Latest news with #SimonDonnelly
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Ex-Rangers and Celtic rivals who used to kick lumps out of each other launch new careers together
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) OLD Firm legends Charlie Miller and Simon Donnelly have revealed how making their acting debuts was more nerve-racking than walking into the cauldron of Ibrox and Parkhead. The ex-pros have now joined the stage production of Billy and Tim to celebrate the play's 20th anniversary. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Charlie Miller and Simon Donnelly with broadcaster Rob Maclean who are appearing in the play Billy & Tim 7 Charlie Miller during his Rangers heyday Credit: Scottish News and Sport 7 Simon Donnelly starring for Celtic Credit: Scottish News and Sport 7 Charlie has some previous acting experience in the gritty flick The Angels Share Initially the pair came onboard just for an audience Q&A but now their parts have been extended to act as co-commentators for a fictional Old Firm game - and that means they have scripted lines to learn. Former Rangers midfielder Charlie, 49, says: 'I was nervous the first day we went on stage because we were out of our comfort zone. 'Obviously playing in front of 50,000 or whatever it is, was just normal for us when we played the game.' Ex-Celtic striker Simon Donnelly, 50, added: 'When I was told 'We've got a couple of lines for you to do tonight' the colour drained out my face. 'I started to think, 'What have we got ourselves involved in here?' It's funny because football was just our lives but ask us to say a few lines in front of 200 people and we fold.' Charlie continues 'The rest of the cast nicknamed us 'Biscuits' because they thought we'd go to pieces. But it was something new and we enjoyed it.' Simon and Charlie were both childhood pals growing up in Glasgow's Burnside district, both playing for bitter rivals Rangers and Celtic during the exact same era from 1993 until 1999. And they believe that their lifelong friendship perfectly sums up the message of the play which tackles the Old Firm divide with two fans - Billy and Tim - banged up together for non-payment of fines on the day of a Glasgow derby. Charlie says: 'I've known Simon a long time. We grew up together and played together in a graduate academy too - although we still used to kick the s**t out of each other when we were kids.' Simon adds: 'In recent times we've done the coaching and have done camps together, encouraging Celtic and Rangers kids to come together and enjoy themselves. Rangers fans unfurl giant tifo ahead of Russell Martin's first match 'We would have parents emailing us asking, 'Can our kids wear Rangers and Celtic strips to the camps?' We were both like 'Why not?' It's just a kid wearing the jersey of the team they support.' The old pals have been reunited by Outlander actor Scott Kyle - who played Ross the blacksmith in the fantasy series - who was raised in Rutherglen near the players, and co-owns the rights to play. He says: 'We wanted to do something special for the 20th anniversary to freshen it up. 'There's a scene in the play where the two fans are banged up and both have bets riding on the outcome on the game. 'The stakes are really high because whoever wins the match is going to get released because they'll pay their fine and get out. 'Both of them take shots watching the match through the hatch in the prison door. Before the actors had to pretend they were watching a match, but now the action switches to Simon and Charlie along with Rob Maclean and David Tanner doing the live commentary. 'It's gone down a treat with the audiences and they always get a huge applause.' Trainspotting 2 actor Simon Weir plays the turnkey Harry, who has a grandchild who is going through a major operation. Simon, 52, says: 'That's a key element of the story as they begin to see there are far more important things in life than the outcome of some football match.' Scott, 42, adds: 'Charlie and Simon hadn't seen the play until we had them along doing the Q&A. 7 Actor Scott Kyle with Charlie, Rob, Simon and fellow performer Simon Weir 7 Charlie Miller and Simon Donnelly are appearing in the play Billy & Tim 'But they both loved the really strong anti-sectarian message that comes through in the show through humour and pathos of the story.' However Charlie does have more acting experience than pal Simon after being involved in two major movies - playing a thug in the 2012 Ken Loach film The Angels Share and the 2000 Robert Duval film A Shot At Glory starring Ally McCoist. He says: 'I turned up for Angels Share but the director Ken Loach had fallen down a set of court steps the day before so filming got cancelled. 'So I was on set with a big catering van and the food was tremendous. I then had a fight scene in a corridor and the actor (John Henshaw) just ran down over the top of me. 'He was like a mad man and I was like, 'What the f**k?' I thought he was just going to be acting, so I really had to use my strength to stop him.' However Charlie reveals he missed out on screen time in the Duval flick because he couldn't be bothered 'hanging around all day'. He explains: 'One of my mates told me to come down to Hampden one Sunday afternoon as we were to get into strips and play for a scene. 'I arrived at 12 thinking we'd get this done then get to the pub, but then one of the guys says we won't be finished until 5 o'clock. I just said 'Here's your strip back, see you later'.' 7 However Rob Maclean, 66, did make the cut. The veteran broadcaster says: 'I had to co-commentate a game with Andy Gray and we recorded our scenes at Pinewood Studios, where I walked down the corridors with all these posters from famous movies on the walls. 