31 August 2012

Those of you who have become privy to my true identity will know that I neither look like Jessica Ennis, or run like her. I'm more what you might call a vintage tractor when stood against a finely honed athlete. I tend to lumber instead of sprint. I'm sure there is nothing that can't be put right with a decent re-bore and nipple greasing!! But there you have it. I'm no runner. So when I looked down at the tickets I had just purchased from the Celtic Superstore in Glasgow city centre, imagine my panic when I saw the kick-off time was 1.30pm and not the usual 3.00pm!!
  We were, as you may have gathered by now, on our annual 'jolly' to Scotland and we had decided to spend this particular Saturday in Glasgow, making use of the combined ferry and rail tickets from our base near Dunoon. Well it was less bother than taking the car. The 'boy' and myself were keen to take in the Celtic v Inter Milan pre-season friendly, and once the tickets had been bought we descended on a nearby Costa for some relaxed refreshment. As we sat supping the frothy double chocca-moccha's, in keen anticipation of the game, and the good lady in keen anticipation of the shops, I was made aware of the afor-mentioned early kick-off. "Blast, bother and blithering blunders!!", I said, making the 'boy' fumble his doughnut, "What time is it!!"
The good lady pulled the cuff of her blouse back, surveyed her Swiss chronometer and, in languid fashion, declared it 12.10pm!!
  "Excuse me young miss," I said, almost being had up for grabbing a young and somewhat easy on the eye girl employee of said Costa, "How do we get to Celtic's football ground. "Och", yes she really did say, och, "It's about two mile up the London Road. Ye canna miss it!"  Blurting our farewells to the good lady, 'the boy' and I sped from the coffee house and sped like rabbits along the London Road. Well, I sped like a rabbit for a few yards before I was forced to be realistic and slowed to a fast walk, wheezing as I strode.
  It transpired that the early kick-off was to avoid a clash with two Olympic Games fixtures being played at nearby Hampden Park. Surprisingly we actually got to the ground around one o'clock, so were still able to savour the very special atmosphere that surrounds this beautiful, historic stadium. Programmes purchased, we headed for the main entrance to look at the statues that have been put over recent years. One is of the Catholic priest who helped found the club in 1886 and the other is of Jock Stein, who was manager when Celtic became the the first British club to win the European Cup in 1967. It was quite touching to see that both statues had been draped in green and white scarves. Incidentally, when Celtic won the European Cup, all those years ago, each player was born within thirty miles of Celtic Park! Amazing, eh? I can't see that happening again in a hurry.
  The opposition in that final was Inter Milan, and today's friendly against the Milanese was to be something of a celebration of that triumph. After negotiating unmanned turnstiles (you have to slip your ticket into a little slot), we took our seats in the "Lisbon Lions Stand." The portuguese capitol is where the 67' final was played - and several players from that game did a lap of honour with a replica of the European Cup before the kick-off of the friendly. There was a really good atmosphere amongst the 20,000 attendance. There was lots of jolly Irish music (Celtic are also known as the team of the Irish immigrants), and the huge stadium pulsed to the excitement of the crowd. In fairness, it was a half decent game for a friendly. Celtic had one or two out through injury, but the Greek international ,Samaras had a good game and Chris Commons scored with an excellent right foot volley to put the home side ahead just before half time. Milan were full of internationals, but didn't make much in the way of chances until almost the last minute, when the ball was bundled over the line after the Celtic keeper had made an excellent save.
  It had been an excellent way to start the new season and the walk back into the city was far more relaxed. The Celtic fans were really friendly, one or two noticing our Deeping Rangers tops and wanting to know all about them.
 The following day we watched Rangers play their first game as a division three club at Brechin City. This was on BBC Alba, the Gaelic version of BBC1, and we couldn't help being struck by how similar Brechin's ground was to the 'Theatre of Dreams' at Outgang Road. There must have been at least three occasions when the ball got lodged on top of the hedge that surrounds the pitch. We half expected to see Dave come round with his ladder!! But honestly, it makes you think doesn't it? Rangers in Division Three of the Scottish League!!
  Today we welcome Desborough Town, or 'Ar Tarn' as they are fondly known. We look forward to the usual keen tussle for points and wish them a very safe journey home after the game.
 
C'MONYOURANGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!