centre half, turned into a striker. Yes - Brian was mucked about by managers working with the limite…

We were rubbish. It Happens

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 04 Jan 2025 14:43:43 +0000

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To quote Nick Berry - Every loser wins. Every dog has its day and Rangers had their day on Thursday. They played to the best of their ability and we played to the worst of ours and when both sides hit those extremes, the best they could muster was a 3-0 to bring themselves to with 11 (eleven) points of the finest team in Scotland.

In this podcast for p…

The 2nd 9iar chronicles - The Covid Season

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 06:01:49 +0000

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com

It was the oddest of odd seasons. 50,000 supporters bought season books for games they never saw in person. Instead logging on to Celtic TV to watch games that were instantly forgettable as the players struggled to perform in empty stadia. Covid tests, social distancing rules and punishments that seemed to change with the wind in a season where mira…

Celtic's first trip to Ibrox

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 01 Jan 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Celtic will head to Ibrox tomorrow for their first game in 2025.

This season marks 125 years since the opening of this ground, and Celtic have a fascinating history there, including some unique firsts and achievements.

The full story can be heard in this latest podcast from Hail Hail History

Enjoy…

This can be picked up wherever you get your podcasts including

The Celtic Underground Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

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We are laughing...

The Celtic Underground — Mon, 30 Dec 2024 23:17:49 +0000

The end of 2024 is nearly upon on us. The Rangers chat about VAR has come to a screeching halt now that there’s been a blatant error in their favour and the Celtic chat centres around how brilliant we are, how marvellous 2024 has been and could 2025 get even better.

With everything going on, Eddie & I decided to log-on and have a chat to discuss the recent events in our game, discuss the Motherwell & St Johnstone games have a preview of Jan 2nd and a brief chat about any ongoing transfer gossip.

Enjoy…and Happy New Year

The Celtic Underground Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

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The second 9iar chronicles - Season 9

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 25 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Season 2019/20 was the first full season of Neil Lennon’s second term and Celtic went on to secure a 4th consecutive treble - in the strangest manner possible with it taking place over 2 seasons because this was the Covid curtailed season.

It was one of the strangest seasons we will encounter in our lifetimes with debate about whether to call the season early amid mass spreading events and the on-off nature of the Celtic v Rangers game at Ibrox that wasn’t to be.

Enjoy….

This will not be the last episode in the Second 9iar Chronicles. Just like last time, we have one final episode discussing why 10 didn’t happen.

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A Green & White Christmas

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 06:30:00 +0000

First recorded way back in 2010 (yes, we’ve really been going that long) this tale reviews our history of playing on Christmas Day. It may seem strange to many hoops that football leagues had a full fixture card on Christmas Day but it used to be a regular occurrence.

Here’s the story.

For more on our history go to

https://www.thecelticwiki.com/

Enjoy…and Merry Christmas to you and yours.

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Celtic and penalty shootouts

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 22 Dec 2024 08:19:19 +0000

The Celts celebrated last Sunday as penalty shootout victory handed them the League Cup.

Celtic have a long and varied history with penalty kicks settling matches, with games involving finals and different continents.

The full story of this is the latest tale from Hail Hail History

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

You lost - get over it

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000

On Sunday Celtic secured another Hampden victory over Brendan with a penalty shoot-out league cup win. Celtic were below their best and Rangers capitalised on mistakes to make this cup final closer than it should have been. Unfortunately the marvellous efforst of Maeda (goal and penalty) and Schmichael (save and penalty) have been overlooked by the fallout from a “more outside” penalty call. Listening to the coverage, it seems that penalties in extra time are like playing the joker in It’s a Knockout and would have counted for double.

Just before we recorded we had the SFA Var show where Collum threw his staff under the bus and said “they’re rubbish”, but as the boys say - we’ve had bad decisions in the past and were told to get over it so Clemente and Co - it wasnae give…get over it.

As we’re approaching Christmas, this pod’s free so please share the CU love.

Thanks for reading and listening to The Celtic Underground Substack! This post is public so feel free to share it.

Enjoy…

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How to win at penalties - Geir Jordet

The Celtic Underground — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 17:32:17 +0000

I have been obsessed with penalties since I was a young kid. The first time I played for any team was in a competition that we won on penalties. I was in goals and saved a couple. After that I loved penalty shoot-out practice and picking the shooter’s side and so when, over the years, I hear pundits saying penalties are a lottery I’ve always thought - nonsense.

In recent years, Celtic have had a less than stellar record in penalties and that got me trawling the web for solutions which I where I stumble across the wisdom of Geir Jordet and his book ‘Pressure - Lessons from the psychology of a penalty shootout’. What a book!

This podcast was recorded with Geir before the Cup final victory over Rangers but after you listen, watch again. Watch the teams before the pens. Look at who is (and not) in the huddle. Watch our players v theirs at the halfway line and in particular watch Schmichael with the ball after every pen and watch the keeper dependant technique of Engels.

This podcast is free. Please share with all your friends the joy of CU.

This can be picked up wherever you get your podcasts including

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Celtic and League Cup Finals

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 14 Dec 2024 12:00:00 +0000

This Sunday, the Bhoys have the chance to win the season’s first trophy.

Taking on Rangers at Hampden, the Celts will hope to bring the League Cup back to Celtic Park.

Ahead of this game, this podcast – the latest from hailhailhistory – tells the story of Celtic’s previous League Cup Finals.

Enjoy…

This can be picked up wherever you get your podcasts including

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Hibs brushed aside but Europe..?

The Celtic Underground — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 22:21:26 +0000

Celtic breazed past Hibs (in terms of goals for) on Saturday but gave up an alarming array of chances. Harry and Ross debate whether that was tactical issues, players being too relaxed, the weakest game out of 4 or other reasons.

The bhoys then move on to Tuesdays UCL away game in Croatia and assess whether it will be another sore one in Europe or whether we have really turned a corner.

Enjoy…

This can be picked up wherever you get your podcasts including

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Celtic advent Calendar

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 06:15:00 +0000

Celtic Advent Calendar

It will be Christmas time soon, and many people are counting down the days using an Advent calendar.

This Celtic Advent calendar tells you more about interesting numbers in the club’s history.

This is the latest tale from @hailhailhistory.

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

Andrew H in conversation with...Stuart Braithwaite

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 06:01:00 +0000

Long standing listeners will know that the Celtic Underground Podcast and Mogwai go back a long way. If you’ve ever heard the Tales from The Celtic wiki or the more recent Hail Hail History Tales you will have heard The Sun Smells Too Loud playing in the background and, for the unitiated, that is by Stuart’s band Mogwai.

Born in Lanark, Stuart is a founding member of Mogwai and after 10 studio albums, there is now a film out about this iconic band - If the Stars Had A Sound, which takes us from the bands formation through to the most recent album. The Guardian describes the film as follows “It has a purist approach, taking cues from the band’s anti-logorrheic approach by offering only a loose biography and comparatively little by way of analysis. All the better to let their majestic instrumental squalls fill the space, unencumbered by too much guiding commentary.”

But as we all know, Stuart has a love of Celtic and he and Andrew explore all of this on the podcast. He also gives us an exclusive on how we nearly had the perfect Celtic/Mogwai collaboration.

As a taster to non-subscribers of the quality of content produce by Celtic Underground, we’ve made this “In Conversation” podcast free to all.

If you like it, why not subscribe, or share the joy of CU with others…Christmas is coming afterall…

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 second 9iar chronicles - Season 6

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 01 Dec 2024 06:05:57 +0000

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com

We are now at season 6 of 10 that we discuss in the second 9iar chronicles and what a season! It started with 13 ,000 at Celtic Park welcoming and manager and it ended with 13 ,000 at the Hydro celebrating 60 years of the Lisbon Lions. I don't think I've given a spoiler away. I think most listeners know what season this is.

It's quite a season.

Enjoy…

I…

Celtic and St Andrews Day

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 28 Nov 2024 06:29:00 +0000

30 November marks Scotland’s national day, celebrating the country’s patron Saint, Andrew.

Over the years, many Andrews have turned out for the Celts, and there have been various other connections between Celtic and the name Andrew.

Learn more in this latest tale from Hail Hail History

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 RGC Podcast - Episode 1

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 22:32:45 +0000

Episode 1 - The Meat Loaf Pod

People on twitter and bluesky may be aware that regular podcasters (Remy & Paul T - both have been on here but more familiar to bytheminceltic listeners) have been joined by Barcajim3 for The RGC podcast. This is episode 1.

It really needs to get out before the game against Club Bugge so apologies for the hap-hazard nature of the logo and the intro. It’s the best I could do between being a taxi driver to Harry B jnr and bedtime on Tuesday evening.

When I get a minute I’ll source their podcast links.

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 second 9iar chronicles - Season 5

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 24 Nov 2024 06:30:58 +0000

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com

This was Ronnie’s second season in charge. Cheated out of a double by blind officials, we all went into this season hoping that we would see progress and perhaps even a treble. We knew the new Rangers were coming but their meteoric(!) rise had stumbled (of how we laughed).

It was the first season without a Celtic v Rangers match or Edinburgh derby in…

Celtic and the bank

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 06:15:00 +0000

Recent news of a planned demolition in Glasgow city centre will take away a big piece of Celtic history.

The building which housed The Bank restaurant – owned by legendary manager Willie Maley – is to be knocked down.

This was a venue which was right at the heart of Celtic’s heritage.

Leanr more about Willie Maley and The Bank in the latest tale from Hail Hail History

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, East Germany and the Berlin Wall

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 06:30:00 +0000

Saturday 9 November marked 35 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall, seen as the symbolic end of the Cold War.

The Bhoys had various experiences playing behind the Iron Curtain, but only one trip to East Germany.

The story of this game is the latest tale from Hail Hail History

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 Second 9iar Chronicles - Season 3

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 10 Nov 2024 06:05:40 +0000

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com

The 3rd season of the second 9iar chronicles would end up being the last season of Neil Lennon...for a while. It was one of the least memorable of the 9. We romp the league losing just 1 game and achieving 99 points but that would be the only silverware.

We reached the group stages of the Champions league but that would be the end of the achievements i…

Celtic’s Bayard

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 09 Nov 2024 05:30:00 +0000

Willie Maley nicknamed Willie Lyon “Celtic’s Bayard - the Knight without fear and beyond reproach.”

Willie Lyon is widely regarded as one of the finest captains in the rich history of Celtic. He was of that generation whose life was turned upside by the war, suffering a serious leg injury at Normandy and his football career ended at the age of 32.

Here’s the story.

For more on our history go to

https://www.thecelticwiki.com/

Enjoy…

PS - If you are a free subscriber and to see if all the bonus stuff is worth the cost (and of course it is) then use this link for a 30 day free trial but be quick, the link’s not valid for long.

https://thecelticunderground.substack.com/5061e026

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 at 137 - Birthday Bhoys

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 17:00:00 +0000

This podcast is released on the 137th birthday of the hoops. The basic elements of our formation are known by all fans…or are they?

A club formed for the dinner tables of the porr of the East End, everyone knows that charity was at the core of our creation but the part played in this story by Brother Walfrid (an Irish Marist Brother) and John Glass (prominent in Scotland’s Irish community circles, including those with Irish home rule political allegiances) has led to some debate among fans as to whether religion and/or politics were equally motivating among the founding fathers.

Andrew and Matthew of Hail Hail History chat through all aspects of the history of our formation and its impact on other Scottish/Irish clubs.

Enjoy…

To celebrate our 137th birthday, this is a free podacast available to all. 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

The Second 9iar Chronicles - Season 2

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 03 Nov 2024 05:29:46 +0000

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com

This was our 125th birthday season and for the first time in our history, there was no Rangers FC to compete against, that club had died with a new team being wished all the best by the old emerging from behind the Brechin Hedge. How would we fare in this brave new world?

Domestically we would win a double and in Europe we would reach the last 16 of th…

McKeown ghost story

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 06:05:00 +0000

McKeown Ghost Story

In this Halloween week, here a spooky tale from Celtic’s history.

It’s the true story of how a dead footballer came to face the Bhoys, and come to Celtic Park.

This is the latest podcast from @hailhailhistory.

Read on. If you dare…

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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

No Kelly no Keltic

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 05:28:00 +0000

No Kelly No Keltic

Another tale from the CU archives and the home of Tales from The Celtic Wiki

To fans of our generation, the name of Kelly sparks memories of Michael and Kevin and the early 90s battle for the future of the club. But whilsy these battles for the future resulted in the end of their tenure at Celtic, it should be remembered that the name of Kelly resonated throughout our history.

This is the story of an older time and how, without the Kelly’s there’d possible be no Celtic.

We’re republishing these 10+year old tales from the Celtic wiki along with new history tales from @hailhailhistory and there will be a Celtic history story out every Wednesday.

Enjoy…

PS - If you are a free subscriber and to see if all the bonus stuff is worth the cost (and of course it is) then use this link for a 30 day free trial but be quick, the link’s not valid for long.

https://thecelticunderground.substack.com/5061e026

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 9iar Chronicles - Season 1

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 06:30:00 +0000

Back in the dark days of the Covid lockdowns, we recorded the 9 in a row chronciles - a fan recollection of those 9 amazing seasons. We always knew there’d be a second series but what period would it cover? We soon found out!

We got the gang back together (well, almost - Lachie was on his boat so subbed out to Andrew H) and have recorded the second 9iar chronicles.

The first one is an incredible season that starts with Rangers seeking their 4th consecutive title and Neil Lennon’s coat on a shoogly peg and ends with Celtic Champions and Rangers dying…wonderful times.

This episode is free to all, but the remainder will be out every Sunday to paid subscribers only HOWEVER if you want to trial out the paid service you can use the link below for a free 30 day trial!!

https://thecelticunderground.substack.com/5061e026

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 and 1974

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 26 Oct 2024 05:30:00 +0000

Celtic and 1974

Another story from Hail Hail History

Saturday 26th October 2024 is the 50th anniversary of the 6-3 final versus Hibs. This podcast tells that that story, and all of 1974 too.

Celtic have played in some momentous cup finals.

However, when it comes to goals, few can match the 1974 League Cup final, when the Bhoys beat Hibs 6-3.

It was another remarkable day in a calendar year that saw many Celtic highs and lows.

Here is the story of that year, the latest tale from @hailhailhistory.

Enjoy…

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Oh Hampden in the Sun

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 18:33:34 +0000

19 October is a notable Celtic anniversary.

On this day in 1957, the Bhoys recorded one of their most famous scorelines:

Celtic 7 Rangers 1

This is the full story of that remarkable day, another great tale from @hailhailhistory.

Enjoy...

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Blue Peter

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 06:30:00 +0000

Younger listeners will be stunned(!) to know that the BBC used to have quite and anti-Celtic stance and coverage. Under the authority of Peter Thompson, they really didn’t seem to like Celtic at all. Under Thompson, BBC Scotland’s Sports Department employed a sectarian recruitment policy akin to Rangers. Prejudice seeped into every aspect of BBC Sport coverage in Scotland but Jock Stein would have none of it.

Here’s the story.

For more on our history go to

https://www.thecelticwiki.com/

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 and Sligo

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 16:15:00 +0000

Celtic & Sligo

Another story from Hail Hail History

This week, Brendan will take a Celtic XI to play in Sligo, and in many ways he’s taking a team to the spiritual birthplace of the club.

This will not be the first time Celtic take a team across the sea to Sligo, with Celtic playing there back in 1975 with a team managed by Sligo man Sean Fallon.

For more information on Celtic’s history or the forthcoming free walking tour, go to @Hailhailhistory on Twitter

Enjoy…

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Andrew H in conversation with...Lee Dornan

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 06:05:28 +0000

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com

Lee Dornan is a Celtic devotee who works in international affairs for SCIAF, a charity he sees with so many parallels to his beloved football club. And tying the two together is his claim that he has set up the first Celtic supporters' club in South Sudan.

He tells all about that and, with an accountant's obsession, how poring over Rangers and Celtic ac…

That was a tough watch

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 08:56:13 +0000

Straight after the 7-1 humbling to Dortmund, Lawrence Donegan and I sat down to review the game (and to discuss his substack daily blog about his travels across America).

The game was a tough watch but we tried to remove the rawness of the moment and discuss in the reality of the way the team plays week-in, week-out and and the players available.

After the trauma of the game, we then went on to talk about Lawrence’s roadtrip across America from California to Mar-a-Lago which he is documenting daily over at goodbyedonald.substack.com (and as he explains - it’s supposed to have a ? but substack don’t allow that in titles).

Enjoy…(if you can)

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Judas Part 2

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 05:59:00 +0000

Judas Part 2

Another tale from the Celtic Wiki

Last time we told the tale of the striker’s arrival at Celtic and his performances that contributed to the dramatic last day title win over Hearts. Today we hear about the story that led so many Celts to simply call Maurice Johnstone Judas.

Enjoy…

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Celtic and Germany

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 05:01:00 +0000

The Celts are off to Germany this week on Champions League duty.

The Bhoys will hope to build on their fantastic 5-1 start with another good performance.

It's far from Celtic's first visit to Germany. For that, you have to go back almost 120 years.

It's a tale of boats, trains, big wins and even the death of an iconic Celt.

For more, follow Hail Hail History on twitter.

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

Judas Part 1

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 29 Sep 2024 14:30:00 +0000

Judas Part 1

Another tale from the Celtic Wiki

For Celts of a certain age, there is not a name that illicits greater emotion than Mo Johnston. Signed in a record deal in October 1984 he was part of a Celtic forward line that should have achieved even more than it did and during that spell. He completed perhaps the greatest team goal in Celtic’s history in the 5-0 title triumph at Love Street.

He left but was set to return in a dramatic move in 1989 as Celtic set to try and wrestle the initiative back from Rangers.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Enjoy…

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Celtic and clean sheets

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 15:45:00 +0000

When Celtic take on St Johnstone tomorrow they will be going for a remarkable league clean sheet record. Matthew from Hail Hail History tells us more.

Enjoy…

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Celtic and European Scores

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 05:35:00 +0000

Celtic fans will still be dreaming of the 5 goals we scored last midweek against slovan Bratislava and looking forward to the rest of the European campaign with renewed ethusiasm and a sense of expectation of what could be.

Following that marvellous result, Matthew of HAILHAILHISTORY decided to look back on previous big Celtic European results.

Enjoy…

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Matthew from Hail Hail History

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 05:30:00 +0000

Subscribers to The Celtic Underground podcast will have getting their weekly free 10 minute Celtic history hits on their podcast feed and substack emails. You may have noticed that interspersed in among the human torpedo re-runs of the tales from The Celtic Wiki that we’ve had some new history hits. These Hail Hail History hits have been proving very popular and se we thought we should hear more from the man behind the stories.

In addition to the history tales on CU, Matthew has his own twitter feed with regular history updates and quizes Hail Hail History and he also has his Celtic history walking tours.

We’re sure you’ll want to know more so here’s Matthew with Harry.

Enjoy…

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Fergus vs Farry

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 16:45:00 +0000

This is the remarkable story of when the Chief Executive of the Scottish Football association actively engaged in preventing Celtic from fielding their new star striker signing. Fergus want to war with Farry and eventually won.

Here’s the story.

For more on our history go to

https://www.thecelticwiki.com/

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 v Slovan Bratislava 1963/64

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 15:15:00 +0000

Tonight Celtic face Slovan Bratislava 60 years on from the two clubs first meeting. That previous encounter was in the quarter final of the Cup Winners Cup. The home leg came first. It played in February 1964 in front of 53,000 expectant fans.

This is the story of that game.

Enjoy…

The 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

Slovan Bratislava and UCL preview

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 07:54:15 +0000

This week Celtic kick off our 13th UCL campaign and do so in the new UCL league format, we shall see what that brings.

The boys, with the help of a scouting report from Ross Hall, preview the game and discuss the UCL in general. The boys also discuss the forthcoming subscriber vote on the greatest Celtic UCL XI.

Enjoy

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Celtic v Hearts 1892

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 18:00:00 +0000

This Saturday sees the first visit to Glasgow this season by the team from Midlothian. We don’t have an especially warm relationship with the team often referred to as the lesser version of a certain Glasgow team and the obvious question - has it always been thus? Well, listen to this tale from Matthew of Hail Hail History to find out.

Enjoy…

The 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

Bertie of the Celtic

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 06:05:00 +0000

Robert Austin Thomson played for Celtic from 1929 into the 1930s alongside club legend Jimmy McGrory. His finest year in a Celtic jersey came in 1931 when he was the star of the cup final against Motherwell. Thomson lived a life of excess and died suddenly at the age of just 30 leaving a wife and two young children.

Here’s the story.

For more on our history go to

https://www.thecelticwiki.com/

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

Luke McCowan & Arne Engels Pressers

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 21:46:24 +0000

Celtic pulled the rabbit out of the hat that Andrew H mentioned on here and brought in players on the final day of the window - lifelong Celtic fan Luke McCowan and Belgian prodigy Arne Engels.

Signed on the last night of the window, the players both made their debuts in the comfortable Glasgow Derby win and then met with the press this week.

We have the audio and video from the meetings with the fan media.

Enjoy…

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Andrew H in conversation with...Ryan Christie

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 16:15:17 +0000

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit thecelticunderground.substack.com

It’s the international break and there is therefore still some football going on and we decided to use this two week fallow period to chat with a former Celt who is still playing at international level and down in the EPL.

In his chat with Andrew, Ryan covers his time at Celtic and gives an insight into how fraught a transfer window can be. He also disc…

Celtic in Manchester

The Celtic Underground — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 19:41:04 +0000

This weekend the Celtic legends secured a penalty shoot-out victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford. This charity game saw thousands of pounds raised for the respective foundations. It was also another chapter in the annals of the famous links between both clubs and Celtic’s experiences at Old Trafford.

We therefore thought it appropriate to sneak out another tale from Hail Hail History

Enjoy…

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Sacred Heart Church and Celtic

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 07:15:00 +0000

Sometimes small actions can have big consequences. 8 September 2024 is151 years since the opening of Sacred Heart Church in Bridgeton. Without this event, there is a chance there would be no Celtic.

For more information, follow Hail Hail History

Enjoy…

The 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 first cup final

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 06:15:00 +0000

Celtic’s First Cup Final (Glasgow Exhibition Cup)

Season1888-1889 not only saw Celtic’s first competitive game, but Celtic’s first, second and third cup finals. It would be a year of learning, losing, wining and controversy starting with The Glasgow Exhibition Cup, held to coincide with the International Exhibition of Science, Art & Industry.

For more information, follow Hail Hail History

Enjoy…

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UCL Draw and Glasgow Derby Preview

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 07:00:53 +0000

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Everyday is a school day as they say and we’re trying something different so if it doesn’t work out, we’ll have another go!

For your listening and viewing delights we have a mixture of prsentations (allegedly).

If you are a paid subscriber to the platform, you can watch or listen to the podcast featuring Andrew H, Ross Hall and Harry B was we discuss the …

Down to business

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 17:30:00 +0000

Down to business

Another tale from the Celtic Wiki

In an ideal world, Celtic would never have been formed, because in an ideal world there would have been not poverty and discrimination.

But we don’t live in an ideal world and this tale from the Celtic wiki talsk about the formation of the club and how/when we changed from a charity to a business.

For more on our history go to

https://www.thecelticwiki.com/

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

Victory over St Mirren & Brendan postmatch

The Celtic Underground — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 06:00:00 +0000

St Mirren 0 - 3 Celtic

Celtic travelled all the way along the M8 to visit St Mirren in Paisley and ran out 3-0 winners.

The scoring began inside 3 minutes and from that point on Celtic looked comfortable and were never in any danger of dropping any points. Three games into the season, three wins and no goals conceded (the only goal against so far was against Hibs in the League Cup).

It was two midfielders and a defender who got the goals today and the post match discussions with Brendan were all about whether we’d sign players and would they be the standard he is seeking.

We have the post game review and the post match presser by Brendan. He’s in a good mood but bery pointed. He knows where the issues lie and so do the executives.

Enjoy…

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Match Review - Celtic breeze past Hibs

The Celtic Underground — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Celtic comfortably beat Hibs 3-1 in the Premier Sports League Cup fixture at Celtic Park today.

Following the game Harry B and Andrew H discussed the game and the general positivity about the club.

The 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

The CU 2024 25 Season Preview

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 17:00:00 +0000

Nineteenth season! Let that sink in. 19 seasons most of you have been listenning to this guff. Will you never learn? There are listeners to this podcast who weren’t born when it started. Goodness - there’s even a football club playing in the top flight that didn’t exist when this podcast started.

(You can pick up this podcast for free on this Substack app, apple, amazon, google, spotify or wherever you get your podcast listening.)