'The hardest part for us though was trying to be serious as we commentated on Ally McCoist throwing a punch in the middle of that film and trying to make it sound credible.' But now the players can add another acting first to their resume when Billy and Tim - shortened from the original title Singin' I'm No A Billy He's A Tim - begins its run at The Edinburgh Festival at the end of this month. Simon says: 'We've never been to the Festival and now we're actually going to be on at it.' And after their Fringe run the cast will take the show to Glasgow's Pavilion Theatre in October, while there's even an offer on the table to take the play to Sydney's iconic Opera House in 2027. Scott says: 'The Old Firm are huge Down Under and have a fanbase worldwide. We want to travel with this play.' So will these one-time Old Firm rivals now be applying for their actor's Equity cards together now? Simon scoffs: 'No chance - we know our limits.' *Billy and Tim – Old Firm Legends is on at Lomond Theatre at Pleasance at EICC at 8pm from July 31 until August 24. It will also be on at Glasgow's Pavilion Theatre on October 24 & 25. Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Watch today: Celtic v Sporting CP LIVE on Celtic TV
The Champions close out their Portuguese leg of pre-season this Wednesday (July 16) with a stern test against the champions of Portugal - Sporting CP - at the Estádio Algarve in the south of the country. The game is live and exclusive worldwide on Celtic TV, with coverage starting at 7:15pm (Celtic Park Time). Join Paul Cuddihy and former Celtic striker Simon Donnelly for all the build-up and action. Advertisement Brendan Rodgers will speak to Matthew Campbell ahead of kick-off to preview his starting XI and give his thoughts on facing the Portuguese champions. We'll also look back on a special visit to the Estádio Nacional, where the Celtic first-team made the pilgrimage to the site of the club's greatest ever achievement. At half-time, we'll hear from Benjamin Nygren as he discusses his football journey and joining the champions - featured in the latest episode of the Official Celtic FC Podcast. Don't miss a minute of pre-season with the Champions - subscribe to Celtic TV now! Subscribe now RETURNING CHAMPIONS Get the best value this summer by unlocking access to all of the Hoops' pre-season fixtures today. Advertisement Live match streams are available for Celtic TV subscribers worldwide with full match replays and highlights will be available on demand shortly after the game. And with subscription prices frozen for an eighth straight season, there's never been a better time to join Celtic TV and follow the Bhoys every step of the way. Subscribe now PRE-SEASON FIXTURE SCHEDULE July 16 (KO 7:30pm) – Sporting CP v Celtic July 19 (KO 3pm) – Celtic v Newcastle United** July 24 (KO 7:30pm) – Celtic v Ajax July 26/27 (KO TBC) – Como or Al Ahli v Celtic *Behind closed doors. **Not available in UK and Ireland. SUBSCRIBE NOW AND DON'T MISS Every pre-season fixture LIVE WORLDWIDE Exclusive training camp coverage Behind-the-scenes access, features & interviews Your first look at new signings in action Watch the Returning Champions worldwide, only on Celtic TV. Subscribe now EXCELLENT VALUE SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS With annual subscriptions for UK subscribers from just £50, and monthly and annual subscription options also available to supporters overseas, a Celtic TV subscription offers excellent value for those looking to follow the Celts through to the end of next season as they fight on all fronts domestically and in Europe. Advertisement Overseas subscribers can keep up with the Bhoys all season and watch SPFL, League Cup, and Scottish Cup matches live. UK & Ireland subscribers can enjoy pre-season games live*, while SPFL, League Cup, and Scottish Cup matches will have live audio, plus match replays are shown later in the day. All Celtic TV subscriptions also include superb behind-the-scenes access from our Lennoxtown Training Centre and exclusive content from within our Women's squad. *excluding Celtic v Newcastle SUBSCRIBE ONLINE AT Upcoming Fixtures Celtic Vs. St. Mirren - Sun, Aug 8th 2025, 15:30 Buy Hospitality
Glasgow Times
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Celtic warned over potential RB Leipzig transfer of Kuhn
RB Leipzig are reportedly increasing their efforts to sign the winger following previous "advanced talks" for their ex-player. Celtic could potentially make around £15 million from the sale of the player, who impressed in the early stages of last season but saw a dip in form later on. Kuhn made significant contributions to the team, both in the domestic league and in the Champions League. His standout performances, including goals against Leipzig, caught the attention of the German club. Former Celtic player Simon Donnelly has questioned if the club should be in a hurry to sell Kuhn, pondering how they would replace the German international. "There was a period where he was attracting a lot of interest because he was doing so well in the Champions League, scoring goals, performing well, and then I thought his form dipped a little bit towards the end of the season. "But when you look from a wide player, I think his goals and assists were very, very good." Donnelly believes Kuhn was close to being Player of the Year at one point, competing with Daizen Maeda. He added: "I don't know how I feel about it. "Jota is going to be a little bit away through injury. "I'm not sure. "It's one of those ones, careful what you wish for. "Can you get somebody to come in and have that many assists and goals, right from the off? "We don't know." The former Hoops attacker believes the club are looking for replacements in the background, particularly targeting wide players. He also stated that a striker and possibly a centre-back are needed, with Kieran Tierney as the top signing so far if he returns fit and ready.
