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Irish Daily Mirror
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Celtic legend on Martin O'Neill, working in a burger van and leukaemia battle
Stiliyan 'Stan' Petrov joined Glasgow Celtic from CSKA Sofia in 1999 and had a torrid time initially — before working in a burger van put him right. Four SPL titles, three SFA Cups, three League Cups, player of the year, a UEFA Cup runners-up medal, 228 appearances and 64 goals later, he would rejoin Martin O'Neill at Aston Villa. Many would pinpoint the standout win of his Celtic career as the 2002/03 two-legged UEFA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool, 1-1 at Paradise before a sensational 2-0 win at Anfield in the second leg. He he joined Villa in 2006, and would remain until pre-season 2016. While in Birmingham, he won a Sunday League junior football cup, a success Petrov describes as the biggest victory of his life. Diagnosed with acute leukaemia in March 2012, Petrov retired from football in May 2013 and after spells as Villa youth coach in 2013, assistant coach in 2015, he would resume full-time training with the first team squad ahead of the 2016/17 season. 'Leukaemia was probably the toughest of my own opponents,' he says. 'It was something that I had to battle really hard. 'It was three years of a difficult battle, highs and lows, dark moments, mental issues. But you know what, it just shows you how strong we are as human beings and it's something that I will always remember, I'll never forget. 'I was fortunate to have a great family, a great, great wife, Paulina, she kind of put her life aside to make sure that she looked after me. 'And that's why I have a foundation, based in Bulgaria, England and Spain, I always like to help because I know how important the support is and helping others makes a huge difference. 'We support over 50 hospitals around the world. We create events, we raise funds, and we donate money for other people to have a better treatment and better life.' That 2016/17 pre-season tour with the Villans saw Petrov score in an 8-0 win over Austrian team GAK, but he was not offered a contract by then-boss Roberto De Matteo. Yet still, Petrov had come a long way since arriving at Celtic as a teenager in 1999. 'Obviously the start was tough for me, I'd a new coach, the speed of the football as well made it even more difficult,' explains the former Bulgaria international. 'But mainly, I felt that not being able to communicate with my teammates pushed me further from the dressing-room, so it was making sure that I understand what's happening in the dressing-room and I felt that I had to find a solution. 'And my solution at that time was I had a friend who was Scottish, he owned the burger van and obviously noticed that I couldn't speak English, I couldn't explain things — I couldn't place an order. 'We started with basic things and, I'll never regret it because that gave me a chance to stay at Celtic and be successful.' It proved to be a seven-year stay, 1999-06, that coincided with an eclectic set of talented stars. 'I've enjoyed playing with pretty much everyone, he says. 'We had a very, very strong team in my time and, obviously, Henrik Larsson and Chris Sutton, they are ones that you can pick out. 'But I've played with some great players with some great characters as well, Neil Lennon, Paul Lambert, Joos Valgaeren, Johan Mjallby and, further down the line, playing with Shunsuke Nakamura, who was exceptional as well.' The week-in, week-out support of the fans at Celtic was exceptional. 'I loved playing in front of the Celtic fans because they're passionate, they love the club and they follow everywhere the club goes. 'I actually spoke with Lenny the other day, he doesn't really play anymore, he is a bit big now! I think the last game he played was my testimonial at Celtic Park.' Martin O'Neill was a key man for Petrov. 'I got on very well with him, still have a great friendship after he finished managing and I finished my career. 'We still keep in touch. We do a lot of events together. 'I still call him Gaffer, I love him, we have that much respect, he is just unique and weird in his own way, but in a very nice way. 'He's a great man-manager, knows how to motivate players, how to handle players with a character. 'He had one strong side, which is he always wanted to win and he sent that message every single day in a dressing-room and that made a huge difference.' Contrary to popular belief and despite being O'Neill's first signing, Petrov didn't 'follow him' to Villa. 'It wasn't my intention to go and play with Martin again,' reveals Petrov. 'I was down to sign for Portsmouth when Harry Redknapp and Portsmouth were doing very well. 'It's funny how things work but me and Gareth Barry, who was at Villa where Martin O'Neill was fighting to keep him, we both were going down to sign for Portsmouth, but we both ended up at Aston Villa. 'The opportunity to work with Martin was a great pleasure because I knew how he worked. I knew how dependable he was and I loved playing under him at Aston Villa.' There was always a big club feel about Villa and their noisy Holt End fans. 'The fans at Villa are very demanding and I loved that. 'Under Martin, he created a really strong team, a really competitive team, with some good balance and a good mix between experienced players and younger players. 'And I think if you look at the Villa now they're kind of continuing that, they want to have a competitive team, not just domestically, but on the European stage as well.' Under O'Neill, there were three consecutive sixth-place Premier League finishes, an FA cup semi-final in 2010 and three European football seasons, 2009-11. But it was a different trophy at a different club in Birmingham that would mean the world to Petrov, a sign he was winning the fight for life against acute leukemia. Wychall Wanderers were managed by former Coventry City defender David Busst, and offered Petrov a lifeline. 