The Celtic Underground podcast gets up in the morning, looks in the mirror and thinks “who’s that old bugger looking back at me?” It looks on with a paternal smile as some of the whippersnapper podcasts trumpet their new guest providing “exclusive insight” into an event of days gone by knowing that we interviewed that guy years ago when we both had all our hair and all our marbles. Enough of this maudlin meandering, we’ve got a new season to discuss!

On Sunday 4th August at 4:30pm the proper football returns with Celtic hosting Kilmarnock in our defence of the SPFL Premiership title and as we bid for our 4th title in a row and our 14th in 15 seasons (there’s a gap there but no-one went and no-one witnessed it. If no-one saw it can we even say it happened?).

Having already bagged the pre-season cup (first time in decades) we start our campaign with the possibility of winning up to 4 major trophies. The podcast features Hullbhoy, Ross Hall, Eddie Pearson and Harry Brady. There are obvious concerns about the lack of transfer activity in and the possibility of transfers out, but in general the bhoys are in fine fettle, predicting great days ahead.

Oh and for our brand new listener in Cambodia…can’t wait to hear of your tales of advanture!

It’s season 2024-25. It’s CUs 19th. Enjoy…

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Scouting: Behind the stats

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 06:30:00 +0000

If you’ve been online recently you will have noticed an increase in the number of bloggers and tweeters (or whatever people or X are called these days) review players and talent. One of the best of these guys is Ross Hall (the scout, not the hospital).

The Celtic Underground Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support our work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In this podcast, Ross takes us on a journey that has seen him give up a succesful finance career and jump into the world of scouting and how and why he uses stats and uses his own eyes. Who does stats best and how they can be used to the benefit of Celtic. The chat went on for so long, we decided to postpone the analysis of the Celtic squad to next week. You never know, by then we might have actually signed an outfield player.

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 Rough Justice

The Celtic Underground — Mon, 08 Jul 2024 07:00:00 +0000

A Rough Justice

Another tale from the Celtic Wiki

In March 2011, Celtic & Rangers engaged in “The Shame Game”. It was a match that involved Rangers players losing the plot and finished with the hyperbole of Alex Salmond summoning then CEOs of Celtic and Rangers (Lawwell & Bain) to a summit to discuss the bahviour of both clubs.

At the time The Human Torpedo recorded this slice of Celtic History from The Celtic wiki to look back at troubled games from the past, starting in 1949-50 season.

Enjoy…

Thank you for 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

Pt2 - Working at Celtic during the McCann revolution

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 04 Jul 2024 22:55:00 +0000

If you’ve not already done so, please listen to Part 1 of this two part interview with Andrew H Smith on what it was really like being inside Celtic before, during and after the McCann revoltion. As he says - Fergus was a man on a mission and a man with a singular vision on how he wanted Celtic to be as a club and Andre was there, every day, documenting the process.

Enjoy - This is exclusive to paid subscribers for 1 month.

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 Man Who Couldn’t Be Bought

The Celtic Underground — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 07:00:00 +0000

The Man Who Couldn’t Be Bought

Another tale from the Celtic Wiki

What is it about Jimmy McGrory that makes him one of, if not the, greatest ever Celts?

He’s our all time leading scorer with 522 goals in 501 games and holds the record for the most goals in a season, with 62 goals from 46 games.

Although he was only five feet and six inches tall, he was renowned for his prowess and ability for headers. His trademark was an almost horizontal bullet header, which he performed and scored with regularly, and which earned him the nicknames "the Human Torpedo.”

A man the Garngad - St Rochs and Celtic, when Arsenal came calling, despite the best efforts of the board, he couldn’t be bought. “Jimmy McGrory of the arsenal doesn’t sound right.”

Enjoy…

The 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

The Winner Takes It All - Distorted!

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 06:00:00 +0000

We debated long and hard as to whether to publish this podcast because no matter waht we did, we couldn’t resolve the sound distortion issues - especially with Eddie’s mic. Ultimately we decided - what the heck. The worst of it appears to be at the beginning and the end.

So this is a free podcast from Celtic Underground. It can be picked up wherever you get your podcasts as well as on Thecelticunderground.substack.com.

There’s loads of paid and free content coming over the next few months with at least one bit of audio every week.

Enjoy…

The Celtic Underground Substack is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts direct to your inbox and to 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

French Farce

The Celtic Underground — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 07:00:00 +0000

French Farce

Another tale from the Celtic Wiki

The Anglo-Franco-Scottish Friendship Cup was a short-lived Inter-League football competition organised by the French Football Federation that would see teams from the English Football League and the Scottish League compete against teams from the French League.

The original idea was to have four teams from Scotland and four teams from England competing together as one nation competing against eight teams from France. Due to the objection by the Scottish League this ruling was cancelled.

Two separate trophies were cast - one for Scottish clubs competing against French clubs and one for English clubs competing against French clubs. Individual clubs could not win the competition, so each country was awarded 2 points for a win and 1 point for a draw.

Due to disagreements as to when matches should be played, neither of the matches between Celtic and Reims took place.

Enjoy….

The 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

The Rebels Have Won

The Celtic Underground — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 07:00:00 +0000

The Rebels have won

4th March 1994 and Fergus McCann and Brian Dempsey step out into a dark and rainy Glasgow night to make the famous declaration - The game is over, the rebels have won.

Jubilation abound and tonight, as we publish this tale from The Celtic Wiki, we remember one of the unsung heroes of that takeover battle - John Keane who sdaly passed away today - 16th June 2024.

John was the honourary Chairman of Celtic and he got that role because, with no ownership and no certainty that he wouldn’t lose every penny, John stepped up and paid £1m to the bank to save the club from the ignomy of administration and pave the way for Fergus to take over the club.

In tribute to John, we’re therefore publishing this classic tale.

Here’s a link to the club’s statement on the passing of John - https://www.celticfc.com/news/2024/june/16/celtic-pays-tribute-to-john-keane/

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

S18 Ep14: Working at Celtic during the McCann Revolution

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 30 May 2024 22:23:04 +0000

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.com

Enjoy...

Working at Celtic During McCann Revolution

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 30 May 2024 21:41:00 +0000

Working at Celtic During the McCann Revolution

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.com

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

S18 Ep13: THE Cup Final Preview Podcast

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 23 May 2024 20:03:24 +0000

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...

Cup Final Preview Audio

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 23 May 2024 20:03:00 +0000

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

Charity begins at home

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 22 May 2024 07:52:00 +0000

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 here
https://www.celticfc.com/tickets/celtic-legends-v-borussia-dortmund-legends/

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

S18 Ep12: Charity Begins At Home

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 21 May 2024 20:47:35 +0000

S18 Ep11: Winners...again

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 12 May 2024 22:42:09 +0000

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…

Winners...again.again

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 12 May 2024 22:42:00 +0000

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…

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

Fun Bhoys Three

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 09 May 2024 22:10:00 +0000

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…

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

S18 Ep10: Fun Bhoys Three

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 09 May 2024 22:08:44 +0000

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 @Pault1888 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

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 01 May 2024 20:49:00 +0000

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…

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

S18 Ep9: Smith & Brady - Dundee review and Hearts preview

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 01 May 2024 20:45:59 +0000

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…

S18 Ep8: Smith & Brady - The Scottish Cup Semi Final

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 20:40:30 +0000

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…

Smith and Brady The Scottish Cup Semi Final

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 20:40:00 +0000

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…

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

Whats Going On

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 24 Feb 2024 11:58:00 +0000

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…

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

S18 Ep7: What's Going On?

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 24 Feb 2024 11:53:28 +0000

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…

S18 Ep6: Recollections - Paul McStay

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 23:37:02 +0000

Recollections - Paul McStay

Paul 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

Recollections - Paul McStay

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 23:37:00 +0000

Recollections - Paul McStay

Paul 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

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

Are we at the end of the road

The Celtic Underground — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 21:24:00 +0000

Are we at the end of the road

The 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).

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

S18 Ep5: Are we at the end of the road?

The Celtic Underground — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 21:23:58 +0000

Are we at the end of the road

The 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

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 03 Sep 2023 21:33:00 +0000

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…

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

S18 Ep4: Born to lead the green & white

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 03 Sep 2023 21:32:04 +0000

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

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 21:37:12 +0000

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…

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

S18 Ep3: Sense and sensibility

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 21:30:14 +0000

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…

The By The Celtic Underground Edition

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 23:13:19 +0000

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…

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

S18 Ep2: The By The Celtic Underground Edition

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 23:07:00 +0000

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 whos the left back...?

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 22:55:16 +0000

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…

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

S18 Ep1: But who's the left back...?

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 22:49:19 +0000

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

The Celtic Underground — Mon, 08 May 2023 20:41:27 +0000

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…

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

S17 Ep8: Ange train keeps on rolling

The Celtic Underground — Mon, 08 May 2023 20:36:02 +0000

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

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 30 Apr 2023 23:04:18 +0000

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 mammoth 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…

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

S17 Ep7: Double Denim Edition

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 30 Apr 2023 22:49:54 +0000

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

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 22:23:00 +0000

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 B******t 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…

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

S17 Ep6: I should be so lucky

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 22:21:23 +0000

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…

S17 Ep5: The Celtic Da Podcast Returns

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 15 Jan 2023 22:46:15 +0000

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…

The Celtic Da Podcast returns - 15012023 22.37

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 15 Jan 2023 22:41:00 +0000

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 18th season (19th 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…

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

Were in the mix

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 14 Sep 2022 22:41:13 +0000

We’re in the mix

Tonight, 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…

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

S17 Ep4: We're in the mix

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 14 Sep 2022 22:41:08 +0000

We’re in the mix

Tonight, 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 Steamroller

The Celtic Underground — Mon, 05 Sep 2022 12:38:52 +0000

The Celtic Steamroller

Saturday 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 start 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…

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

S17 Ep3: The Celtic Steamroller

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 04 Sep 2022 19:17:09 +0000

The Celtic Steamroller

Saturday 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...?

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 21:30:21 +0000

Tifo or Tifno…?

Sometimes the title doesn't really give an insight into the real content of the podcast but I've got to write something and I quite liked this 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…

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

S17 Ep2: Tifo or Tifno...?

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 21:27:17 +0000

S17 Ep1: The Happiness Edition

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 23:00:25 +0000

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…

The Happiness Edition

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 22:54:37 +0000

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

S16 Ep9: One Win From The Title

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 01 May 2022 22:03:54 +0000

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...

One Win From The Title

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 01 May 2022 21:53:19 +0000

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

Good to be back

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 22:05:04 +0000

The podcast is back (again) after a midseason break

Now 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.

Update Description

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S16 Ep8: Good To Be Back

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 22:04:32 +0000

Welcome Home

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 06:48:15 +0000

Welcome Home

The 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…

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

S16 Ep7: Welcome Home

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 06:42:03 +0000

Welcome Home

Enjoy…

Ange-ball Rolls On

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 22:29:49 +0000

Ange-ball Rolls On

Celtic 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…

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

S16 Ep6: Ange-ball rolls on

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 22:21:35 +0000

Ange-ball Rolls On

Celtic 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.

Enjoy…

The Game Ep 7 Barca 125 - 21082021 00

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 23:50:36 +0000

The Game Episode 7 - Barca 125

November 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….

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

S16 Ep5: The Game Ep7 - Barca 125

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 23:45:06 +0000

The Game Episode 7 - Barca 125

What a night! The world's greatest team beaten by the world's greatest club….

Celtic and our Irish heritage

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 08:39:31 +0000

Celtic and our Irish heritage

This 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….

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

S16 Ep4: Celtic and our Irish heritage

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 08:24:01 +0000

Celtic and our Irish heritage

This 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.

Enjoy….

The Game Episode 6 - Udinese draw and F UEFA

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 01 Aug 2021 10:03:08 +0000

The Game Episode 6 - Udinese draw and F’ UEFA

The current situation at Celtic could be better and so our guest wanted to pick a game from happier times. It’s the winter of 2011 and the team has had a dramatic turnaround since being 3 nil down at Rugby Park and Neil Lennon looked like being on the way out. They pulled things back in the 2nd half of that game and started to really motor. At the same time RFC where spiralling to their death and we were all having a right laugh on this podcast.

Our guest, Matthew Mochan was listening in and enjoying every moment and he wanted to recall a game that took him back to those fun times.

Celtic went into this game still with a chance of qualifying past the Europa League Group stages.

It wasn’t to be but we did have a very good performance in this 1-1 draw and we also had a UEFA fine because some fans unveiled a banner that said “F**k UEFA”.

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

S16 Ep3: The Game Episode 6 - Udinese draw and F'UEFA

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 01 Aug 2021 09:58:49 +0000

The Game Episode 6 - Udinese draw and F’ UEFA

Our guest, Matthew Mochan was listening in and enjoying every moment and he wanted to recall a game that took him back to those fun times.

Celtic went into this game still with a chance of qualifying past the Europa League Group stages.

It wasn’t to be but we did have a very good performance in this 1-1 draw and we also had a UEFA fine because some fans unveiled a banner that said “F**k UEFA”.

Enjoy…

Ange and the starman Podcast Xtra

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 19:56:32 +0000

Podcast Xtra

Ange & the starman

On Saturday31st July Celtic commence the new league season away at Tynecastle. The current state of the first team squad has some fans concerned but we have the new Swede and an update on the new Japanese striker in these pre-game interviews from Ange Postecoglou and Carl Starfelt.

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

S16 Ep2: Podcast Xtra - Ange and the starman

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 19:51:54 +0000

Podcast Xtra

Ange & the starman

Enjoy…

Season 16 - Lets go round again

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 24 Jul 2021 11:45:38 +0000

Season 16 - Let’s go round again

Baby we’re back! Welcome to the 16th season of the world’s longets running football fans podcast. To celebrate our new season we will have

NO new features

NO new graphics

NO new music

NO new opinions

The podcast will be just as you like - same old usual rubbish but it’s this consistency that has kept our listener numbers the same all these years.

We really appreciate everyone who takes the time to listen or rate us on iTunes. We don’t have any awards but then, you have to self nominate so where’s the fun in that?

CU - The podcast for the generally optimistic but occasionally midly irritated middle aged 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

S16 Ep1: Season 16 - Let's go round again

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 24 Jul 2021 11:41:16 +0000

Season 16 - Let’s go round again

Baby we’re back! Welcome to the 16th season of the world’s longets running football fans podcast. To celebrate our new season we will have

NO new features

NO new graphics

NO new music

NO new opinions

The podcast will be just as you like - same old usual rubbish but it’s this consistency that has kept our listener numbers the same all these years.

We really appreciate everyone who takes the time to listen or rate us on iTunes. We don’t have any awards but then, you have to self nominate so where’s the fun in that?

CU - The podcast for the generally optimistic but occasionally midly irritated middle aged Celtic fan.

Enjoy…

Welcome Ange and Dom

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 18:51:25 +0000

Welcome Ange & Dom

Today was the official unveiling of Ange Postecoglou as Celtic manager and of Dom McKay as Celtic CEO. Both spoke very well. Talk is cheap as the negative people say however I was very pleased with what I heard today.

No-one comes into a new job and criticises the people or the past but it’s clear, reading between the lines, that Dom wants to address the stagnation in our business model over the past 10 years and Ange will have his own people in coaching roles sooner rather than later.

We have the fan media questions first followed by the broadcast media press conference.

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

S15 Ep30: Welcome Ange & Dom

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 18:45:09 +0000

Welcome Ange & Dom

We have the fan media questions first followed by the broadcast media press conference.

Enjoy…

A View From Down Under

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 12 Jun 2021 10:59:51 +0000

The View from Down Under

Ange Postecoglou is the new manager of Celtic. Fans are filled with trepidation about a manager with no European track record. The pessemists are trotting out the usual “he’s sh!te3” stuff whilst the optimists are noting the exceptional level of positivity coming out of Australia for this guy.

Based upon this mixed view, I called up our friend Mike Mehall-Wood (now based down in Aus) and sought his view.

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

S15 Ep29: The View From Down Under

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 12 Jun 2021 10:54:10 +0000

The View from Down Under

Based upon this mixed view, I called up our friend Mike Mehall-Wood (now based down in Aus) and sought his view.

Enjoy…

Ange Postecoglou First Interview

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 10:31:01 +0000

Ange Postecoglou First Interview

Celtic have today appointed Ange Postecoglou as the new manager of the club and we have the audio from his first interview. Interstingly in the chat that follows with Dom McKay, he once again mentions modernisation. It seems to be his theme and listeners to the last podcast will know we heartily agree.

Dominic McKay: Ange is an outstanding leader and an outstanding manager

Dominic McKay is delighted that Celtic have appointed an experienced manager who knows what it takes to win, and he believes that Ange Postecoglou’s vision for the future of the Club aligns with his own.

In an exclusive interview with Celtic TV, the Club's incoming Chief Executive, who officially takes over on July 1, explained why the Australian manager is the right fit for the Club, and explained that he has already started working with the new Celtic manager to pave the way for future success.

“I’m delighted that we’ve managed to secure Ange as the new manager of Celtic Football Club,” said Dominic McKay. “Ange is an outstanding leader and an outstanding manager.

“In all my discussions with him to date, I’ve been really impressed by his enthusiasm for Celtic, and his keenness to work with me to modernise and develop the footballing structures and the non-footballing structures to make sure we are the successful club that we need to be for the generation ahead.

“His experience at the international level, having taken Australia to World Cups is hugely impressive, as is his experience of winning both in Australia and Japan, so I’m excited about securing a winning manager and in securing someone who wants to drive forward the club in a way that I think everyone will be really proud about.

“We’ve spent a lot of time chatting through the playing side, the coaching side and the footballing operations side.

“It would be fair to say his phone’s been busy over the last number of weeks and I’m excited that we’re getting information across to him to make decisions and get feedback on all the various aspects you would expect us to be considering ahead of the new season.

“We’ve been talking about recruitment in particular and the plans for the season ahead, so we’re very active in that regard. There are some important fixtures coming up so we need to make sure the team is in the best shape it can be, and I’m sure Ange will share more information with the Celtic support as soon as he can.”

Dominic McKay also shed light on how his own vision for delivering success to the club aligns with Ange Postecoglou’s ambitions.

“We have a shared vision and that was very important to me to make sure we had a new manager who bought into the modernising, evolution and development of the club, both on and off the field,” the new Celtic CEO said.

“In terms of his style of play, I think he will excite the fans. In terms of his communication, I think he will be great in engaging with supporters and, importantly, his philosophy, which is borne out of his experience at international level going through World Cups but also in winning competitions. I wanted a winner and I’m delighted that we’ve managed to secure Ange.”

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

S15 Ep28: Ange Postecoglou First Interview

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 10:25:02 +0000

Ange Postecoglou First Interview

Dominic McKay: Ange is an outstanding leader and an outstanding manager

“I’m delighted that we’ve managed to secure Ange as the new manager of Celtic Football Club,” said Dominic McKay. “Ange is an outstanding leader and an outstanding manager.

“We’ve spent a lot of time chatting through the playing side, the coaching side and the footballing operations side.

Dominic McKay also shed light on how his own vision for delivering success to the club aligns with Ange Postecoglou’s ambitions.

An analogue club in a digital age?

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 06 Jun 2021 17:47:57 +0000

An analogue club in a digital age

This week we’re back to talk about The Celtic! We will be having more of The Game series but we thought we’d take a break from that to discuss the managerial situation at the club. First we’ve had the rejection by Eddie Howe and then the appointment of Ange (or at least the likely appointment of Ange as nothing has happened yet…).

This week we get Saint Anthony, Hullbhoy and Sean together to discuss the situation at the club.

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

S15 Ep27: An analogue club in a digital age?

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 06 Jun 2021 17:37:33 +0000

An analogue club in a digital age

This week we get Saint Anthony, Hullbhoy and Sean together to discuss the situation at the club.

Enjoy…

The Game Ep 5 - Tirollercoaster

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 09 May 2021 11:27:58 +0000

The Game Ep5 - Tirollercoaster

This game had everything - a new team under a new manager with a new striker scoring an og in a 9 goal thriller where Celtic were out with just 6 minutes to go. It had a full house and so everyone who was a Tim at the time could say “I was there” but for some reason it’s never one of those games everyone talks about with reverence…and it should be.

Celtic 6 Tirol Innsbruk 3. What a night.

The Celtic Wiki describes it as follows:

An incredible European night. A nail-biter all the way down the line finally settled by goals in the 87th and 94th minute.

It looked like Anoni was for the off. Allegedly this was all down to a training ground bust up between him and Jansen on pre-season in Holland and he had been on the injury list for some time. And just to prove it Jansen included him in the squad – so much for newspaper rumours.
Surprise surprise when Bebeto was not going to be signing for Celtic. The 33 year old returned to Spain and although it was said he would return to Deportivo la Coruna he eventually joined Sevilla.
Darren Jackson was taken ill prior to the match and immediately after was admitted to hospital for tests. He complained of a migraine and was too ill to play.

Teams

Celtic: Scorers: Donnelly (34, pen 69), Thom (44), Burley (70, 94), Wieghorst (87)

Tirol Innsbruck: Scorers: Mayrleb (39), Larsson (45og), Krinner (82)

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

S15 Ep26: The Game Ep5 - Tirollercoaster

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 09 May 2021 11:22:18 +0000

The Game Ep5 - Tirollercoaster

Celtic 6 Tirol Innsbruk 3. What a night.

The Celtic Wiki describes it as follows:

An incredible European night. A nail-biter all the way down the line finally settled by goals in the 87th and 94th minute.

It looked like Anoni was for the off. Allegedly this was all down to a training ground bust up between him and Jansen on pre-season in Holland and he had been on the injury list for some time. And just to prove it Jansen included him in the squad – so much for newspaper rumours.
Surprise surprise when Bebeto was not going to be signing for Celtic. The 33 year old returned to Spain and although it was said he would return to Deportivo la Coruna he eventually joined Sevilla.
Darren Jackson was taken ill prior to the match and immediately after was admitted to hospital for tests. He complained of a migraine and was too ill to play.

Teams

Celtic: Scorers: Donnelly (34, pen 69), Thom (44), Burley (70, 94), Wieghorst (87)

Tirol Innsbruck: Scorers: Mayrleb (39), Larsson (45og), Krinner (82)

Enjoy…

The Game Ep4 - Boavista Away 2003

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 20:49:53 +0000

The Game Ep4 - Boavista Away 2003

For those of us lucky enough to remember Seville it was all made possible by this night - a victory away at Boavista. A crap game, a sclaffed shot and a penalty claim….but we were through.

Remy of ByTheMinCeltic fame joins Antony and I to share his recollections of The Game.

This is how The Celtic Wiki describes it…

With so much at stake, the opening exchanges were tentative, but Celtic settled first and created the game's first decent goalscoring opportunity. A hopeful Alan Thompson free-kick was flicked on by the head of John Hartson, allowing Larsson a sight of goal, but the Swede uncharacteristically pulled his shot wide under pressure from Eder Silveira.

Celtic were forced to bring Chris Sutton into the fray rather earlier than planned when Paul Lambert was forced off with an ankle injury with just over half an hour gone.

In the second half Alan Thompson had a fierce drive deflected wide on 70 minutes as they sought that elusive away goal. It finally came eight minutes later, when Larsson played a slightly fortunate one-two with Boavista defender Filipe Anunciacao before finishing clinically from 12 yards.

The performance may not necessarily have been vintage and will be overlooked by the Celtic supporters as we prepare for the trip to Seville, where the team will play Porto in the final on 21 May.

Boavista v Celtic, 24 April 2003, was one of the most frustrating games of football I’ve sat through. Needing to score, for 78 minutes Celtic were moribund; they made not a single attempt on goal. Instead, they did what most teams do away from home, condensed midfield and defended, while Boavista, who would qualify for the Uefa Cup final if the game ended goalless, did much the same.

The goal appeared to take place in slow motion. Henrik Larsson moved forward to the end of the D and tried to pass to John Hartson, but a defender intercepted. Unfortunately for Boavista the ball was returned from the interception to an unmarked Larsson on the edge of the box.

It spun from his preferred right foot onto his left but the shot gently arced inches away from the goalkeeper’s grasp. The goal was a deflection, although we didn’t see it at the time. The keeper was moving his weight from right to left as the ball drifted to his left.

It may have been a turgid game of football decided by a deflection but it was also one of the most intense sporting occasions in our 125 year history. The sheer release of tension when the goal went in was incredible. 15 minutes, and one generous refereeing decision later, Celtic were in a European final.

Since then we have become accustomed to our position as a credible European team but it was very different in season 2002-03. This was the first Christmas Celtic were in Europe since 1979; each milestone along the way, Blackburn Rovers (a far more credible team at the time), Celta Vigo, Stuttgart and Liverpool, was celebrated with something close to astonishment.

