It’s two years now since we sadly lost another of the great characters from Jock Stein’s incredible teams of the sixties and seventies, Harry Hood.
And you may have noticed that Matt Corr of The Celtic Star has been quiet on the site over recent months. That’s because he has been working closely with the Hood family and speaking with friends of Harry’s from all aspects and periods of his life to write his official biography, due for publication in October.
The Invincible author has clearly been burning the midnight oil on the Harry Hood biography but clearly believes that it is worth the considerable effort.
“This has been a real labour of love. An absolute pleasure and privilege,” Matt told me this afternoon. “I remember reading about Harry as a wee boy when he was at Sunderland, then had the pleasure of watching him throughout his seven years wearing his beloved Hoops.
“Harry was brought up in Balornock and Barmulloch, just a mile or so from my home in Springburn, so we could really relate to him as the Bhoy who got to live his dream. He played with the Lions and the Quality Street Gang, in the best Celtic teams of my lifetime. And he pulled on those Hoops 300 times in that kind of company, scoring cup-winning and title-clinching goals.”
We don’t need your
Colin Stein
Eusabio or
Allan Gilzean
COS we’ve got someone twice as good, we’ve got Harry Hood 🍀 pic.twitter.com/i4t7E2xXwa— denny doc (@DDoc67) May 26, 2021
The football action of course is only part of any player’s story and Matt has researched Harry’s life and times extensively over the past year or so.
“Yes, the football is only part of the story. The book will look at all aspects of Harry’s career and indeed his life. The family have been lovely, extremely supportive and helpful, as have his friends and colleagues from the early days. There are some marvellous anecdotes which illustrate the kind of boy then man he was, with three key principles shining through – principles, talent and humour. It’s a wonderful story, which I think Celtic supporters will love,” Matt revealed.
Which part of the Harry Hood story is he working on at the moment, we wanted to know. “I’m currently focusing on his spells at Clyde, and I have received unbelievable support and information from the folk there, including the present chairman, who we believe took the first photo of Harry’s football career, as a 17-year-old at Shawfield. It’s something special.
We’ve got someone just as good his name is Harry hood! pic.twitter.com/BmMssYDWZy
— tommy1967 🔞 (@quadtreble) May 26, 2021
“Harry’s old pal Tommy Callaghan has written a beautiful foreword and shared his memories of their times together as Jock Stein signings post-Lisbon, then in the company of some of the world’s greatest players in a spell in the USA towards the end of their respective careers, which was great. The book is coming together really well, and I’m determined to do the family proud. Harry was a Celtic hero, but first and foremost he was a loving husband and dad.”
In memory of Harry Hood, a donation will be made from every book sold to Marie Curie in his name and this will include copies of the book sold at the Celtic stores and the official club website.
We don’t need your Colin Stein, Eusebio, or Alan Gilzean we’ve got someone twice as good we’ve got Harry Hood 💚🍀 https://t.co/XO0xxBeGwm
— Craig Devlin 🍀🇮🇪 (@CraigDev1967) May 26, 2021
