I would have to say that when the young Charlie first broke through he was an amazing player. In my opinion, he is up there with Paul McStay as making the biggest impact to the first team by a youngster since Kenny Dalglish. Sadly, that is where the similarities end as Champagne Charlie fecked off far too early and the Maestro played for the club he loves. I think even if Charlie had stayed with us for another couple of seasons he would be thought of in a higher regard, although he did return for once last big pay cheque with us before becoming the biggest Uncle Tim in the media where he just loves to slag the club and fans at every opportunity.
I'm interested to read anything about our history - even the rubbish stuff - and I know that David Potter is not a fan of this ignorant self-loving gobshite so I'm interested to see where this story goes.
I remember when Charlie had just returned from breaking his leg and he played in a testimonial at Forfar. At the end of the game I got my programme signed by the Celtic stars that had turned up and Charlie was last as there was the biggest crowd around him. Just as he took my programme and pen a local Deadco-supporting pissed up thug shouted "hoy Charlie" and as he looked up the ned spat the greasiest gob right into Charlie's hair. Nicholas then just sprinted off the pitch and up the tunnel - taking my bloody signed programme with him! OK, it happened about 40 years ago now and I'm just about over it after lots of therapy but every time I see his smug coupon on the telly I think back to him pinching my autographs!