Seven More Magnificently Random Celtic Stories from David Potter

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3. HEARTS FANS INVADE THE JUNGLE

It is Glasgow in January and it is raining heavily. There is no shelter on the “away” terracing or “Rangers end”, so what can a poor Hearts fan do? All he can do is come in to the “Jungle” where there is some sort of cover, inadequate though it is with the holes in the roof.

4. DANNY OF THE MANY INJURIES

Danny McGrain, Celtic’s best ever right back, came through three horrendous crises in his professional life, any one of which would have floored a lesser man. On 25 March 1972 just as he was making his way into the Celtic team, he sustained a fractured skull in an awful clash of heads at Falkirk.

He overcame that, but then during the 1974 World Cup in West Germany, perpetual raging thirst made his suspect that something was wrong and he was duly diagnosed as a diabetic. Once again, Danny coped with this, but at the start of the 1977/78 season a mysterious foot injury appeared – and it was this injury, as well as the transfer of Dalglish to Liverpool which consigned Celtic to a barren and trophyless season and led to the departure of Jock Stein from the managerial chair.

It was also a severe loss to Scotland, for had Danny gone to Argentina, things would surely never have been so bad. His playing ability would have made a difference, but so too would his “level-headedness”, a quality that surely would have taken the sting out of the trouble that the malcontents caused to the beleaguered Ally McLeod. Danny was no softie, nor was he a moaner. His perpetual popularity is deserved.

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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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