‘Said Lizzie to Philip,’ The story of how Celtic gatecrashed the Coronation

‘Just had a note from an old friend of mine,’ and it’s about the launch of a long awaited Celtic book on one of the most celebrated cup victories in our history.

Said Lizzie To Philip is the second publication from Shamrock Books which tells the story of the Coronation Cup tournament of 1953 when the best football teams in Britain gathered in Glasgow to play for a unique trophy in honour of the new monarch.

Arsenal – the Bank of England club who had just won the First Division title. Double-winning Rangers whose famous manager was hoping for a royal send-off. Manchester United with the first of the Busby Babes coming through in a new-look team. Hibernian’s Famous Five who had just been denied a third title in succession but were still regarded as the most flamboyant attacking team in the land. Jackie Milburn’s free-wheeling, cup-winning Newcastle United. The ‘push and run’ Tottenham Hotspur side under Arthur Rowe which had finally brought silverware to White Hart Lane. An entertaining Aberdeen side on the cusp of league and cup success for the first time.

And then there was Celtic – who had just finished the season 8th in the league and only a single major trophy in 15 years. ‘Would they even be invited?’ asked a sceptical media.

The Celtic support ensured they would. And to this day Celtic supporters still rejoice in singing about the club’s most unlikely triumph:

Said Lizzie to Philip

As They Sat Down to Dine . . .

You can order your copy of Said Lizzie to Philip directly from The-Shamrock.net HERE. The book costs £14 including P&P to UK addresses.

For books to be sent to the Republic of Ireland, Europe and beyond please email theshamrock@outlook.com for a postage quote before submitting payment).

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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