The triumphs of this season, qualifying for the Champions League group stage instead of losing to Basel, then progressing to the knock out rounds, are greater than the achievements of April 2003, but they will never feel that way.

That game, that season, trophy-less though it was, changed our entire landscape. Nothing would ever be the same again.

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

S15 Ep25: The Game Ep4 - Boavista Awaya 2003

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 20:23:28 +0000

The Game Ep4 - Boavista Away 2003

For those of us lucky enough to remember Seville it was all made possible by this night - a victory away at Boavista. A crap game, a sclaffed shot and a penalty claim….but we were through.

Remy of ByTheMinCeltic fame joins Antony and I to share his recollections of The Game.

This is how The Celtic Wiki describes it…

Celtic were forced to bring Chris Sutton into the fray rather earlier than planned when Paul Lambert was forced off with an ankle injury with just over half an hour gone.

The performance may not necessarily have been vintage and will be overlooked by the Celtic supporters as we prepare for the trip to Seville, where the team will play Porto in the final on 21 May.

That game, that season, trophy-less though it was, changed our entire landscape. Nothing would ever be the same again.

Enjoy…

The Game Ep3 - Partizan Belgrade

The Celtic Underground — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 22:28:12 +0000

The Game Ep3 - Partizan Belgrade

To this day, this is one of the most incredible games I have ever attended. Yes I’ve been at the Barca game, the Invincibles Cup Final Game, victories and defeats at Ibrox but for utterly incredible drama few can match this game - Celtic 5, Partizan Belgrade 4.

A future Dundee Utd Manager, the dad of a future Celtic striker and a guy wearing trackie bottoms - this game had it all (all except a Celtic victory).

Antony and I are joined by Lawrence Donegan as he name drops his way through his memories of The Game.

Here’s how the Celtic Wiki describes it:

This was one of the most remarkable games ever viewed at Parkhead with an absolutely disastrous ending for a brave Celtic team.

Scoring went as follows: 0-1, 1-1, 2-1, 2-2, 3-2, 3-3, 4-3, 5-3, 5-4.

With Celtic leading 5-3 and going through on aggregate with just two minutes left, Joe Miller lost the ball at the Partizan goal corner flag. A quick break down the left wing saw a cross come in and Scepovic headed it for goal. The despairing Bonner got a hand to out and only served to divert it past Paul Elliot who was on the goal line and would have cleared had Bonner not knocked it past him.

Celtic players and fans were devastated at time up and stood in stone silence as jubilant Partizan players and coaches danced for joy on the Parkhead turf.

Billy McNeill was heavily criticised afterwards for not making one substitution when Celtic were leading 5-3 with minutes to go which would have broken the game up and killed some time.

It is thought that Darius Dziekanowski could have laid on another cert, but went for a personal five. He was later lambasted in the changing room despite having scored four goals, and maybe others were more culpable for the defeat than Jacki.

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

S15 Ep24: The Game Ep3 - Partizan Belgrade

The Celtic Underground — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 22:21:46 +0000

The Game Ep3 - Partizan Belgrade

A future Dundee Utd Manager, the dad of a future Celtic striker and a guy wearing trackie bottoms - this game had it all (all except a Celtic victory).

Antony and I are joined by Lawrence Donegan as he name drops his way through his memories of The Game.

Here’s how the Celtic Wiki describes it:

This was one of the most remarkable games ever viewed at Parkhead with an absolutely disastrous ending for a brave Celtic team.

Scoring went as follows: 0-1, 1-1, 2-1, 2-2, 3-2, 3-3, 4-3, 5-3, 5-4.

Celtic players and fans were devastated at time up and stood in stone silence as jubilant Partizan players and coaches danced for joy on the Parkhead turf.

Billy McNeill was heavily criticised afterwards for not making one substitution when Celtic were leading 5-3 with minutes to go which would have broken the game up and killed some time.

Enjoy…

The Game Ep2 - Palm Sunday

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 22:57:07 +0000

The Game Ep2 - Palm Sunday

This week marks the 30th anniversary of the Palm Sunday gubbing of Rangers, a game that holds special memories for our guest Kevin Schofield as it was his first Glasgow Derby. It was dark times for the club and these victories were smal glimpses of light.

We had beaten Rangers the week before for what became known as the ST Patrick’s Day Massacre. That was a game that saw Rangers receive 3 red cards and so for this match, Not The View gave out red cards and Nisbet duly obliged by getting himself sent off and leaving the pitch to a sea of aforementioned red cards from the crowd. Anton Rogan was the star of the day, scoring the opener in the 3-0 victory over Rangers in March 1991, his first against them (just day before his birthday), but he also set up the second and cleared a goal off the line.

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

S15 Ep23: The Game Ep2 - Palm Sunday

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 22:52:43 +0000

The Game Ep2 - Palm Sunday

Enjoy…

The Game Ep 1 - Shame Game

The Celtic Underground — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 20:41:58 +0000

The Game Episode 1 - Shame Game

10 years ago this month was The Shame Game. A silly title for a game that saw no shame apart from the terrible behaviour of the soon to be defunct Rangers players and assistant manager. But with its notoriety and coming to the fore we thought we’d kick off the new series with a review of that game.

Here’s how the Celtic Wiki describes it:

As one-side a match against the Huns you'll ever see. Celtic were on top throughout this game, and despite the Huns being able to break well at points, they were simply playing for penalties from early on. With injuries/resting players like Lafferty & Jelavic, the Huns were relying on some rough tactics with heavy tackling on the menu. Luckily, Celtic's pressing on fairer referees has paid off with Murray officiating well and taking to half measures. He allowed around 20-25 mins before dishing out yellow cards, and Whittaker was first to be ordered off with two yellows. Harsh the first card may have been but it wasn't for that challenged alone (he had committed a few bad tackles before hand).

From then on, Celtic took control (in particular in the midfield) however we weren't makign enough of our advantages. Wilson was exceptional and has been on a bit of a goal glut of late (3 goals in 6 games) and he scored with his second chance today just after half-time to send the support into raptures. From then in, there was only one team in it. Rangers had a late burst but their runs were cut short..... and Rangers were out the cup!!!

YESSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

More important is the rammies that occurred. Diouf was in everyone's' face, with match offs with Brown and then inexcusably with the Celtic bench. He should have been sent off early but the referee was too soft. Next there was a rammy with Mjallby for Djouf in the tunnel at half-time! It was comical.

The unbookable Bhougeira was sent off! Amazing! Daft tackles were the cause, he's scum like Diouf.

Diouf was sent off after the final whistle for not keeping control of his senses (not possible for him). A farce and scumbag.

The home support were in his face and we all laughed. The worse he is on the pitch, the worse his antics are...

Match ended with a spat between Lennon & Ally McCoist (Hun assistant manager). McCoist approaced Lennon in our dugout, Lennon politley held out his hand, then McCoist whispered something in his ear, Lennon retorted, then it blew with some shoves and people jumping in to separate the two. McCoist should be hammered for it.

Anyhow, we won, it's great to be a Celtic.

Crazy: The match has been criticised by the First Minister as a disgrace with head police officer calling for possibly stopping all games v Rangers or play them behind close doors! Absolute joke, total mock outrage.

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

S15 Ep22: The Game Ep 1 - Shame Game

The Celtic Underground — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 20:37:29 +0000

The Game Episode 1 - Shame Game

Here’s how the Celtic Wiki describes it:

YESSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The unbookable Bhougeira was sent off! Amazing! Daft tackles were the cause, he's scum like Diouf.

Diouf was sent off after the final whistle for not keeping control of his senses (not possible for him). A farce and scumbag.

The home support were in his face and we all laughed. The worse he is on the pitch, the worse his antics are...

Anyhow, we won, it's great to be a Celtic.

Enjoy…

Podcast Xtra David Turnbull John Kennedy

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 05 Mar 2021 20:57:50 +0000

Podcast Xtra - John Kennedy & David Turnbull

Celtic are looking to engage better with the fan media and this was the first step in 2021 of that new engagement with a specially organised fan media press conference. To be fair to the club, bringing this together is slightly more complicated than it seems. As I’ve joked recently, there are now a plethora of podcasts and how do the club make sure everyone gets access, how do they balance this with those fans who do excellent written work but not the spoken word - do they let on every podcast and website (not matter the numbers of listeners readers). Do they have a cut off and how do they measure that cut-off? etc etc.

Regular listeners and readers will know that we have been fortunate enough to have engagement before but it is good to have some further engagement after a little bit of a hiatus.

We have David Turnbull and John Kennedy first up, John being especially generous with his time and providing very full answers. I have met with John before and found him a very impressive and engaging man. I have yet to meet a football person who isn’t impressed by John. I hope you are too.

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

S15 Ep21: Podcast Xtra - John Kennedy & David Turnbull

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 05 Mar 2021 20:53:03 +0000

Podcast Xtra - John Kennedy & David Turnbull

Regular listeners and readers will know that we have been fortunate enough to have engagement before but it is good to have some further engagement after a little bit of a hiatus.

Enjoy…

Pieces of Eight

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 22:11:11 +0000

Pieces of Eight

Yes, it’s the pirate podcast (you’ll understand when you listen) and we are reviewing the tenure of Neil Lennon as Celtic manager. We look at his departure last time, his re-appointment and assess whether this was some catastrophic turn of unlucky events for Neil or the inevitable outcome of appointing someone not qualified for the job and I would suggest that the panel have a range of opinions along that spectrum.

A change is gonna come at Celtic and we suspect that it will have an alpine look to it but whatever it is, there are always grounds for omptimism when you support Celtic so we (mainly) agree that next season is going to be very exciting.

Saint Anthony, Sean and Antony all discuss.

Also, we’re pulling together a series on Celtic matches, key games that might now have mythical status among the support. We’ll be starting with The Shame Game. Email your memories of this and also let us know hat games you would like us to feature.

Podcasts@celticunderground.net

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

S15 Ep20: Pieces of Eight

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 02 Mar 2021 22:03:35 +0000

Pieces of Eight

Saint Anthony, Sean and Antony all discuss.

Podcasts@celticunderground.net

Enjoy…

Celts on the rocks

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 23:25:57 +0000

Celts on The Rocks

This week I am joined by Lachie Mor and Duncan Smillie of Glasgow Rocks to discuss the current situation at Celtic.

We review the inept Ross County performance and then go on to discuss the nature of the vitriol against senior people at the club (manager CEO) and question if that is the “Celtic Way” - can we not disagree with the board’s decision on Lennon without being so disagreeable? Duncan has a go at me for the agressive language of the Ferencvaros podcast. Lachie is taken aback and patently didn’t listen to it!

We review the need to get more young players coming through the academy into the first team and generally wish this season would just go away.

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

S15 Ep19: Celts on The Rocks

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 23 Feb 2021 23:17:16 +0000

Celts on The Rocks

This week I am joined by Lachie Mor and Duncan Smillie of Glasgow Rocks to discuss the current situation at Celtic.

We review the need to get more young players coming through the academy into the first team and generally wish this season would just go away.

Enjoy…

Marketing Celtic

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 00:26:26 +0000

Marketing Celtic

I know, I know, all we want is a succesful team on the pitch and you have no time for all this marketing and “brand” chat that revolves around modern football and if that’s the sum total of your thoughts on marketing a football club then this podcast is not for you. If, however, you see maximising income as the way of getting the best players in the pitch then hopefully you will find this of interest.

I look at our club as failing to communicate well with the supporters. I therefore wonder if we are so poor at speaking with the fans, are we even worse at communicating with a wider audience, and is that poor communication impacting on the business as a whole?

Whilst I can have a view, I always think it best to ask an expert and so I asked the Managing Direcor of Sporst Marketing experts Fuse for some input. It does help that not only is Stephen an expert on sports marketing, he’s also a huge Celtic fan. We therefore have a marketing expert talking specifically about our club and how we might get those marginal benefits that allow us to get better players on the park.

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

S15 Ep18: Marketing Celtic

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 09 Feb 2021 00:20:54 +0000

Marketing Celtic

Enjoy…

Peter A CEO of 2 Halves

The Celtic Underground — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 19:53:27 +0000

And so after 17 years in the job Peter is leaving.

Peter Lawwell was first employed by Celtic as the club's Financial Controller from 1990 to 1991 under then Chief Executive Terry Cassidy. In September 2003, he returned to Celtic succeeding Ian McLeod as Chief Executive. The job title was changed for Lawwell to Executive Director, Head of Operations as many of the previous Chief Executives had performed poorly in that role. Arsenal were interested in appointing Lawwell as their chief executive in 2008, but Lawwell rejected their approach. Lawwell has been credited with increasing revenue, reducing debt and is considered a tough transfer negotiator. He has attracted criticism since 2008, however, as Rangers had won three championships in a row. In particular, Celtic fans cite the club's refusal to increase their offer for steven Fletcher in January 2009, after which Rangers overhauled Celtic to win the 2008/09 SPL. In 2010 it was reported that Lawwell earned a wage of more than £700,000 a year, after receiving a 25% rise from his previous contract for the 2008–09 season.

Everything at Celtic changed in 2012 when Rangers went to the wall and this saw the club commence an incredible period of dominance, winning trophies and building cash in the bank for a rainy day, We had the Brendan era followed by the appointment of Neil Lennon in the showers and for many, the diasters of the current season were sewn on that day.

Peter leaves and Hullbhoy and I assess his legacy.

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

S15 Ep17: Peter, A CEO of Two Halves

The Celtic Underground — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 18:29:06 +0000

And so after 17 years in the job Peter is leaving.

Peter leaves and Hullbhoy and I assess his legacy.

Enjoy…

Dear Dr Jo

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 23:43:37 +0000

Dear Dr Jo

This past week saw the passing of Big Shuggie Edvaldsson and formerCeltic manager Dr Jozef Venglos.

Jóhannes Eðvaldsson signed for Celtic in 1975 and made 127 appearances for the club. He scored 24 goals for Celtic playing in defence, midfield and attack but made his name mainly as a central defender.

Dr Jozef Venglos was the first foreign born & raised manager of a club in the English top tier league(now it's the EPL): Aston Villa. He won the European Championships at under 23 level, and then his finest moment in coaching, the full European Championship with Czechoslovakia in 1976, beating Netherlands in the semi-finals and West Germany in the Final, as well as reaching the quarter-finals of the Italia 1990 World Cup. Appointed President of the European Coaches Union in 1995 as well as being chosen to coach European and World select teams in the 1980's and 1990's. AT Celtic he signed the great players Lubo & Mjallby for Celtic. Truthfully, he never made a bad signing. Disgracefully treated by the local press whilst in Scotland (quite petty patronising racism in some cases).

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

S15 Ep16: Dear Dr Jo

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 23:36:59 +0000

Dear Dr Jo

This past week saw the passing of Big Shuggie Edvaldsson and formerCeltic manager Dr Jozef Venglos.

Enjoy…

Tell me when its over

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 21:15:52 +0000

Tell me when it’s over

And the hits just keep on coming… This past week Celtic have dropped points to Livingston twice (once to a team made up of their fringe players) and still the management team remains unchanged. On the podcast we discuss the possible rational behind this, the issues with the players, the Livi game and of course that press conference.

As a podcast that has (at times) been very aggitated with the team - coaches and players, we try our best to take a step back and assess how and why. We discuss the board and what we should be doing. Tanks on the lawn with a firm statement of intent that this will never happen again.

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

S15 Ep15: Tell Me When It's Over

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 22 Jan 2021 21:09:00 +0000

Tell me when it’s over

Enjoy…

Whats Going On

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 12 Jan 2021 00:46:33 +0000

What’s going on?

Who could have predicted, that going to Dubai, in the middle of the world’s worst pandemic in 100 years could end up being a PR disaster…?

Sunday night the news broke that we had a player with Covid. Then it started to come out that, due to the nature of everyone being in close proximity, 13 players and 3 coaches would be unavailable for the game against Hibs. With perhaps a 5% chance still left of winning the league, we needed to win every game left this season and this wouldn’t give us the best chance of starting that run, yet we nearly achieved it.

Antony Murray and I discuss the game, the trip and basically ask - Celtic - What’s going on?!?

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

S15 Ep14: What's Going On?

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 12 Jan 2021 00:42:01 +0000

What’s going on?

Who could have predicted, that going to Dubai, in the middle of the world’s worst pandemic in 100 years could end up being a PR disaster…?

Antony Murray and I discuss the game, the trip and basically ask - Celtic - What’s going on?!?

Enjoy…

2020 A Year in Review

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 08 Jan 2021 13:22:45 +0000

2020 - A Year in Review

Twenty Twenty vision was hard work - a year of two halves. We ran away with the league until Covid came and we were robbed of the 9iar celebrations. When won a quadruple treble and again robbed of the celebrations. In the grand scheme of things it will be just one year of missing going to games and there are worse things happening in the world however it hurt to miss them all the same.

It WAS supposed to be a review with @antonymurray25 and @hullbhoy @stephen4_2 and myself but for a variety of reasons it was just Saint & I but we still managed to ramble on for 2 hours reviewing the seasons past and present in 2020.

Hullbhoy and Antony will be on again soon.

Meantime, please 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

S15 Ep13: 2020 - The Year in Reeview

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 08 Jan 2021 13:07:42 +0000

2020 - A Year in Review

Hullbhoy and Antony will be on again soon.

Meantime, please enjoy…

The Malteser Edition!

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 02 Jan 2021 18:15:27 +0000

I don’t want to talk about it!

The maltesers edition.

And there it was - in the 62nd minute the final flickers of the 10iar dream were snuffed out when Nir Bitton climbed all over the back of Alfredo Morelos and Madden was presented with the opportunity to reduce us to 10 men and any chnce of clawing back the huge deficit went.

It wasn’t the Bitton sending off that killed the chances of winning the league and securing the 10. The seeds of this defeat were sowed long ago with a various key points since February 2012 when, presented with an opportunity, Celtic made the wrong choice. The key to losing the ten was when the club decided to focus on demoestic rather than European dominance. Set your standards low and and you achieve low.

Antony Murray and I review a game which, for the first hour, was dominated by Celtic.

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

S15 Ep12: The Malteser Edition!

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 02 Jan 2021 18:07:42 +0000

I don’t want to talk about it!

The maltesers edition.

Antony Murray and I review a game which, for the first hour, was dominated by Celtic.

Enjoy…

S15 Ep11: Quadruple Treble

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 07:38:00 +0000

Quadruple Treble

No illiterative headlines name for the podcast - it’s a simple history making name. The remarkable dominance of Celtic over Scottish football continues as the third and final trophyof the 2019/20 season is secured and Celtic become world beaters by securing a fourth consecutive treble.

After a first 45 mins where we looked like we would go on to score 4 or 5 it was squeaky bum time and penalties were required.

I am joined by Antony Murray and Saint Anthony to discuss why that might have been, to review the game, the players, and the unique achievement of 4 trebles. We also (briefly) preview the Ross County game.

Enjoy…

Quadruple Treble

The Celtic Underground — Mon, 21 Dec 2020 23:47:21 +0000

Quadruple Treble

After a first 45 mins where we looked like we would go on to score 4 or 5 it was squeaky bum time and penalties were required.

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

Custer's Last Stand

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 08:58:07 +0000

Custer’s Last Stand

And the hits just keep on coming…..this week it was St Johnstone. Where do we go from here? Is it down to the lake I fear?

After the Ferencvaros game Antnony Murray and I were very critical of the manager and after 30 mins I got St Anthony on to be the voice of reason and calm us all down. Since then there has been no discernible improvement in performances and so we thought we’d get Saint back on.

We review the St Johnstone game, discuss the Cektic statement, try and think why the board are thinking as they are and then discussing whether we believe that 10iar can be saved.

After the analogies of Julius Ceaser, this week it’s Cowboys and Indians.

Enjoy…(if you can)

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

S15 Ep10: Custer's Last Stand

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 08 Dec 2020 08:52:17 +0000

Custer’s Last Stand

And the hits just keep on coming…..this week it was St Johnstone. Where do we go from here? Is it down to the lake I fear?

We review the St Johnstone game, discuss the Cektic statement, try and think why the board are thinking as they are and then discussing whether we believe that 10iar can be saved.

After the analogies of Julius Ceaser, this week it’s Cowboys and Indians.

Enjoy…(if you can)

No Longer Surprising

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 26 Nov 2020 23:28:15 +0000

No longer surprising

Sorry to have such long breaks between podcasts, honestly, we’re not just waiting for defeats but I know many will be in the working every hour God sends boat at the moment and getting an hour to do a podcast is challenging.

Enough of that negativity - onto the hoops! As you’ll hear on the podcast, Antony Murray has just been teaching Julius Ceaser and one quote from that came to mind that our coaches and board would do well to think about;

“The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves.”

Something has to change, new coaches, new attitudes, I don’t know, but something.

Here’s hoping it’s soon.

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

S15 Ep9: No longer surprising

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 26 Nov 2020 23:21:13 +0000

No longer surprising

“The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves.”

Something has to change, new coaches, new attitudes, I don’t know, but something.

Here’s hoping it’s soon.

Enjoy…

Count The Trophies

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 07 Nov 2020 16:28:09 +0000

Count The Trophies

Following the Scottish Cup Semi-Final victory Celtic are on course for another treble - 4 in a row would be quite incredible and you would assume that everything in the garden is rosy…but it’s not. Thursday night saw another abysmal European result for the club and another performance were body language was dreadful on and off the pitch and it was hard to believe that this is a team coached to play together.

After the Feroncvaros defeat we had an immediate post game review (more of a rant) with myself and Antony Murray, later joined by the voice of reason Aint Anthony. This time we decided to hold off for a few days for a more taional debate.

We discuss everything and go back 8 years in reviewing where we are just now.

Enjoy…

Don’t forget that antony can be found on twitter @antonymurray25

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

S15 Ep8: Count The Trophies

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 07 Nov 2020 16:16:39 +0000

Count The Trophies

We discuss everything and go back 8 years in reviewing where we are just now.

Enjoy…

Don’t forget that antony can be found on twitter @antonymurray25

With success in mind

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 23:16:03 +0000

Success in mind

Saturday’s result and performance could have been better…!

Rather than have a knee jerk rant, I thought it would be more appropriate to have some positive thinking on the podcast and who better than the guru of Scottish positive thinking, Mr Jack Black.

I first came across Jack around 1997 when my then boss handed me some audio tapes and said - I think this will be right up your street. The days before Apple Car Play or even in car CDs, these tapes were of Jack’s Mindstore lectures and they were a huge eye opener. At the time he was working with Rangers and it came as a revelation to me that he is actually a Celtic fan. Even more of a revelation was that he was a fan of our podcast and so when I discovered this I knew I had to get him on.

Work, work and more work have got in the way of late and so it’s simply a coincidence that he is on straight after THAT Rangers performance.

If you want to know more about Jack after listening you can log onto https://www.mindstore.com/

He’s also on twitter @jack_mindstore

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

S15 Ep7: With success in mind

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 23:05:41 +0000

With success in mind

Saturday’s result and performance could have been better…!

Rather than have a knee jerk rant, I thought it would be more appropriate to have some positive thinking on the podcast and who better than the guru of Scottish positive thinking, Mr Jack Black.

Work, work and more work have got in the way of late and so it’s simply a coincidence that he is on straight after THAT Rangers performance.

If you want to know more about Jack after listening you can log onto https://www.mindstore.com/

He’s also on twitter @jack_mindstore

Enjoy…

The Celtic Lifetime XI Podcast No.7

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 22:25:28 +0000

Antony Murray brings us episode 7 of the lifetime XI series.

Many listeners have been enjoying the lifetime XI series of Antony Murray. Unfortunately all good things must come to an end and this series is coming to a close, butnot before we have at least one more episode. This week Antony returns and we have episode 7 of the series.

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

S15 Ep6: The Celtic Lifetime XI Podcast No.7

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 22:02:54 +0000

Celtic in the black white era

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 03 Sep 2020 23:14:11 +0000

Celtic in the Black & White Era

There’s a new book out and St Anthony chats with the author, Steve Finan

This brand new book features hundreds of previously unseen classic Celtic photos from the glory days.

Even if you know the history . . . have you seen it like this? These photos have lain hidden in archives for 40, 50 or even 60 years. They show the great events such as the European Cup triumph of 1967, Hampden in the sun, Gil Heron’s debut, the John Thomson tragedy, and the Leeds United European tie of 1970. There are also scores of behind-the-scenes photos, images of Celtic heroes of the past as you’ve never seen them, and “new” old photos of the great games.

It is the ideal gift for any Celtic-minded person — nostalgia for those who remember, a chance to experience the halcyon days for those who don’t.

