Five memorable Celtic moments, with a nod to the late Celtic Historian and Celtic Star legend David Potter, on this day starting on 23 November 1918…
ONE – SATURDAY 23 NOVEMBER 1918 – Celtic and Partick Thistle attract 25,000 to Firhill to see Celtic’s first fixture since the Armistice was signed on 11 November. Celtic win 1-0 through a Patsy Gallacher goal, but the main topic of conversation is the health of Jimmy McMenemy who is reported as still dangerously ill with the Spanish flu which has been sweeping Europe all through 1918. The strain which Napoleon has caught is described as being of a “particularly virulent nature”.
TWO – SATURDAY 23 NOVEMBER 1963 – The world is still reeling from the assassination of President John F Kennedy last night, but the football season continues and Celtic turn on a first class performance to beat Kilmarnock 5-0 with a hat-trick from John Hughes and one each from John Divers and Jimmy Johnstone. A one minute silence was held at all Scottish grounds and was preserved impeccably except for at Dunfermline where some Rangers fans were castigated in the Press for booing because John F Kennedy was a Roman Catholic!
THREE – WEDNESDAY 23 NOVEMBER 1983 – Celtic have a good night at the City Ground, Nottingham with a 0-0 draw against Brian Clough’s side. There is a minor pitch invasion but that seems to have been caused by overcrowding rather than hooliganism. Near the end, Paul McStay comes close, but a goalless draw gives Celtic the initiative.
FOUR – SATURDAY 23 NOVEMBER 1985 – The team of the season so far has proved to be Hearts, surprisingly, but it is the other Edinburgh team Hibs who are Celtic’s opponents today, and they draw 1-1 with Celtic at Parkhead. Celtic played well in the second half and scored through Mo Johnston, but seemed to lack concentration and commitment in the second half, and Gordon Chisholm nipped in to score for Hibs.
FIVE – WEDNESDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2011 – Dunfermline Athletic often put up a reasonable fight at Celtic Park, and tonight is no exception but it is still a disappointing experience for the support who watched their team go two goals up from Gary Hooper and James Forrest, but then tail off (Ki misses a penalty) and almost throw it all away when Dunfermline pull one back late in the game. But 2-1 it is, and Celtic are now closing in on Rangers. More pertinently and urgently for the Ibrox side, so too is HMRC!
Last orders for Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter
Last remaining copies of Celtic in the Eighties – get your copy now before it’s too late! Here’s what you get…
- David Potter’s beautifully produced hardback book, the Celtic Historian final work before his passing. Your copy will also be personally signed by Celtic legend Danny McGrain!
- You’ll also receive a complimentary copy of another brilliant David Potter book – Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style.
Order Celtic in the Eighties from Celtic Star Books and we’ll automatically add Putting on the Style. Please note postage will only be charged on one book so there is no cost to you at all for the Willie Fernie biography.
These two books combined will make a brilliant Christmas present!
