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Memories of Old Firm goals and a 20-year career!

(Alan left and John Whitelaw right)

Former Celtic, Hibs and Motherwell defender Alan Sneddon visited our Westwood Sporting Memories Club earlier this month to share recollections of his career spanning three decades! 

Alan started his football career at Larkhall Thistle playing alongside our Sessional worker, John Whitelaw.  This was as far as our John’s footballing exploits went but Alan went to play to have a sterling career making over 400 appearances for various clubs; however Alan was keen to make sure that we knew that Larkhall Thistle was where he learned how to play and built his confidence to shape him into the great player he become. 

One of Alan’s standout skills was that he could play with either foot.  He would play?right back and could kick with the left foot - many an opponent was caught out with this move! 

Big Jock says sign here 

Alan’s first professional team was Celtic FC.  Alan was signed from Larkhall Thistle in 1977 as a replacement for the injured Danny McGrain (who coincidentally was Alan’s absolute hero). He said Big Jock (Stein) put a contract in front of him and said “Sign that” which Alan did and to this day he joked he still does not know what it said. 

He played in defence but was delighted to share his one magical moment when he scored for Celtic.  

It was a Rangers - Celtic game on 18th August 1979 - Celtic were 2-1 down and only 10 mins left in the game. Danny McGrain crossed the ball over for Alan, where he then dived and nodded it into the goal bringing the final score to a 2 - 2 draw. This was his one and only goal scored for Celtic. 

One other memory that he did share was of his first game for Celtic which was against Dundee.  Alan was unaware he made the first-team and it was only one hour before the game when one of the other players said to him “You’re playing today”.  

As he walked out of the tunnel Big Jock Stein put his arm round him and said “Look to your right (the Fans) they hate you, now look to the left, they love you. Now go and make them happy.” 

Alan played right back that game and set up two goals for George McCluskey. Celtic went on to win the match 7- 1. 

300 matches and 2 league winners medals 

Alan left Celtic at the very end of 1980 and went straight on to play for Hibernian for over 10 years. That mid-season move meant that Alan earned the unusual achievement of winning two league winners’ medals in the same season in?1981, as he played enough games for both Celtic, who won the?Premier Division, and?Hibernian, who won the?First Division, to qualify for a medal from each championship. 

He then went on to play for Motherwell and East Fife finally retiring from professional football in 1997.  A marvellous 20-year career playing with top teams in Scotland – he was a real fan favourite. 

A huge thank you to Alan for taking the time to join us at our Westwood Club. You made for a memorable session for our members and will be welcomed back anytime!