There’s never been a Celtic book like 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

S15 Ep5: Celtic in the black & white era

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 03 Sep 2020 23:08:36 +0000

Celtic in the Black & White Era

There’s a new book out and St Anthony chats with the author, Steve Finan

This brand new book features hundreds of previously unseen classic Celtic photos from the glory days.

It is the ideal gift for any Celtic-minded person — nostalgia for those who remember, a chance to experience the halcyon days for those who don’t.

There’s never been a Celtic book like this!

Enjoy...

Garbage!

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 23:28:14 +0000

Garbage

Tonight Celtic played a team who are vastly inferior to us. They had three attempts on goal and scored with two of them. Meantime our manager picked a starting 11 with no striker and didn’t bring one on until the 78th minute. I get that Ajeti may not quite be fully fit and I fear Klimala not starting is because the manager doesn’t rate him. what a s**t show

We wanted to get a podcast out and to your ears as quickly as possible and so we start with just Antony Murray and after 25 mins are joined by St Anthony. We discuss what to do and don’t come up with solutions, just moans.

If you can, 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

S15 Ep4: Garbage!

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 23:24:23 +0000

Garbage

If you can, enjoy…

Viva Espana

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 16 Aug 2020 20:30:41 +0000

Viva Espana

We have had a very eventful time of things both on and off the park at Celtic since our last podcast discussing the current squad. In that last podcast Juco James disected the pros and cons (minus the pros) of continuing to play Scott Brown. we then had the Killie game which was the usual purgatory on plastic. We lack creativity and gave away a stupid goal and many fingers pointed at Jullien and Brown. After that we had the Boli 24 hour Spanish holiday jaunt. In between we signed Ajeti.

With all this going on we needed a podcast and we needed some calm heads and so we have Hullbhoy and Duncan to discuss all this and more.

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

S15 Ep3: Viva Espańa

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 16 Aug 2020 20:23:09 +0000

Viva Espana

With all this going on we needed a podcast and we needed some calm heads and so we have Hullbhoy and Duncan to discuss all this and more.

Enjoy…

The Celtic Lifetime XI Podcast No.6

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 20:12:16 +0000

Antony Murray returns to discuss the all time Celtic XI of another hoops fan. This week Paul Rutherford picks his favourite Celtic XI with some alternative options from the norm.

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

S15 Ep2: The Celtic Lifetime XI Podcast No.6

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 20:02:45 +0000

Antony Murray returns to discuss the all time Celtic XI of another hoops fan. This week Paul Rutherford picks his favourite Celtic XI with some alternative options from the norm.

Enjoy...

The Celtic Lifetime XI Podcast No.5

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 02 Aug 2020 20:02:22 +0000

The first game of the new season has just finished with a 5-1 victory over Hamilton so if you're looking for Celtic chat, we have episode 5 of the Lifetime XI podcasts. It's the first official podcast of our 15th season and features our old friend Lawrence Donegan.

He's had plenty of time to get the pronunciations correct so hopefully no mangling.

It's Antony Murray with Lawrence Donegan's best XI.

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

S15 Ep1: THE CELTIC LIFETIME XI PODCAST NO.5

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 02 Aug 2020 17:34:09 +0000

Big Data, The Squad and Brown

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 28 Jul 2020 09:06:54 +0000

Big Data, The Squad and Brown

Data and statistics are increasingly playing a big part in sport but our guest today suggests that football remains largely in the dark ages in this field. His belief is that this is changing, and rapidly and those clubs that are late adopters will find themselves at a long term disadvantage.

For those who follow him on twitter, @Jucojames has been at the forefront of detailing the numbers behind Celtic performances and, once we get past how he ended up being a Celtic numbers fanatic, we use the data to discuss the elephant in the room - at his age should Brown be playing so much football?

I’ll not do a spoiler but your head will tell you what your heart denies on that one.

Hope you enjoy the podcast - all 2 hours!

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

S14 Ep48: Big Data, The Squad and Brown

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 28 Jul 2020 08:22:47 +0000

Big Data, The Squad and Brown

I’ll not do a spoiler but your head will tell you what your heart denies on that one.

Hope you enjoy the podcast - all 2 hours!

Enjoy…

The Celtic Lifetime XI Podcast No.4

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 16:56:36 +0000

This week we continue with Antony Murray discussing with guests their all time Celtic XI. This week the guest is our very own Lachie Mor. Regular listeners will know that Lachie has been attending games since before Stein and so with an array of talent to choose from including the Lions, the first 9iar team and the Seville team his all time XI will be an interesting listen.

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

S14 Ep47: The Celtic Lifetime XI Podcast No.4

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 16:53:48 +0000

S14 Ep46: The Celtic Lifetime XI Podcast No.3

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 17:57:53 +0000

It's a simple concept, get a guest on and ask them to choose their favourite/best all time Celtic eleven but sometimes the simplest things are the best things and today we bring you episode 3. Hosted by Antony Murray listen and decide if you agree. If you don't tweet myself or Antony or email podcasts@celticunderground.net and we'll get you on.

The Celtic Lifetime XI Podcast No.3

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 17:57:45 +0000

If you don't tweet myself or Antony or email podcasts@celticunderground.net and we'll get you on.

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

Brought to you by Ask Jeeves

The Celtic Underground — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 21:13:35 +0000

Transfers and season books

Most of our output during these past few footballless months have been our specialist series - the 9iar chronicles and the new Lifetime 11 podcast series. There has been little else going on bar the season-book stooshie but far more important things going on in wider life and therefore we haven’t been as prolific as usual on the podcasts. We decided that needed to change!

We contacted Lawrence Donegan and Antony Murray and had a chat about all that is going on at our club - transfer gossip, season book sales and preparation for the new season. It’s all here in spades.

S14 Ep45: Brought to you by Ask Jeeves

The Celtic Underground — Mon, 06 Jul 2020 21:03:48 +0000

Transfers and season books

The Celtic Lifetime XI Podcast No.2

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 21:14:21 +0000

It's like buses, you wait for ages and then they come along with the frequency of, well, buses! It's episode two of the Celtic Lifetime XI podcast from Antony Murray. This week his guest is Kes Devaal.

Both guys can be found on Twitter @KesDevaal and @antonymurray25

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

S14 Ep44: The Celtic Lifetime XI Podcast No.2

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 02 Jul 2020 21:08:32 +0000

The Celtic Lifetime XI Podcast No.1

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 21:48:36 +0000

This is the first in a series of Celtic Underground podcast where Antony Murray discusses with guests their lifetime Celtic XI.

This week Antony chats with Gregg Kennedy to review his Lifetime XI.

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

S14 Ep43: Celtic Lifetime 11 Ep1

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 21:37:57 +0000

This is the first in a series of Celtic Underground podcast where Antony Murray discusses with guests their lifetime Celtic XI.

This week Antony chats with Gregg Kennedy to review his Lifetime XI.

The 9iar Chronicles - Season (not) Ten 197475

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 28 May 2020 21:35:46 +0000

The 9iar Chronicles - Season not the ten 1974/75

Two Cups - but no Ten-in-a-Row

League Position – 3rd - finishing 11pts behind Rangers who won the League and 4pts behind Hibernian
League Cup – Winners
Scottish Cup – Winners
Drybrough Cup - Winners
European Cup - First Round

Celtic were to miss out on a world record of ten consecutive League championships this season and had to be content with the two domestic cups and the Drybrough Cup in it's last year. This season saw the retirement of Billy McNeill and the departure on free transfers at the end of the season of the last true veterans of the golden age with the release of Jimmy Johnstone and Jim Brogan. The only remaining Lisbon Lion at the end of the season was Bobby Lennox.

Celtic did not travel abroad for any pre-season games this season but used the Drybrough Cup and domestic friendlies to sort the team out. There was an embarrassing one-off trip to West Germany to play Schalke 04 in Gelsenkirchen which ended in the joint highest defeat under Jock Stein so far. Interest in the Drybrough Cup was faintly raised when the final threw Rangers and Celtic together with the game ending in a draw and Celtic winning the rights to the Cup 4-2 on penalties. This was the last season this Cup would be played though it would return in 1979. The performances were somewhat jaded and lacking in enthusiasm one normally expected from a Celtic team but this was put down to a short inter-season lay-off period with the World Cup and Scotland's involvement in that also taking place during the shut down. Added to this would be that Danny McGrain had returned from the World Cup having been diagnosed diabetic.

The League Cup saw Celtic in Group 4 with Motherwell, Dundee Utd and Ayr Utd. The format had been changed with one team qualifying from each group for the Quarter finals and the rather silly offside rule used in the Drybrough - only being offside beyond the 18 yard box - persisted with even though it was disliked by all. In the second game Celtic received a shock losing to Ayr Utd. The jaded performances were for real and Jock Stein found himself with three immediate problems :- a goalkeeping crisis, a vulnerable defense and the strike force misfiring. These all needed to be addressed. None could be addressed with immediate effect. Celtic, however, duly put the results together to qualify for the quarter finals with a game in hand in the Group Satge and were drawn against Hamilton Academicals managed by ex-Celt Eric Smith. A 2-0 win at home followed by a 4-2 away win saw them comfortably through to face Airdrie in the semi final. This was a turgid affair settled by a single goal from Stevie Murray in the second half. Hibernian had also made it through all the way and the final was a classic Celtic performance with Dixie Deans scoring a hatrick as well as Joe Harper also getting a hatrick and ending on the losing side.

That was one Cup in the bag done and dusted by the end of October. Already Celtic had seen George Connelly walk out and state that he was quitting football. He did relent and returned to train and eventually win a starting place again in November and December. But the assessment of the team had seen Jimmy Quinn, Vic Davidson, Jimmy Bone and Andy Lynch all told that they could leave on frees. Also by this time Celtic found themselves out of the European Cup at the first hurdle. A 1-1 draw at home achieved after the sending off of an Olympiakos player was not enough and in the flare and smoke of the Athens game Celtic went down 2-0.Olympiakos were an unfancied side and they duly made their own exit at the next round. Was this an indication of European fragility? The side that had won the big cup, made the semi final twice and had been described as European attack masters looked woefully out of sorts.

What happened in the League to lose the tenth successive title is really a continuation of the faults that had been seen at the start of the season being cruelly exposed in the second half in the New Year. By that point Ronnie Glavin had been signed after much beating around the fee from Partick Thistle. At the age of 23 he had been the Jags captain and leading player as well as a Scotland U-23 cap. Signed in November for a club record of £80,000, Glavin had been a target for a number of clubs and Partick Thistle, under manager and ex-Celt Bertie Auld were looking to cash in. Glavin arrived to add extra firepower and to help Dalglish who was turning out to be easily the most competent and rounded player in Scotland. After a successful scoring debut he found it not as easy as first thought to fit into the team and in January he found himself dropped as Stein wrestled to find a winning formula again.

The catalyst that started to bring the house tumbling down was the 3-0 loss to Rangers at Ibrox in January. Celtic did not play too badly but there were too many first team players that failed to hit form and this was worrying. With a further 4 points dropped in the next five games which included dispiriting draws away to Arbroath and at home to Dumbarton. With the goalkeeping crisis much in evidence Peter Latchford was recruited from West Bromwich Albion. Latchford came up and played in a Friendly and in wizard time he was duly signed on an initial loan deal and saw out the rest of the season as first choice keeper. At times the support and Jock Stein must have thought what they had taken on as Latchford was prone to the occasional howler and soft goal. But he would develop substantially from this his first season at Celtic. Despite trying everything the crisis could not be averted and Celtic would drop a further 13 points in 10 games to finish third behind Rangers and Hibernian. Needless to say this was a shock to the supporters who had come to see over the last 10 years the Championship as a permanent feature at Celtic Park and the League programme kicking off each season with the raising of a new Championship flag.

The reality was that the flow of players coming through had dried up. Though Dalglish was without doubt the most accomplished footballer in Scotland he could not do it all by himself. The midfield lacked a David Hay type player. George Connelly, whilst a gifted sweeper and defender as well as having exquisite skill, was now emotionally fragile. McNeill was reaching the end of his career as too was Jim Brogan. Add to that a lack of bite upfront, despite Paul Wilson having his best season ever, it was more a collective malaise within the strike force that saw them missing chances and playing underpar when before they had been the Green Machine.

The retrieval of the season came with the Scottish Cup winning 3-1 against Airdrie who were in their first Cup Final since 1928. By this point the League had already been lost so it was with absolute faith that Jock Stein sent them out onto the Hampden pitch knowing that they would return with the cup. At the end of that game Billy McNeill announced his retirement.

If the club felt low at having to bear the loss of the tenth successive League title then they could console themselves with two trophies at least. Things could not get worse. Could they?

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

S14 Ep42: The 9iar Chronicles - Season (not) Ten 1974/75

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 28 May 2020 21:28:24 +0000

The 9iar Chronicles - Season not the ten 1974/75

Two Cups - but no Ten-in-a-Row

League Position – 3rd - finishing 11pts behind Rangers who won the League and 4pts behind Hibernian
League Cup – Winners
Scottish Cup – Winners
Drybrough Cup - Winners
European Cup - First Round

If the club felt low at having to bear the loss of the tenth successive League title then they could console themselves with two trophies at least. Things could not get worse. Could they?

Enjoy…

The Rugby League One

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 27 May 2020 19:53:45 +0000

The Rugby League Podcast!

Welcome to the Celtic Underground Rugby League podcast. Listeners will be wondering why a Celtic fans podcast is talking about rubgy league - because we want to.

Although born in Scotland, all my relatives are from Cumbria and specifically, for those who know the area they are from an area steeped in rubgy league history - Whitehaven, Cleator Moor and into Workington.

When I grew up my mum’s dad was in to horse racing and Rugby League, Working Town Rugby League to be precise. He obviously entertained football chat with his Celtic daft grandkids, but for this man from the mines, League was the sport for him. It ingrained in me the concept that league was proper rugby and as I grew older and saw Union as the Toffs sport but arrogantly referred to as Rugby I retained that soft spot.

I’m not an avid watcher but I’ll look in when it’s on and will watch the Grand Final every year. I have always felt League and the towns where it is based have a close affinity of the central belt of Scotland where football is so strong and so I thought I’d do a podcast with an expert, providing a bit more detail on what the sport is, why it is different (and better) than Union and what better time than now in lockdown with limited sport but the Australian NRL starting up this weekend.

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

S14 Ep41: The Rugby League One

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 27 May 2020 19:49:37 +0000

The Rugby League Podcast!

Welcome to the Celtic Underground Rugby League podcast. Listeners will be wondering why a Celtic fans podcast is talking about rubgy league - because we want to.

Enjoy…

The 9iar Chronicles - Season Nine 1973/74

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 21 May 2020 22:40:47 +0000

A Double and Nine-in-a-Row

League Position – 1st - Ninth League title in a row - a record
League Cup – Losing Finalists
Scottish Cup – Winners
Drybrough Cup - Losing Finalists
European Cup - Losing Semi-Finalists

The most outstanding accolade of the season was the completion of nine League championship titles in a row closely followed by reaching the semi-finals of the European Cup for a fourth time they had reached that stage or beyond since 1967. For a club the size of Celtic in a nation the size of Scotland this was exceptional. That they never went on to the final was down to the cheating aspects of their semi-final opponents, Atletico Madrid, and the left-over taste of the nature of the games with them has remained with the club and supporters ever since 1974.

The season began slowly with Jock Stein saying that he wanted to see the team play differently. The early Friendly games saw Celtic playing a one-touch game where the team endeavoured to control the ball and maintain possession. The early season Friendlies in Ireland saw this style of game unfold. These games were followed by the what looked to be annual performance of the Drybrough Cup, a trophy which seemed to challenge everyone to accept it as a legitimate enterprise but, although the teams taking part played out the games fully, there was always the feeling that it was a somewhat half-hearted affair as shown by the willingness to change the rules of the game. This was the first season that two substitutes were allowed in all matches and the Drybrough Cup continued with a half-baked moderation of the offside rule. This experiment continued through the League Cup and was a reflection of views of change within the world of football at the time. Celtic again failed to win the Drybrough losing in the final to Hibernian for the second year running .

The League Cup followed with the bastardised offside rule continuing, Celtic qualifying from the seeded Group Stage behind Rangers who they would meet again and defeat at the semi-final stage. Between that game there were wins against Motherwell after a replay, and Aberdeen. The semi final saw a comprehensive 3-1 win for Celtic with Harry Hood scoring a hatrick. The final against Dundee played at Hampden with a 1:30 kick off due to anti-floodlighting measures imposed under the state of emergency regulations, was a game that neither side wanted to play with the Hampden pitch frozen and rugged. Referee Bobby Davidson had other ideas and the game went ahead. Celtic duly lost to a single goal thus losing the fourth League Cup final in a row.

In the League the Celtic green machine rolled on with generally the expectation that Celtic would win every game they undertook. That might have been the supporters and the pundits expectations but the other teams in the League had other ideas. It was Hibernian that provided the challenge mainly, along with the Tayside clubs and a rejuvenated Motherwell under the new managership of Ian St. John. The games against Rangers saw Celtic win well with 1-0 wins which neither reflected the overrall domination over the blue horde nor told the full story. But a comprehensive lead in the league was established and Celtic lead the table for the greater part of the season. The losses were instructive.

A home game was lost to Dundee in February, the first Sunday game, with McNeill and Hay recovering from 'flu and George Connelly only just restored to the first team after his voluntary absence from Celtic Park. In fact the problem for Celtic with David Hay and George Connelly tainted the whole of the early season. Hay was one of the few people that George Connelly, an enigma in the minds of many but a potential footballing superstar who had it all, trusted and called a friend at Celtic. When Hay wanted more in his contract he was transfer listed and when he threatened to go on strike he was suspended. Celtic handled the complete situation badly. Hay was wanted by other teams, but what Davie wanted was to stay but not at the terms that Celtic were offering. Celtic wanted the best they could get in allowing a valuable player to leave. George Connelly reacted in solidarity to his great mate, and saw himself dropped for a long period to the Reserves. These were two great players whose ball playing and passing skills were missed.

Eventually it got sorted out and Davie went on to a good season but George broke his ankle in the home leg against Basel and was out for the rest of the season. Their importance as footballers could be gauged by the fact that both were included in the Scotland World Cup squad. The League was won with three games to spare, against Falkirk with a draw. Celtic finished with a four point cushion to Hibernian in the runners-up spot.

The European Cup started with the usual high aggregate thrashing of some unknowns. This year it was Finnish side TPS Turku with 6-1 away and 3-0 home wins. In the second round Celtic were draw against Danish champions Vejle. These were no pushovers and Celtic underestimated them at home with a 0-0 draw badly missing the leadership of Billy McNeill. They got out of jail free in Denmark with a 1-0 win playing a holding game after going ahead. This brought Celtic to face Swiss champions FC Basel in the quarter finals. Basel had grown and moved on immeasurably since the team that Celtic had overcome in 1969. They were well organised and confident. The away leg was first and Celtic lost 3-2 with Evan Williams losing two goals he should have saved and sealing his fate for the taxi at the end of the season.

With Scotland keeper Ally Hunter injured Stein had to resort to Denis Connaghan, the No. 3 in the blind spot position for the return. It was a tense game not helped when George Connelly broke his ankle after only five minutes. But Kenny Dalglish and Dixie Deans, who was rapidly turning into the ace scorer of the season, had Celtic 2-0 up and Tommy Callaghan got the aggregate equaliser taking it to extra time. Barely into the first period Steve Murray, who played a major part in the season, lobbed a beautiful ball over the goalkeeper and Celtic were through. That brought Atletico Madrid and a return of Argentinians to Celtic Park. So much has been written about the game. The home leg was a travesty of football and the 0-0 draw saw the Spanish side celebrating like they were already into the final. The away leg which UEFA insisted had to be played, was pure intimidation. Celtic took their collective eyes off the ball and dulty lost 2-0. So another year and through to the semi and undone by bad sportsmanship. The feeling still lingers with any mention of Atletico Madrid.

Celtic won back the Scottish Cup with a 3-0 win over Dundee Utd. The run had started with two 6-1 wins over Clydebank and Stirling Albion. Motherwell proved harder opposition requiring a replay after a 2-2 draw at home. The 1-0 semi final win against Dundee bore no relation to the domination Celtic showed over Dundee throughout the game. And two goals in 25 minutes saw Celtic kill the final.

Of the players so far unmentioned Danny McGrain made his mark this season establishing himself as an overlapping defender of exceptional quality. Billy McNeill led from the front at the back (so to speak...) Everyone wanted to know how long he would go on playing and it looked as if he would think about retirement. The next season would see his Testimonial and his final season. Bobby Murdoch went on a free transfer in September to Middlesbrough where he would have a second career. Pat McCluskey established himself in the team and vied for a starting role with George Connelly. If anything Jimmy Johnstone faded from sight at the start of the season and Stein told him to buck his ideas up and screw the nut. Jinky duly applied himself and he was back to his best for the latter half of the season going on to be kicked black-and-blue by the goths of Madrid. Brian McLaughlin who had been seen as the up-and-coming new 'wunderkind' suffered a serious knee injury which saw him miss much of the season. And the forwards just rolled on. Deans was top scorer in Scotland,; Harry Hood continued to confound people; Dalglish was the best Scottish product since Macari left; Paul Wilson had a supersub tag; and Bobby Lennox, now over 30, confounded everyone with his bursts of speed. If there was a failure it was the inability of Jimmy Bone to fit in and Andy Lynch languishing in the Reserves.

But the team worked well as a unit. There were young players coming through (a certain Tommy Burns was called up at the end of the season from Maryhill Juniors where he had been farmed out) and there was no reason to believe that the following season would again see Celtic challenging.

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

S14 Ep40: The 9iar Chronicles - Season Nine 1973/74

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 21 May 2020 22:30:29 +0000

A Double and Nine-in-a-Row

League Position – 1st - Ninth League title in a row - a record
League Cup – Losing Finalists
Scottish Cup – Winners
Drybrough Cup - Losing Finalists
European Cup - Losing Semi-Finalists

The CU Top Ten 2017-18 plus 9iar 2020

The Celtic Underground — Mon, 18 May 2020 23:19:51 +0000

The Celtic Underground Top Ten season 2017-18

A topical podcast this week as we review the top ten players for the 7th season of the current 9iar….but don’t worry, the first 20 mins are disccusing the fact that tonight, as we record the podcast, Celtic are officially champions of Scotland AGAIN and have officially achieved 9iar AGAIN.

First up we have a very special message from the manager to all our listeners (yes, we actually do) and then we have a 20 minute chat about achieving 9iar and how it is better than expected. From there we get to the meat and bones of the podcast and discuss your votes for the 2017-18 CU Top Ten.

You may wonder why it is season 2017-18. Well, we collated the votes but unfortunately I was too busy with work and nevergot around to actually recording the podcast. We must have a complet record and so the podcast is recorded. We will be doing 2018-19 and voting is open now (until midnight on 10th June) for the 2019-20 season Top Ten and Samars moment. You can email podcasts@celticunderground.net

The voting was as follows;

1. Scott Brown

2. Forrest

3. McGregor

4. KT

5. Ntcham

6. Ajer

7. Rogic

8. Boyata

9. Edouard

10. Dembele

Samaras Moment;

1st - Lustig Hat

2nd - McGregor Equaliser v Bayern Munich

3rd - RFC Fans cheering getting us in the cup - be careful what you wish for

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

S14 Ep39: CU Top Ten 2017/18 (Pus 9iar 2020)

The Celtic Underground — Mon, 18 May 2020 23:11:45 +0000

The Celtic Underground Top Ten season 2017-18

The voting was as follows;

Enjoy…

The 9iar Chronicles - Season Eight 1972-73

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 13 May 2020 00:04:51 +0000

The 9iar Chronicles - Season 8 1972/73

(Courtesy of The Celtic Wiki)

The New to the Fore.

League Position – 1st - Eighth League title in a row - a record
League Cup – Losing Finalists
Scottish Cup – Losing Finalists
Glasgow Cup - Not played this season
Drybrough Cup - Losing Finalists
European Cup - Second Round

So close to being a Double; so close to being a Treble! And in the end a record consecutive eighth League Championship title. Season 1972-73 should have been the season when the club-developed players of the Quality Street Gang became the new Lions. It was the best season so far for them, with Kenny Dalglish showing himself as the most exciting footballer in Scotland at the age of 22; where George Connelly had it all and was very nearly an ever present in the side; where Davie Hay showed what a great utility player he could be,the emergence of Danny McGrain as a great overlapping full back.

