by Joe McHugh
Sunderland’s Andy Reid slipped in and out of Celtic Park on Saturday almost un-noticed but I had the pleasure of interviewing him after the match.
It’s hardly a surprise to hear a player talking enthusiastically about Celtic but sometimes you wonder how genuine they are, not Reid.
Born and brought up in Dublin he clearly ‘knows the history’ around Celtic and spoke glowingly about the club and Celtic Park.
Reid is a professional, playing in the best paid league in the country, and sensibly didn’t come up with any nonsense about an overwhelming desire to move to the SPL.
Instead one line stuck in my mind when I asked him about Celtic.
“It’s a special place for me. Even when the ground is empty you look around and it’s special. The history and meaning of the club, what’s behind it is special to me.”
As Celtic rummage around looking for signings, most likely from The Championship, it was good to hear that the club still stands out with special qualities which can sometimes be overlooked in the frenzied days of transfer windows.
Speaking with Reid was interesting as was the attitude of the Sunderland supporters. Paying their respects to Bobby Robson, clearly associated very closely to Newcastle, could have been difficult for some of them but they rose above local rivalries to pay tribute to Robson.
When they started singing Robson’s name during the minute’s applause it was impressive and genuine.
That wasn’t a token mark of respect, as the game ended the visiting supporters again chanted Robson’s name.
Paying respect is a difficult task in the modern era, respecting the 50th anniversary of the Munich Air Crash was done with trepidation in Manchester as United met City. I could never see Celtic or Rangers supporters chanting the name of someone from the other side no matter how well respected they may be in the game.
Saturday’s match was hardly memorable for Celtic but the attitude and professionalism of Sunderland was impressive.
Pity he knows his pies as well…
Hail Hail
LoTW