"Win, lose or draw":The first conference on the history of Celtic FC

Our group began not long after the sad passing of Pat Woods, Tom Campbell and David Potter. We aim to celebrate their legacy of writing and research and share a love of Celtic’s history.

We are a group of academics, educators, writers, podcasters, documentary film makers; all of us Celtic supporters. We all share an interest in developing and extending our knowledge and understanding of the history of Celtic Football Club.

Come along to find out about the wider social, cultural and political influences present during Celtic’s formation and early years. Learn about the story of our founder Brother Walfrid and engage in a critical review of the club's heritage.

Take the chance to share your thoughts, view and stories about the remarkable and, in many ways, unique history of our Club.

Info: Dr Joseph Bradley's talk on the origins and evolution of Celtic FC adopts an
ethnic and socio-cultural-political perspective. It reflects on several
inter-related events and processes during the 19th and 20th century that
assist illuminate the constitution and fashioning of the club. These
include references to the Great Hunger in Ireland in the mid-19th century,
the revival of the Catholic Church in Scotland, and the historical and
contemporary socio-cultural meaning of Celtic Football Club. Such
consideration also offers an opportunity to challenge a deficit in relevant
popular understandings and knowledge about the club and its supporters.

Info: Andrew Kerins (Brother Walfrid) (1840-1915) was one of the most significant Irish immigrants to Scotland. Michael’s research points up three major themes that motivated Walfrid’s actions in his life namely his Catholic faith, the commitment to community-based charitable action; and an enduring association with football and Celtic FC in particular.

Info: Margot's presentation examines the gendered authorship of Celtic Football Club’s historiography. An overview of the club’s history suggests a male-dominated field. Why do so few women write about the club they support? My conversation challenges assumptions about who possesses the authority to write the club’s football history and asks why women remain marginalised in documenting Celtic’s past.

Info: Matt’s presentation will examine less well-known Celtic stories from different parts of Glasgow. This will not only discuss Celtic’s spiritual home in Glasgow’s east end but also locations in the city centre, southside and west end. These tales feature many notable figures from Celtic’s history, as well as themes such as trophies, war and relations with Rangers FCs.

Info: Stephen authored the story of 1978/79 season which resulted in the famous 4-2 game, Ten Men Won the League. In addition he is a serial contributor to the Celtic Wiki. He has made over 25,000 contributions to the Wiki which is a source for all things Celtic.

Info: Your chance to have a shared discussion with the Panel about all aspects of Celtic's history. Do you have topics we should consider for our next conference?

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