Today we go into the final part of Stan Collymore’s Cetic Q&A. Stan frequently shows his love for Celtic FC on Twitter and other platforms and here, he answers another few questions on our beloved Celtic FC.
Good morning Stan, again, thanks for taking the time to do this, we all know how busy you are with your media work so thanks once again Sir. We had one of your friends on before you, Big Pierre and I know you’re more than happy to follow the big man. We know that Part Two is going to be just as good as Part One folks. Enjoy!!
What’s the best Celtic game you’ve witnessed?
I was commentating at Paradise when Celtic played Man United several years ago in the Champions League. Firstly, I’ve never seen an atmosphere or felt the ground shake as I did on that night, and it was a very good performance against a United team that were serious European pedigree at that time.
To answer your question though it was a game before I was born, which I’ve watched so many times now and still can’t believe how good the performance was! Real Madrid v Celtic in Di Stefanos Testimonial. Some may say “A Testimonial”? Not a thumping Old Firm win or Lisbon?
Barca pound for pound a couple of years ago? Etc etc. No, this was the European Champions, in the days of much less international club football, playing the dominant side of a generation, arguably ever and simply footballing them to death.
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I’m a huge fan of individuals dominating games, standing up and saying “here I am, have some of this”, and if there’s no better example of a player out to make sure in World class company that he did that, it was “Jinky” and his outstanding performance that night. Unbelievable, spellbinding and a performance that demanded you look at him, just him every time he had the ball.
Who’s your favourite Celtic player of all time and why?
Henrik!! A class player but more importantly a class man. If I’d have had his temperament in such a potentially volatile environment I’d have 100 England caps, and fulfilled what I achieved at Nottingham Forest over a much longer period. The player oozed quality, finishing and poise but the man was even more impressive.
Finally Stan, what do you think of Brendan Rodgers and this current Celtic side?
Sick of reading about “pub side this, mickey mouse that ” to be honest. Building a team with a pittance compared to even average Championship clubs in England while creating a winning culture, managing expectations of a European giant, it’s history and traditions of playing the game, while getting results against teams bankrolls by nation states is an incredible achievement.
Brendan is a super coach that I think only got the appreciation he deserved at my old club Liverpool, fairly recently when his stats were compared to the much vaunted Jurgen Klopp.
It’s never a given that the likes of Scott Sinclair are a shoe in to succeed in Scotland, they have to be made welcome, feel a part of something, and after his Villa experience, a whole reconstruction of his belief as a player.
Likewise exceptional scouting saw Dembele, Wanyama, VVD and plenty of others, all who are much wanted or who have proven themselves down south. That doesn’t happen unless the club, philosophy, budget, scouting and staff all buy into it.
Add Tierney who I’d say is one of the best prospects on this island and perhaps then and only then simplistic narratives of “it’s easy up there” can be put in their place. And let’s be honest, if Celtic came south with the dough on offer here, goodness knows where that could propel them! But for now, in context, the whole club, staff and direction of the club is a place for winners, and doing that at any level, consistently is a bloody hard thing to do!
I’d just like to to finish by saying a big Hail Hail to all the Celts fans around the World!!
Next: Stan Collymore Q&A Part One
Stan, it’s been an absolute pleasure having you on “The Celtic Bhoys”. Your answers to our questions are exactly what we’re after. We love that you love Celtic and say things how they are. There’s not many out there like yourself and big Chris Sutton like that so keep it up. Good luck with the rest of your media career and we look forward to welcoming you to Celtic Park soon. HH