David Potter – much loved, never forgotten

Been a strange day.

Been a strange few months, in fact.

Normally that part of the book process when you’re working on the final edit and design and watching months of intensive research and writing come to fruition before your eyes is quite exhilarating. Whether it’s your own work or another member of the team. Doesn’t matter.

When you see the final cover designs in glorious technicolour. When those first pre-orders come rolling in and our idea, our project, is now a book. Nothing quite like it.

But it’s been very different this time, as the man responsible for the words, for the laughs and the occasional rant, is no longer with us to share in that excitement.

Our lovely friend and colleague David Potter passed away two years ago today.

Still feels surreal writing that to be honest.

In the months leading up to his untimely death he was, of course, working on a Celtic project. Sending his updates in as he dealt with his illness, with his only concern being when he would be back at the football. He would not know what fate had in store for him that summer, but I doubt he would have changed much anyway if he had. That was just David.

We had the best part of a couple of years to contemplate next steps. It was a no-brainer really, as there is no way David’s work would not see the light of day. More about being respectful plus, if I’m being honest, finding the heart to start reading and editing his work without him to bounce thoughts and suggestions off and just to share in the experience.

Well, we got there, David, and hopefully we have done you proud. At each decision point, the question was straightforward. What would you do? How would that conversation have gone?

Amidst the sadness today is a mixture of pride and relief, that folk will get once again to share in the wonderful world of David Potter’s Celtic. Doesn’t really matter what the content is tonight, that’s for another time. If you’re reading this, you’re probably well aware anyway.

But David’s life was all about sharing knowledge, academically and socially, and it feels quite fitting that two years down the line he is still a name on people’s lips. He is still contributing, teaching and sharing and creating excitement. That’s a special gift. A special legacy.

From a personal point of view, he is never far from my thoughts. An all-too-brief friendship in the overall scheme of things but a lasting bond. Very much missed.

Earlier this evening, I read through the words and thoughts I put down at the time of David’s passing which summed him up for me. Still valid tonight to be honest.

David Potter’s incredible legacy – The priceless gift you leave for the Celtic family

Rest in peace, David.

Much loved, never forgotten.

Today we remember David Potter, who passed away two years ago today. We want to say thank you to everyone who has already pre-ordered David’s last ever Celtic book, Celtic in the Eighties, which will be published on the fifth day of September by Celtic Star Books.

Celtic legend Danny McGrain has written a wonderful foreword for the book and we will have a limited number of copies available that will be signed by Danny McGrain – if you have already pre-ordered your copy of Celtic in the Eighties you will be getting a signed copy. If you would like to receive a signed copy by Danny McGrain please order now as the number of signed books will be limited. 

David’s widow Rosemary has also written a ‘thank you message’ to the Celtic support for David’s last book. It’s a wonderful tribute to David from his wife on behalf of his entire family that extends right out to his Celtic family. That’s you, me and everyone else reading this or anyone who has Celtic in their hearts.

The link to pre-order your copy of Celtic in the Eighties, signed by the legendary Celtic captain Danny McGrain is below. Celtic in the Eighties is a fitting way for David Potter to sign off as one of Celtic’s foremost historians. We think you’ll love it.