Daily Record
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Celtic told 'careful what you wish for' as star fans are resigned to losing won't be easy to replace
Simon Donnelly believes the sale of one of Brendan Rodgers' standout players would leave a major void Simon Donnelly has warned Celtic fans to be careful what they wish for as speculation continues to swirl over Nicolas Kuhn's future. The German winger enjoyed a sizzling start to last season, notching 16 goals by the turn of the year. But the 25-year-old's form fizzled out in the second half of the campaign, prompting rumours that he could be itching for a move. However, Donnelly believes Kuhn's departure would leave Brendan Rodgers with a huge void to fill. "You can't argue about his season and his numbers", the ex-Celts attacker told Clyde Superscoreboard. "There was a period where he was attracting a lot of interest because he was doing so well in the Champions League, scoring goals, performing well, and then I thought his form dipped a little bit towards the end of the season. "But when you look from a wide player, I think his goals and assists were very, very good. "At one point, I think he was pushing Daizen Maeda for Player of the Year. Maeda just kept going, he was consistent right through. "I don't know how I feel about it. Jota is going to be a little bit away through injury. I'm not sure. It's one of those ones, careful what you wish for. "Can you get somebody to come in and have that many assists and goals, right from the off? We don't know. "Kuhn had a slow start the season before, so we'll wait and see. They will be doing a lot of work in the background. "Wide players are the ones that have been linked, so they are obviously looking in that area again. Whether they know Kuhn's away, time will tell. "I think a striker and maybe a centre-back as well, looking at those areas. I think Kieran Tierney is the signing of the summer. If he comes back and is fit and firing, he's the top signing so far." Tune in to Hotline Live every Sunday to Thursday and have your say on the biggest issues in Scottish football and listen to Record Sport's newest podcast, Game On, every Friday for your sporting fix, all in bitesize chunks.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Celtic v Dundee United live on Celtic TV
Celtic have the chance to secure a fourth successive title when they visit Tannadice on Saturday (April 26), knowing that a point will bring the championship back to Paradise. Tune in from 12:15pm (Celtic Park Time) as Celtic TV's Gerry McCulloch and former Celt Simon Donnelly bring you all the action on what could be another historic day for the club. Advertisement SUBSCRIBE TO CELTIC TV We'll hear from Brendan Rodgers pre-match as he speaks to Paul Cuddihy, sharing his thoughts on the occasion and the starting XI from Tayside. At half-time, we'll revisit some classic trips to Tannadice over the years. The match will be available live on Celtic TV for all subscribers outside the UK and Ireland, with live audio commentary for those within. A full match replay will also be available on demand from 10pm (CPT) for UK and Ireland subscribers. VISIT EXCELLENT VALUE SUBSCRIPTION OPTIONS With annual subscriptions for UK subscribers from just £50, and both monthly and annual options available for supporters overseas, a Celtic TV subscription offers excellent value for those looking to follow the Celts through to the end of the season. Advertisement Overseas subscribers can watch the Bhoys live throughout the season, including Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup matches. UK & Ireland subscribers can enjoy live audio coverage of all Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup matches, with full match replays available later in the day. All Celtic TV subscriptions also include exclusive behind-the-scenes access from our Lennoxtown Training Centre, as well as content from within our Women's squad. Experience the best of Celtic TV with live coverage in 1080 HD, bringing you closer to the action than ever before. Subscribing is easier than ever, and with your membership, you'll also get access to exclusive on-demand features – Inside the Huddle, Stateside Celts, History Makers, Captains, My Greatest Game, If you know your History and An Evening with Henrik Larsson – all ready to watch instantly. Don't miss out on premium content included at no extra cost! SUBSCRIBE ONLINE AT Fixtures Dundee United Vs. Celtic - Sat, Apr 26th 2025, 12:30
