Celtic are back at Paradise tonight to celebrate one club man and club legend James Forrest. After what seems an eternity, when in reality it’s been only a few months, Brendan Rodgers’ side host Basque club Atheltic Club ahead of this weekend’s Premiership opener against Ross County.
No football is a slog. Saturday afternoons or Sunday afternoons which is more likely when it involves us, aren’t the same without the beautiful game, but thankfully it is now back. Saturday is of course when the real action kicks off, and tonight is not just an appetiser but it also gives us the chance to pay homage to one club man and Celtic legend James Forrest.
Yes Celtic legend, you heard correctly. Some strangely seem to have a problem with that and sneer at the mere mention of it.
But James is, whether his critics like it or not. I can’t fathom why anyone in the Celtic support would treat one of their own that way, but they do. James has had to deal with it for most of his career, sadly.
Thankfully the majority of the support don’t feel that way and rank him alongside the greats to play for this club. Which will be noticeable tonight when paradise is packed to the rafters.
James has won 23 honours at the club. He’s made 467 appearances for the club scoring 101 goals while providing as many assists. Only two other players in the club’s history have done just that, and that is none other than Jimmy Johnstone and Henrik Larsson.
James is in iconic company with those stats. Not to mention being part of the record-equalling nine-in-a-row side and winner of five trebles. He’s scored vital European goals, he’s scored in cup finals, three league cup ones to be exact. The man has more than done his bit for the club and more.
There are still tickets on sale for those that have not already purchased.
💚4⃣9⃣ The countdown continues as we get set to celebrate One Club Man, James Forrest at his Testimonial Match tonight!
It’s a 7:30pm kick-off at Celtic Park as the Bhoys, led by Brendan Rodgers, return to Paradise together for the first time to face @Athletic_en 🟢⚪⤵
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) August 1, 2023
James Forrest will forever be in my eyes a Celtic legend.A lot of fans undervalue him but he has been a fantastic player and ambassador for our great club.Enjoy your night James Forrest you deserve it and I’m sure the charities that will benefit will be of the same opinion.