Maurice Johnston – Will Celtic Fans Ever Forgive Him?
Redheads are not easily forgotten, but one in particular left an indelible mark, (or scar), on the global Celtic diaspora. I watched with more than a little interest as one, Maurice Johnston lit up Firhill with a plethora of goals from 1979, (the year Ten Men Won The League), until 1983, (the year Charlie Nicholas said ‘good bye’ to Celtic with a two-goal salvo at Ibrox in another 4-2 victory).
He played for Elton John’s Watford
The in-demand striker then decanted down south to join Elton John’s beloved Watford, scoring 23 goals in 38 appearances for the Hornets in his singular season at Vicarage Road.
The Scottish footballing community were in love with him and willed him to score at Wembley when Elton’s Rocket Men reached the 1984 FA Cup Final. However, Andy Gray was the Scot who made the headlines by netting a trademark header in a 2-0 win for Everton, and the Cup travelled north to Goodison Park in Merseyside.
Johnston was the talk of the town, and Andy Roxburgh gave him the first of his 38 Scotland caps. In dark blue, he netted 14 times, despite being excluded by the then, Sir-less, Alex Ferguson, from the 1986 World Cup Squad in Mexico. Indulging himself in a late-night session with Frank McAvennie inn the Scots team hotel was the first of many unwise events in the life of the maverick, but missing out on the World Cup was an early warning he did not heed.
Some player he was.
But, no, zero chance of forgiveness.
I can still picture him wearin the Celtic top and smilin for the cameras as if he’d signed for us again.
Devastated when he U turned.
The hurt we all felt, & still feel, at that betrayal shows just how good a player he was.
Similar to wee MacGeady no playin for Scotland. If he wasnae a good player, we wouldnae care.
Will never forgive that man never
Can never forgive or forget that ultimate betrayal but maybe you go have to admire the coup from Rangers
Good read Eddie, I’m another non forgiver re Petite Merde.
PS. Glasgow to London is about 420 miles, not 800.
Whats with this “Flymo ” pish his name is JUDAS .
It wasn’t really about him … although I detest his type of character… it is what he done to Billy… a more honest man you couldn’t meet … so to see Johnstone sitting sniggering with Souness after back stabbing a man that put his faith in him is what got me… how much of a fool Billy must have felt for trusting him … he’s a weasel and Souness is a con man and Johnstone will always be celebrated by the other side for what he done to a manager, club and fans that believed in him… he was used in as pawn in Sounesses humiliation of Celtic…but I’m sure he can live with hime=self that type always can ???
Not forgiven but the Judas rat is well forgotten.
What sort of man gives his word one week to the legend that was Billy McNeill , then hasn’t got the manners to tell the man he has changed his mind. Made all of the Celtic hierarchy look like fools. Has never apologised for taking the 1 million pieces of silver signing on fee. He will never be forgiven. Utter scumbag
I couldn’t care less about Mo Johnston. I’m sure he has his regrets in life as most of us do. It’s all about the future and, as a Celtic supporter, Mo Johnston is not part of it so there is very little value in going over that whole episode.