Our Timeline
Founded by Willie Fanning...
September, 1944
The Celtic Supporters Association was the idea of Willie Fanning whose dream became a reality back in September 1944.
These were dark days on and off the pitch with the Second World War still raging and in comparison to those horrors rather more trivially Celtic were not providing much joy to its supporters and defeat was a regular experience. Indeed, the idea of a supporters association came to 27-year-old Willie Fanning while watching the Bhoys get thrashed 6-2 at Hamilton.
Willie Fanning decided to write to the Daily Record calling on fellow Celtic fans interested in establishing a supporters club to get in touch. A total of 14 people replied. Consequently, a meeting was arranged at St Mark’s and St Paul’s Hall, Chester Street in Shettleston. The meeting proved to be a success – a provisional committee was installed and Willie was elected as President.
The Celtic Supporters Association was the idea of Willie Fanning whose dream became a reality back in September 1944.
These were dark days on and off the pitch with the Second World War still raging and in comparison to those horrors rather more trivially Celtic were not providing much joy to its supporters and defeat was a regular experience. Indeed, the idea of a supporters association came to 27-year-old Willie Fanning while watching the Bhoys get thrashed 6-2 at Hamilton.
Willie Fanning decided to write to the Daily Record calling on fellow Celtic fans interested in establishing a supporters club to get in touch. A total of 14 people replied. Consequently, a meeting was arranged at St Mark’s and St Paul’s Hall, Chester Street in Shettleston. The meeting proved to be a success – a provisional committee was installed and Willie was elected as President.
The Club Grew in Numbers...
September, 1945
By the time of the second meeting at the A.O.H. Hall in Alexandria Parade in Townhead the word had spread. The hall was packed and car loads of supporters from across Glasgow and beyond eager to attend created a traffic jam along the parade.
A constitution was drawn up which allowed the new organisation to become an amalgamation of supporters clubs. Within 12 months membership had rocketed to 700.
By the time of the second meeting at the A.O.H. Hall in Alexandria Parade in Townhead the word had spread. The hall was packed and car loads of supporters from across Glasgow and beyond eager to attend created a traffic jam along the parade.
A constitution was drawn up which allowed the new organisation to become an amalgamation of supporters clubs. Within 12 months membership had rocketed to 700.
Club Becomes Officially Endorsed by Celtic F.C...
September, 1945
The association had won the official endorsement of Celtic FC who handed over the responsibility of distributing match tickets to affiliated branches of the CSA.
The association had won the official endorsement of Celtic FC who handed over the responsibility of distributing match tickets to affiliated branches of the CSA.
Tensions with the Club...
March, 1994
It has not always been plain sailing. They were seen as too sympathetic to the old Board management during the Celtic Takeover era in the early 1990s, and were not reflecting the frustrations of the general support. Supporters groups like Celts for Change needed their support but got short-shrift for too long, with backing only given late on.
In light of that, there was much change needed, and relationships across the support had to be repaired as well as the credibility of the CSA.
It has not always been plain sailing. They were seen as too sympathetic to the old Board management during the Celtic Takeover era in the early 1990s, and were not reflecting the frustrations of the general support. Supporters groups like Celts for Change needed their support but got short-shrift for too long, with backing only given late on.
In light of that, there was much change needed, and relationships across the support had to be repaired as well as the credibility of the CSA.
Continuing the Legacy Today...
Present Day
The CSA remains a strong and influential body. Apart from following Celtic in massive numbers it has two social clubs in Glasgow and its annual Supporters Rally is a highlight in the Celtic calendar.
True to the traditions of Celtic FC the CSA also has a proud and continued ethos of raising funds for charity.
The CSA remains a strong and influential body. Apart from following Celtic in massive numbers it has two social clubs in Glasgow and its annual Supporters Rally is a highlight in the Celtic calendar.
True to the traditions of Celtic FC the CSA also has a proud and continued ethos of raising funds for charity.
