So near but so far, Chic Charnley’s Playing for Celtic dream

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·8 settembre 2024

So near but so far, Chic Charnley’s Playing for Celtic dream

Chic Charnley, Celtic and what might have been…

Chic Charnley, Hibernian FC 6 October 1997: Photo Mary Evans Allstar Paul Mcfegan

Chic Charnley is one of Scottish football’s best known characters. The talented midfielder played for a host of clubs during his distinguished career, although he’s probably best known for his alliance to Partick Thistle, a side whom he made over 150 appearances for in four different spells, and is regarded as something of a cult hero at Firhill.

OneFootball Video

Chic had a reputation as a bit of rouge, and after being sent off on no fewer than 17 times during his career which spanned two decades, it’s no surprise. There was also the infamous but rather amusing tale of him taking on a couple of Neds who were armed with a machete during a Thistle training session in a public park, with Chic coming out on top as he sent the two wannabe hard men packing, as they fled the scene!

Chic though was a talented player. He had skill in abundance. Some players didn’t have an ounce of his ability, but were playing at a much better level, but perhaps Chic just lacked the discipline or motivation to take his game to a new level.

Chic is a massive Celtic supporter, something that he’s never hidden, and in 1994 at the age of 30 his lifelong dream came true as he was asked to appear as a ‘trialist’ for the Hoops under Lou Macari as Celtic took on Manchester United in Mark Hughes testimonial at Old Trafford.

Chic unsurprisingly accepted the invitation and headed south with the Celtic squad to take on the mighty Man United at the Theatre of Dreams. Chic was handed a start and his life long ambition of playing for Celtic came true as stepped out onto the amazing arena that is Old Trafford to take on the best sides in England while donning those famous green and white Hoops.

Chic didn’t disappoint and looked at home playing alongside the talented John Collins in the Celtic midfield, and equally didn’t look out of place against his big name opponents such as Roy Keane and Brian McClair in the Man United engine room.

Indeed at one point in the game The great Eric Cantona who appeared as a sub tried to nutmeg Chic, but Chic stopped the ball and took it from the flamboyant Frenchman and glided past him with an arrogance that Cantona himself could only have admired.

Chic had a great game, showing the ability that everyone knew he possessed. He played with a swagger and throughly enjoyed himself as he fulfilled a life long ambition.

Sure it was only a friendly, but it was still against top class opposition in a top class arena, and Chic didn’t look out of place.

Rumours then unsurprisingly surfaced of a permanent move for Chic, but unfortunately nothing ever materialised and Chic went back to his spiritual home of Firhill. It later emerged that Chic was offered the chance to go with Celtic on a pre-season trip to Canada, but Chic being Chic declined as he’d already committed to a pre season holiday with his Firhill teammates.

I’m sure Chic himself looks back on that decision and wonders what might have been…

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

COMING SOON ON CELTIC STAR BOOKS…CELTIC IN THE THIRTIES, VOL 1&2 BY MATT CORR…

The Celtic Pools Weekly Lottery is still only £1 each week and you could win up to £25,000! All net proceeds donated to the Celtic Academy. Join today and you will receive this Champions League Bobble Hat!