You're Celtic, United

This story goes back to Year 2001. I was working at my current place, and as is the norm we have a lot of Airmen pass through, people posted in, posted out. In fact I have lost count of the acquaintances I have met in the last 12 years.

They come, they go, but due to the nature of my work, I stay. That is what I do. Mr Continuity.
Around the time I was a Civilian Chef (2 Promotions ago) and I was working with this real old school, bigoted chef. A dinosaur by modern standards. He'd been in the RAF pretty much all of his life, knew every scam, every trick in the book, but was coming to the end of his 22 years. Finito. A life as a Mr. beckoned, and he was struggling to handle that I think. He'd turned bitter, for sure. He could make a lemon look sweet from 25 yds.
Anyway, this guy tells me that I'm in for a rough ride. There was a new Cpl being posted in. Apparently he was a staunch Scotsman, hated the English, Hated everything about England, and in turn would hate my national pride and George cross tattoo. Oopps. I could do without this, I enjoyed my work, and I did not fancy William Wallace making my life hard!! I am not bigoted or racist in any way I may add, but I am proud of my country, and I would find it hard to hear anyone disrespect that, or purposely antagonise me to the contrary.
The day came. "Davy Johnston" was posted in. Unbeknown to me he'd been told by "Bitter Old Sweat" that there was a Nationalist Englishman in this kitchen, a skinhead jock hating Bulldog that would make his life hell. Davy and I avoided each other’s glance for about two weeks. Him thinking I was some NF thug, me thinking he hated everything about my country! Davy did not need this! Posted down from Scotland, keen to get on. I did not need this either!!
After about 2 weeks of nervous tension, we ended up on shift together, both avoiding the English / Scottish thing, trying to avoid eachother for fear of the others views and supposed attitudes.  Soon the conversation turned to football. It did not take long before we both talked passionately about Glasgow Celtic Football Club, (Hail Hail) and then in turn Manchester United. Alas... Common ground. We reminisced about the old days, Frank Mcavennie, Tommy Boyd, The Lisbon Lions, We did not shut up!! United was next, Davy's 2nd team, my equal love along with Celtic. What a click! What a relief to us both. Almost instantly as one, what a shame the last 2 weeks had happened! Not just the football, you know when you findsomeone in your life, a fellow man, a surrogate brother!!
Common ground thru Football, music, interests, family life and much much more. It was an epiphany for us both. This bitter old fcker had had us both pitched against each other from the off. What a shame we'd both been naively led this way! - And how differently it could have ended up!
Davy then headed off on a foreign tour for 4 months, and only when he got back it was like a pair of old slippers. We were like old mates, muckers from 20 yrs back. Our families soon met, and the rest so they say is history. The wives met and clicked instantly, our kids are like brothers and sisters to each other.
He's amongst the bestest mates I've ever had. We've holidayed together, seen countless football matches together, parties, meals, and each others houses for days at a time. Eat, Slept & Lived together! Davy and his family ARE FAMILY.


To Quote Rod Stewart (Fellow Celtic Passionista)

"You're Celtic United, but baby I've decided you're the best team I've ever seen

And there have been many affairs, many times I felt to leave

But I bite my lip and turn around, 'cause you're the warmest thing I ever found"

Davy Johnston - Despite the best efforts of a bitter old man who for what ever twisted reasons decided to do what he did......

It did not work.

Ageless & Timeless.

May everyone everywhere experience great friends and kindred spirits!!