It was recently announced that Celtic will host Preston North End at Paradise on 17 July. This match is a re-run of an encounter in August 1974, when the two sides met in Glasgow. With that fixture in mind, today’s photo of the day shows Bobby Charlton leading the Preston players out, being applauded by Danny McGrain, Kenny Dalglish and the vast majority of Celtic supporters.
Celtic will play Preston in pre season. Here’s a pic of a friendly we played against them in 1974. Bobby Charlton scored for them that that day, in a 2-1 for the English side. 3 legends in this photo pic.twitter.com/esdCuhzyYY
— Liam Kelly (@cfcliamk96) May 27, 2021
Charlton had recently relinquished his managerial duties at the English club by this point, but continued as a player alongside the legendary Nobby Stiles. Bobby was the star attraction for the game and duly scored the winner in a 2-1 victory for Preston, something which brought great cheers from the home crowd, such was the esteem in which the Celtic fans held Charlton. However, the match also stood out for many further reasons.
Firstly, Celtic broke from tradition by wearing the green and black striped away kit for a home game. This enabled Preston to wear their famous all white kit. Much more bizarre though, was the fact that this fixture took place 24 hours before the Bhoys had a Drybrough Cup Final against Rangers (Celtic won that game 4-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw). Many changes were made for the friendly as a result, but Dalglish started both matches. The final oddity was that Celtic scored straight from kick off when Andy Lynch headed home a long ball after 30 seconds.
I travelled upto Glasgow with my next door neighbour. I was only 15. We stayed with his relatives in Paisley. I’m going to the game in July, covid restrictions permitting, it’s my Birthday weekend. Fingers crossed I’ll be there.
Hope you’re able to attend. I’d say Celtic Park would have changed somewhat since that visit!