Great question lubo,
Got me thinking way back to my childhood, and the first " bloody hell" and the goosebumps all over tingling sensation of knowing that I'm witnessing something special here.
That feeling that comes with being a tim and knowing to yourself " wow wow wow "
Ok so I'm going back here to 1983 and Davie Hay was our manager.
Hay wasn't the most successful manager we've had but before he was sacked in '87 (I think), he did deliver probably the most jawdroppingly exciting, incredible and unlikely final day title at love Street as hearts caved in Dundee to those 2 goals from Albert Kidd.
Back to '83 first and of course its the sporting Lisbon game, we had to win 3- 0 having lost 2-0 in Portugal.
I was 10 in the old rangers end and cheered sporting onto the field when they entered the field in green and white hoops, first shock of the night, older Celtic fans having a wee giggle and a gentle ribbing, " that's not Celtic wee man", so embarrassed
This was no ordinary Celtic side , we were packed full of incredible talent.
Tommy Burns, McClair , McGrain, Roy Aitken, Davie Provan, Paul Mcstay, Murdo Macleod , and Judas Mo Johnston who already had hero status at Celtic his betrayal came later but that side , on its day was capable of taking on any side.
They had that Celtic magic about them and in front of the old jungle and old paradise you always had the feeling anything can happen with this crowd behind the team and it often did, was like the crowd sucked the ball into the net with telepathic energy
an atmosphere to rival any of new paradise so loud.
I'm not saying Hay is on a par with Jock, Brendan or Martin but he deserves a special mention I believe for what he did deliver against all the odds.
Hay set his Celtic side up the traditional Celtic way , all out attack from all quarters, from the first minute to the last and breathtaking to watch.
He replaced Billy McNeil and strangely Billy replaced Davie straight back and returned as Celtic manager.
This was the biscuit tin Celtic era , the white/kelly biscuit tin, how we won anything is a testament to the managers and players of the time we were handicapped from within.
So many strange connections/coincidence then, sporting Lisbon were manged by Dr Jo Venglos at the time.
Watching Celtic dismantle them that night was my first real and true Celtic incredible, unbelievable , club that keeps on giving moment though I'd been before to the game I'd never witnessed anything like that before, I was still buzzing full of static electricity for a week afterwards
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3-0 at half time and sporting had gone by then, finished 5-0 (5-2 agg) only mystic Meg saw this coming but what Hay delivered a few seasons later was truly up there in my book with our greatest achievements.
Albert Kidd day!!
Celtic had to win by 3 clear goals at love Street and hope for a very unlikely Dundee side to take 3pts on the last day of the season against a Hearts side who went there on a 27 game unbeaten run they were a stick on for the title.
The best Hearts side in generations.
We looked after our part of the deal 4-0 at Ht If I remember correctly but with Hearts only needing to avoid defeat and 8 minutes remaining of the season it was despair , dejection total depression.
Back then everything came from rumours and whispers and if someone had a wee radio they were like a messenger of God.
When it comes through that the Dundee sub has scored with 7 minutes to go its the strangest sensation, is it true ? Is this real? Can't be , what?
Dare I believe it?
You're just terrified to believe it, is this a sick joke thing and all the crazy thoughts then within minutes bang he's scored again and Hearts have hibs'd it.
Glasgow, Paisley, everywhere erupts but still in my head I must see it on telly later haha.
This was not the moment I became a tim but it was definately like a confirmation of my being a tim for the rest of my life and I no longer need my brothers now I am emotionally invested and will take it from here for ever.
I'd tasted now twice the miraculous rollercoaster of emotions that comes with being a Celtic supporter and I'm signed up for life.
I get goosebumps now typing away remembering how those two days played out .
All supporters of all clubs have their stories of games and days but even non Celtic fans have agreed and its written by many online that there is something special going on here with Celtic that you just can't get elsewhere and you just can't put your finger on it , tip of your tongue type thing , trying to explain sheer emotional joy from the depths of certain despair , we are never beaten until its over and result officially recorded, say we are before that and watch the miraculous become true.
Against all the odds,
Davie Hay Celtic Legend
