Chic says he could’ve worn Hoops
CHIC CHARNLEY helped Partick stun Celtic with victory at Hampden in May 1995.
But he knows he could have been part of the Hoops side lifting the Scottish Cup at the National Stadium three weeks later.
Charnley starred for his boyhood heroes as a guest in a post-season friendly win over Manchester United at Old Trafford for Mark Hughes’ testimonial.
There was talk of the midfielder earning a permanent Parkhead deal after his top performance which came despite the call coming while he was enjoying a night on the lash on the eve of the trip.
Charnley insisted claims the deal collapsed because he refused to go on an end-of-season tour of Canada with Celtic in favour of a holiday with his Jags team-mates are false. The 56year-old admitted it messed with his mind and resulted in him being freed from Firhill the following campaign.
But not before he played his part in a 3-1 Thistle win to ensure they avoided relegation just weeks before Tommy Burns led the Hoops to Scottish Cup glory and a first trophy in six years.
A Wayne Foster double and Roddy Grant strike earned the Jags their last win over Celtic – a wretched 25-year run they are hoping to end when they clash at Firhill in Saturday’s Scottish Cup fourth-round clash.
Charnley said of his of his Old Trafford appearance: “Lou Macari called Thistle’s manager John Lambie to ask if I could play as a guest for Celtic against United in Mark
Hughes’ testimonial at Old Trafford.
“Our season was finished and I told John that I’d had about 10 drinks but he insisted that I get myself down there.
“And I played well and won the Man of the Match award.
“There was talk of me signing for Celtic and Lou had told the media I’d refused to go to Canada with them for a postseason tournament because I’d already paid for a holiday in Portugal with the Thistle lads.
“Anyone who knows me – and who realised how much Celtic mean to me – would know straight away that’s rubbish.”
On this Saturday’s tie, Charnley said: “It’s going to be hard for Thistle. I can’t see anyone other than Celtic winning. Thistle will need to hold out early.”