Next up for Fan Of The Week is none other than Paul Ferris. Paul is from Blackhill in Glasgow and won’t need any explanation to our Scottish readers. Paul’s life story was featured in the Film, “The Wee Man” and was potrayed excellently by a fellow Celtic fan, Martin Compston. Paul is now an author and has written a few books now, most notably, The Ferris Conspiracy, Deadly Divisions, Vendetta and Villians. Here is Paul Ferris with his very own Celtic story…
Asking the questions for the last time is The Celtic Star reporter Scotty Alcroft. Scott is taking a break due to personal commitments and Declan McConville will be taking up the not inconsiderable task of trying to follow Scotty, who has been excellent on the site since the very beginning…
You can follow Paul on Twitter @PaulFerris_Gla – here is Paul Ferris, The Celtic Star’s Fan Of The Week…
What’s your first memory of Celtic?
My first memory of Celtic was when my dad took me on his bus to collect the Celtic supporters for an away game. It was magic – an adventure for me as a 6yr old bhoy from Blackhill.
What was the first game you went to?
My first time I attended as a full Celtic fan we faced Aberdeen. The reason I remember was the song – which I know you can’t print – but to summarise it: Sheep Shaggin b’s and Celtic got beat. I was a hardened 10yr old at the time.
Who are your top 3 favourite Celtic players and why?
My top 3 favourite Celtic players are Jimmy Johnstone, Tommy Burns and Henrik Larsson.
Jimmy because I got to know him personally and a right decent man as well as a naturally gifted player and all round Celtic legend.
Tommy Burns as he was not only a Celtic legend – he also became an icon.
Henrik Larsson was also a naturally gifted player even though his first game for Celtic was a disaster he became one of the all-time Celtic legends.
Best game you’ve ever seen involving Celtic in your time?
The best game for me was the 4-2 win over Rangers back in 1979. I was 15 and a full-time Celtic supporter by then.
Worst game you’ve ever seen involving Celtic in your time?
The worst game that I can recall is the demolition of Celtic at the hands of Artmedia Bratislava in 2005 we lost 5-0.
Pick your best ever Celtic X1 from what you’ve had the pleasure of witnessing.
Pat Bonner
Danny McGrain
Tommy Burns
Kieran Tierney
Paul McStay
Scott Brown
Lubo Moravčík
Shunsuke Nakamura
Patrick Roberts
Leigh Griffiths
Henrik Larsson
Give us a funny or surreal moment from your time supporting the Hoops.
A surreal moment for me being a Celtic supporter watching a Celtic v Rangers game way back when we got beat on penalties. I had walked out the room just as I heard the roar going up and walking back into the lounge only to realise that one of my sons was a Rangers supporter and I had shook his hand thinking that Celtic had scored. I also lost a bet that day too.
Then for some reason this debate took place. There is a lively notion as to the recent history of the new Celtic v Rangers fixture. I used my Twitter feed to form a poll in relation to the new season 2018/19. I received a resounding 67% in favour of calling the next Celtic v Rangers game as a Glasgow Derby and not an Old firm fixture.
Just goes to show when supporting the Celtic we all have to consider our other family members who are not of the Celtic family albeit still family – from a distance – during the 90+ minutes of a football game.
Can you give us your assessment on last season?
There are very few word to add to how last season went other than – Double Treble Champions making history.
No more needs to be said – except – the treble – treble is on.
What advice would you give to Celtic for the new campaign?
Forget about the gap – look at the silverware as that counts the most. I am very confident that Celtic can and will achieve the Treble-Treble.
If you could choose 3 players from our history that would benefit today’s side, who would they be and why?
Billy McNeill to lead the line with his vast European history.
Tommy Burns with the Celtic first mentality.
John Hartson a tough striker who would show Dembele where the net is.
Finally, explain to us what Celtic means to you?
Supporting Celtic is a way of life and always will be. I have grown up a fan among family who are not. It’s probably not that unique now but it was back in the day. No doubt more banter to follow on the road for the inevitable 10 In A Row.
Scotty Says….
Paul that was outstanding. That Bratislava night was surreal watching us just fall apart like that. Looking back now, it’s games like that, that gave us a much needed kick up the behind and we didn’t just learn from but we kicked on from. I love your Celtic X1. Only Danny and KT defending with I assume Broony just sitting in sweeping up as our forward array of talent do the business at the other end?
Those 3 players from history that would benefit today’s side are crackers too. Cesar is a no brainer. Tam Burns as well. Hartson is the choice that is interesting. The big man was excellent for us and thank god he failed that medical across the city. Still the best medical he ever failed.
Paul, it’s been a pleasure having you on and thanks for your time. Good luck with the rest of your career and we’ll hopefully see you at Paradise soon for a match Sir. HH
Finally I’d just like to thanks The Celtic Star for giving me this opportunity to do the #10IAR feature and the #FanOfTheWeek one too. I’d also like to thank all of my past guests and I hope you’ve all enjoyed reading them as much as I’ve enjoyed doing them. All the best. Scotty. HH
