Paul Sludden (far left) won’t be a name familiar to many Celtic supporters but the on-loan East Fife striker has a bloodline that goes through the clubs greatest days.
Paul’s dad John (left) was a great scorer through the eighties with St Johnstone and Ayr United but his great-uncle, Neilly Mochan, has a unique place in Celtic history.
As a player and coach Mochan was at the heart of the clubs greatest successes, the 1953 Coronation Cup win, the 7-1 match and of course the 1967 European Cup win.
Mochan hadn’t even played at Celtic Park when he scored against Manchester United in the semi-final of the Coronation Cup then again in the final when Celtic beat Hibs 2-0 at Hampden.
Four years later Mochan was scoring again at Hampden with two goals in the 7-1 match before the long barren years were gloriously ended with the return of Jock Stein in 1965.
As Celtic won the big cup in Lisbon Mochan had the title of ‘trainer’ which involved a coaching/training role alongside Jock Stein as well as applying the magic sponge before trainers became physios.
Striker Paul is on the books of Falkirk but with the demise of the SPL Reserve League he has been sent out on loan to Second Division East Fife where he is making a big impression.
After helping his team to a 3-1 win away to Clyde, East Fife assistant manager Scott Crabbe said: “Our front two, McManus and Sludden, are a real handful and they gave Clyde a hard time today.”
McManus added: “Paul has done brilliant in the last couple of games. He could be a real talent because he is so keen to learn and his link-up play is excellent.
“I’d like to see him get his first goal because his hard work deserves it.”
Paul’s career will be in good hands with his dad still involved in coaching at Celtic.
John Sludden’s timing at Celtic wasn’t the best with the first-team places being taken by Charlie Nicholas, George McCluskey and Danny Crainie but he did carve out a good career and is well remembered by supporters of Ayr Utd and St Johnstone.
excellent,
Stevie Cairney
NEIL MOCHAN CSC, DENNY