Sligo , Ireland - 9 October 2024; Sligo Rovers manager John Russell, left, and Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers in conversation before the mid-season friendly match between Sligo Rovers and Celtic FC at The Showgrounds in Sligo. (Photo By Piaras Ó MÃdheach/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
With Celtic in the west of Ireland last night to take on Sligo Rovers manager Brendan Rodgers took a trip down memory lane to recall a friendly against Finn Harps in May 1983.
Watching Celtic for the first time was the 10-year-old Brendan, involved with the hoops for the last time were the soon to depart trio of Billy McNeill, Charlie Nicholas and George McCluskey. McNeill and Nicholas did return for second stints at Celtic.
The domestic season had ended in disappointment with nothing to add to the League Cup won in December. A disastrous week in April cost the hoops two trophies as Dundee United won at Celtic Park either side of defeats to Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup and Premier League.
A four goal comeback to win 4-2 at Ibrox on the final day was a small consolation as Dundee United clinched their only league championship across the road at Dens Park.
As Celtic beat Finn Harps 4-0 the new season would start with Davie Hay as manager with Brian McClair and Jim Melrose joining Frank McGarvey as the three strikers.
He’s so box office?? pic.twitter.com/ojcN0ZOdUL
— ?? (@cfcnoahh) October 9, 2024
It is unlikely that the same level of drama will follow last night’s match, a 3-2 win for Celtic thanks to two late goals from Luis Palma to complete his hat-trick.
Callum McGregor, Kyogo Furuhashi and Nicolas Kuhn were spared the trip to give them a proper break with the remainder of the preferred Starting XI on international duty or being treated for injuries.
Celtic are next in action on October 19 when they host Aberdeen in a top of the table clash.
CLICK HERE for full details of Finn Harps v Celtic in 1983.
? #CelticFC‘s Brendan Rodgers spoke to @CelticTV ahead of tonight’s friendly against @sligorovers!#SLICEL | #CelticFC? pic.twitter.com/qOqiRG3BhG
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) October 9, 2024
Jeez – So many memories of carefree happy days when the Finn Harp v Celtic game took place (I was 12 then)…
And lots of happy memories of that Celtic team in the days when Scottish Football was competitive and exciting for fans of Aberdeen, Celtic, Dundee United, but certainly not ‘Rangers’ as they were correctly known as then !