But it was also the season of the wayward youth, with Lou Macari - spotted and developed by the club - demanding more and then heading south when he didn't get his way. Suppoprters opinions of Macari tend to be tainted by the later period when he returned to the club as manager between 1993 to 1994. As a player for Celtic, Macari was a superb goal scorer and poacher. But he was a very different kind of beast from players of the Lions era. Macari had not only quickly endeared himself to the Celtic support but had made the full Scotland international team early and had been on international tour to the States and to Brazil. He had married in St Patrick's Cathedral, New York, and it was very clear he did not like the fishbowl life of football in Scotland. In the closed season he had played in Brazil for Scotland with Tommy Docherty as Scotland manager and Docherty had woven him tales of football south of the border. At the start of the season when he returned to Celtic he began or continued to make demands for better terms. As the season wore on towards 1973 these demands continued and unrest began to ferment in the dressing room. Finally Jock Stein and the Board had enough in December. He'd been injured through much of November and came back for the away game against Dumbarton in early December and then he was out with 'flu and a 'stomach upset' and out over the Christmas period. This coincided with a crisis period at the club with Jock Stein taken into hospital with a cardiac scare. By the New Year Macari was on the transfer list. It was no longer a question of 'if' he would go but 'when' and 'where' and 'for how much'. Would it be Liverpool where he was a guest at their home match after inspecting the club facilities. But it was to team up again with Tommy Docherty, now manager at Manchester Utd, that he always wanted and there he went for £200,000. (There is a very good appraisal by St Anthony of Macari's playing time at Celtic here.)

Such was the surfeit of riches at the club at the time that it could be argued that his departure was barely missed. And the £200,000 his transfer brought in allowed the purchase of Ally Hunter, Andy Lynch and Steve Murray.

The season had begun with the sterile competition that was the Drybrough Cup, with altered offside rules, with Celtic losing to Hibs in the final, the game going to extra time after Celtic pulled back three goals to level the match at the 90. But Hibs found the gaps in extra time and lifted the trophy.The League Cup also had changed format somewhat with teams now seeded in the Group stage and winners and runners up going through to a home-and-away second round before the quarter finals. Everything went well till Celtic met Dundee in the quarter finals. In the away leg Dundee had scored after 20 minutes and then withstood strong Celtic pressure to carry a single goal advantage to Celtic Park. There, a weak linesman and referee Bobby Davidson contrived a 3-2 scoreline which saw a replay on a Monday night at Hampden. The Bhoys made no mistake here and ran out 4-1 winners. A semi-final win over Aberdeen set up the final against Hibernian. And on the day Celtic ran up against Stanton in great form. Two Cups played. Losing finalists twice!

And the third Cup would go the same way. It began well with 4-1 and 4-0 wins against East Fife and Motherwell respectively. At the quarter final Celtic played Aberdeen who came to bore everybody to death. On top of that Jimmy Johnstone lost the place and was sent off. The replay at Pittodrie was nearly as boring - except on 86 minutes up came Big Billy and the ball was headed in the back of the net. Dundee, as in the League Cup but this time at semi final stage, and for some reason Aberdeen's defensive tactics caught on and Dundee bored everyone to death with a 0-0 draw. The replay saw a continuation of dull football but a tactical switch which saw Hay switched to defense and Connelly to midfield resulted in Jinky receiving the ball and scoring two good goals and Dalglish getting one. And so.... on to the final against the auld enemy in their centenary year. A cut-n-thrust game in which Connelly scored a penalty (in the light of a succession of missed penalties in previous games from other Celtic spot-kick takers) saw Forsyth on the goal line where Brogan, who had just been subbed, would normally have been, steal in and nip the ball into the net. Celtic tried to get back the goal but it was Rangers cup. Three Cups played. Losing finalists thrice!

The League was tighter than it had been for a while with Celtic topping out by just the one point but a huge goal difference margin.Throughout the season there were periods when the team played less well as a unit and that aweful sin of profligacy in front of goal raised it's ugly head again. All this contributed to the punditry and journos doubting Celtic's ability to take the title this season and continue with the Green Machine the following season.

In Europe, Celtic ran up against one of last season's teams - Ujpesti Dosza of Hungary. Last season they had met when the Hungarians were only starting their season. This time they were well warmed up and Celtic found them too good in Budapest. A 2-1 win at Celtic Park was countered by a 3-0 loss in Hungary and Celtic were out at the Second Round.

Dalglish, Hay, Connelly, McGrain and Macari have already been mentioned. The veterans also had their part to play. Big Billy was Captain Dependable as ever. Jim Brogan was missing more games through injury but when he was in he made the perfect left back to Danny McGrain's right. Bobby Lennox might see a good few sub spots this season but he still had lethal speed and his knowledge of the game was special in a forward. And Bobby Murdoch was noted when missing and his cool head made for reflection on the game when he played. The goalkeeper crisis was 'real' till the arrival of Ally Hunter from Kilmarnock who would have an outstanding first season between the sticks. His sureness inspired confidence in those in front of him. Jinky had off and on periods throughout the season and for his off periods he paid for by being dropped. The luxury of the team with so many good players was that it could and was tailored for conditions and teams.

At the end of the season there were those who asked if Celtic could go on and do it again the next season or if the newly resurgent Hibernian or Dundee or, god forbid, Rangers would make a serious challenge next season.

Enjoy…

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S14 Ep38: The 9iar Chronicles - Season Eight 1972/73

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 12 May 2020 23:55:57 +0000

The 9iar Chronicles - Season 8 1972/73

(Courtesy of The Celtic Wiki)

The New to the Fore.

League Position – 1st - Eighth League title in a row - a record
League Cup – Losing Finalists
Scottish Cup – Losing Finalists
Glasgow Cup - Not played this season
Drybrough Cup - Losing Finalists
European Cup - Second Round

Enjoy…

SPFL TO RFC - WTF

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 07 May 2020 22:29:50 +0000

SPFL TO RFC - WTF?

It’s here, the dossier that everyone (well everyone in scottish football) was waiting for. The evidence, the whistle blower, the reports of bullying, the substantiation, the smoking guns, deep throat, the bombshells that would lead to the resignation of the CEO were all…well NOT there.

Unfortunately RFC seem to confuse questions with evidence and fact with opinion.

Following it’s publication, their CEO (who sits on the SPFL board that is so useless) appeared on Radio Clyde. after his appearance I’m even more confused as to what it is they want an inquiry into.

Anyway, we set about trying to disect it the whole mess. I am joined by Anthony Murray and David Low to look at this as objectively as Celtic fans can.

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

S14 Ep37: SPFL to RFC - WTF?

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 07 May 2020 22:21:33 +0000

SPFL TO RFC - WTF?

Unfortunately RFC seem to confuse questions with evidence and fact with opinion.

Anyway, we set about trying to disect it the whole mess. I am joined by Anthony Murray and David Low to look at this as objectively as Celtic fans can.

Enjoy…

The 9iar Chronicles - Season Seven 1971-72

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 06 May 2020 23:32:04 +0000

The 9iar Chronicles - Season Seven, 1971/72

A Blend of Old and New

League Position – 1st - Seventh League title in a row - a record
League Cup – Losing Finalists
Scottish Cup – Winners
Glasgow Cup - Not played this season
Drybrough Cup - Losing Finalists
European Cup - Semi Finalists

Season 1971-72 was a significant season as it really marked the start of a new chapter for the club, of players that had begun to appear the previous season but made their true marks this season. It also marked in truth the end of the Lisbon Lions era (but not the memory of that great team) with the departure of so many that had made up that team. The Main Stand had been substantially rebuilt and upgraded during the closed season and was formally opened by Jimmy McGrory on the 1st September 1971 with a game against South American Champions Nacional of Uruguay, Celtic running out 3-0 winners.

By this point Celtic had already lost the inaugural Drybrough Cup to Aberdeen. This was an interesting competition historically as it marked the first time that outside private sponsorship was seen in the professional game in Scotland. In the League Cup, Celtic qualified from the Group stage of Rangers, Morton and Ayr Utd. with resounding wins over Rangers home and away. The 'home' leg which was actually played at Ibrox because of the final work on the new Main Stand at Celtic Park, was significant in marking Kenny Dalglish's first first team goal. There would be many more. In the away game Celtic thoroughly demoralised a Rangers team that thought they had the beating of Celtic after an even first half. Quarter final and Semi final wins over Clydebank (marked by Brian McLaughlin's debut) and St Mirren followed to give a final at Hampden against a newly promoted and envigorated Partick Thistle. The result was not expected. With Billy McNeill absent, the Jags went 4-0 up by half time. Thistle were on fire and the 4-1 result and loss would mark a turn at Celtic and bring about arrivals and departures.

The days of the Lions were gone. The emerging talent was the Quality Street Gang and the prime examples were Kenny Dalglish, Lou Macari, Davie Hay, George Connelly and Danny McGrain. Out had gone John Clark - a crisp and reliant reader and thinker of the game who had become the sweeper - and Steve Chalmers at 35 years old. After the League Cup Final loss they would be followed by John Hughes and Willie Wallace to Crystal Palace and Tommy Gemmell in December with John Fallon going to Motherwell in 1972 and Jim Craig heading for South Africa at the end of the season. In came new buys Dixie Deans, regarded as a steal of a buy from Motherwell at £17,500, and for the perpetual blind-spot of goalkeeper came Denis Connaghan from St Mirren. But it was the young gang, recruited and developed through the lean years who Sir Robert Kelly had asked the fans to be patient for who took on the new mantle of Celtic and won the Double of League and Scottish Cup this season.

Jock Stein had the team playing a fluid system this season with as ever, everyone ready to both attack and defend so that players could switch and everyone to a greater or lesser extent could be a 'utility' player. No one exemplified this so much as Davie Hay and Dalglish. Both could play anywhere on the park, were elegant and confident on the ball, could pass accurately over distance to supply the killer ball and could shoot and score goals. Davie Hay had emerged earlier and would play anywhere in the team. Dalglish really became THE player this season, at home up front or supporting in a withdrawn midfield role. To be able to release an international full back of the stature of Tommy Gemmell meant that Jock Stein was confident in the resources that he had at Celtic Park. Jim Brogan continued to play well and was a veteran giving advice and support. Jim Craig's final season saw him make 28 first team starts and he would probably have continued to be picked for the first team had he chosen to stay. Furthering his career in dentistry, the warmer climate of South Africa and new challenges called, however. Jimmy Quinn had been at the club since he was 16 and had first been used as an out-and-out striker but the previous season had seen him turned into a fast overlapping defender and this was further developed this season. He did well. Danny McGrain looked like he was ready to step up and but for an unfortunate clash of heads and the resulting fractured skull would have become a stand out this season. He had to wait but he was clearly going to be the business.

The two supreme veterans that held it together were Billy McNeill and Bobby Murdoch. Cesar impressed so much this season that he won his Scotland place back under the new international manager Tommy Docherty. His cool head in the centre of defense and his power were rarely beaten and if he did have an off-day then the team suffered. Bobby Murdoch was as important as a playmaker as McNeill was as a defender. These two knitted the younger players into a unit and continued the Celtic tradition built up over seven League titles of what was required from a Celtic team and a Celtic player.

Worth mentioning too is Tommy Callaghan. He had probably his best ever season for the club in 1971-72 and ran his heart out as a water carrier and attacker as well as being a tireless midfield player. Never a fans favourite, he sometimes found himself the brunt of the terraces' ire but his performances this season were collosal and his hard work allowed the finesse of Dalglish, Macari, Hood, Lennox and Johnstone to shine.

In the goalkeeping stakes things were still as obscure as ever in the blind-spotted Stein's mind. Not since the glory days of Ronnie Simpson had he felt so uncertain about the feller in front of the onion bag. Evan Williams had started as first choice, but Gordon Marshall and Denis Connaghan were brought in to challenge, and rejected. A young keeper Tom Lally had been brought over from Sligo Rovers but had played more games for Morton on loan than at Celtic. Lally would leave the following season. Both Marshall and John Fallon left to fill spots at Aberdeen and Motherwell when those teams experienced injury crises. Added to these can be the youths that were picked up during the season. - Neil Carr from Maryhill Juniors; Stefan Gryzska from Whitehill Welfare; Leif Neilsen - an experienced Danish keeper who was in dispute with Morton and released by them on a free; and Tom Livingstone who had been a youth international keeper and was released when he lost his first team spot with Cumbernauld Utd. To these would be added more and it would remain a troublesome position for some time - till the Big Man made his final club signing.

This was a very interesting season - the blend of youth and vigour and experience; A Double Season; so nearly into another European Cup Final; players competing for positions and keen to show what they could do; a wealth of talent that had been developed by hard training who were fit, confident, competent and keen.

It would be interesting to see how the club would develop.

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

S14 Ep36: The 9iar Chronicles - Season Seven 1971/72

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 06 May 2020 23:24:17 +0000

The 9iar Chronicles - Season Seven, 1971/72

A Blend of Old and New

League Position – 1st - Seventh League title in a row - a record
League Cup – Losing Finalists
Scottish Cup – Winners
Glasgow Cup - Not played this season
Drybrough Cup - Losing Finalists
European Cup - Semi Finalists

It would be interesting to see how the club would develop.

The 9iar Chronciles - Season Six 1970/71

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 21:26:24 +0000

The 9iar Chronciles - Season Six 1970/71

Merely Champions? Merely a Double? The End of an Era?

League Position – 1st - Sixth League title in a row
League Cup – Losing Finalists
Scottish Cup – Winners
Glasgow Cup - Semi-Final
European Cup - Quarter Final

Celtic won their sixth successive League Championship and the League and Scottish Cup Double - the 7th time they had achieved this. But many folk were now shaking their heads and saying that the team was not what it was. The problem appeared to be less in what was on display but how the team achieved it's wins and the manner of those wins.

Celtic had invested heavily in youth in the past and in the development of players through from youths and Juniors through to first team players. Sir Robert Kelly had warned Celtic supporters in the fallow years to be patient and to wait for the youngsters coming through. That wait had resulted in the Lisbon Lions and the years of fat which preceded this season. Further investment in youth saw the emergence of the Kelly Kids and the Quality Street Gang and these were the players that were breaking through throughout this season and who would take the club forward. The problem was that these young players were seen in performance against the ageing Lisbon Lions squad and the games were judged by Lisbon Lions standards. Time had not stood still for the Lions. Though Ronnie Simpson, the oldest of the Lisbon Lions, had retired at the end of the previous season, it was at the end of this season that the major departures of the Lions began. Bertie Auld, Stevie Chalmers and John Clark all moved on - a situation that would have been thought impossible back two seasons past - and they would soon be joined by others. But their time had come they needed to and had to move on for the team's sake. Jock Stein realised this and throughout the season he carefully assessed all the playing staff at the club - who was in, who was available, who was coming through. And change was inevitable to preserve the talent of the club and to continue to move forward and to challenge for glory.

Enjoy…

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S14 Ep35: The 9iar Chronicles - Season Six 1970/71

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 21:18:18 +0000

The 9iar Chronciles - Season Six 1970/71

Merely Champions? Merely a Double? The End of an Era?

League Position – 1st - Sixth League title in a row
League Cup – Losing Finalists
Scottish Cup – Winners
Glasgow Cup - Semi-Final
European Cup - Quarter Final

Enjoy…

Haley on working at the front-line of Covid

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 20:38:02 +0000

Covid or Novid

As you will hear, this is not our usual Celtic Underground guest - for a start she doesn’t go to games… More importantly that attending Celtic games however, she is working to save lives. Haley (my niece) is a nirse currently working in A&E, sometimes in general accodent & emergency, other times (liek this past week) on the Covid19 ward. To use the hospital jargon, she is either Covd or Novid.

Don’t worry, the content won’t unnerve (it might even put your mind at rest) for example A&E’s are quieter than normal.

She talks through what you might find if you go to hospital for whatever reason, what some of the symptoms are to look out for, how here and her colleagues are coping and, of course, the situation with PPE.

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

S14 Ep34: Haley on working at the front-line of Covid

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 20:27:34 +0000

Covid or Novid

Don’t worry, the content won’t unnerve (it might even put your mind at rest) for example A&E’s are quieter than normal.

Enjoy…

The 9iar Chronciles - Season Five 1969/70

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 15:11:19 +0000

The 9iar Chronicles - Season Five 1969/70

A brilliant season that was nearly incredible!

League Position – 1st - Fifth League title in a row
League Cup – Winners
Scottish Cup – Losing finalists
Glasgow Cup -
European Cup - Losing finalists

When you look at that list of season accomplishments above you would have to conclude that it was so close to being a very successful season. The Double was very nearly a treble and close to a European quadruple. The truth is in the detail.

The one word that many people use when describing this season is 'complacency' The League was won by a clear 12 points from second placed (again) Rangers. Four league games were lost, three of them at home to Hibernian, Hearts and Aberdeen with the one away loss to Dunfermiline. The team played for the most part 'within' themselves and this led a number of observers to state that at times the team were over-confident and complacent in their handling of the game.

However, as the podcast confirms, this was somewhat unfair

Enjoy…

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S14 Ep33: The 9iar Chronicles - Season Five 1969/70

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 15:02:49 +0000

The 9iar Chronicles - Season Five 1969/70

A brilliant season that was nearly incredible!

League Position – 1st - Fifth League title in a row
League Cup – Winners
Scottish Cup – Losing finalists
Glasgow Cup -
European Cup - Losing finalists

However, as the podcast confirms, this was somewhat unfair

Enjoy…

The 9iar Chronciles - Season Four 1968-69

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 22:55:02 +0000

The 9iar Chronicles - Season Four 1968/69

TREBLES ALL ROUND!

League Position – 1st - Fourth League title in a row
League Cup – Winners
Scottish Cup – Winners
Glasgow Cup - Semi-Final
European Cup - Quarter Final

An extremely successful season, the second treble season and the 6th League and Cup double. Only two blips dotted the horizon. Those were the quarter final loss to AC Milan, who went on to win the European Cup this season, and losses home and away to Rangers in the League. They still finished five points behind in second place in the league, a result that again prompted whole scale changes across the river. The other loss in the league was at home to Morton at the end of the season. A total of 29 games were won with 89 goals for and 32 against and the points total was 55. The previous season had seen 30 wins with a massive 106 goals for and 24 against and 63 points.

Celtic had been one of the first clubs to protest against the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia. This led to the eastern Bloc teams pulling out of the competition and led to a redraw of the First Round. Celtic faced St Etienne who were beginning to come to prominence in Europe. Missing Bobby Murdoch and Tommy Gemmell they lost 2-0 away which was a major fright. A furious Stein vowed to go for all-out attack in the return game and the Celts gave no quarter running out 4-0 winners at Celtic Park to go through to face Red Star Belgrade who had failed to withdraw with the rest of the Eastern Bloc teams. They won 5-1 at home with Jimmy Johnstone running riot in the second half when told he might not have to travel if Celtic got a four goal advantage and then Johnstone-less held out with a 1-1 draw in Belgrade. and so on to the Quarter finals against AC Milan. The away leg in the San Siro was played in a snow storm in atrocious conditions and ended 0-0. Celtic were now being feted to go on to a final against Manchester Utd. But it was not to be, when Billy McNeill blundered early to allow Prati to score. Manchester Utd, by the way, lost to AC Milan 2-1 in the semi final.

In the League Cup Celtic qualified easily from the group stage winning all their games in a group with Morton, Partick Thistle and Rangers and were the best performing qualifier from all the groups. The Quarter final saw Hamilton Accies put to the sword with an aggregate score of 14-2. With a 10-0 win in the first leg Jock Stein felt confident enough to give many of the younger staff a run out with the average team age being 22. Onto the semi against Clyde which proved to be a hard fought match which was only settled by a goal from George Connelly, on as a substitute for Joe McBride. The final at Hampden was delayed due to a fire and when finally played in April Celtic destroyed Hibernian 6-2. Six goals up in 75 minutes they took their foot off the pedal for the last quarter of an hour allowing Hibs to score two goals.

The Scottish Cup started with the first round proper against Partick Thistle away and Celtic let a comfortable 3-1 lead slip away to a 3-3 draw. The Big Man wasn't happy in the least and conducted an in-depth investigation demanding more from the players. The replay was never in doubt with every forward scoring in a 8-1 win. The second round saw Celtic drawn away again against Clyde. In a match that probably should not have been played Celtic drew 0-0 with Ronnie Simpson carried off with a dislocated shoulder which would see him out for the rest of the season. The replay was won 3-0 on a heavy and muddy pitch. The quarter final saw them drawn at home against Willie Ormond's St Johnstone. This proved to be an excellent game where the Bhoys showed all their fighting spirit to come back when St Johnstone equalised. The semi was against Morton who scored first but then had no answer to the brilliance of Jimmy Johnstone. And so onto the final against Rangers. This was Jock Stein at his best outwitting Rangers and out-thinking Davie White.

Throughout the season Jimmy Johnstone and John Hughes were outstanding on either wing both proving themselves to be world class players. Jimmy managed to get himself suspended by the club for shouting at the bench and throwing his shirt when he was substituted in the League game against Dundee Utd. The story still leads to much hilarity when told but was serious at the time. Jock Stein would regularly throw the curve ball at the opposition by having John Hughes run out in the number 11 shirt and then play him at centre forward. Bobby Murdoch won the Scottish Player of the Year award, Willie Wallace finished top scorer. And finally Robert Kelly was given and accepted a knighthood on behalf of the club.

All seemed good at the club with the lack of knighthood for Jock Stein transferred to one for the Chairman and on the field a vivacious, attack-minded Celtic team and more quality youngsters coming 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

S14 Ep32: The 9iar Chronicles - Season Four 1968/69

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 22:47:23 +0000

The 9iar Chronicles - Season Four 1968/69

TREBLES ALL ROUND!

League Position – 1st - Fourth League title in a row
League Cup – Winners
Scottish Cup – Winners
Glasgow Cup - Semi-Final
European Cup - Quarter Final

Enjoy…

Andrew Smith - Aitch is Retired

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 12 Apr 2020 23:51:59 +0000

Aitch is retired!

I love having guests on the podcast. Most of the time we have myself and the usual team of guys discussing the events of the day affecting our cub however every so ogten we get guests on to provide us with a little something extra. What makes the guest so great is that they give up, what usually ends up being 2 hours+ of their day to be “interviewed” by a complete amatuer and they do so willingly and for free. What is also great is when the guest has so many stories that I run out of time to ask all the questions that pop into my head and that was the case with Andrew.

A great guest who was at Celtic during an incredible time, Andrew has some brilliant stories to tell. so many in fact that we will need him back on again because, after 90 minutes I ran out of time.

I hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed recording this.

Enjoy…

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S14 Ep31: Andrew Smith - aitch is retired

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 12 Apr 2020 23:44:10 +0000

Aitch is retired!

A great guest who was at Celtic during an incredible time, Andrew has some brilliant stories to tell. so many in fact that we will need him back on again because, after 90 minutes I ran out of time.

I hope you enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed recording this.

Enjoy…

The 9iar Chronicles - Season Three 1967 68

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 21:37:52 +0000

The 9iar chronicles - Season Three 1967/68

The Second Greatest Season EVER in the History of the Club - and a Double season.

League Position – 1st - Third League title in a row
League Cup – Winners
Scottish Cup – First Round
Glasgow Cup - Winners
European Cup - First Round

After the highs of 1967-68 it would be difficult to know how to go forward with the club. That Jock Stein had a vision of where the club should be was without doubt. He had clearly shown that the club could move forward with suitable backing and one voice. That direction was most clearly in Europe and to be recognised as a great and formidable club. And for this reason Europe and the participation in European competitions was THE most important thing. That is not to say that the other games were non-important. If Jock Stein was anything, he was competitive and aspirational. Having done it once, he wanted to do it again.

It seems almost inevitable as nemesis follows hubris that having won the competition at the first time of asking that the following season the team should fall at the first hurdle. But that's what happened. In Dynamo Kiev, they met a team as well prepared and ready to fight as Celtic were. At home in the first leg, they lost an early goal and then a second, both from errors made by Celtic players and though the effort was all-out in the second half they could only find the one goal. Stein had been looking for a win and by a clear three goals to give him the margin for the return leg. As a master of 'attack being the best form of defense' the away leg would have to be all-out attack. What happened was that though Celtic charged, the game was sorely affected by the pernickety refereeing of an Italian and the Bhoys never got a good clear run to build up the constant pressure of 9 men capable of scoring. And then on 59 minutes Bobby Murdoch was sent off for a second yellow card. A seemingly decent goal was then disallowed and Celtic found themselves knocked out.

