Helping my dad meet his hero will top Record days
PEOPLE often ask me what is the best piece I have written or interview I’ve conducted for the Daily Record.
My answer is always the same – I don’t have one. Although I do have a favourite moment.
The only reason I mention it is because on Tuesday I’ll bring down the curtain on my stint on the sports desk.
It has been a fantastic two decades serving the best newspaper in the country, which has given me wonderful moments.
I once described each of Henrik Larsson’s goals in his Celtic career for a pullout when he left the club. Yes, all 242.
I was fortunate the “Magnificent 7” recently signed my copy. He thanked me and said his son Jordan loved it, even keeping it as a souvenir.
Diego Maradona was ambushed by yours truly at Celtic Park and presented with a trophy when he took charge of Argentina for the first time as they got set to face Scotland in 2008.
Maradona is the greatest player who lived. No argument. If you don’t believe so then watch Claudio Gentile’s marking job on him at the 1982 World Cup.
I even asked Pele a question when he appeared in Glasgow.
One highlight shines like a beacon though – the night I introduced my father, Danny, to 1967 European Cup winner Bobby Murdoch.
I was asked to appear on a panel with three of Jock Stein’s Lisbon Lions in the Brazen Head pub in the Gorbals. It was a Q&A with anecdotes thrown in for good measure.
Jimmy Johnstone, Bertie Auld, Bobby and me? Between us we have amassed three European Cup winners’ medals!
On the drive there my dad casually asked me: “Did you know Bobby Murdoch is my all-time football hero, son?” “Er... no I didn’t.” We walked in and the Lions were there.
By way of a quick introduction I turned to my dad and said, “Dad, this is Jimmy Johnstone... this is Bertie Auld... and this is Bobby Murdoch. Bobby this is my dad Danny.” My old man dryly quipped: “I know who they are son.”
Bobby turned to my dad and said: “Hi Danny, do you fancy a pint?” Before I knew it they were chewing the fat and had disappeared to the bar with Bobby’s hand on his shoulder as if embracing a long-lost pal.
Bobby was that kind of guy. A gem of a fella who is sorely missed.
It was the most beautiful football-related sight I have seen. I had a lump in my throat and had to dive into a toilet
Bobby’s hand was on dad’s shoulder as if embracing a long-lost pal of his
cubicle. I am not ashamed to admit this, I wept uncontrollably. Words are my currency but I was lost for them.
It has been a pleasure and a privilege to serve this newspaper. In football parlance, the Daily Record was the only newspaper I ever wanted to write for.
It helped open doors to the good and the great. Which is why nothing came close to seeing my dad in the company of three Lisbon Lions.
The highlight of my career, it is my greatest achievement at the Record. Always will be.
My dad is and always will be my hero – sporting or otherwise. Thanks dad for introducing me to the beautiful game. And thank you all for reading.