Celtic On This Day – 15th August – David Potter’s Celtic Diary

SATURDAY 15 AUGUST 1914

It is a bizarre beginning to the new season with the country at war for the past eleven days and some newspapers demanding that football should be closed down for the duration of hostilities. In this atmosphere of euphoria, jingoism and “sense of duty”, Celtic travel to Tynecastle to play Hearts. Perhaps unsettled by the strange circumstances, Celtic’s fine all-conquering side of last season, lose 0-2.

WEDNESDAY 15 AUGUST 1962

An amusing if somewhat embarrassing night at Dens Park, Dundee when Dundee, winners of last year’s Scottish League decide provocatively to unfurl their flag before the game with Celtic whose supporters successfully manage to drown out the speeches of the Lord Provost and other dignitaries. After this, the flag gets stuck and needs a good tug before it unfurls. Dundee however have the last laugh, for a Gordon Smith goal gives them a narrow victory. But the young Celtic team impress and with a little more luck and conviction in front of goal, might have won.

SATURDAY 15 AUGUST 1987

Celtic’s good start to Billy McNeill’s second spell as Celtic Manager continues with an excellent 4-1 win over Motherwell at Celtic Park with two goals from Andy Walker and one each from Mark McGhee and Billy Stark.

SATURDAY 15 AUGUST 2009

Aiden McGeady scores twice and Scott McDonald once as Celtic beat Aberdeen 3-1 at Pittodrie on the opening day of the League season. It is a good beginning to Tony Mowbray’s reign as Celtic manager.

Celtic striker Scott McDonald and Aberdeen defender Andrew Considine chase a loose ball during the Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League match at the Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen. (Photo by Chris Clark – PA Images/PA Images via Getty Images)

David Potter

David Potter’s new book, Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style is featured in the new edition of the Celtic View which is out now and available from the Celtic Stores. You can also pick up the Willie Fernie book there too or order direct from Celtic Star Books, link below…