Sometimes the beautiful game is simply divine.
Clyde 2, Celtic 1 in the Scottish Cup? In Roy Keane’s first match for the hoops, you say? What – in the face of a vast amount of hype from a London press that doesn’t normally give a monkey’s for Scottish football, you add?
Snigger.
I am, of course, a bluenose (of the Glaswegian variety), which means my mirth verges on – no – is simply smugness.
But this, on top of a wonderful clash between Luton and Liverpool yesterday, Orient’s surprise win against Fulham and Burton’s embarrassment of Manchester United today, and you’ve got proof that sometimes cliches are cliches simply because they’re right. There really is nothing like cup football.
It also throws up some entertaining stories. Rangers legend Graham Roberts manages Clyde, so you understand why he said today: "It is the greatest day of my managerial career. I cannot quite believe it and at the moment – I’m very emotional."
What fewer people will mention is that his assistant is Joe Miller, the former Celtic winger who would occasionally find himself being mauled tackled by Roberts in his playing days. The pair of them are shown embracing in the picture on the BBC’s coverage (first link). "I think both myself and Joe Miller have tears in our eyes," Roberts told the BBC.
Them and the rest of us, I can promise you.
Dear me, you go out for a long run and come back and look what happens. Apart from Roy Keane, who is, well, an arse of the highest order, but Manchester being held 0-0 is purest joy.
Imagine, the replay will be at Old Trafford…. Burton to win 2-1 in extra time, if there is a god.
How Bonny is Clyde ((c) every Scottish newspaper every week). Let’s hope Roy Keane becomes their unlucky mascot.
And as for Scum Utd, 2-1 in extra time? Never. Burton to thrash the bastards 3-0, with Rooney sent off and Ronaldo forced to go in goals. (insert Gone for a Burton headline here, (c) every newspaper ever).