Javier Sanchez Broto, a short term keeper who could have been so much more…
“Celtic is a spectacular club. In Spain, they don’t even know half of how football is experienced there. Until I got there, I’d never been to such a big club. It’s something incredible.” Javier Sanchez Broto
Javier Sanchez Broto, remember him? The Spanish goalkeeper signed by Martin O’Neill from Livingston on a short term contract back in early 2003. Javier is still remembered fondly by the supporters despite leaving the club twenty years ago and making only ten first team appearances.
The Spaniard was something of a surprise signing after joining as cover with both Rab Douglas and Magnus Hedman struggling with injury. It was of course the season we reached the UEFA Cup Final in Seville, but unfortunately for Javier – and perhaps for Celtic – he was cup tied for the tournament.
He did however make a few appearances in the league most notably coming on as a sub for Rab Douglas at Ibrox in a 2-1 victory in the game famously dubbed as ‘Beachball Sunday’.
Despite it being a memorable season we still finished empty handed. Javier eventually left the club at the end of the season despite being offered a longer contract and he headed back home to Spain to sign for Real Murcia.
Real Murcia were relegated the following season with Javier rarely playing. If only he hung around for longer. He could have put pressure on Rab Douglas for the number one jersey and even got to play in the Champions League.
It’s a case of what might have been for Javier and indeed for Celtic.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
Come and join The Celtic Star live at the Kerrydale Suite at Celtic Park during the International break…
John Hartson will be just one of many special guests at a huge and unique Celtic Star event to be held in the Kerrydale Suite at Celtic Park on Thursday, 19 October 2023. Tables for 10 at £180 or individual tickets priced just £20 for this special evening can be purchased now via Celtic Star Books.
Meanwhile here’s Matt Corr talking about his latest Celtic Star book on The Celtic Exchange Podcast…
Majic, Stan and the King of Japan is out in Friday 20 October and is available to order now HERE.
The Celtic Star presents a night with special guests including John Hartson and Tommy Callaghan at the Kerrydale on Thursday 19 October…more guests to be added today!
There’s no Celtic action for a few weeks due the latest international break, but you can still come along to Celtic Park on Thursday 19 October – on the anniversary of Hampden in the Sun, Celtic 7 Rangers 1…to join The Celtic Star team live in the Kerrydale with special guests including John Hartson and Tommy Callaghan as we launch Matt Corr’s new book ‘Majic, Stan and the King of Japan’ which tells the story of Gordon Strachan’s first season at Celtic and we’ll have the trophies Celtic won that season there too!
There’s live music from the wonderful Boolavogue and many more Celtic guests coming along which we’ll start to announce tomorrow. Tickets are selling fast so get yours now, just click on the image below and we’ll see you in the Kerrydale. It’s going to be some night and a great Celtic fix during the international break!
