Football Without Fans – Johnstone No.1 CSC

Johnstone No.1 CSC…

Founded in 1945 by a group of local men whose names have been lost in the midst of time, who were aware of the large number of people who travelled regularly to watch Celtic. The supporters bus initially left from the Black Bull Inn before moving to Floors St. in the town centre and was referred to as Johnstone CSC.

Later, the bus moved a short distance away and left from the Paddock Bar. It then became known for many years as the ‘Paddock Bus.’ Over the last 50 years, the bus carried members to many of the club’s triumphs, like the St Mungo’s Cup, Coronation Cup, 7-1 League Cup Final, 9 in a row, centenary season, and many great European finals and games.

They have held many fundraising functions over the years and been privileged to welcome Jock Stein, Kenny Dalglish, Paul McStay, Tommy Burns, and Charlie Nicholas, who all received a good Johnstone welcome. The bus has always had good support from surrounding areas, and for many years, it has picked up members in Howwood and Linwood.

In 1975, the bus became a travel club, which meant that members paid a set amount every week, even if they could not attend a match, which helped keep costs down. This gave the club a steady income to help build a strong base. At one time, they had over 100 members and travelled home and away, especially enjoying weekends in Aberdeen, where wives and girlfriends came along too. At various times over the years, the club’s fortunes have fluctuated, sharing buses with local Linwood clubs when times were hard.

When all-seater stadiums were introduced, the number of tickets received by the club plummeted, and travelling to away games became no longer viable. For many years, they have travelled to home games only.

One of their famous members was ex-Celtic player Jim Kennedy, who was a local. In recent years, they have been known as Johnstone No.1 CSC.

They have had many characters in the club, one of whom was Jimmy Anderson, who saw Johnny Thomson’s first game. Also, the club’s first woman member, Margaret McVittie nee Murney, is still about and proud of that accolade. Margaret was presented with a silver salver by director Willie Haughey at their 50th anniversary dance in recognition of this. At the present time, the club is in a good place with 40 members and is financially strong, with members travelling to every home game. Recently, they have launched club merchandise, which seems to have gone down well.

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 tomorrow on The Celtic Star, the Celtic supporters website. Will it be your CSC that’s featured?