He even offered me a can of beer adding, “Don’t worry, I won’t tell your Da!” Needless to say, I refused his offer as I was a bit straightlaced in those days and anyway, I wanted to play for Celtic in a few years’ time and you don’t drink beer if you want to play for Celtic!
We walked through the winding road where the old prefab houses used to be and made our way through the turnstile and into the North Terrace of Hampden Park. We were in the family section and I’m pretty sure the price of my child ticket was £1.00. Yes, £1.00 for a cup final ticket. Mental! The family section was a mixed area with fans of both teams, but it was mostly Celtic supporters that day.
The stadium filled up and the place looked incredible in the sunshine. The pipers were in full flow on the pitch which looked fantastic with the stripes cropped into the surface. A full house of over 74,000 spectators with the colours, the flags and the fans in full voice. Perfect.
The teams came out and, as usual, lined up in front of the Main Stand. There was a surprise in the Celtic goals that day as Pat Bonner – who had been struggling with an injury all week, that news kept quiet by Celtic – was replaced by Allen McKnIght. Out came the red cards for Maggie Thatcher and then we were off!
1988: Dennis Thatcher and Margaret Thatcher during the Scottish Cup Final match between Celtic and Dundee United at Hampden. Celtic won the match 2-1. Photo Allsport UK/Allsport
Celtic kicked off and we were up and running, the Celtic fans chanting “Championees, championees, ole, ole, ole!” in celebration of our League title victory only a few weeks earlier.
I mind it well… but I mind more the scary surge to get through the turnstyle’s before kick-off!!