‘Harry Hood: Twice As Good’ – Invincible author Matt Corr on writing his second Celtic book

Introducing “Harry Hood: Twice as good!” the second Celtic book by Matt Corr, published later this year by Celtic Star Books…

Thought we’d catch up with Matt Corr as he’s been very quiet of late as far as posting on The Celtic Star. Of course we are well aware of the reason why that’s been the case but we thought we should update you guys. Matt did pop onto the site this morning to mention the Celtic Icons series from Celtic Curio and that led to this wee exchange…

I enjoyed your Celtic Curio Icons feature this morning on The Celtic Star. You’ve been conspicuous by your absence on the site recently. Why is that? 

I know. I miss doing that stuff, to be honest. Purely down to pressure of work. For pretty much all of this year I have been working on the biography of Harry Hood, titled “Harry Hood: Twice as Good”.  I probably underestimated the amount of work involved in researching, speaking with folk from all aspects of Harry’s life and, of course, writing it. It’s a 6.30am start and I’m still working at bedtime, most if not every day as things stand. So, a few other things have simply had to make way.

So, what inspired you to write Harry Hood: Twice as Good? And can we get an exclusive  sneak preview of the cover?

Yes, of course! Harry was from my neck of the woods and was a big part of Celtic at a time I was growing up, following the Bhoys every week on the supporters’ bus, where several of the men were neighbours or friends of the family. So, I guess I’ve always been fascinated by him. The book itself happened by chance. I had written an article to acknowledge the anniversary of his hat-trick against Rangers, and as usual with me, the initial plan for a two-part piece grew arms and legs. The family seemed to like it, and from memory someone made a throwaway comment about a book or printed version of the articles. We started to talk and suddenly the book was a goer.

The Marie Curie involvement will be appreciated by many supporters, we hear that you’re getting your running shoes out too?

Hopefully, yes. Marie Curie is a cause close to the hearts of the Hood family for fairly obvious reasons, as it is to many of us, my own family included. When we suggested a nominated charity the family very quickly chose them, and the folk at Marie Curie were over the moon. In addition to receiving £1 from every sale of the book, I’m looking at what else can be done. As things stand, I will be running the Chicago Marathon to raise some more money for them in October. The current travel restrictions in the USA are the reason I’m saying hopefully. My gut feeling is that I will be there, and I am squeezing in a training run every weekend at the moment on that basis.

Getting closer… https://t.co/G8IJBrFD6y

— Harry Hood: Twice as good (@HarryHoodBook) August 7, 2021

As many readers will know, you are one of the brilliant Celtic Park Tour Guides, are you back at Paradise conducting tours and if so, what’s changed since before the pandemic?

We were back at the stadium fairly recently to go through training on the various protocols required given the current situation. It was brilliant to be back there. The current tours take in the stadium bowl itself, which is the main difference I guess from before. That allows a perspective which few people ever see and for the stadium itself to act as the backdrop for the history to be shared. Quite different and really enjoyable.

Celtic Park will be rocking this evening with a near capacity crowd in attendance (the main stand closed due to the protocols). Are you looking forward to being back inside the ground on a big European night?

Can’t wait. I’m like big kid. Struggled to concentrate for most of this morning, to be honest. Really looking forward to walking back in there with my kids. Going to be really emotional. Very special.

What’s your early impressions of Ange Postecoglou, The Celtic Star has started calling him the Australian Stein, do you see the similarities?

Since the talk of his appointment, I’ve pretty much kept an open mind. I wasn’t familiar with him from his previous roles, so I guess I reserved judgement to a large extent. I like the way he conducts himself and the display on Sunday gave me real hope that we might be on to something. I’m cautious by nature and I’ve seen a few false dawns over the years, so I think it’s very early to be comparing Ange to anyone at this early stage, never mind the greatest manager in our history, who won so much.

You’ve just set up a new Twitter account for Harry Hood: Twice as Good, how’s that going and what’s the idea behind doing that?

Yes, we set this up just last week and I’ve been really encouraged by the early response. We’re approaching 500 followers already. Idea is to share photos and information around Harry’s career, his life and of course the book itself. Raise some awareness and let folk know where we are with it, in terms of timing, and what sort of content to expect. I’m getting some brilliant anecdotes as well, which tie in neatly with the work I’ve done, and the site has allowed me to hook up with some lovely folk, including one of Harry’s cousins and an old school friend. I’m really pleased with it so far.

Your debut book was Invincible (proper it was too) but how have you developed since writing that and what’s different about your style and approach? Will Harry Hood be Twice as Good as Invincible?

(Laughs) I’ll let the folk who read it be the judge of how good it is. From my perspective, this has allowed me to take my writing to a different level, in terms of research and approach. This is a book about one of my football idols, which will hopefully serve as a legacy for Harry and something which I desperately hope his family will enjoy and be proud of. If I get that right, then I have succeeded. I’m really happy with how it’s shaping up. I’ve put absolutely everything into getting it just right.

When is Twice as Good coming out, will it be hardback or paperback and will it be available at the Celtic stores?’

‘Harry Hood: Twice As Good’ is due for publication in late October. It will be a beautiful hardback book. The cover is already complete and looks brilliant. And yes, it will be available in all the Celtic stores and the online store too. The club has been really supportive. We’ll also sell it via The Celtic Star and Amazon, as with the other books published so far,  Invincible (by Matt Corr), Walfrid & The Bould Bhoys, (by Liam Kelly, David Potter and Matt Corr)  and Alec McNair – Celtic’s Icicle (by David Potter).

Follow Harry Hood: Twice As Good on Twitter HERE.

Here are the earlier books published by Celtic Star Books – all beautifully presented, high quality  hard back titles and all are still available to order, although the Walfrid & The Bould Bhoys book has very few copies remaining (down to single figures).  Click on the image below to order any of the three books shown.

Harry Hood: Twice As Good is the biggest book we’ve published – a real door stopper – and will be available to pre-order from next month.