'I'd won leagues and cups in Bulgaria, three leagues in Scotland but, for me, after going through my treatment, being able to go back on a pitch and kick the ball was the best days because I was looking forward to every Sunday,' reveals Petrov. 'I've even changed the schedule for the boys, not drinking on a Friday or a Saturday if we are playing, Sunday breakfast in the morning, getting ready for the game. 'So the boys kind of loved it too because I've demanded so much from them but for me, being on the pitch again, kicking the ball and being able to run again, even if I was heavier at that time, I loved every single minute. 'Even going to the pub after where nobody shies away from a beer and I loved that. It was the best because when you win the game, you know what, you have a pint with your friends. 'You discuss the game, what's happening in the Premier League, world football, you have great craic and build up for the next weekend.' The former Villa captain feels there is more to come from his old side as they look to build on a first-ever Champions League campaign. They were beaten 5-4 on aggregate in the quarter-finals by eventual winners PSG, finished sixth in the league and made the last four in the FA Cup. Indeed, eight wins in the last ten Premier League games, their two losses coming in Manchester against City and then United on the last day, saw them only miss out on CL participation on goal difference. 'It's great what they have achieved in the last two seasons,' says 'Stan'. 'The Champions League performance there has been incredible last season, this year it will be Europa League but I think they won't really bother about that because there will be another European competition. 'And with a super manager in Unai Emery, the team and the way he works, and with my two favourites, Morgan Rogers and 'Super' John McGinn, they've got a good chance to go further in that competition.' Petrov notes Ireland's recent form under new management — four wins, four losses and two draws. But the ex-Bulgaria international has warned against misplaced optimism about the 'win' column as his country accounts for two of those four. Bulgaria may have been to seven World Cups (finishing fourth in 1994) but they have not been to a major championship since Euro 2004 and are uncompetitive at present. Recent Bulgaria results include a five-goal defeat to Northern Ireland, four-goal defeats to Greece, Switzerland, a 5-2 reverse at home to Georgia, and draws with Belarus (twice), Cyprus and Luxembourg. 'Bulgarian football is shadowed by corruption and match-fixing and people who depend on political support,' says Petrov, who made a record 105 appearances and scored eight goals for his country. 'And this makes it even harder for the younger players, for the coaches and for all the football ecosystem in Bulgarian football to flourish because we've been struggling for many, many years and it seems like we are still struggling. 'We used to play against teams, against Ireland, against the North, and expect to win, now you can see how far we are behind. 'We are a football nation and I think the fans and people around football want a change but it seems like people who run the carpentry, do the building, don't want to change and this is the biggest downfall for Bulgarian football.' Ranked No.3 in the world in June 1995, Bulgaria currently languish 71st. 'I'm not surprised they could not win against Ireland, I'm not surprised at all. I mean, our national team, our players, are really struggling to play in the big teams and the big leagues, to create leaders, which was a really big problem for Bulgarian football and this has been going on for the last 20 years. 'And it seems like there's more people who don't want to change then want to change something for good.' ***Stiliyan Petrov will be featuring in a Premier League XI playing against Ayrfield Utd (founded 1977) at Blinden Drive, Coolock, Dublin, today. The game is a fundraiser for Ayrfield Utd's new clubhouse, youth club and sensory room for neurodivergent children and adults within the community, i.e. people with autism, ADHD, Asperger syndrome. And what a team it is! Premier League XI (courtesy LegendsXI/Tony Browne): David James; Stephen Carr, Ian Harte, Jaap Stam, Wes Browne; Karol Poborsky, Jason McAteer, Keith Gillespie; Jermaine Beckford, Yakubu - plus guests.
Glasgow Times
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Hollywood legend baffled after being confused as Celtic fan
Robert Patrick was left in a pickle after Hoops fans thought he was donning a Celtic jersey recently. In a video on TikTok, the American star, known as T-1000 in Terminator 2: Judgement Day, was giving the lowdown on the trendy vest he was wearing. READ MORE: Snoop Dogg keen to perform at Celtic Park as part of big event READ MORE: Celtic player pictured dining at Glasgow restaurant after Old Firm draw However, Glasgow Celtic supporters were more interested in his green and white striped top, which wasn't a Hoops shirt. The 66-year-old actor is known for starring in 1923, Peacemaker, Reacher, and much more. One comment on the video said: "Glasgow Celtic champions", to which Patrick replied several question marks. Another Hoops fan commented: "COYBIG. Look up Celtic Football Club. You are now one of us", with the Hollywood star replying: "Nope. I am a Boozefighter, 18 years. "Green & white are our MC colours." Meanwhile, a third Celtic supporter said: "Mon the Hoops", which left Patrick even more baffled as he replied with multiple question marks again. A fourth hilariously asked the star: "Where did you get the green Hoops top from?", with Patrick responding: "Not Hoops. It's my MC gear. The Boozefighters. Meanwhile, a fifth added: "T-1000 is a Celtic fan."
