Every week, thousands of Celtic fans remind the sporting world that “most of the football greats have passed through Parkhead’s gates,” and they’re right to do so. Celtic have had some fantastic players throughout the decades, from the Lisbon Lions and Quality Street Gang to the Bhoys of Seville and the Invincibles. However, there have also been a multitude of superstars to have donned the hoops without signing permanently for the club, and some have even done so without playing at Paradise. Today’s photo of the day focuses on one such occasion.
Celtic were invited to provide the opposition for the testimonial of Liverpool’s Ron Yeats. Taking place at Anfield on 13 May 1974, the Celts dismantled the English giants 4-1. An army of 10,000 travelling fans enjoyed celebrating goals from Victor Davidson, Bobby Lennox, Harry Hood and then Preston North End manager – a certain Bobby Charlton!
At the age of 36, Charlton was wanting to prepare for a playing comeback at Preston and Jock Stein was only too happy to field the World Cup winner as a guest. The Englishman found the net with a trademark powerful right footed shot in the 17th minute, his goal giving Celtic the lead in the process.
The game was a great event for the 29,000 spectators and a match that pleased both Stein and Shankly for the spirit in which it was played. A great occasion, when another football great wore the hoops.
Liam Kelly
Keep up to date on Twitter @HarryHoodBook
