CHARITY – IT'S THE CELTIC WAY

Celtic FC Foundation are still helping – and maybe so can you

- TONY HAMILTON

IN 1988 in the baking heat of Hampden, as our centenary season drew to a spectacular climax, Tommy Burns reminded the world that the Celtic supporters “are there, and they’re always there”.

I was blessed to be frazzled in the Celtic End sunshine that day, watching history being made, as I’ve had the privilege to do before and ever since. That’s the starting point of what makes us Celtic supporters. The Glory and the Dream it was called by Pat Woods and Tom Campbell, because that’s exactly what it is.

So while the team and its achievements keep us here, it’s not the only thing that motivates us. Doing what we can and doing the right thing for our neighbours is a key ingredient of being a Celtic supporter. It genuinely is our edge. It’s what sets us apart.

And just as they were there for TB and Billy McNeill’s team 32 years ago, the Celtic support have been there for me since I took on the role of chief executive of the club’s charity – Celtic FC Foundation – in 2013. And while there is a degree of comfort in that for me and everyone else at the football club, you’ll not find a single person who will ever take that for granted.