Once A Celt

Brian McClair takes another trip down the Paradise Memory Lane

- Mark Henderson

BRIAN McClair may have left Celtic for Manchester United in 1987 – but Celtic never left him.

After a fantastic four years with the Hoops in which he scored 121 goals in 199 appearances, Alex Ferguson’s powers of persuasion sold him on a move to Old Trafford. He would go on to forge a highly successful career with the English giants, achieving legendary status during 11 years with the Red Devils.

But ‘Choccy’ would always remain a Celtic fan, supporting the team from the stands, and when McClair was honoured with a testimonial by United in 1997, there was only one team he wanted to provide the opposition: his boyhood heroes.

Overwhelmed to be included among the icons on the Paradise banner on the Jock Stein Stand, McClair – a FansBet Ambassador – still gets goosebumps whenever he approaches Celtic Park. All the memories come flooding back – the day he joined from Motherwell, the memorable matches, the great goals, and all the wonderful players and characters he featured alongside.

In the second part of our exclusive interview with the former Hoops hero, the 55-year-old reflects on some of his highlights with the Bhoys, his departure from the club and reveals why Celtic will always be a lifelong passion.

You won two pieces of silverware at Celtic, which included the dramatic last-day title win at Love Street in 1986. What are your memories of that dramatic day?