This book is sub-titled ‘A History of Celtic-related Incidents and Events’ and even that doesn’t seem to capture the huge range of stories which are contained in over 370 pages, dating from the club’s earliest days through to the present era. It’s a munchie box of Celtic goodies with something for every Celtic fan from the first charity football matches organised by Brother Walfrid in Bridgeton through to Celtic’s first attempts at floodlights in 1893 to the Celtic player who won the Victoria Cross for bravery, speedway and cycling at Celtic Park and the comical red card that Johnny Doyle received away at Ayr in the 1970s as well as the passport woes of Efe Ambrose.
This is author Liam Kelly’s second book and comes two years after his commendable debut, ‘Our Stories and Our Songs.’ Once again Liam has demonstrated some impressive research skills and an eye for a good story. There are moments of sadness along the way but tales of the Johnstone Vigilante Committee, the infamous Kenny Dalglish conference in Baird’s Bar, Peperabi and the demise of Tiger Tim as Celtic’s stadium announcer are the tasty highlights of this impressive selection. There are few other places where you will read incendiary tales of Celtic Park going up in smoke, CS gas cannisters at Easter Road and Celtic’s first-ever major cup final abandoned due to a heavy snowfall in the one sitting. The book has everything.
Most of the 70+ stories are bite-sized but there are few chunky pieces to sink your teeth into also. All sorts of Celtic names, famous and little-known, past and present, come flying off the pages: Willie Maley, James Kelly, Pat ‘Tailor’ Welsh, Mohammed Salim, Willie Angus, Johnny Campbell, Glen Daly, Peter Scarff, Charlie Tully, Jorge Cadete, Neil Lennon and (boo! Hiss!) even Judas Johnston.
It’s a refreshing and welcome look at Celtic history which will appeal to fans of all ages. Liam’s new book won’t just satisfy your appetite for all things Celtic – it will leave you hungry for more. A fine achievement.
The Shamrock rating: 7/10
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