AS the team lists are steadily revealed for Celtic FC Foundation’s Jock Stein Charity Match in September, Simon Donnelly has become the latest former Hoops star to confirm his participation.
The Jock Stein 30th Anniversary Charity Match will take place at East End Park on Sunday, September 6 and will see a squad of Celtic Legends take on their counterparts from Dunfermline Athletic.
The charity match – which sees proceeds split between Celtic FC Foundation and Dunfermline Athletic’s charitable arm, The Pars Foundation – commemorates the 30th anniversary of the passing of legendary figure, Jock Stein.
Simon Donnelly – a popular fixture of the Celtic team in the 1990s and member of the famous squad that ‘stopped the 10’ – spoke of his excitement at linking up with former team-mates and running out in front of the fans at East End Park.
Donnelly told the official Celtic website: “I’ve been involved in a couple of these games over the past few years and it’s always good to meet up with a few familiar faces and ex-teammates. From a personal point of view, it’s also good to assess your standard of play after all these years.”
The game represents great personal significance for Donnelly as someone to have appeared for both Celtic and Dunfermline.
When asked about his fondest memories from his respective spells with each club, the ex-Celtic forward said: “I’ve got great memories from both clubs. With Celtic, breaking through to the first-team and becoming a regular was a huge highlight.
“Beyond that, obviously stopping the 10 in 1998 stands out and I was fortunate enough to have picked up a couple of medals throughout my time there.
“At Dunfermline, we had a great Scottish Cup run in 2004 but we were beaten in the final by Celtic of all teams!”
After hanging up his boots, Donnelly moved into coaching and is currently assistant manager at Dundee United. He spoke of his admiration for Jock Stein and emphasised the importance of remembering his incredible contribution to Scottish football.
He said: “It’s very important to remember Jock Stein and everything he achieved at Dunfermline and Celtic. He was a little bit before my time but I admire his legacy and his immense contribution to the game here in Scotland.
“In terms of my own memories, when I was quite young my dad took me to Scotland games when Jock was the manager so I can say I’ve seen his teams play.
“Looking at all his achievements, he was undoubtedly a top manager and it’ll be great to honour his memory.”
Tickets for the match, priced at £12 for adults and £6 for concessions, are available ONLINE, by calling 0871 226 1888* or by visiting the Celtic Ticket Office.
Matchday Hospitality is available, on a first come, first served basis, in the Purvis Suite at a cost of £45 per person, or supporters can upgrade to a pitch-side box for an additional price of £100 per person. To make a booking please visit www.dafc.co.uk, contact DAFC on 01383 724295, or [email protected]
Tickets for the dinner are priced at £500 for a table of 10 or £50pp. To make a booking call Celtic FC Foundation on 0141 551 4321 or email [email protected]
* Calls cost 13 pence per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge. For customer enquiries relating to existing purchases only, please call 0141 230 1967. Calls charged at standard rate.
