Frank Owen
Well-known member
It's no longer any surprise to me when I see The Hoops in some far flung holiday destination. There are, of course , a couple of clubs which wear jerseys' resembling the The Hoops. But there's only one that's instantly recognisable ! I've already told the story of being in New York and feeling like it was the Gallowgate on match day. But I've also been in places where I wouldn't expect to see it. Cuba for example; I was out doin' the tourist thing with my wife in Havana, we were exploring all the watering holes which claimed to be Hemingway's favourite. We got ourselves lost and completely off the tourist track, down a dingy wee lane where I'm sure even the Samaritans would've been ex-directory. Anyway, right there leaning against a wall was a big black guy, six feet six tall and three feet broad; a kind of cuban Bobo, wearing our famous jersey. Just made my day.
Next day we thought we'd jump a bus and go off the beaten track again, just to get a flavour of what Cuban culture is really like. The Bus driver wasn't wearing The Hoops, but we WAS wearing a Celtic Polo shirt.
While in Prague a while back we did what we always do, yip, we got on a bus with no idea where we would end up. When we got off I can only describe the place as being like Queen Elizabeth Square in the Gorbals before it was pulled down. Aye, you've guessed it, some kids playing football in the street and one of them was wearing The Hoops. Probably my bias showing, but he was the best player.....by a mile. Thought this would be better than talking about dead folk.
Next day we thought we'd jump a bus and go off the beaten track again, just to get a flavour of what Cuban culture is really like. The Bus driver wasn't wearing The Hoops, but we WAS wearing a Celtic Polo shirt.
While in Prague a while back we did what we always do, yip, we got on a bus with no idea where we would end up. When we got off I can only describe the place as being like Queen Elizabeth Square in the Gorbals before it was pulled down. Aye, you've guessed it, some kids playing football in the street and one of them was wearing The Hoops. Probably my bias showing, but he was the best player.....by a mile. Thought this would be better than talking about dead folk.