Over and Over. Why don’t we sing that anymore?
Tim Lisbon is a writer and has supported Celtic all his life. His work is featured at Celtic DNA but you’ll see him popping up at other platforms too.
What’s your connection to Celtic?
My Celtic connection comes from both sides of my parent’s family. The majority of my family support Celtic so it has always just been there in my life. What a gift it has been as well. I don’t remember ever making a decision. It’s just a part of who I am.
I started being aware of Celtic around 1995 but my real memories probably start around 1997. My first Celtic heroes were John Collins and Simon Donnelly. I grew up in a period where I thought Celtic were always going to be second best. I just thought that’s how it was for us but obviously we now know why that was. I watched some great footballing sides growing up. I started to idolise all the brilliant forward players Tommy burns brought to the club. PVH, Di Canio, Jorge Cadete. Just unbelievable strikers by any era’s standards.
I must have been around 11 years old when we stopped the 10 in a row across the city. I remember sitting on the couch listening on the radio. I must have passed out from the tension of wondering whether we were going to do it. I remember waking up to my dad telling me we managed to beat St Johnstone 2-0. Even at that young age the overriding feeling has relief. It was the first title I remembered in my life time and it was a big one. I remember thinking how I wished it was Tommy Burns that helped us get over the line that day. Such a momentous occasion and I will also be thankful to Wim Jansen for what he helped us achieve that day.
Then Martin O’Neill came in 2000 and put us on a different path. I could go into school with my head held high, especially playing the likes of Blackburn and Liverpool on the road to Seville. Obviously since then it’s been a completely different experience supporting Celtic. Celtic Football Club is my team and always will be. We’ve had some incredible memories supporting the club over the last 25 years and I’m looking forward to seeing where it takes us from here. Hail Hail.
Your Favourite Celtic Memory?
The Tom Rogic winner against Aberdeen to seal the treble during Rodgers first season was pretty special since I was at Hampden that day. We’d only won a treble a couple of times before that in our history so it felt like a special moment after going 1-0 down. That day helped kick on an incredible run of treble after treble where it became the norm for a while. There are many special moments but being there with my family to see that live at the end of an unbeaten season was a really fond moment.
What does supporting Celtic mean to you?
Celtic is a feeling that’s hard to put into words. I refuse to believe that supporting other clubs feels the way that supporting Celtic does. It feels utterly unique to me. There’s just something magical about the club at times. I feel Celtic should be held to a different standard because we are a different standard. The unique origins of our club has created a fiercely loyal and passionate fanbase who just want to be entertained and proud of where there team is going.
Tic Fire Questions
Favourite Celtic Player of all time?
Larsson. Will we see a player of his quality in the hoops again?
Favourite Manager?
I’ll go Martin O’Neill. He obviously spent heavily when he came in but the turn around in such a short period was just incredible.
Favourite Celtic Song?
Over and Over. Why don’t we hear that one as much anymore?
What is your favourite Celtic Park moment?
There have been some incredible moments at Celtic Park over the years. Tony Watt’s winner against Barcelona, the last minute goals under Strachan in the Champions League, Larsson’s chip in the 6-2 game. I’ll go Henrik’s goal as it was utterly sublime.
One player you wish you saw play in the hoops?
I think Seamus Coleman would have been a great long term player for Celtic.
Tim will be writing content for Celtic DNA and other platforms moving forward. He’s also planning other Celtic related projects including a couple of books so keep a look out for them moving forward!