FORMER CELTIC STAR Mark Reid posted this image on social media earlier in the week, showing him in action for Celtic in Amsterdam against Ajax. That was a famous old night for the Celtic supporters who were there or those back home trying to find out the score – it wasn’t even on the telly!
Just got sent this great photo from all those years ago v Ajax . pic.twitter.com/ndjb2PHWWO
— Mark (@MarkReid61) September 6, 2018
We interviewed Mark back in May as part of Scotty Alcroft’s excellent 10IAR feature. It’s maybe worthwhile having a look at that. We’ve also got another article about supporters watching the game in Amsterdam and we’ll dig that out this morning too.
Mark Reid played under Billy McNeill and Davie Hay in the 1980s. He played mostly in the Left Back position but he was very versatile and found himself in midfield as well at times. Mark was a bit of a Penalty King and he touches on that during his interview.
Asking the questions as ever is The Celtic Star reporter Scotty Alcroft. Here is Mark Reid’s Ten In A Row #10IAR…
You were a product of Celtic Boys Club Mark, what other players that we’ll all know, were in the Boys club at that time?
Yes that’s right Scott. I signed with the Bhoys full time in September 1977 but signed an S Form in 75 and the players that everbody will be familiar with is the likes of Charlie Nicholas, Willie McStay and Danny Crainie and a few of us pushed on to the Reserves after that time.
You then went on to Captain the reserve side and then broke into the first team. What can you remember about being told you were going up to the first team?
When the team is not doing well then that’s when you’re going to get your chance. As far as my debut was concerned, the first team had lost a few games and there were murmurings that myself and a few others would be involved in the first team.
Your full debut was against Dundee Utd at Tannadice, what are your memories of that day?
I remember it well! The game itself was like a dream. There was a massive crowd and Dundee Utd were full of good players. It was a great atmosphere and I did well.
Who were the characters in that first team dressing room? Any funny stories?
We had many characters in the squad like Johnny Doyle, Tommy Burns and later on Frank McGarvey. There were certainly some fun moments.
You went on to make the left back position your own under Billy McNeill but you made your name as the “Penalty King” at Celtic. Was that a skill that you were always good at?
Since school I had always taken the penalties so it was a natural progression I would say. I won a penalty competition when I was 15 and won a trip to the Olympics.
Who was your biggest inspiration at Celtic and why?
My biggest inspiration at Celtic has to be Danny McGrain. In in his prime, he was the best.
What was your proudest achievement at Celtic?
My proudest achievement is a that I played for Celtic and have given my family some great things to look back on.
When Davie Hay replaced Cesar, you didn’t feature as much. Was there a falling out with Davie or did he just not fancy you?
David Hay just made a decision which as a manager he has to do. He did eventually bring me back in to the team.
Charlton Athletic then came calling, were you devastated to leave Celtic?
The time was right to move on, I was in and out at the end and my move to Charlton proved to be a great time in my career.
Finally Mark, what do you think of the current Celtic side and the job that Brendan Rodgers is doing?
Brendan Rodgers has brought a style to the club which I love, the team are great to watch again.
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