Roy Keane joined Celtic following an acrimonious split with Manchester United and was announced as a Celtic player in December 2005. The then 35-year-old decided to join Gordon Strachan’s team on a short term deal but had to wait over a fortnight to make his Celtic debut, with a trip to Cumbernauld’s Broadwood Stadium to face Clyde.
In his second autobiography – ‘The Second Half‘ Keane reflected on his ill-fated debut that saw Clyde knock holders Celtic out 2-1.
“It was a nightmare. I wasn’t happy with my own game. I did okay but okay wasn’t enough.
“After the game, the disappointment. When I got on the bus, John Hartson, a really good guy, was already sitting there and he was eating a packet of crisps – with a fizzy drink. I said to myself, ‘Welcome to Hell’.
“We went back on the bus to Celtic Park. A lot of fans were waiting, having a right go at Gordon and some of the players as we got off the bus.
“Being knocked out of the cup by Clyde – it was a massive shock.”
Keane recalled the late, great Tommy Burns confronting the supporters that demanded Strachan be sacked following the calamitous result, which saw Clyde have a penalty saved and have the ball in the net FOUR times – albeit two were ruled out.
“But Tommy Burns – and I take my hat off to him – stood on the steps and had a go at some of the Celtic fans. Some of those lads were ready for a bit of action. He said, ‘You’re not Celtic fans. You’ve got to get behind the team.’ I remember thinking, ‘This is a good start’.
“My first game and already the fans were up in arms and one of the staff was on the steps of Celtic Park, having to defend the manager. So that was a nice gentle introduction.”
Keane went on to win a League and League Cup double in his six months in Glasgow before deciding to hang up his boots due to the injuries that limited his game time in Glasgow.
Hopefully Celtic will banish the shadows of their last visit to Broadwood with a comfortable victory over Danny Lennon’s side.
