Glasgow bubble in overdrive with Jimmy Greaves to Celtic rumour

raised. From then on, the banter was fast-flowing.”

Andy, a regular contributor to BwB, knew the former Scottish international right-winger had a wicked sense of humour, and he went on: “Jimmy, with a twinkle in his eye, then told a story.

“He said that, one day, after a Celtic training session, the players as usual all went their separate ways.

“Jimmy was late leaving the ground and, as he headed out, he recognised a group of well-known players getting off a bus.

“It was the England international team.

“Celtic had granted the English team the Parkhead facilities, but they had a problem as their full training kit had been left in London.

“Celtic offered them the use of strips and this was immediately accepted. “Jimmy’s eyes lit up, as he saw what was in front of him as a gem banter-wise.

“Soon after, he met a few friends in a popular local hostelry.

“Jimmy told all in attendance that he had a real scoop for them – that Jimmy Greaves was currently at Celtic Park, and told all present that the player could be about to sign.

“Nobody initially believed Jinky – and he was being ridiculed and verbally slaughtered by his friends.”

Andy, from Lochee, continued: “Jimmy stuck to his story, though, and proceeded to tell them, at that moment, the Tottenham legend was getting a fitness test, doing sprints, lapping the park and taking part in other exercises.

“The manager of the pub, trying to get verification, then phoned the ground to ask if Greaves was at a Celtic Park – and was informed he was!

“Glasgow being the bubble that it is, the story soon gathered pace over the next few hours before the real facts emerged.

“Wee Jimmy just smirked and insisted he wasn’t telling lies as Greaves was at the ground.”

Left – The Dennis Gillespie testimonial article on October 24 brought a response from his son Steve. And Steve unearthed a gem – a poster advertising the encounter. He said: “This poster was up in Betty White’s shop at the top of Caird Avenue – social media of the day! “My Dad always said that Alan Gilzean coming back to play in the game was great for everyone and helped swell the crowd that turned up. “Great article.” This photo is from 1960 and the starter’s pistol has just been fired at a Hawkhill Harriers’ weekly Saturday morning coaching event.

Andy Walker with Jimmy Johnstone.