Houston Bobby Lennox CSC…

Founded in February 1997 by John McAloon and Jim Clark. John had spent more than 20 years in the United States with very little opportunity to see Celtic games. Jim, on the other hand, had recently arrived from Scotland and could not imagine life without seeing Celtic play.

The two major obstacles to overcome were finding more Celtic supporters and finding a pub to open up at 9 a.m. for them to view live games. Gradually, a handful of fellow supporters were located, and the second obstacle was overcome when the Claddagh Irish Pub opened its doors in January 1997.

This became their venue for live Celtic games in Houston. The last day of the season against St. Johnstone at Parkhead to stop the ten is etched forever in their memories. Early apprehension gave way to relief with Henrik Larsson’s early goal. Eventually, a long, hard-fought league campaign was over. The celebrations went on long and hard that day in the Claddagh.

The casual visitor stopping by for a pint would have been forgiven for wondering what this maniacal celebration was all about. Total strangers were being hugged and drawn into the party. This was Celtic in far-flung Houston, Texas, celebrating the return of the Scottish League flag to Paradise.

Towards the end of that season, they received a donation courtesy of Renfrewshire Electronics Ltd. for use of their private box at Celtic Park for the first Old Firm game of the 1998–99 season. They raffled this in Houston and at the Federation Convention in Las Vegas to raise money for their club.

The draw was made by Celtic legend of the 1950s Willie Fernie, and it was won by members of the Ottawa CSC. In the long tradition of Celtic, they decided that 20% of the proceeds would go to charity. Consequently, they made donations to cancer research. They also made donations to the Star of Hope Mission in Downtown Houston.

The club decided to change their name in honour of a great Celt, Lisbon Lion, and Houston Hurricane player. With his kind permission, they are pleased to be called Houston Bobby Lennox CSC.

Bobby told them he was honoured they had named the club after him. They told Bobby, ‘The honour is ours, and we will try to live up to the name.’ Members over the years include Richard McGregor, Peter Combe, Pearse Flynn, John Fortucci, and Lila Greeson. George McCluskey is a club ambassador. They are currently based in the Phoenix on Westheimer on Westheimer Road.

Houston knows Glasgow is green and white
🍀🏆@HoustonCSC pic.twitter.com/scEj3WhhoP

— Fran Alonso (@FranAlonsoFA) May 25, 2024

An extract from Football Without Fans – The History of Celtic Supporters Clubs by David McIntyre (Celtic Bars). Football Without Fans – The History of Celtic Supporters Clubs is out now and available in print and kindle versions HERE.

More from Football Without Fans this week on The Celtic Star, the Celtic supporters website. Will it be your CSC that’s featured?