With an abrupt termination of European competition this season, the necessity to qualify for next season was paramount. The League HAD to be one. There was just no two ways about this. The team embarked on a winning streak which lasted till the 2nd January and the game against Rangers at Celtic Park. Rangers were two points ahead in the League. The stage was set and no one was more keen than Jock Stein to put Celtic back where they belonged. What happened was to haunt John Fallon for the rest of his career. Two goalkeeping errors allowed Rangers to draw 2-2 and the nip-and-tuck would go on right to the end of the season. In the end it was Rangers that blinked. It was for them to lose the title which they duly did, missing out in crucial games allowing Celtic to continue to maintain their League win record and take the title with a rousing performance at Dunfermiline.

The drive for the League Championship this season established records. The team produced a post-war record of 63 points to win, 5 more than the previous season, and in doing so they lost only one League game. They did not score as many goals with 106 as opposed to 111 the previous but they conceded less - 24 against 33 in 66/67.

In the face of this success it might therefore be thought churlish to complain but there was something different about the performance this season. Despite the number of games won the team appeared to be less imperious than it had the year previously. Jock Stein recognised that no team could stand still and measures had been taken to bring new players through. There was a good crop of youngsters developing but this would take a little time. In the mean time Celtic still had a team capable of attacking with 9 men and defending in depth when required.

Of the other three competitions, Celtic were knocked out of the Scottish Cup at the First Round - something that had not happened since 1952 - by the team that would go on to win the trophy - Dunfermiline. Celtic retained the League Cup after qualifying from a group containing Rangers, Dundee Utd and Aberdeen - another nose rubbed in the dirt. And when Rangers withdrew from the Glasgow Cup citing fixture congestion the word everywhere was that Rangers were afeared to face an in-form Celtic. Celtic duly retained the Glasgow Cup.

Perhaps this last excuse needs bearing in mind when considering the Intercontinental Club Championship games against Racing. There is no doubt that Jock Stein wanted to win this. Even in the face of the debacle after the second leg in Buenos Aires It was Jock that insisted on playing the replay in Montevideo. Robert Kelly was all for returning home. But how would the public have seen a statement like that? In the end it was probably the players view that they could beat Racing which turned opinion to playing the replay and what happened made Jock Stein regret his decision to go ahead with the replay. In the face of the film of the incidents being shown around the world the club had no choice but to censure the players. But what people throughout had failed o see was the utter intimidation and dirty behaviour that Celtic had faced from the Argentine side throughout the three games. And the patience and fair play of the team finally broke and led to the incidents.

So what we have then is a great season in many ways, but flawed and not perfect as say 1967-68 had been. It still represented a phenomenal achievement. Celtic were playing total football with local players all from within 20 miles of Celtic Park long before the phrase became popular and in relation to the Dutch.

The next season as always would present new challenges.

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

S14 Ep30: The 9iar Chronicles - Season Three 1967/68

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 20:54:37 +0000

The 9iar chronicles - Season Three 1967/68

The Second Greatest Season EVER in the History of the Club - and a Double season.

League Position – 1st - Third League title in a row
League Cup – Winners
Scottish Cup – First Round
Glasgow Cup - Winners
European Cup - First Round

The next season as always would present new challenges.

Enjoy…

S14 Ep29: The 9iar Chronicles - When The Lions Devoured Catenaccio

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 03 Apr 2020 18:00:00 +0000

There is little introduction required for Celtic fans of this game - 25th May 1967. Celtic 2-1 Inter Milan.

This 9iar extra features a return of The Human Torpedo and a Tale from The Celtic Wiki and the radio commentary of the goals from the game.

Enjoy...

The 9iar Chronicles - When The Lions Devoured Catenaccio

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 03 Apr 2020 15:30:00 +0000

Tale from the Celtic Wiki plus the radio commentary of the goals

There is little introduction required for Celtic fans of this game - 25th May 1967. Celtic 2-1 Inter Milan.

This 9iar extra features a return of The Human Torpedo and a Tale from The Celtic Wiki and the radio commentary of the goals from the 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

The 9iar Chronicles - Season Two 1966/67

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 20:31:55 +0000

The 9iar chronicles - Season Two 1966/67

This is the second in our nine in a row diaries and it is the story of the most remarkable season - The greatest season ever in the history of the club and one of the greatest seasons of any football club anywhere.

• League Position – 1st - Second League title in a row

League Cup – Winners
Scottish Cup – Winners
Glasgow Cup - Winners
European Cup - Winners

Every competition that the club entered it won. There can be no better season than 1967. The first North European club to win the European Cup since the competition started in 1955. The FIRST BRITISH TEAM TO DO SO.

The previous season had been good but this season was outstanding. Jock Stein deservedly won the title of Best British Manager for the second successive season. If other teams had sat up and looked at Celtic and their manager during the previous season, then with the win in Lisbon the whole of the world became aware of Jock Stein and Celtic.

The foundations for this outstanding success had already been laid the previous season. At the start of 1966-67 the final touches were put in place with the purchase of Joe McBride from Motherwell. Joe went on to have an outstanding goal scoring run before knee trouble put pay to his further appearance at the turn of the year. This pushed Celtic into the transfer market again and Jock Stein identified Willie Wallace as the man who could take over where McBride had left off and continue the goal scoring progress that Celtic had made.

The key to ALL the success of the season stood firmly with the belief and clear vision that Stein laid out. This was a team. It played together as a talented team, not just eleven talented individuals but a cohesion that came from trust and acceptance of fellow players and belief in the greatest manager. Jock Stein thought deeply about the game. He analysed every team that Celtic played and had a plan for every game and every opponent. The players were told to listen and to follow that plan and woe betide those that did not do what the Big Man said. But the Big Man's analysis was generally spot on and with his back room staff they prepared a fit lean playing machine that could hang together, knew how to fight back and knew what was needed. Never before had this been seen in football. And the world recognised it when Celtic beat Inter in Lisbon. It was a win for the future of football.

The names of Jock Stein, Simpson, Craig, Gemmell, Murdock, McNeill, Clark, Johnstone, Auld, Chalmers, Wallace and Lennox will never be forgotten.

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

S14 Ep28: The 9iar Chronicles - Season Two 1966/67

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 20:23:43 +0000

The 9iar chronicles - Season Two 1966/67

League Position – 1st - Second League title in a row
League Cup – Winners
Scottish Cup – Winners
Glasgow Cup - Winners
European Cup - Winners

The names of Jock Stein, Simpson, Craig, Gemmell, Murdock, McNeill, Clark, Johnstone, Auld, Chalmers, Wallace and Lennox will never be forgotten.

Enjoy…

Opta Celtic

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 29 Mar 2020 12:21:32 +0000

The UK (and most of Europe) lockdown continues but that never stops the Celtic chat. This week I am joined by someone who I have met many times at post game Celtic press conferences and someone I have been meaning to get on for some time - John Gallagher.

John is a former professional footballer who played and coached at a level below the top flight but far above the standard most of us could only dream of however the main reason I have John on the pod is because John generates the Opta stats at Celtic home games.

In this pod John explains exactly how those stats are created and gives an insight into how that makes you see things a little differently.

I am joined from Bratislava by @antonymurray25 and we quiz John on his time in the lower leagues and his time at Opta.

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

S14 Ep27: Opta Celtic

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 29 Mar 2020 12:16:04 +0000

In this pod John explains exactly how those stats are created and gives an insight into how that makes you see things a little differently.

I am joined from Bratislava by @antonymurray25 and we quiz John on his time in the lower leagues and his time at Opta.

Enjoy…

The 9iar Chronicles - Season One 1965/66

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 21:23:14 +0000

The 9iar Chronicles - Season 1965-66

This current period we are hoping to achieve the magical 10+ in a row and eclipse the 9 in a row done by another Glasgow team through the 1990s. Biu of course they were not the first club to achieve that level of success. The first Scottish team to win 9iar were the magical Glasgow Celtic, managed by the incredible Jock Stein and the first season in that run was 1965-66.

Celtic has been in the wilderness of the Scottish game prior to the return of Jock as manager in the spring of 1965 and this season marked his first full season back at the club as manager and the first season which saw major successes finally come Celtic's way.

The clear difference in the performance of Celtic prior to this season and hereafterwards was the role of Jock Stein as manager. He drove the club and the players to new heights. It was not so much that the players were different before and after his arrival (discussed in the previous season review). It was more that the training and direction given by a peerless manager and tactician of great skill inspired better performance and a team sense that meant the difference between losing games and toughing them out; between drawing and getting the odd goal in a win; between fighting back when under the hammer. Stein was a supreme preparer for games and a master tactician with a plan for every game and the ability to read a game and where things needed to be changed. Furthermore he believed that the team should prepare properly. Every player knew what was required of him. Every player knew how to play and every player was aware of the importance of his teammates and where they would be. Practise and fitness were all part and parcel of delivering that performance and as Jock Stein was very much a tracksuit manager, he believed that he AND the trainer trained the team - not just the trainer. Having emphatically enforced that he and he alone picked the team to the Board, he made sure that the team were prepared and that the team that he picked was the right one. Furthermore players were now meant to be practised professionals. Full backs were encouraged to overlap; forward lines were to be seen as fluid and interchangeable; outside forwards were meant to get forward and cross and wing halfs controlled the game's flow.

There is no doubt that Jock Stein's presence turned the club around. Many might argue that it was the players that did this - but of this season's players, only Joe McBride was directly acquired by him. All of the others were already at the club when he arrived. That alone marks the importance of Jock Stein to Celtic. The players were there - all they needed was pulling together and direction to become what would go on next season to become the Lisbon Lions.

The League title was a nip and tuck affair right from the off and was not decided fully till the last game of the League. It saw Celtic taake the flag from Rangers by 2 points only dropping one point at home and losing four games away. But it was not so much the numbers that added up but the performances throughout the season in the League. This was a team that did not take losing lying down - and that was a BIG change. There were still occasions when they could miss the target and have shot after shot sail past the goal, but these were rare and noteable when they occurred. All the commentators from the time said not only how strong the team were but also how fit and keen they were to win.

This season was the first that this team had really and truly played together inspired by a great manager. Next season would be something else!

Thanks to The Celtic Wiki for the preview text - enjoy the podcast.

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

S14 Ep26: The 9iar Chronicles - Season One 1965/66

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 21:17:05 +0000

The 9iar Chronicles - Season 1965-66

This season was the first that this team had really and truly played together inspired by a great manager. Next season would be something else!

Thanks to The Celtic Wiki for the preview text - enjoy the podcast.

Medicine dictates crowning Celtic

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 23:57:16 +0000

We are in unprecedented times and that requires an unprecedented quality of guest and so this week we have an actual brain surgeon on the podcast!

Originally @pablo567 was going to be on to discuss heading of the football and dementia however with the current crisis we thought it would be better to have him on to discuss how the SPFL wrap up the season. We discuss at length when and why Celtic will be crowned Champions.

In addition to the football we also manage to squeeze in why having a free at the point if use health service is such a wonderful thing to cherish and we mention briefly Covid-19, why you should switch off the news and how were are going to get through this (and wash your hands)

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

S14 Ep25: Medicine dictates crowning Celtic

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 19 Mar 2020 23:49:36 +0000

We are in unprecedented times and that requires an unprecedented quality of guest and so this week we have an actual brain surgeon on the podcast!

Enjoy…

Copenhagen Catastrophe

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 28 Feb 2020 23:28:12 +0000

On Thursday night Celtic played Copenhagen and during the game we decided to give them a little thank you for being such good hosts the previous week. So we took 3 goals, tied them up in a parcel, put on a lovely bow a gift wrapped the best present we could…

Yes we are so generous that we gifted them safe passage to the last 16 of the Europa League by making an absolute pigs ear of the home leg following the 1-1 draw in Denmark.

In this podcast we pick over the bones of Thursday night’s game and discuss team selection and the system we played. I provide my descriptions of the goals after being at the game and refusing to watch any highlights and Antony (who braved that job) gives me his review of my description.

Enjoy…(if you can)

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

S14 Ep24: Copenhagen Catastrophe

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 28 Feb 2020 23:15:50 +0000

Yes we are so generous that we gifted them safe passage to the last 16 of the Europa League by making an absolute pigs ear of the home leg following the 1-1 draw in Denmark.

Enjoy…(if you can)

Podcast Xtra - Celtic knock 5 past Hearts

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 00:13:56 +0000

Podcast Xtra - Celtic 5 Hearts 0

Tonight Celtic thumped Hearts by 5 goals at Celtic Park with the atmosphere greatly enhanced with some late goals just down the M77 at Kilmarnock meaning that the lead at the top of the table is now 10 points.

After the game Neil Lennon, Jozo, the Hearts manager and a Hearts player spoke with the press. The Hearts manager rambled and I’m not sure he’ll be their answer. It was a great night.

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

S14 Ep23: Podcast Xtra - Celtic knock 5 past Hearts

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 13 Feb 2020 00:06:49 +0000

Podcast Xtra - Celtic 5 Hearts 0

TonightCeltic thumped Hearts by 5 goals at Celtic Park with the atmosphere greatly enhanced with some late goals just down the M77 at Kilmarnock meanning that the lead at the top of the table is now 10 points.

After the game Neil Lennon, Jozo, the Hearts manager and a Hearts plauer spoke with the press. The Hearts manager rambled and I’m not sure he’ll be their answer. It was a great night.

Enjoy…

January Window Pains?

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 02 Feb 2020 18:49:50 +0000

It wasn’t until nearly the 80th minute today against Hamilton that Celtic fans could start to relax today and had we not achieved that win and capitalised upon RFC dropping points at home to Aberdeen then the recriminations over the (lack of) activity in the January window would have been unbearable on scoial media however the manager made key substitutions in the second half and we went on to score 4 goals and continue our 3+ goals a game since the return to league activity following the winter break, but the main chat in this podcast is about the January window.

We are top of the league. We have won 10 out of the last 10 trophies available and we have the best squad in the country. Despite all of this fans were anxious in the last few weeks following the Dec 29th defeat and there were strong calls for some experienced players joining the team and that didn’t happen and so Antony Murray joined Harry for a chat about the window.

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

S14 Ep22: January Window Pains?

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 02 Feb 2020 18:43:38 +0000

Enjoy…

Three Goals A Game and Clear

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 13:35:14 +0000

Celtic have returned to SPFL action in positive fashion, scoring 9 goals by knocking three past each of Kilmarnock, Ross County and St Johnstone. We have scored more goals and gained more points than all but 4 of the seasons this century after the equivalent number of games and with our progress in Europe and already a domestic trophy in the cabinet we remain on course for another remarkable season.

With all of this the angst and frustration among many in our support is difficult to understand and so I called up @antonymurray25 to review the last 2 domestic games and preview this Sunday’s game against Hamilton.

We don’t discuss the transfer window because that’s for another podcast which will be out very soon.

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

S14 Ep21: Three Goals a Game and Clear

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 01 Feb 2020 13:26:13 +0000

Celtic have returned to SPFL action in positive fashion, scoring 9 goals by knocking three past each of Kilmarnock, Ross County and St Johnstone. We have scored more goals and gained more points than all but 4 of the seasons this centory after the equivalent number of games and with our progress in Europe and already a domestic trophy in the cabinet we remain on course for another remarkable season.

With all of this the angst and frustration among many in our support is difficult to understand and so I called up @antonymurray25 to review the last 2 doemstic games and preview this Sunday’s game against Hamilton.

We don’t discuss the transfer window because that’s for another podcast which will be out very soon.

Enjoy…

2010 - 2019 The Celtic Decade

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 19 Jan 2020 20:45:54 +0000

2010 – 2019 was the Celtic decade. It started in an inauspicious manner with us limping along through the season with a failing manager and, 3 months in, a 4-0 thumping by St Mirren meant enough was enough and a change was made. Neil Lennon took over the reigns on a temporary basis, won 8 league games in a row and was given the job full time. The decade ended with a manager leaving, Neil Lennon being given the job on a temporary basis, seeing us through to the 8th title in a row and getting the job full time.

In between all of this we has some amazing times, our rivals died, we won 8 titles in a row, we had an invincible season and we have won the last 10 domestic trophies – quite a decade.

With the last ten years being such an amazing time in our history, we decided that we would have a podcast looking back and we’d try to pick out 10 key games/moments/events that really defined the times or were a unique event that set in motion the events to follow but we need your help…

I am joined on the podcast by to experienced Tims who, to paraphrase the song, know their history (Robert and Alan). Between the 3 of us we come up with roughly 20 defining Celtic moments but we need to compile a list of THE top ten.

You may love all our proposals but you may have your own ideas. Whatever, we need your votes so please email podcasts@celticunderground.net or tweet me @harrybradycu ; Eddie @Celticrumours ; or post on Facebook

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

S14 Ep20: 2010 - 2019 The Celtic Decade

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 19 Jan 2020 18:41:47 +0000

In between all of this we has some amazing times, our rivals died, we won 8 titles in a row, we had an invincible season and we have won the last 10 domestic trophies – quite a decade.

Enjoy…

Half season Report Card

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 23:52:09 +0000

We’re still in the limbo-land of the winter break and whilst the players are training in the hotbed of the birth of World Ward III we here at CU Towers thought there needed to be a half year report card for the hoops. We therefore decided we needed a panel of esteemed football experts to review the season so far and in the best Juke Box Jury fashion ascribe whether it had been a hot or a miss.

After getting various knock backs we dialled up Duncan and Lachie to review the season so far. It’s broken down into the chunks of transfer window, Europe, League Cup and League.

After we review these the conversation gets into quite a ramble about the transfer window, the players who may move on and the positions the guys think we need to strengthen.

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

S14 Ep19: Half Season Report Card

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 23:45:52 +0000

After getting various knock backs we dialled up Duncan and Lachie to review the season so far. It’s broken down into the chunks of transfer window, Europe, League Cup and League.

After we review these the conversation gets into quite a ramble about the transfer window, the players who may move on and the positions the guys think we need to strengthen.

Enjoy…

Goodbye Bonkers 2019

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 20:31:28 +0000

Happy New Year!

The Celtic Underground podcast will now be entering our THIRD decade of podcasting, we may be getting old and we may be Celtic Da’s but who cares?!?

We have set the pace for football fans podcasts in Scotland and will continue to do so into the 2020s and although our final recorded podcast of 2019 covers one of those exceptionally rare things of the last 10 years (a defeat) it is only one loss in a decade of complete domestic dominance and in a period of winning domestic trophy after domestic trophy. The noisy neighbours from the South Side may have one a game for the first time ever at Celtic Park but since they arrived in the top flight we have won EVERY single trophy and here’s to 3 more in 2020.

With our place as the oldest football fans podcast I thought I’d get an old guest who’d not been on for a while - so long he set up a rival podcast…yes it’s Lawrence Donegan.

Lawrence and I review the derby defeat and some of the post game social media nonsense.

Happy New Year and 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

S14 Ep18: Goodbye Bonkers 2019

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 31 Dec 2019 20:24:46 +0000

Happy New Year!

The Celtic Underground podcast will now be entering our THIRD decade of podcasting, we may be getting old and we may be Celtic Da’s but who cares?!?

With our place as the oldest football fans podcast I thought I’d get an old guest who’d not been on for a while - so long he set up a rival podcast…yes it’s Lawrence Donegan.

Lawrence and I review the derby defeat and some of the post game social media nonsense.

Happy New Year and Enjoy…

Merry Christmas Everyone

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 24 Dec 2019 14:09:15 +0000

To quote Noddy Holder It’s Chriiiisssstmaaaas!

As we record this podcast it’s Christmas Day (and for those in earlier time zones you’re probably picking this up on Christmas day or later) and so what do we have to do bar make sure the final presents are wrapped, the food is ready to be made and fun is ready to be had. In preparation for having more important things to do I decided to have one last podcast before the festivities so I called up Hullbhoy and had a little chat.

On the podcast we talk about the Hibs, Hearts and Aberdeen games and how we scored two a game but could easily have had 3, 4 or more.

After discussing those games of of the past we preview the games of the present against St Mirren and Rangers and then briefly discuss the future (the season beyond January).

We also update you on the incredible work of the Foundation funded by the Celtic support.

We hope you enjoy this podcast and also hope you enjoy your festive period and have a great Christmas and New Year.

Merry Christmas and 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

S14 Ep17: Merry Christmas Everyone

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 24 Dec 2019 14:01:01 +0000

To quote Noddy Holder It’s Chriiiisssstmaaaas!

On the podcast we talk about the Hibs, Hearts and Aberdeen games and how we scored two a game but could easily have had 3, 4 or more.

We hope you enjoy this podcast and also hope you enjoy your festive period and have a great Christmas and New Year.

Merry Christmas and Enjoy…

Oh My Days

The Celtic Underground — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 23:32:48 +0000

What a game and what a week. We have had the over dramatic descriptions of how well they played and how on another day blah, Blah BLAH…the scores on the doors is Celtic 1 - 0 Rangers. Celtic have won 10 trophies in a row. The Celtic X Men!

We now know - they had umpteen booked and could have been worse. The “offside” Celtic goal was either marginally on or marginally off - ie too close to call and Morelos cannot score against us. What we also know for certain is that Celtic are the dominant force of Scottish football and hype alone will not remove us.

After the game I contacted @LachieMor1 and chatted about the game. Oh my days.

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

S14 Ep16: Oh My Days

The Celtic Underground — Mon, 09 Dec 2019 23:26:39 +0000

After the game I contacted @LachieMor1 and chatted about the game. Oh my days.

Enjoy…

Ryans World

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 01 Dec 2019 23:11:20 +0000

The world’s longest running football fans podcast is back with a same day match review following our 4-1 victory away at Ross County.

Following the midweek triumph over Rennes, these are the types of games that have seen us trip up over the years - after a thrilling and successful midweek European tie in front of a full house at Celtic Park it must be quite a come down to go to Dingwall and play ‘County’. Despite this the current squad showed all their professionalism and romped to a comfortable 4-1 with with a Christie double supported by goals from Rogic and Johnston.

Within an hour of the final whistle I was on Skype with @antonymurray25 to review.

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

S14 Ep15: Ryan's World

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 01 Dec 2019 23:06:04 +0000

The world’s longest running football fans podcast is back with a same day match review following our 4-1 victory away at Ross County.

Within an hour of the final whistle I was on Skype with @antonymurray25 to review.

Enjoy…

Podcast Xtra - Beating the Livvy thugs

The Celtic Underground — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 20:27:12 +0000

Today Celtic defeated Livingston by 4 goals to nil. That’s twice I’ve seen them play - they are not a football team, but a bunch of cloggers. A hard physical side who do their best to stop Celtic playing aided and abetted by sympathy reffing. Fair play to Gary Holt, his job is to have Livingstone playing at the highest standard they can and use the rules and refs as they are to achieve this and there will be a number of clubs in Scotland with much higher budgets who aren’t even in the same league as them.

From time wasting inside the first minute to kicking and fouling all game they are awful. From their style of play to their pitch and lack of fans - they sum up all that is wrong with Scottish football.

Anyway - we won and the managers and the enthusiastic Frimpong were available after the 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

S14 Ep14: Podcast Xtra - Beating the Livvy Thugs

The Celtic Underground — Mon, 25 Nov 2019 20:21:36 +0000

Anyway - we won and the managers and the enthusiastic Frimpong were available after the game.

Enjoy…

Podcast Extra - Lazio the day after

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 23:15:10 +0000

The day after the night before…

Following the historic victory in Rome over Lazio, Neil Lennon had his pre-Motherwell match press conference at Celtic Park today. It wasn’t much of a pre-Motherwell press conference and more of a post Lazio one.

Neil reflected on the magnitude of the victory and the positive impact he believes it will make on the club, the team and the relationship between the players and the fans. There is mention of the January window, his thoughts on the draw being far away and a wee bit about playing Motherwell on Sunday.

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

S14 Ep13: Podcast Xtra - Lazio The Day After

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 08 Nov 2019 23:07:06 +0000

The day after the night before…

Enjoy…

Podcast Extra - Victory Over Lazio

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 24 Oct 2019 23:54:09 +0000

Tonight saw Celtic secure a hard won victory over an excellent Lazio team to move top of the Europea League Group at the half way point.

After the game we got the views of Neil Lennon, the Lazio manager and Kris Ajer.

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

S14 Ep12: Podcast Xtra - Victory over Lazio

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 24 Oct 2019 23:50:18 +0000

Tonight saw Celtic secure a hard won victory over an excellent Lazio team to move top of the Europea League Group at the half way point.

After the game we got the views of Neil Lennon, the Lazio manager and Kris Ajer.

Enjoy…

Rock On Celtic

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 23 Oct 2019 22:22:02 +0000

This week we are joined by Glasgow sport entrepreneur Duncan Smillie. Owner of the Glasgow Rocks Basketball team, Duncan is also a big Tim and se he again joins us to discuss Celtic and a wee bit about his team.

