SCOTT BROWN accepts that the current achievements of this generation of Celtic players comes nowhere near what the class of 67 achieved, after securing the 8th consecutive title at Pittodrie yesterday.
On Friday the Celtic squad interrupted they pre-match preparations for the vital game in Aberdeen to attend the funeral of legendary club captain Billy McNeill and the players will all be there again on Wednesday at the funeral mass for Stevie Chalmers – for the funeral details see HERE.
The Celtic support at Pittodrie yesterday chanted Stevie’s name during the Minute of Applause for both Lisbon Lions – Billy had also been manager at Aberdeen in the late 1970s – and the Green Brigade’s tribute banners were excellent too.
“No, never in a million years. For people to go and win the European Cup, it’s different gravy, Broony said to the media at Pittodrie as reported by Daily Mail, when asked to compare the current team with the Lisbon Lions.
“What they did, especially all being from within 25 miles of Celtic Park, was exceptional. The two of them (Billy McNeill and Stevie Chalmers) are absolute legends and to put any player at the club now in the same bracket, you can’t ever do that.
“What they did for Celtic – and what they were still doing for the club right up to their last minutes – was fantastic. Their memories will live on forever with the fans. You saw the turnout for Billy on Friday. It was a great send-off.
“All the players had to go and show their respects and we’ll do the same on Wednesday for Stevie’s funeral. They are absolute legends and icons for the club and great ambassadors,” Broony said on the day he won his 9th league winners medal from 12 seasons at the club. This latest one was particularly special for the captain given the passing of the two Lisbon Lion legends.
“Especially in the week where we’ve lost two Lisbon Lions, to do it for them means a lot. Every title gets more and more sweeter, so this one’s special, especially as you get towards the end of your career.
“You’ve got to enjoy the moment and I definitely am. It’s a lovely feeling. It was just a matter of time before we got over the line and we fancied ourselves today.
“We were feeling pressure, but we get pressure week in, week out. It doesn’t matter if we are home or away, going for titles, everyone expects us to win,” Broony said. And Broony also referred to the departure of Rodgers who left suddenly ahead of difficult games away to Hearts in the league and Hibs in the Scottish Cup.
“It’s always hard when a manager leaves, but we had a fantastic manager come in to replace him. The gaffer’s been brilliant. To get over the line means a lot to us and Neil as well.
“When Brendan left, between myself, Mikael Lustig, John Kennedy and the new gaffer, we tried to settle everyone. Thankfully, it was short and sharp – one was out and another was in the next morning. So it worked out perfectly.
“It was just about getting over the line and the win over Rangers at Celtic Park, in particular, really helped with that,” Broony said and note the reference to Mikael Lustig’s role – a new contract please Peter, not just his one year extension, get him signed up for Ten in a Row, please!
Over the winter Broony had a decision to make about his new contract at Celtic or alternatively a chance to take his family on an adventure of a lifetime and play in Australia for the last few years of his playing career. Thankfully the chance to complete the ten was too good for Broony to opt for a chance and he duly signed his new deal.
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— Scott Brown (@ScottBrown8) May 4, 2019
“I might still be looking for that long-haul flight to Australia in two years,” Broony laughed. “There’s nothing more special than winning a title or a cup with Celtic, though. To have that feeling with the supporters every week is brilliant.
“If I’d left, I’d have regretted not having that feeling on days like this.
“At the time, I spoke to Peter and Brendan, who both persuaded me to stay. I was delighted to do that and I think I made the right decision for my career.
“For me, these moments are so special and I’m now looking forward to next season.”
And Broony also put a word in for Mikael Lustig – can we get his contract signed PLEASE Peter?
“Lusto’s been fantastic this season,” Broony said. He’s brilliant in the dressing room and he always pops up with goals like he did today. That’s one of the biggest goals he’s scored for us. It was a great run and a terrific ball because no one expected Callum McGregor to whip that ball in to the back post.”
Remember, kids: Scott Brown won the league at Rugby Park.
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— Anthony R. Hamilton (@polishturnstile) May 5, 2019
Looking forward to the next big day – at Hampden on the historically significant date of 25 May, Broony wants to more glory.
“The cup final is the next focus. We play Hearts two weeks in a row, so that will be interesting. But we’ve got to savour the moment just now, make sure we enjoy the celebrations and enjoy winning an eighth title.”
The Rangers reaction to Celtic’s 8IAR – ‘Anyone else experiencing that gutted feeling today?’
