THREE DAYS TO GO
CRAIG SWAN
DAVID CLARKSON doesn’t remember his uncle Phil O’Donnell’s Hampden heroics for Motherwell. It was 1991 and he was there. But he was only five years of age. Clarkson, though, knows every detail. Every moment. From the goal scored by his uncle to the famous contributions of O’Donnell’s team-mates. It’s Fir Park folklore. It’s history. Images adorn the walls of the stadium of the day Dundee United were defeated 4-3 at the National Stadium. Clarkson might not remember that one but it doesn’t change the fact it was a special day for his family. The former Well striker said: “When the 1991 final took place I was only five. I went to the game because of Phil.
“I can’t remember too much about it because I was only small but it was a special day for the family.
“I have looked back at pictures and the family speak about it and tell me stories about the day. They all enjoyed it.
“It will always be a special occasion for us. The pictures are still up around the ground to celebrate that team.
“Any time Motherwell get to a final, especially a Scottish Cup one, the 1991 team gets mentioned. I’m sure the players now will want to be remembered as fondly as that team. We have reached a few finals since then but never got over the line.”
It’s almost three decades since that famous afternoon and, although he relies on others for on-the-day recollections, Clarkson aims to have a crystal clear vision of the 2018 event.
Back at the club working within the Academy, he will be in the stands supporting the Steelmen. Just as he was for the fantastic semi-final success over Aberdeen last month.
Clarkson said: “I went as a fan. It was the first time I have actually had the chance to do that and I enjoyed it.
“It was different though being there as a supporter but it was better and I was able to relax. It was nice to be there and see the boys reach the final and I can’t wait for Saturday.
“I am working at the Academy and I am loving it. I came back in January full-time and I am looking after the Under-18s. I also help out with the Under13s through to the 16s.
“I feel like a babysitter, parent and counsellor at times but I love it.
“I have done my badges over the last few years and it is something I always wanted to get myself involved with. I wanted to give something back to the club. I like c.swan@dailyrecord.co.uk sharing all of my experience with the boys and I know what they are going through because I have faced the same challenges.
“If I can help build them up to be good players and good characters then I will have done my job right.”
Clarkson and the Motherwell contingent were able to indulge in celebratory chanting after that Dons encounter and he doesn’t rule out the prospect of the Steelmen supporters having another glorious day out this weekend.
Celtic are the obvious favourites. Brendan Rodgers has managed to win five trophies out of five since moving to Parkhead and a win over Motherwell in this season’s Betfred Cup Final lists amongst the successes.
But Clarkson is convinced Stephen Robinson’s team can give the Hoops a game. He said: “Motherwell will want to finish the season on a high.
“They have done so well to get to two cup finals so they will want to win one. Too many times they have got to finals but not clinched one.
“I am sure the feeling in the dressing room will be that it’s
another chance to get some silverware. Motherwell will have a plan. The two boys up front, Ryan Bowman and Curtis Main, work well together and are a handful.
‘Scottish football may stink of conspiracy theories but Rangers only have themselves to blame for relying on other teams for second’
“They don’t give defenders a minute’s peace and any defender will tell you they hate strikers like that.
“They are strong, physical and brilliant at what they do. It will be a difficult afternoon for the Celtic defenders. “Louis Moult was scoring all the goals and people were wondering when he left who would come in and take over. “Since Curtis has come in he has done very well and hit the ground running. “He has scored a lot of goals and formed a great partnership with Ryan up front. “When that happens and a guy does so well so quickly, people tend to forget about past players and focus on the here and now. “Allan Campbell has been brilliant this term and it’s great to see him coming through. “Motherwell have played the same way all season and I can’t see them changing because it has worked so far. They all know their jobs and are a strong unit. “In a final there is going to be an edge and the players will be up for it. They have been to a Hampden final already this season so they know what it is all about.” aeroplane celebration after the injury-time equaliser in their thrilling 5-5 draw.
He had certainly cheered up after slaughtering his players following their Edinburgh derby defeat when he said a fourth place finish was unacceptable.
said: “I just can’t believe the audacity of Lennon ripping into his players after the derby defeat and then trying to antagonise the Rangers fans after their late equaliser.
“He said that finishing fourth was unacceptable but it didn’t stop his wild celebration.”
Derek McInnes claimed another second-place finish was two fingers up to their critics but
said: “I feel sorry for Aberdeen and their manager. There were no snipers and they will never be a Rangers, Celtic, Hibs or Hearts.
“Rangers fans couldn’t care less if we are second or third as long as we qualified for Europe. We failed to beat Celtic to the league – that’s all that concerns us.”
said: “McInnes is a born loser. Who remembers anyone who comes second? Five years at Aberdeen and he’s managed one League Cup.”
Glen Kamara has been linked with both Old Firm clubs and said: “Dundee fans are saying if Kamara has to go it should be anywhere but Rangers. Well, I hope in 2019/20 they are playing in their rightful place – anywhere but the top flight!”
There’s never a dull moment in Scottish football and Killie fans had a chuckle after Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers compared their side to a team of firemen.
said: “What a laugh at Rugby Park when announcer Gavin Wallace conducted the half-time draw wearing a fireman’s hat to the tune of Fireman Sam. Now I just hope we can keep Youssouf Mulumbu next season.” CALL THE HOTLINE TODAY FROM 11 TILL 12 NOON on: 0141 309 3306 or email us: hotline@dailyrecord.co.uk