Description
Book SynopsisHow did George McCluskey become one of Celtic F.C.’s most memorable football players? What binds the fans and players and creates this strong sense of belonging? And what does the Irish diaspora have to do with Celtic F.C.?
George McCluskey was one of the key strikers for the Hoops in the ‘70s and ‘80s, a successful time in the club’s history. He did not only score for his team, but changed the entire game in favour of Celtic more than once. In this account of his life story told by his close friend Aidan Donaldson, George McCluskey is praised as the embodiment of the Celtic spirit. His individual history is intertwined with the history and mentality of the club. However, George McCluskey did not only influence Celtic F.C. but also other clubs he played for and the people he has met during his life.
This book takes you on a journey through the development of the club from its very beginning, as well as exploring the evolution of football in general. How did we get from football legends like George McCluskey to football celebrities like David Beckham? What did professional football look like back then, what constitutes it nowadays?
This timely book will appeal not only to Celtic supporters, but to anyone interested in the development of professional football.
His exuberant celebration depicted on the cover of the book remains iconic in the eyes of Celtic supporters today. His Cup winning goal led inadvertently to a riot and the banning of alcohol in Scottish football grounds.
Trade Review.
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements
Timeline
Personal Introduction by George McCluskey
Preface by Joseph M Bradley
Introduction
Early life in Lanarkshire
Chapter 1 The Irish Diaspora and Celtic Football Club
Chapter 2 ‘The Apple Does Not Fall Far from the Tree’
Chapter 3 School Days, Bus Protests and Celtic Win the European Cup!
Chapter 4 Moving on, Changing School and Keeping your Appendix
Early playing days and signing for Celtic
Chapter 5 Starting on the Road to Paradise
Chapter 6 Scoring against Bellshill Academy and England as Well
Chapter 7 Signing for Celtic
Playing in the green and white hoops of Celtic
Chapter 8 Moving through the Ranks
Chapter 9 Making a Debut, Starring against Rangers, then Catching a Bus Home
Chapter 10 ‘Whatever Happened to that Young Boy McCluskey?’
Chapter 11 ‘Ten Men Won the League Tralalalala!’
Chapter 12 Real Madrid, How Tommy Burns Nearly Got us Killed in Spain and ‘That Goal’
Chapter 13 Three Strikers and a Rotation System
Chapter 14 Stepping up to the Mark and Winning the League for Celtic
Moving from Celtic before returning home
Chapter 15 Paradise Lost – and a Loss to Paradise
Chapter 16 From Celtic to Leeds – into a Different World
Chapter 17 A Return to Scotland and a Brutal ‘Tackle’
Chapter 18 Paradise Regained – via Hamilton, Kilmarnock and Clyde
Postscript