Daily Record
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Rod Stewart delights Celtic fans as singer in high spirits at Parkhead
Rod Stewart has been spotted by footballs fans having a whale of a time in the stands of the Scottish Premiership trophy day. Rod Stewart has been pictured revelling in the stands at Parkhead on trophy day for his beloved Celtic FC. The Maggie May singer, 80, was joined by his son Alastair Wallace Stewart as they watched St. Mirren take on the Hoops on Saturday. Rod was in high spirits as he was seen dishing out thumbs up to fellow fans in the crowd while keeping a keen eye on the match. His appearance comes just days after he backed calls from his fellow fans to adopt Rangers anthem 'Simply The Best' as a new Hoops tune. A familiar face at Celtic Park, the singer was first introduced to football by his Scottish father Robert Stewart. However, while invoking the love of the game in his son, Robert was unable to get young Rod to support his team Hibernian F.C. The star has previously flaunted a collection of Celtic themed clothing and memorabilia over the years - going as far as creating a Hoops themed vinyl edition of his latest album. At the end of his tour in 2023 he revealed a Hoops tattoo. At the time he shared a pic in a tattoo parlour and wrote: "Getting a 'Glasgow Celtic' tattoo in Auckland to celebrate my beloved team 'You're in My Heart'". His love for the boys in green and white has since passed down to his own son, who was also soaking up the electric atmosphere in Glasgow. His other children, Aiden and Renee Stewart, are also fans of the team as Rod has previously posted videos of the family dressing up to cheer on the Celts. In one video, Sir Rod was seen to show off his special Celtic logo socks. In the Instagram post he wrote: " Celtic forever." Renee then went on to post a video of her dad walking around in his special socks, captioning: "You know Celtic is about to play a game when dad has these socks on." Scottish Premiership trophy day has become Celtic's day with the Parkhead side winning 13 of the last 14 titles. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Glasgow Times
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Celtic-daft Martin Compston pictured taking trophy day dip
The 41-year-old actor, from Greenock, Inverclyde, looked chuffed as he took a trophy day swim this morning (May 17). Sharing his dip on Instagram, the Line of Duty star captioned the post: "55". (Image: Instagram) READ MORE: Glasgow Celtic pub's new banner to celebrate club's success READ MORE: Celtic-daft Martin Compston revealed worst thing about his 41st birthday It comes as Celtic are set to lift their 55th Scottish Premiership title later today (Saturday, May 17). The East End club will collect their trophy following their clash with St Mirren at Celtic Park. The game is set to kick off at 12.30pm. Afterwards, loads of Celtic fans are expected to hold an unofficial title party in the city's Trongate/Merchant City areas.
Associated Press
11-03-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Adams, Reyna on US roster for first time under Pochettino, picked for CONCACAF Nations League games
CHICAGO (AP) — Midfielders Tyler Adams and Gio Reyna, and defender Cameron Carter-Vickers were picked for the U.S. national team for the first time under coach Mauricio Pochettino, among 23 players selected Tuesday for the CONCACAF Nations League final four matches this month. Adams (back surgery), Reyna (groin injury) and Carter-Vickers (toe) have not played for the U.S. since last year's Copa America. The three-time defending champion U.S. plays Panama on March 20 at Inglewood, California, then meets Mexico or Canada three days later in a final or third-place game. Midfielder Diego Luna and forwards Patrick Agyemang and Josh Sargent were added to the roster after not being included for the November quarterfinals against Jamaica. Sargent, who missed those games because of a groin injury, has eight goals in his last eight matches for Norwich in England's second division. Star attacker Christian Pulisic has 14 goals this season for AC Milan. Among those missing the matches due to injuries or because they are just regaining fitness are defender Sergiño Dest, midfielder Malik Tillman, and forwards Folarin Balogun, Ricardo Pepi and Haji Wright. In addition to Tillman and Pepi, others dropped who had been on the November roster included goalkeeper Diego Kochen; defender Miles Robinson; midfielders Brendan Aaronson, Gianluca Busio and Aiden Morris; and forwards Cade Cowell and Brandon Vazquez. Agyemang, Luna, Tim Ream, Patrick Schulte, Zack Steffen and Brian White are the six Major League Soccer players on the roster who were at the January training camp, which was not on FIFA international dates. The roster: Goalkeepers: Patrick Schulte (Columbus), Zack Steffen (Colorado Rapids), Matt Turner (Crystal Palace) Defenders: Cameron Carter-Vickers (Glasgow Celtic), Marlon Fossey (Standard Liege), Mark McKenzie (Toulouse), Tim Ream (Charlotte), Chris Richards (Crystal Palace), Antonee Robinson (Fulham), Joe Scally (Borussia Moenchengladbach), Auston Trusty (Glasgow Celtic) Midfielders: Tyler Adams (Bournemouth), Johnny Cardoso (Real Betis), Diego Luna (Salt Lake), Weston McKennie (Juventus), Gio Reyna (Borussia Dortmund), Tanner Tessmann (Lyon)