The bhoys review the Livingston game before quickly moving on to the victory over Ross County. They discuss plastic pitches, Tom Rogic and injury time before moving on to a preview of the Lazio game on Thursday. After all of that the guys still find time to discuss The Rocks and Duncan makes the prediction that they will win a trophy this season!

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

S14 Ep11: Rock on Celtic

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 23 Oct 2019 22:13:11 +0000

This week we are joined by Glasgow sportndentrepreneur Duncan Smillie. Owner of the Glasgow Rocks Basketball team, Duncan is also a big Tim and se he again joins us to discuss Celtic and a wee bit about his team.

Enjoy…

Celtic Crush Cluj

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 05 Oct 2019 14:27:56 +0000

This week saw the return of European action and a packed Celtic Park witnessed an excellent performance as Celtic beat Cluj an exacted some revenge for the defeat that took us out of Champions League Football this term.

The game saw another goal for Scotland’s premier striker Odsonne Edouard and Mohamed Elyounoussi join Larsson, Brattback and Cadete as people who have scored for and against Celtic in European football.

After such a great performance I called up @hullbhoy and we reviewed the fixture and also has a (very) brief chat about the Livingston 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

S14 Ep10: Celtic Crush Cluj

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 05 Oct 2019 13:58:28 +0000

After such a great performance I called up @hullbhoy and we reviewed the fixture and also has a (very) brief chat about the Linvingston game.

Enjoy…

Podcast Xtra - Celts defeat Killie

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 22 Sep 2019 15:27:47 +0000

Celtic had to come from behind today in their victory over Kilmarnock. A well organised Killie team took the lead with their first chance of the game but an Edouard double either side of half time and a Christie goal made sure of the points.

There was still time for what looked like an odd penalty decision for Killie that Fraser Forster saved.

After the game we got the comments from the Celtic and Kilmarnock managers (with Massimo Donatti doing some translating).

Enjoy…

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S14 Ep9: Podcast Xtra - Celts defeat Killie

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 22 Sep 2019 15:24:22 +0000

There was still time for what looked like an odd penalty decision for Killie that Fraser Forster saved.

After the game we got the comments from the Celtic and Kilmarnock managers (with Massimo Donatti doing some translating).

Enjoy…

Strong and Stable in Europe

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 19 Sep 2019 22:08:07 +0000

This podcast is recorded within hours of the excellent away result in France where Celtic were unlucky not to end up deserved winners but instead took a very creditable 1-1 away result against Rennes.

Games at the elite level are won and lost on fine margins and when they got their penalty not log after we’d nearly taken the lead, whilst I was concerned that we’d gone behind I was hopeful that we would get, and convert, at least one more chance. We should have had a penalty for a foul on Christie but instead got it for a foul on Forrest, a penalty Christie took well.

Following this scoring draw I thought we should have a quick podcast recording so I dialled up Antony Murray and Sean Huddleston to get their take on the game.

Enjoy…

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S14 Ep8: Strong & stable in Europe

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 19 Sep 2019 22:02:52 +0000

Following this scoring draw I thought we should have a quick podcast recording so I dialled up Antony Murray and Sean Huddleston to get their take on the game.

Enjoy…

Celtic Blow Away The Hype

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 07:03:44 +0000

On the first Sunday in September Celtic once again visited Ibrox and as per the bulk of the last few years since the new club arrived in the league, we won.

There had been quite a bit of hype around this game with Rangers having won the pre-season cup of hype and many in the media and among their fans were confidently saying (the same thing as the last 3 years) that this time they really were back and 55 is coming blah blah blah. Celtic did their talking on the pitch and blew away the hype with a comfortable 2-0 win.

With the need for a podcast I dusted down the mic that hadn’t been used since at least Saturday and got two regulars on - @Hullbhoy and @Antonymurray25 to review the game.

In addition to the game we also discuss whether the summer window was good, bad or middling and we have a brief review of the Europa League Group.

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

S14 Ep7: Celtic Blow Away The Hype

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 05 Sep 2019 06:58:00 +0000

On the first Sunday in September Celtic once again visited Ibrox and as per the bulk of the last few years since the new club arrived in the league, we won.

With the need for a podcast I dusted down the mic that hadn’t been used since at least Saturday and got two regulars on - @Hullbhoy and @Antonymurray25 to review the game.

In addition to the game we also discuss whether the summer window was good, bad or middling and we have a brief review of the Europa League Group.

Enjoy….

Podcast Xtra - Mohamed Elyounouissi

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 31 Aug 2019 15:21:21 +0000

Friday evening (30th Aug) Celtic confirmed the signing of Mohamed Elyounoussi on a 1 year loan from Southampton. Signed in June 2018 by Southampton for £16m from Basel, he plays mainly as a winger or number 10.

He has 22 caps for Norway and has played 216 games as a professional scoring 67 goals (2 against Celtic!).

Whether he features in the Glasgow Derby we shall see however my guess is that he’ll make the bench.

Anyway, here’s another articulate foreign player joining the hoops - here’s hoping he’s part of the famous names who took us to 9, 10 and beyond.

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

S14 Ep6: Podcast Xtra - Mohamed Elyounouissi

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 31 Aug 2019 15:17:58 +0000

He has 22 caps for Norway and has played 216 games as a professional scoring 67 goals (2 against Celtic!).

Whether he features in the Glasgow Derby we shall see however my guess is that he’ll make the bench.

Anyway, here’s another articulate foreign player joining the hoops - here’s hoping he’s part of the famous names who took us to 9, 10 and beyond.

Enjoy…

Celtic Remain in Europe

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 30 Aug 2019 08:05:23 +0000

Celtic wiped away the tears of disappointment from Cluj by crushing Swedish champions AIK 4-1 in their own backyard therefore ensuring progression to the group stages of the Europa League.

The hoops progressed 6-1 on aggregate and have now scored 22 goals in European football this season and 48 goals in all competitions so far this season. Whilst the Europa League isn't UCL, there are still some challenging potential sides with the Europa League Group stages looking like the UCL from 20 years ago both in terms of teams and in terms of the possibility of getting a group we could conceivably win or a group where 3rd or 4th looks possible.

With all this European chat we decided to get in a man well versed in Europe chat - Editor of Politics Home, Mr Kevin Schofield. In that chat we review the AIK game and preview the Glasgow Derby.

Enjoy...

Update Description

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S14 Ep5: Celtic Remain In Europe

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 30 Aug 2019 07:12:00 +0000

Down Up Down Up

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 07:01:47 +0000

The last podcast was recorded two domestic league games ago. Since then we have;

SOLD KT

Scored 12 league goals

got knocked out of UCL

Required extra time to get past Dunfermline

It’s been quite a couple of weeks so we get Antony Murray onto the podcast to review these events and preview AIK Stockholm

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

S14 Ep4: Down Up Down Up?

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 22 Aug 2019 06:58:05 +0000

The last podcast was recorded two domestic league games ago. Since then we have;

SOLD KT

Scored 12 league goals

got knocked out of UCL

Required extra time to get past Dunfermline

It’s been quite a couple of weeks so we get Antony Murray onto the podcast to review these events and preview AIK Stockholm

Enjoy…

Podcast Xtra - 7th Heaven Hoops

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 03 Aug 2019 18:07:01 +0000

Yo ho ho it’s magic you know, it’s gonna be 9 in a row…

1 game down, 37 to go on our way to securing the record equalling 9 in a row and what a way to start. Direct, free flowing attacking football. Midfielders given instruction to shoot on site, forwards with dancing feet and an opposition who were woeful. This on a day when cloudy Glasgow was hot and humid as America’s deep south and you had the perfect afternoon of football.

Thunder and lightning rages all around as I pull this post game podcast together and the whole of Scottish football trembles at the sound of Celtic Park and the thunderous raptures of the gathered faithful as the 8th title flag in a row is unfurled and the players put in a first class display of attacking football.

Season 2019/20 couldn’t have got off to a better start and we hear from Ryan Christie and Neil Lennon as they reflect on a perfect afternoon’s work.

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

S14 Ep3: Podcast Xtra - 7th Heaven Hoops

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 03 Aug 2019 18:00:58 +0000

Yo ho ho it’s magic you know, it’s gonna be 9 in a row…

Season 2019/20 couldn’t have got off to a better start and we hear from Ryan Christie and Neil Lennon as they reflect on a perfect afternoon’s work.

Enjoy…

YEAR 14 - Season 201920 Preview

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 22:14:02 +0000

Whilst the international campaign commenced the domestic season commences this weekend against St Johnstone and so it’s time for the Celtic Underground 2019/20 season.

This is our 14th season podcasting to the Celtic faithful and thanks to everyone who listens to and downloads our drivel, whether you’ve been doing it for 14 years (heaven help you) or a new listener.

This week’s podcast features @Harrybradycu @lachiemor1 and @S_J_H1978 as they discuss the successful European campaign to date, the current state of the squad and the chances of attaining a quadruple treble.

Enjoy…

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S14 Ep2: YEAR 14 - Season 2019/20 Preview

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 31 Jul 2019 22:08:34 +0000

Whilst the international campaign commenced the domestic season commences this weekend against St Johnstone and so it’s time for the Celtic Underground 2019/20 season.

This week’s podcast features @Harrybradycu @lachiemor1 and @S_J_H1978 as they discuss the succesful European campaign to date, the current state of the squad and the chances of attaining a quadruple treble.

Enjoy…

S14 Ep1: Istanbul Here We Come

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 23:53:00 +0000

This week the 219/2020 season officially commenced with our first competitive game. As usual it was a UCL qualifier against a team we should, and did, beat comfortably. It’s frustrating that we need to return to competitive action so quickly however this is principally down to the abysmal performances of the other Scottish teams in Europe over the last 25 years or so.

Anyway, with the 14th season of the CU podcast now officially underway, I dialled up a man who has attended some of the pre-season games to get his impression of the teams start to the season where we hope to equal the 9 - Mr Antony Murray.

Not only can you listen to his views on the podcast, you can tweet him to tell him how much you agree/disagree with his chat @antonymurray25

Enjoy…

Istanbul Here We Come

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 10 Jul 2019 23:51:33 +0000

Not only can you listen to his views on the podcast, you can tweet him to tell him how much you agree/disagree with his chat @antonymurray25

Enjoy…

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The 2018-19 CU Season Review

The Celtic Underground — Mon, 08 Jul 2019 07:36:01 +0000

That was the season that was and what a season, European football past Christmas, a manager going from hero to zero and a unique treble treble and off the park we saw the passing of two legends of European Football.

With such a momentous season we had to have a multi-guest podcast and Harry was joined by Stephen Wray, Sean Huddleston and Duncan Smillie with apologies from Lawrence Donegan, Kevin Schoefield, St Anthony and Lachie Mor.

On the podcast the bhoys discuss all the key footballing events of the history making season from the end of the previous season’s open top bus tour all the way through to the start of the most recent one. The transfer windows, the briefings against the board, the briefings against the manager, the players in, the players out, the dropped points and the trophies won…and of course the end of the Brendan Era and the start of the Lenny II era.

It’s two hours of Celtic chat, and it could have been more!

Enjoy…

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S13 Ep25: The 2018-19 CU Season Review

The Celtic Underground — Mon, 08 Jul 2019 07:03:27 +0000

With such a momentous season we had ato have a multi-guest podcast and Harry was joined by Stephen Wray, Sean Huddleston and Duncan Smillie with apologies from Lawrence Donegan, Kevin Schoefield, St Anthony and Lachie Mor.

It’s two hours of Celtic chat, and it could have been more!

Enjoy…

Ticileaks

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 22:19:08 +0000

Excellent podcast guest this week in @PolhomeEditor Kevin Schofield

The season has ended and the dust has settled from the appointment of Neil Lennon. During the 10 days since the completion of the treble treble we have had the Ticileaks scandal and so who better to talk about leaks, how they happen and the motivation behind them than a hardened political hack like Kevin.

After our discussions on the Ticileaks we review the appointment of Lennon and the club’s media management of it. We also review Lennon as a manager before moving on to politics and the burning question - are there many Tims at Westminster?

Enjoy….

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S13 Ep24: Ticileaks

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 06 Jun 2019 22:12:59 +0000

Excellent podcast guest this week in @PolhomeEditor Kevin Schofield

Enjoy….

The Trinity of Trebles

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 28 May 2019 21:01:54 +0000

This week saw Celtic deliver one the most remarkable achievements in our history and certainly perhaps the most amazing domestic achievement of our modern history in attaining a holy trinity of trebles and this was immediately followed by the appointment of Neil Lennon as the new permanent manager at our great club, following on from Brendan Rodgers and returning to the club 5 years after he and the hierarchy parted ways, mutually deciding that enough was enough.

The Trinity of trebles is an amazing feet but the final itself could have been better. The appointment of Lenny as manager was also not met with much enthusiasm by large sections of the support and that therefore made recording this podcast a challenge.

The podcast commenced with an idea that some like minded Celtic fans would record the type of chat we were having socially, like it and listen. Don’t like it? Switch off. It was never designed to be a formal media although as modern technology has changed so has some people’s attitude to pods like this. Not us however and therefore the chat is what it is. Antony and I would prefer we’d picked a different candidate so we discuss our thoughts, express our concerns and state our hopes that we’re wrong and Lenny succeeds. We shall see.

Enjoy…

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S13 Ep23: The Trinity of Trebles

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 28 May 2019 20:39:41 +0000

The podcast commenced with an idea that some like minded Celtic fans would record the type of chat we were having socially, like it and listen. Don’t like it? Switch off. It was never designed to be a formal media although as modern technology has changed so has some people’s attitude to pods like this. Not us however and therefore the chat is waht it is. Antony and I would prefer we’d picked a different candidate so we discuss our thoughts, express our concerns and state our hopes that we’re wrong and Lenny succeeds. We shall see.

Enjoy…

S13 Ep22: Later...with Mark Cooper

The Celtic Underground — Mon, 13 May 2019 22:56:36 +0000

So we lost a game of football, and not just any game of football but a game against THEM. With this defeat there was no option for it but to get Mark Cooper on and put the world to rights.

First up Mark and I discuss the game. We launch straight into the way the team plays under Lennon and the differences between his and a Brendan team. That leads into a discussion about the challenges Lennon has running someone else's team with their players.

After all the sympathy to Neil we then go head first into the changes that are needed to bring Celtic into the 21st Century in terms of football set-up

Enjoy…

En Route to Gr8ness

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 09 May 2019 23:50:39 +0000

Hail Hail The Celts are here! This is a football fans podcast of the 8, yes EIGHT in a row Scottish champions who are now just 90 minutes from a treble. Yes we’re on our way to Gr8ness and one win away from a Holy Trinity of domestic dominance.

Before we get there we need to do some podcasts so I am joined this week by a man who recalls the last 8 in a row slightly better than me, young St Anthony.

We discuss the Aberdeen game and how after the first goal we knew the title was ours before moving on to team selection for Saturday, managerial chat and a review of the concept of Colts/B Teams being admitted to the lower leagues.

Enjoy…

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S13 Ep21: En Route to Gr8ness

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 09 May 2019 23:43:33 +0000

Before we get there we need to do some podcasts so I am joined this week by a man who recalls the last 8 in a row slightly better than me, young St Anthony.

Enjoy…

Post Killie Victory April 19

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 27 Apr 2019 15:39:28 +0000

This week was an emotional one at Celtic Park with the passing of Big Billy and today’s game was never going to be easy. We also have a team who have been playing since July and a new temporary manager who doesn’t know whether he’ll be in post next season.

Despite the managerial changes amazingly we started today with 6 players who were at the club when Lennon was last here. A point which perhps highlights the one failing of Brendan - his signing policies.

Anyway we eventually won and it was amazing that the winning goal was scored by our Number 5 when the clock was showing 67 minutes - As someone once said “There’s a fairy tale about this club”

Enjoy…

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S13 Ep20: Post Kille Victory April 19

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 27 Apr 2019 15:35:06 +0000

Anyway we eventually won and it was amazing that the winning goal was scored by our Number 5 when the clock was showing 67 minutes - As someone once said “There’s a fairy tale about this club”

Enjoy…

Billy McNeill - Goodnight and God Bless

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 23:03:24 +0000

Today saw the passing of Celtic’s greatest ever Captain, Billy McNeill. The grandchild of Irish and Lithuanian immigrants Billy forged a unique career and a unique position in the folklore of Celtic and world football.

A one man club as a player from 1957 - 1975 he captained the club in each and every one of the 9 in a row seasons. He captained Celtic in 2 European Cup finals and in two semi finals. He managed the team to a European Cup quarter final and to an incredible double in the Centenary Season. In 132 seasons, the club have one 106 trophies. Billy McNeil has picked up 31 of them.

In world sport, few athletes are part of iconic moments with fewer still fortunate enough to have one simple image that encapsulates all that they have achieved. In the moment when Big Billy lifted that trophy; the first Scot, the first Briton representing the first non-Latin side to achieve that accolade a moment was captured that will live with us forever.

Billy McNeill - Goodnight and God Bless

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

S13 Ep19: Billy McNeill - Goodnight & God Bless

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 23 Apr 2019 22:57:31 +0000

Today saw the passing of Celtic’s greatest ever Captain, Billy McNeill. The grandchild of Irish and Lithuanian immigrants Billy forged a unique career and a nique position in the folklore of Celtic and world football.

Billy McNeill - Goodnight and God Bless

The Late Late Show

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 20 Mar 2019 09:30:53 +0000

This week saw Celtic snatch victory from the jaws of a bore draw with the late late LATE show at Dens Park as Edouard scored in the 96th minute to stretch our lead at the top to 10 points and edge us closer still to Gr8ness.

With the title all but in the bag we decided to get Stephen Wray back on the podcast to discuss that Dens victory and then have a review of whether we think Lennon will be the man next season. In short, mibees aye, mibees naw.

Enjoy…

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S13 Ep18: The Late Late Show

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 20 Mar 2019 09:22:50 +0000

Enjoy…

Yogi - Once a Celt, Always A Celtic

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 09 Mar 2019 11:17:36 +0000

“Once you’ve played for the Celtic, you’ll always be Celtic.”

This week we move away from the Brendan gossip and back to the usual business. The team is marching towards Gr8ness with Lennon in charge and we have a podcast featuring 2 Celtic legends - Neil Lennon (with his pre-Dons game press conference) and John ‘Yogi’ Hughes.

Yogi was at Celtic from 1959 to 1971 before moving on to Crystal Palace and the Sunderland. He was at the club to experience the transformation that took place under Jock Stein and Sean Fallon and his comments on these two are very interesting… not to be missed!

In the last week we’ve had the podcast with ALL the Brendan gossip we first told you about back in August (but few wanted to believe) and then we re-tweeted the links to the 20th Anniversary Fergus podcast (because 4th March this week was the 25th anniversary of Fergus and co sweeping way the old board and commencing the building works for this period or unequalled dominance of the domestic game.

We hope you enjoy our podcasts and find this one as good as all the others.

Enjoy…

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S13 Ep17: Yogi - Once a Celt, Always a Celtic

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 09 Mar 2019 11:10:54 +0000

“Once you’ve played for the Celtic, you’ll always be Celtic.”

We hope you enjoy our podcasts and find this one as good as all the others.

Enjoy…

Dont Look Back In Anger?

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 13:22:00 +0000

What a week!

The last podcast was recorded on Monday night as the Brendan rumours were starting the surface and came out when he’d gone. During that recording I decided to chat with Lachie about the possibility of Brdoge leaving and was concerned that I sounded too negative…in hindsight I was too positive!

He’s gone and his timing is awful however I seem to be not quite as angry as many fellow Tims. I think this is down to my resignation last August that he would not be here next season and the expectation that he may not even see out the season (although once he was here past Christmas that fear had evaporated…what do I know?)

Anyway, on the “what do I know” theme I decided to take the audio of Lenny yesterday and then have a wee monologue about what I did know (or at least what I was told by people that I have every faith know), the stuff I discussed on a rival podcast!

I hope it’s not noo boring and that we can start putting this anger to bed. He may have left like a self centred arsehole but he still won us 7 trophies in a row, filled us with hopes and dreams and had some great football and results.

Enjoy…

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S13 Ep16: Don't Look Back In Anger?

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 02 Mar 2019 13:16:38 +0000

What a week!

Anyway, on the “what do I know” theme I decided to take the audio of Lenny yesterday and then have a wee monologue about what I did know (or atleast what I was told by people that I have every faith know), the stuff I discussed on a rival podcast!

Enjoy…

Previewing Brendans Departue

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 26 Feb 2019 23:34:58 +0000

This podcast was recorded the night before the day of departure, so we discuss the Motherwell game, preview the Hearts game and in the middle discuss the increasing rumours coming through by text, DM and Whatsapp that something was afoot. Despite getting the rumours we still couldn’t believe he’d actually go.

We knew he would be leaving in the summer, but couldn’t believe he would leave this close to the end of the season but unfortunately the only thing that matters to Brendan Rodgers is Brendan Rodgers.

No point wasting energy over him, he’s gone.

Here’s to the title and here’s to the treble

Enjoy…

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S13 Ep15: Previewing Brendan's Departure

The Celtic Underground — Tue, 26 Feb 2019 23:30:10 +0000

No point wasting energy over him, he’s gone.

Here’s to the title and here’s to the treble

Enjoy…

Andy and Saint - Jabberjaws

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 24 Feb 2019 11:08:34 +0000

The podcast is back following a momentous week of statements and games. We’ve had the last-minute Kilmarnock victory which led to the Ayrshire club’s statement on Boyd and seats. When then had the return tie with the black bat of Valencia and we have the upcoming Sunday fixture against Motherwell.

Interspersed into all of the Celtic stuff, we’ve had the Rangers Killie game where, once again, one club got fortunate decisions which were subsequently overturned once the game was completed and that club had won. Hmmmm.

Following the Kilmarnock cup replay at Ibrox, Steve Clarke had an “astonishing” rant where he stated the obvious - people who obsess with religious related abuse at football are Neanderthals and Scotland still has a major problem… “astonishing!” This was then followed up an interview with Barry Ferguson about the questions his kids asked when he was verbally abused. This was accompanied with a tear jerking picture of his poor kids wearing scarves with anti-Catholic and Ulster Terrorist slogans. It really hit the right note(!)

Anyway, to mark this auspicious week in Scottish football, we have a new section on the podcast - Statement of the week…

Enjoy

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S13 Ep14: Andy & Saint - Jabberjaws

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 24 Feb 2019 11:00:31 +0000

Anyway, to mark this auspicious week in Scottish football, we have a new section on the podcast - Statement of the week…

Enjoy

S13 Ep13: Human Error Key To Insipid Performance

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 21:32:14 +0000

The podcast is back with Hull’s proudest proponent, Hullbhoy himself. On this week’s podcast we review the Valencia game and preview the Kilmarnock league match. We discuss how much human error impacted on the Celtic and Valencia performances - that basically Celtic played well for 20 mins and then a series of human errors seemed to spread fear and trepidation through the Celtic ranks. That when the Valencia goal hit the back of the net, you got the impression the ref could have blow the final whistle there and then and both sets of players would have been quite happy.

The bhoys then move on to the Killie game and the impact of a plastic pitch and a Kilmarnock Cup replay may have on the attitudes of both sets of players. Consequently both bhoys go for a 2-0 victory to the hoops. Here’s hoping.

Enjoy

Human Error Key To Insipid Performance

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 15 Feb 2019 21:31:31 +0000

Enjoy

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Two Saints for The Price of None

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 26 Jan 2019 00:02:52 +0000

After the last podcast I promised that our audio output would start to return to normal levels and, if I hadn’t had a broken pipe resulting in sh1t ending up all over my hall this podcast would have been out a lot sooner and I’d have had time to go and pick up the St Mirren post game chat. But there’s no point crying over spilt sh1t3 and the podcast is here for your enjoyment.

This week we have St ANthony chatting all things Celtic with St Jnr.

Anyone who follows Saint on twitter will know that when it comes to reviewing the future for the modern team, every silver lining has a cloud but as you can hear, despite his best efforts, such pessimism isn’t quite rubbing off on Saint jnr!

Enjoy…

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S13 Ep12: Two Saints for the price of none

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 25 Jan 2019 23:57:20 +0000

This week we have St ANthony chatting all things Celtic with St Jnr.

Enjoy…

Peer Group Pressures

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 10 Jan 2019 22:40:48 +0000

We’re back!

After some intermittent coverage this season, the podcast is back with a bang for 2019 and like a middle aged man put on a prune diet by his doctor we’ll be more regular than ever through the rest of the season.

MArk and I pick up where we left off, discussing the AEK game and criticising the club for have a poor signing strategy….but this time it’s different.

This time Mark has some facts and stats to back up his position that we should be performing MUCH better in the transfer market.

