What are the main differences between the world of publishing now, compared to when you released your first book?
Tom Campbell: “The first book I wrote back in 1969 was written by hand, and I remember that one of my classes was Business English, consisting of fifteen young ladies all aged eighteen. They knew more about Business English than I did, and had few problems with grammar. So, I suggested tentatively they might like to type out my handwritten manuscript. They were delighted to do this to improve their typing, and were paid by having a pizza party at the end of the project. I’ve always been impressed with the typesetters the various publishers have provided. At Mainstream in particular there was a lady named Judy Diamond who acted as a self-appointed editor (and was invariably right to do so); she could point out when we had repeated an anecdote (or even a phrase). I suppose personal computers have speeded up the process considerably but in the old days there was probably more thought put into writing things out by hand.
What other projects are you currently involved in?
Tom Campbell: “I’ve completed two novels and they’re sitting on the shelf awaiting further revision. I’m actually quite pleased with them. One is a murder mystery, set in Canada and the other might interest you more. It’s a speculative novel with the premise that Matt Busby actually played as a guest player for Celtic during World War II and later became their manager. It’s a blend of fact and fiction; well, I’m pleased with it.”
If you were to name a Celtic team made up of the finest players you have witnessed, who would make your greatest XI?
Tom Campbell: “An all-time Celtic team that I’ve seen? Almost impossible but here goes…
Goalkeepers: Willie Miller and Artur Boruc;
Right-backs: Danny McGrain and Didier Agathe;
Left-backs: Tommy Gemmell and Danny McGrain;
Central defenders: Billy McNeill, Marc Rieper, Alan Stubbs and Johan Mjallby;
Sweepers: John Clark, Neil Lennon and Paul Lambert;
Right-half or Midfield: Bobby Evans and Bobby Murdoch;
Left-half or Midfield: Bertie Peacock and Lubomir Moravcik;
Right-wing: Jimmy Delaney and Jimmy Johnstone;
Centre-forward: Joe McBride and Henrik Larsson;
Left-wing: Bobby Lennox and Charlie Tully.
Final Selection:
Miller, McGrain, McNeill, Mjallby, Gemmell, Evans, Lennon, Moravcik, Delaney, Larsson & Lennox.
That’s an almost impossible task.
How do you watch Celtic these days?
Tom Campbell: “Usually at the James Street Pub along with the other members of the Ottawa CSC. It can be a chore in mid-winter, getting up at 6 a.m. with temperatures of -20 degrees outside and snow-bound streets… but it’s worth it.”
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