Former Celtic stars in town for special church fundraiser
Former Celtic footballers will reminisce of their times playing for the club this Friday at a special fundraising event in Hamilton.
John Hartson, Rudi Vata, and Lisbon Lion John Fallon, will all be answering questions on their playing careers at the “Celtic Speakers”night which will raise funds for St Peter’s Church in the town’s Buchanan Crescent.
The Welsh international, now a pundit, who played for the Hoops under managers Martin O’neill and Gordon Strachan, will kick off the evening with a talk. As well as his battles on the pitch the ex-centre forward also fought off a life-threatening illness and addiction issues.
Former goalkeeper John Fallon deputised for the injured Ronnie Simpson, when the 1967 European Cup winners took on Racing Club from
Argentina in the infamous World Club Champions games in Buenos Aires and Montevideo.
He made his debut in 1959 and his last game for the club was in 1970, during his lengthy career he featured in a number of huge matches including a European Cup semi-final in the San Siro, as well as the testimonial match of Alfredo Di Stefano in Madrid.
Rudi Vata, who played for the Glasgow club from 1993 to 1996 and won a
Scottish Cup winners medal playing under Tommy Burns, is also the proud dad of current Celtic starlet Rocco Vata, who was a second-half substitute for Ange Postecoglou’s side at Kilmarnock on Sunday.
The night has been organised by Rocco’s mum, Ann Frances Murray.
She said:“the church’s entire heating system had to be replaced at a cost of £20,000 and we’re aiming to raise half of that amount with a number of fundraising efforts. It should be a great night and their will some amazing stories to hear from the former players.”
The players will be presented by Phil Agnew, with live music from Paddy Rooney, raffles, an auction of sporting memorabilia, and a buffet.
The night takes place on Friday, April 21, admission is £30 per person payable by bank transfer to: Sort Code: 832227 Account No.: 00251894. Please include your name as reference.