“I Was There” by Pat Woods

Few have done more to preserve and retell the rich history of Celtic Football Club than Pat Woods. Often described as the vital link between Willie Maley’s era and the many modern-day Celtic authors we know today, his work has left an indelible mark on the club’s story. Pat held the unique distinction of attending all three of Celtic’s European finals – Lisbon in 1967, Milan in 1970, and Seville in 2003 and over the years wrote and contributed to countless Celtic books, sharing his deep love and knowledge of the club. We were saddened to learn of Pat’s passing on Sunday, 11th August and while he’ll be greatly missed by so many, his incredible legacy lives on through his extensive writings and contributions to Celtic’s history. His impact on the club’s heritage cannot be overstated, and we feel honoured to share here a recording he made with us in January 2025. In this special piece, Pat reads his own words from a commemorative programme created for a London event in May 2017, marking 50 years since Lisbon, offering his unique first hand insight into the most memorable moment in Celtic’s history. Rest in peace, Pat Woods, and thanks. (1946–2025)