Celtic Soccer Crew: What the Hell Do We Care?

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A man always with the best interests of Celtic at heart, across more than two decades, he has provided invaluable support and counsel to the Club. As Celtic supporters, we all owe John an enormous debt of gratitude for everything he has done for the Club, in protecting our continuity, in preserving our history and ultimately in bringing Celtic to where it stands today. I had my own mind but you cannot really have your own mind in football. You have to follow what the manager tells you. They treat you like a baby and I wasn't." Even now, people say to me, 'Why are you doing this?' Well, why shouldn't I do this? It seems to give me more satisfaction."

It’s difficult to comprehend now, but without John Keane’s actions it may well be that Celtic would look altogether different today. The care sector, you have got to really want to do it. If you don't want to do it, you will hate it because this work is not for the faint-hearted. It has been an honour and privilege to be part of Celtic, a Club I have loved so dearly all my life. I would like to thank Dermot Desmond, Ian Bankier and Peter Lawwell and all other directors, past and present, who have worked together and so tirelessly in the best interests of the Club.John Andrew O'Kane (born 15 November 1974) is an English former professional footballer who played as a defender. I'm a bit more detached from it in terms of knowing the players and their families so it was a complete blank canvas. When I first went in, I said to the management team: ‘I would rather you didn't tell me what you think of player A, B or C'. I didn't want to have any preconceptions of them in my head.”

He could have dodged some of the game's greatest wingers now too. His brief Premier League career pitted him against David Ginola and many more. By: Newsroom Staff on 05 Jul, 2019 17:33 FERGUS McCann has paid his own tribute to John Keane, who has retired as Director and Honorary Chairman of Celtic Football and Athletic Club, praising his unwavering commitment to Celtic. Fergus said: “I just saw the news of John Keane’s retirement as Honorary Chairman of The Celtic Football and Athletic Company. The Club owes – and I owe – John Keane a great debt. He was a major and steadfast partner in the rescue and rebuilding of Celtic. “His commitment never wavered, from long before and during its darkest hour and later, when the hard decisions and hard work had to be done. Unlike some others who promised support then fell away, John was always there. “He avoided the limelight, never claimed credit, and continued to financially support the growth of the Club without seeking personal profit. His special interest was the development of young players – and that has served Celtic well with years of onfield success. “Like Brother Walfrid, he came from County Sligo in the ‘Oppressed West’ of Ireland. And he left his mark in a different way. Like every true supporter he understood what Celtic means and its importance to so many people – and was there when it counted.” While that appearance against Aston Villa went well, making an impact off the bench, a Champions League start against Rotor Volgograd proved more challenging. Most of the coaching is done during the week so I was able to do that and the games didn't clash so I've been there for nearly all the trainings and 90 per cent of the games. It has worked out ok.” But before jumping to conclusions about his character, consider how he has spent his days since - helping vulnerable children.

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Of course O'Kane is hoping for wins in both counties tomorrow but by 6pm his championship journey could have come to an end in Derry and Cavan. You have to be like a robot, basically. You have to eat, sleep and breathe football. I just was not one of those characters. It was not in my make up to be that robot.

It was another thing that I had to deal with on the pitch, an involuntary movement, a habit. I had these mad thoughts in my head all the time. It was not just the football, it was the brain." But while Eric Cantona once told him not to be like everyone else, that was not the message that O'Kane received from others in the game.At the age of 17, he moved to Scotland himself, first of all carrying out agricultural contracts and then building a successful business as a contractor laying cables and pipes for major utility companies. I love the club. I have supported it and nothing will change me from that. This is a great honour. I hope I don’t trip and that they don’t boo me too much!” This generation of Killygarry players haven't been to a final and I've been in that situation with Glenullin so I know they'll be really hungry for it.” WILLIE Falconer wasn’t a player to particularly make you sit up and take notice. He was alright and pretty indicative of the standard of player that Celtic had filling their squad in March 1994. He was one of many who were average at best, but Willie is a player who nearly became the most infamous Celt in history. That he didn’t become that is down quite substantially to a man who retired with a great many platitudes from Celtic and beyond today. Today his own quotes on his retirement have perhaps been lost under a sea of well-wishers and reminisces. As such they’re worth repeating.

You can't split yourself in two and I can't even go to one and then go to the other – it's a complete clash.” The accompanying share issue would see Celtic extend into a bright new dawn. An Emergency General Meeting would see the whole grand plan become a reality. Sadly in was myth. The last desperate hand of a board struggling to come to terms with its own demise. He was a great man-manager. That was why leaving United was not a devastation. It was more a feeling of excitement. A new challenge. A new manager who wanted me."

Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell said: “I would like to thank John sincerely for all he has given to the Club over such a long period. He has been a tremendous friend and support to me personally but above all he is a man who put the Club ahead of anything else. Ferguson was as supportive as he could be. There were regular chats in his office. "He had an aura about him but he was approachable. I did not give him a choice, to be fair. I used to go and see him three or four times a week."