I am still reliving the events of Saturday over and over. For me they were the culmination of a 20 year long journey that nobody could have foretold ( not even the great Seers on this site!)
I grew up an Aberdeen fan:, the city of my birth and most of my upbringing. I was on the terraces during the glory years when history that will never be repeated was made by Alex Ferguson and his brilliant team.
When the Inverness merger took place and election to the league was achieved I just knew that this embryonic club was for me. I started making long lonely journeys to far away places from my base in the Border country and Saturdays soon became an addiction. I remember well a conversation with my good friend Wanderer during which we decided to part with some serious money ( for us) and invest in some shares. He too had joined our merry band of supporters. I spent the first couple of years attending matches anonymously; barely speaking to anyone during the course of a game and heading home straight after. Then came visits to the Caley Inn where I first met Scotty and Big Stu, Uncle Albert and Guzz and the Gringos. We graduated to the Innes for pre match craic and here I encountered Caley 100, Caleystan, TM4TJ and his sons, Bronson, Seoras,DJS,Donview Maimie, and LG ( a special mention for you as you have been so good to me over the years) amongst others. This new social aspect to a day out increased the matchday experience immeasurably. The away days were where I first met close buddy Mantis, Yngwie,Ymip and wee Fraser, The Fly ( where he?), Maryhill, Top Six, Govan Jaggie, IHE,Big Don,ITN (Yompa) and family,Big Dougie, King Beastie, Red Card, RIG...........what a gang.! Many regular attendees with whom I chat are,I know, not on this site. I met and married Mrs Naelifts who had to buy into the cause ( I think she had to sign something). She remains the only person to ever enter the Celtic supporters Club at Parkhead wearing an ocelot coat.
The story of this constantly evolving club is an outstanding one. I am just so proud today. I have been slapped on the back by so many people who know how much this all means to me.
But it would not have been the same without you guys ( and others who I have carelessly omitted). Its been a privilege.
As I write this however my thoughts are of Iain and Alison Coia...............how they would have loved all this
And so the journey continues...........to foreign fields. Hopefully our ranks will be swelled by some new blood inspired by the efforts of our brave wee team and their manager. As someone said to me recently. .....if those shares had been in a Biotech company or similar, with a growth and success record such as ICT.......I would never have to work again;they would be worth millions!
And so on to the next chapter........see y'all there!
I am still reliving the events of Saturday over and over. For me they were the culmination of a 20 year long journey that nobody could have foretold ( not even the great Seers on this site!)
I grew up an Aberdeen fan:, the city of my birth and most of my upbringing. I was on the terraces during the glory years when history that will never be repeated was made by Alex Ferguson and his brilliant team.
When the Inverness merger took place and election to the league was achieved I just knew that this embryonic club was for me. I started making long lonely journeys to far away places from my base in the Border country and Saturdays soon became an addiction. I remember well a conversation with my good friend Wanderer during which we decided to part with some serious money ( for us) and invest in some shares. He too had joined our merry band of supporters. I spent the first couple of years attending matches anonymously; barely speaking to anyone during the course of a game and heading home straight after. Then came visits to the Caley Inn where I first met Scotty and Big Stu, Uncle Albert and Guzz and the Gringos. We graduated to the Innes for pre match craic and here I encountered Caley 100, Caleystan, TM4TJ and his sons, Bronson, Seoras,DJS,Donview Maimie, and LG ( a special mention for you as you have been so good to me over the years) amongst others. This new social aspect to a day out increased the matchday experience immeasurably. The away days were where I first met close buddy Mantis, Yngwie,Ymip and wee Fraser, The Fly ( where he?), Maryhill, Top Six, Govan Jaggie, IHE,Big Don,ITN (Yompa) and family,Big Dougie, King Beastie, Red Card, RIG...........what a gang.! Many regular attendees with whom I chat are,I know, not on this site. I met and married Mrs Naelifts who had to buy into the cause ( I think she had to sign something). She remains the only person to ever enter the Celtic supporters Club at Parkhead wearing an ocelot coat.
The story of this constantly evolving club is an outstanding one. I am just so proud today. I have been slapped on the back by so many people who know how much this all means to me.
But it would not have been the same without you guys ( and others who I have carelessly omitted). Its been a privilege.
As I write this however my thoughts are of Iain and Alison Coia...............how they would have loved all this
And so the journey continues...........to foreign fields. Hopefully our ranks will be swelled by some new blood inspired by the efforts of our brave wee team and their manager. As someone said to me recently. .....if those shares had been in a Biotech company or similar, with a growth and success record such as ICT.......I would never have to work again;they would be worth millions!
And so on to the next chapter........see y'all there!
Edited by Naelifts