Mark has done his homework and reviewed our peers across European football and the results are quite stark. Celtic have the second highest revenue of our peers, Celtic have the second highest wage bill of our European peers. Unfortunately Celtic have the second worse coefficient of our peers.

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

S13 Ep11: Peer Group Pressures?

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 10 Jan 2019 22:35:39 +0000

We’re back!

Mark and I pick up where we left off, discussing the AEK game and criticising the club for have a poor signing strategy….but this time it’s different.

This time Mark has some facts and stats to back up his position that we should be performing MUCH better in the transfer market.

Enjoy…

Celtic and The Gorbals

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 01 Dec 2018 23:52:52 +0000

There can be few areas outside the Calton and East End of Glasgow more synonymous with the club than The Gorbals. Situated just on the south of the Clyde it has been home yo legions of Celtic fans for the 130 years of our club and if you follow @Evergreencsc on twitter you will know that he is THE man to go to when looking to discuss Celtic and the Gorbals.

Following on from the last podcast with St Anthony discussing Celtic and Govan, he follows it up with a chat about Celtic and The Gorbals with Gordon Cowan. A fascinating listen I am sure all Celtic fans, whether from The Gorbals or not will have an interest in this podcast.

Enjoy…

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S13 Ep10: Celtic & The Gorbals

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 01 Dec 2018 23:47:02 +0000

Enjoy…

Celts in Govan

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 31 Oct 2018 23:38:29 +0000

It’s podcast time again and this week it is St Anthony who brings along a special guest when he is joined by Sean McDonagh. Sean has been writing online about the history of Celtic fans in Govan after a brake club banner was found from the early 1900s. Obviouslythis is a topic close to the heart of Govanite Saint however it will no doubt of interest to all Celtic fans who take an interest in the history of our club.

This podcast has been recorded during the best run of domestic form since the Invincible season. Tonight, as I pull this together, we have thumped Dundee, fresh on the heels of thumping of Hearts at Murrayfield on Sunday. I don’t know who came up with this forward passing lark but it’s ceryainly transformed the fortunes of the team.

Enjoy…

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S13 Ep9: Celts in Govan

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 31 Oct 2018 23:29:54 +0000

Enjoy…

Huddling Along The Collective

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 08:58:37 +0000

This week the podcast returns with a guest from long long ago on a podcast far far away….Sean Huddleston,, author of Celtic In The 1980’s - The Lost Decade and sometime academic and sometime football conference organiser.

The bhoys start with reference to Sean’s book about Celtic in the ’80’s and this leads on to a ramble about how our away European form has (in general) never been that good. From there it somehow moves on to a discussion about social media and it’s uselessness before somehow the bhoys drag the chat back around to Celtic in Europe via anti-Irish bigotry.

It is a truly remarkable ramble that also covers the forthcoming Football Collective Conference which has about 5 tickets left!

Enjoy…

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S13 Ep8: Huddling Along The Collective

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 25 Oct 2018 08:54:14 +0000

It is a truly remarkable ramble that also covers the forthcoming Football Collective Conference which has about 5 tickets left!

Enjoy…

Podcast Xtra - 10 Goal Hibs Thriller

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 20 Oct 2018 22:57:30 +0000

Celtic have now scored 10 goals in just two games after struggling in the early part of the campaign and also at the end of last season. Noticeable by its absence in those two games has been the passing for passing’s sake along the back line and the obvious desire of the players to try and find the forward pass. This more front foot thinking was typified in the first goal when Lustig harried by a Hibs player on the touchline, turned and then turned back to play the ball forward to Forrest. Last month and for the preceding 10 months that would have gone backwards to a centre half.

Hibs looked like scoring twice and scored twice. Celtic looked like scoring 8 times and did so 4. Like most Hibs games from my memories, this was an excellent domestic game of football because Hibs came to win the game which then creates the space for us. It was a really enjoyable game. Here’s to many more like that this season as we march towards title no8.

After the game we had Brendan, Lenny, Eddy and a Hobs player (whose name escapes me).

Enjoy…

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S13 Ep7: Podcast Xtra - 10 Goal Hibs Thriller

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 20 Oct 2018 22:50:54 +0000

Celtic have now scored 10 goals in just two games after struggling in the early part of the campaign and also at the end of last season. Noticable by its absence in those two games has been the passing for passing’s sake aalong the back line and the obvious desire of the players to try and find the forward pass. This more front foot thinking was typified in the first goal when Lustig harried by a Hibs player on the touchline, turned and then turned back to play the ball forward to Forrest. Last month and for the preceeding 10 months that would have gone backwards to a centre half.

Hibs looked like scoring twice and scored twice. Celtic looked like scoring 8 times and did so 4. Like most Hibs games from my memories, this was an excellent doemstic game of football because Hibs came to win the game which then creates the space for us. It was a really enjoable game. Here’s to many more like that this season as we march towards title no8.

After the game we had Brendan, Lenny, Eddy and a Hobs player (whose name escapes me).

Enjoy…

Saint and Matt

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 13 Oct 2018 22:51:26 +0000

This week it is once again St aNthony at the helm and in discussion with a guest. Following on from the succesful debut of St Anthony jnr on the podcast, Saint decides to go through the generations of Celtic fans to a slightly older contributor.

St Anthony this week is joined by Matt McGlone. The pair discuss all current Celtic gossip as well as reviewing the two games since the last podcast. Saint & Matt discuss the 6-0 thumping of St Johnstone and the 3-1 humbling away at Salzburg. The bhoys also discuss the Brendan to Villa rumour that was going around as well as Brendan’s comments about squad size.

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

S13 Ep6: Saint & Matt

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 13 Oct 2018 22:46:29 +0000

Enjoy…

St Anthony At The Double

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 05 Oct 2018 20:33:45 +0000

This week we have a very special new guest. I’m not going to ruin the surprise in the pre-amble but a clue is that it’s two for the price of one.

Anyway, we have been a bit sparse with the podcasts this season, due in part to having a very busy real life and also because it’s much more fun doing podcasts when the football is fun and it’s fair to say fun has been in short supply since mid summer. We won against St Johnstone and we won against Aberdeen so hopefully, domestically at least, we’re on an upwards trend.

Anyway I keep promising and it will come - the CU Top Ten podcast will hit iTunes before the end of the season…I promise.

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

S13 Ep5: St Anthony at the double

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 05 Oct 2018 20:25:41 +0000

This week we have a very special new guest. I’m not going to ruin the surprise in the pre-amble but a clue is that it’s two for the price of one.

Anyway, we have been a bit sparce with the podcasts this season, due in part to having a very busy real life and also because it’s much more fun doing podcasts when the football is fun and it’s fair to say fun has been in short supply since mid summer. We won against St Johnstone and we won against Aberdeen so hopefully, domestically at least, we’re on an upwards trend.

Anyway I keep promising and it will come - the CU Top Ten podcast will hit iTunes before the end of the season…I promise.

Enjoy…

S13 Ep4: Petrov on Charity, Cancer and Winning Glasgow Derbies

The Celtic Underground — Mon, 03 Sep 2018 21:37:47 +0000

This week we once again won a Glasgow Derby playing the opposition off the park…it never gets boring, so on the podcast we have the postgame chat from Brendan, Broony, Gerrard and a Rangers player, we also have music from Daniel Boone and Public Enemy - Don’t Believe The Hype AND we have the opinion on Saturday’s game from Celtic legend Stiliyan Petrov.

In addition to the game on Sunday past, Stan also talks about the game this Saturday between his side and a James Milner 11.

A Match for Cancer' will take place at Celtic Park on Saturday, September 8 with a 2pm kick-off, and it promises to be a special day in Paradise. Every penny raised will be devoted to tackling cancer through three equal beneficiary charities - Celtic FC Foundation, the Stiliyan Petrov Foundation and the James Milner Foundation.

Tickets are priced at £14 for adults and £6 for children and can be purchased online and from the ticket office.

http://www.celticfc.net/news/14810

Petrov on Charity Cancer and Winning Glasgow Derbies

The Celtic Underground — Mon, 03 Sep 2018 21:37:01 +0000

In addition to the game on Sunday past, Stan also talks about the game this Saturday between his side and a James Milner 11.

Tickets are priced at £14 for adults and £6 for children and can be purchased online and from the ticket office.

http://www.celticfc.net/news/14810

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

Brendan Reaction To Another Derby Win

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 22:27:32 +0000

Celtic thumped Rangers today with a performance that was every bit as convincing as the 5-0 victory last season. The game was everything that could be expected for those who’ve watched brief bits of Rangers games this season; they concede pocession and look to score on the counter or from hoof’s up the park by McGregor. They conceded pocession in spades today and the first time they constructed an attack in the game resulted in our goal as they became streteched and their lack of pace at the back was cruelly exposed.

After the game, Brendan spoke with the press and also gave his final word on the Dembele debacle.

Enjoy…

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S13 Ep3: Brendan Reaction to Derby Win

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 22:23:38 +0000

After the game, Brendan spoke with the press and also gave his final word on the Dembele debacle.

Enjoy…

Not The View of a Game Against Them

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 31 Aug 2018 23:37:06 +0000

The new season is upon us and the 13th season of the Celtic Underground podcast is also here.

We’ve had a summer break and the CU Top Ten podcast will be up soon along with a review of the omnishables transfer window, meantime we need to get going and thump The Huns so we have St Anthony and Average Joe Miller review the life and times of Not The View and also discuss the first game against them of the new season.

Enjoy…

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S13 Ep2: Not The View of a game against Them

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 31 Aug 2018 23:30:49 +0000

The new season is upon us and the 13th season of the Celtic Underground podcast is also here.

Enjoy…

Podcast Xtra - The Post Livi Interviews

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 05 Aug 2018 10:03:37 +0000

This week saw the return of domestic competitive football and Celtic hosted Livingston on Flag Day. We saw the return of the usual stuff - sympathetic refereeinginside the first 5 mins when Celtic were denied a stonewall penalty, an opposition side sitting in stretching 6 - 7 men across the edge of the 18 yard box and Leigh Griffiths trying just too hard when he came on as a sub…oh and there was the switch off by Jozo to allow the opposition to score.

After the game we heard from Brendan, Kenny Miller and then Tom Rogic.

Enjoy…

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S13 Ep1: Podcast Xtra - Post Livi Reaction

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 05 Aug 2018 09:58:42 +0000

After the game we heard from Brendan, Kenny Miller and then Tom Rogic.

Enjoy…

The 2017.18 End of Season Review

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 21:51:46 +0000

The season is over but the talking never stops and of course how can we not stop talking about a double treble season? In order to fill the void of the summer we have the special guests, season reviews and player ratings to go through and so first up is the Celtic Underground End of Season Review and with such a season we need all hands on deck to discuss it and so joining Harry are Mark Cooper, Stephen Wray, St Anthony and Antony Murray.

The bhoys chat starts with the transfer window and we have review of who we signed and whether it was good bad or indifferent. From there we move to the European campaign, reliving both the highs and the lows and the bhoys agree that the positives outstrip the negatives and that sometimes we have to be realistic about our position in modern football and from there we review the domestic season.

We round off with your questions and then a chat about what unique thing we’ll achieve next season.

After this podcast we will have the Celtic Underground Top Ten and voting has now opened and you can submit your vote by emailing podcasts@Celticunderground.net

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

S12 Ep44: The 2017-18 End of Season Review

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 07 Jun 2018 21:47:00 +0000

We round off with your questions and then a chat about what unique thing we’ll achieve next season.

After this podcast we will have the Celtic Underground Top Ten and voting has now opened and you can submit your vote by emailing podcasts@Celticunderground.net

Enjoy…

Chatting With Peter Lawwell

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 25 May 2018 04:00:00 +0000

This week we are joined by the Celtic CEO. Yes big Pedro himself sat down on the joint CU & ByTheMin Couch to discuss all things Celtic. The chat is wide ranging and we could have covered one hundred and one subjects, but you know that you’ve got 30 minutes with Peter so you have to be selective so Paul & I from ByTheMinCeltic decided we should focus on the future and specifically those matters that impact most on our quality of football enjoyment.

The chat was originally organised for February but circumstances got in the way so it was opportune that the reorganised date was after we had created history with our Back to Back treble.

We enjoyed the chat, we hope you do.

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

S12 Ep43: Chatting With Peter Lawwell

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 25 May 2018 03:30:00 +0000

The chat was originally organised for February but circumstances got in the way so it was opportune that the reorganised date was after we had created history with our Back to Back treble.

We enjoyed the chat, we hope you do.

Enjoy…

Back For Good?

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 11 May 2018 23:12:14 +0000

This week we have a podcast guest returning after 6 years! You will recall the days of Eddie Pearosn presenting when I was just a regular guest along with many others including one Antony Murray. The problem was when Eddie wandered off to his cave after taking his vows of abstenance and austerity, he took his roladex with him and the contact details of many guests were lost forever…or so I thought.

Stumbling around Europe I recently unearthed Antony begging on the streets of Bratislava and (for a not so small sum) agreed to reappear on the podcast.

Antony last appeared just around the time that the old Rangers died and so we start with a bit of memory lane stuff and that leads us on to a brief review of the bonkers world of Them before getting back onto the meat and bones of the hoops.

In addition to our chat, we also have Brendan, Jack Hendry and Stephen O’Donnel from post the Killie game. I would also have had Stevie Clarke but for some reason the audio was rubbish.

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

S12 Ep42: Back For Good?

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 11 May 2018 23:05:50 +0000

Stumbling around Europe I recently unearthed Antony begging on the streets of Bratislava and (for a not so small sum) agreed to reappear on the podcast.

In addition to our chat, we also have Brendan, Jack Hendry and Stephen O’Donnel from post the Killie game. I would also have had Stevie Clarke but for some reason the audio was rubbish.

Enjoy…

S12 Ep41: Magnificent 7up

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 29 Apr 2018 21:49:05 +0000

This week we celebrate the 7 in a row champions - we didn’t just win it, we won it in style!

Celtic today were absolutely bloody brilliant. From the very first minute we were up for the challenge, forcing 3 corners inside the first 5 minutes or so and anyone at the game (whatever team they support) would have known at that point that we were going home as Champions however few could have expected the utter destruction we wrought on our opponents. We destroyed them and were it not for their keeper (and us naturally taking our foot off the gas later in the game) it would have been 7 or 8.

There are so many things that can be discussed about this match in the context of the season and there are loads of things that could be said out the self denial of our opponents but the former is for another day and the latter is of no concern to us.

We were brilliant today and the team gave the fans a title party to remember. Harry chats this over with Stephen Wray (@CelticRockRoars) and we also hear from Brown, Edouard (and his translator) Callum McGregor and the Blessed Brendan.

Enjoy…

Magnificent 7up

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 29 Apr 2018 21:48:40 +0000

This week we celebrate the 7 in a row champions - we didn’t just win it, we won it in 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

Moments From The Glittering Prize

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 23:13:19 +0000

This week I am joined by Stephen Wray to discuss the Hibs game and preview the game against New Rangers. The diea behind the podcast was to keep it to just those two gmes but with the end approaching and the type of season we’ve had it’s difficult to not meander into a discussion about some of the performances this term and what players will have a “could do better” on their report card.

Despite this discussion on the frustrations of the season we do ove on to preview the game at the weekend and to give out the very latest gossip on McGinn, Gerrard, Clarke, McInnes and anything else we can think of.

We end on our upbeat predictions of scoring 3 or more in a trumphant perfomance that brings home the titel again for Scotland’s most decorated living club.

Enjoy…

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S12 Ep40: Moments From The Glittering Prize

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 27 Apr 2018 23:09:05 +0000

We end on our upbeat predictions of scoring 3 or more in a trumphant perfomance that brings home the titel again for Scotland’s most decorated living club.

Enjoy…

Big Game Players Trump Rank Rotten

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 19 Apr 2018 23:08:53 +0000

Following last week’s rather somber and critical podcast we had to get Mark Cooper back on to expound on his love of Tom Rogic and we got Hullbhoy also on to assist Mark and I with our Callum McGregor and Olivier Ntcham love-in. In addition we also take a sneaky peak into the other to marvel out how utter crap they are. To quote Hullbhoy, they are just rotten!

This podcast talks through Sunday, wonders at their ineptitude and looks forward to the Hibs game and hopefully becoming champions.

Enjoy…

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S12 Ep39: Big Game Players Trump Rank Rotten

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 19 Apr 2018 23:02:28 +0000

This week is a little self-indulgent. It is 15 minutes short of two hours long because we just wanted to revel in the glory of Sunday. Sunday wasn’t just about the score; it was about the manner of our victory. An imperious performance of a team at the top of their game who knew that we were vastly superior to our rivals. Following last week’s rather somber and critical podcast we had to get Mark Cooper back on to expound on his love of Tom Rogic and we got Hullbhoy also on to assist Mark and I with our Callum McGregor and Olivier Ntcham love-in. In addition we also take a sneaky peak into the other to marvel out how utter crap they are. To quote Hullbhoy, they are just rotten!

This podcast talks through Sunday, wonders at their ineptitude and looks forward to the Hibs game and hopefully becoming champions.

Enjoy…

S12 Ep38: Passive Passers En-Route To Treble?

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 23:29:41 +0000

This week regulars Harry & Mark Cooper are joined by a man who is no stranger to the Celtic podcast world but is a debutant on The Celtic Underground podcast, Mr Stephen Wray.

We went into the podcast to discuss the lesser quality performances of the team this season and admitted that, considering we are just 3 wins from completing a double treble that it may seem a little negative however hopefully it’s just honest analysis.

Following on from this we have a brief chat about the SPFL fixture farce and a quick preview of the game against Them.

Enjoy…

Passive Passers En-Route to Treble

The Celtic Underground — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 23:26:44 +0000

This week regulars Harry & Mark Cooper are joined by a man who is no stranger to the Celtic podcast world but is a debutant on The Celtic Underground podcast, Mr Stephen Wray.

Following on from this we have a brief chat about the SPFL fixture farce and a quick preview of the game against Them.

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

S12 Ep37: Podcast Xtra - Ross County Post Game Chat

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 31 Mar 2018 23:38:57 +0000

Today Celtic came up against Ross County and in front of a sold out Celtic Park (bar some empty seats of non attending season book holders) they ran out comfortable 3-0 victors.

It was not Ross County’s day. They gave away a silly penalty, their captain jumped on Scott Browns balls and gpt sent off and their keepr had a back spasm which resulted in him having to leave the park.

From a Celtic perspective the main players are coming back. Armstrong had a great game and was deserved man of the match, Bain was solid on the few occassions he was called upon and Dedryck Boyatta was subbed at Half Time when not injured.

It was all good fun and here is the post match chat.

Enjoy…

Podcast Xtra - Ross County Post Game Chat

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 31 Mar 2018 23:38:40 +0000

Today Celtic came up against Ross County and in front of a sold out Celtic Park (bar some empty seats of non attending season book holders) they ran out comfortable 3-0 victors.

It was all good fun and here is the post match chat.

Enjoy…

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Rosemary Burns

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 29 Mar 2018 23:25:12 +0000

This week Saint Anthony is joined by a very special guest - Rosemary Burns. Rosemary discusses her work with the Tommy Burns Skin Cancer Trust and of course life and football with Tommy. The Tommy Burns Skin Cancer Trust was founded in 2009 by the Burns family after the Celtic legend lost his battle with skin cancer on 15th May 2008.

This year will be the 10th anniversary of Tommy’s passing and the Celtic Graves Society will also be marking his passing with a ceremony to celebrate his life and all supporters are invited along to Linn Cemetery on Saturday 12th May. That will be trophy weekend so the details will be released in due course.

Enjoy…

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S12 Ep36: Rosemary Burns

The Celtic Underground — Thu, 29 Mar 2018 23:22:08 +0000

Enjoy…

Kennedy and Woods - "Better Than The Usual Stuff"

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 11:28:14 +0000

This week I am joined by two of the best football coaches working in Scottish football today - Mr Stevie Woods and Mr John Kennedy.

The two gents were generous enough to set aside an hour of their time at Lennoxtown to discuss all things football. They start with a review of their careers, their earliest memories of Celtic and what it felt like to make their pro debuts. We then move on to their current roles as coaches. John dispells the myth that he is just a defensive coach (the team defends and attacks as one unit so apparently there’s no such thing) and Stevie provides an insight into what value a goalkeeping coach adds.

The podcast could have lasted another hour so if I didn’t ask your burning question apologies but time ran out. I thoroughly enjoyed it, so did they and i hope you will too.

Enjoy…

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S12 Ep35: Kennedy & Woods - "Better than the usual stuff"

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 17 Mar 2018 11:24:20 +0000

This week I am joined by two of the best football coaches working in Scottish football today - Mr Stevie Woods and Mr John Kennedy.

The podcast could have lasted another hour so if I didn’t ask your burning question apologies but time ran out. I thoroughly enjoyed it, so did they and i hope you will too.

Enjoy…

Its All About Celtic

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 10 Mar 2018 10:12:39 +0000

Sunday sees another Glasgow Derby game and this one is againts the newets Glasgow team in top flight football, the one who have never beaten us over 90 minutes. Their recent status might explain why, despite having a large support, they cheer getting the cup draw against the giants of Scottish football.

Brendan also has quite a good record against this team with 8 games played, 6 victories and two draws. I ronically the two draws have come at home however he was twice managed to have a team score 5 goals in a game aganist Them.

We were hoping for a longer podcast this week however work, life and cancellations curtailed the planned podcast. That was followed by the hope of a 20 minute chat with St Anthony but as you will hear, we were at the Glasgow Harp 30th Anniversary dinner and stepped outside for a chat, then two drunk people decided to stand 10 feet apart and have a shouted coversation. Then we went outside and it was f’n freezing. It basically turned into - what would you’re team be and what will the score be.

In the end we have a 20 minute pod, with Brendan and me asking my first ever question at a press conference (because I was fed up with Rangers chat).

Enjoy…

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S12 Ep34: It's All About Celtic

The Celtic Underground — Sat, 10 Mar 2018 10:07:10 +0000

In the end we have a 20 minute pod, with Brendan and me asking my first ever question at a press conference (because I was fed up with Rangers chat).

Enjoy…

S12 Ep33: Brendan Bristles At Morton First Half

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 21:46:27 +0000

Celtic defeated Morton 3-0 on Saturday to progress to the Semi-finals of the Scottish Cup. Apart from a sprightly first 15 minutes the game was all Celtic however the first half may have had dominance, but it was pretty dull and passive football. I’m not sure it comes across in the audio but it was clear in the press conference that Brendan was very unhappy with the first half performance and I understand he made that pretty clear in the dressing room at half-time.

He made changes to the side and once again, with Edouard playing just off Dembele, the team suddenly looked a lot more threatening.

Following the tie Compper, Brendan and Jim Duffy were the people at the post game press conference (Marvin being honest enough to admit he was rusty for the first part of the game). As this is uploaded we know that we will once again take on Scottish football’s newest top flight club. Hopefully Brendan will continue his semi-final record against that club.

Enjoy…

Brendan Bristles At Morton First Half

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 04 Mar 2018 21:44:22 +0000

He made changes to the side and once again, with Edouard playing just off Dembele, the team suddenly looked a lot more threatening.

Enjoy…

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S12 Ep32: Previewing Morton - 3 Wins From History?

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 02 Mar 2018 19:45:18 +0000

Following the postponement of the Dundee game midweek and the freezing temperatures across the central belt, there had been an expectation among many that the Morton cup game this Saturday would be off. But it isn’t so we needed a podcast.

There has been quite a bit of debate online about whether the game should proceed and I was in that camp however the roads and pavements around Celtic Park have been much worse this season for other games and the police, SFA and Celtic have agreed the game should be played so here we are. We have my wee ramble followed by chat from Brendan and Kristopher Ajer

Enjoy…

Previewing Morton - 3 Wins From History

The Celtic Underground — Fri, 02 Mar 2018 19:43:03 +0000

Enjoy…

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Podcast Xtra - St Johnstone Borefest

The Celtic Underground — Sun, 18 Feb 2018 22:33:31 +0000

This week we have another Podcast Xtra with the thoughts of Brendan and the St Johnstone guys following the borefest at Celtic Park this Sunday.

We have the Brendan post match thoughts along with the comments of the St Johnstone manager and a player who I’ve no Idea who he is. The fact that ST Johnstone have players and I don’t know who they are, that not one of them would get a starting game for us and that every player in our team would start for them says A LOT more about pur performance that anything I could say on this podcast.

What I do do on the pod is have a little rant about sympathy reffing of wee teams in Scotland. We were crap today and the ref was not the reason however I am getting fed up with fouls being given but cards not and the consequences of this bad refereeing habit.

Anyway, here’s hoping Thursday night makes today’s bore worthwhile.

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