It’s the first of May 2010. Celtic are 2-0 up against Motherwell thanks to goals from Aiden McGeady and Darren O'Dea. Cut to our manager, Neil Francis Lennon, as he gives a nod to the bench. A nod that would spark to life the glittering career of a modern-day Celtic legend.
A young James Forrest was given his chance and he grabbed it with both hands and never let go. When the teenager from Prestwick came on to score the third goal in that 4-0 win against the Steelmen, you could see how much it meant to him, but little did we know how much it would mean to us 14 years and 22 trophies later.
It is undeniable the young man has become a legend to many of the Celtic supporters, but there are still that small pocket of doubters that seem to have been on his back for the last few seasons. Which, I have to say, shocks and saddens me. I understand when criticism is due when form is off, but to deny the whole career of a club great due to him being of a certain age is a very harsh, and dare I say brutal assessment of a player who has given so much to our club.
To this end, I have taken the time to reach out to fans on social media and get their thoughts on the man himself. Between us we would like to remind the naysayers of just what James Forrest has given Glasgow Celtic Football Club over the last (and say it out loud for the protestors in the back), one-and-a-half decades.
Let’s kick off with what fans said about Forrest as they took to social media to submit their favourite Jamesy moments to The ACSOM Blog:
Proud Huddle CSC - “He’s scored some amazing and important goals over the
years. For me it’s his first derby goal in the 5-0 game at Celtic Park. Brilliant goal and
you could see what it meant to him. Love James Forrest”.
@AbbieMcD01 - “His late winner against Karagandy purely because I was 12 and
sat front row at the corner flag where they all piled on top of him. Favourite ever
Celtic player and my favourite ever memory of him”.
Stephen Scott (@Trundle14) - “Karagandy goal, just moved into my first solo flat, all
the boys round, going absolutely tonto when he scored. Great times."
HappyCelticLass - "Karagandy winner, but the equaliser away to Lazio is right up
there too and his goals versus Sevco at CP. Ocht now I don’t know what one to pick!"
Ryan Smith – "3rd goal against St Johnstone on the 16th, otherwise when they scored
it would be 2-2 no doubt. Jamesy Forrest, the killer of games. Celtic legend."
In the line of Forrest fire
There were so many great memories sent to us through social media, but the Karagandy winner was undeniably top of the poll when it came to James’ finest moment in the hoops.
What struck me was the trip down memory lane didn’t need to travel far at times as, even this season, Forrest has been popping up with important goals and performances when he’s needed most. Just like the 13 seasons before this one.
Do I think he is still the same player he was when he was racking up assists and banging in worldies in his prime? Of course not. Only an idiot would suggest otherwise. However, not being the same player doesn’t automatically make you a weaker addition to the squad. For what he may now lack in pace and movement, he makes up for with an experienced and intelligent football brain and the minerals to cope with the pressure of being in a title race and grinding out results.
Write him off at your peril, but the wise old head that made his debut almost 15 years ago could just be the key to unlocking yet another title for the men in green and white.
Back in November 2011, the SFA’s performance director Mark Wotte described him as being, “The light in the darkness” of Scottish football, and I think I speak for many Celtic fans when I say that James Forrest has shone enough brightness on this last 14 years to power the floodlights in Paradise for the next 14.
From millions of Celtic fans across the globe, we thank you for all the joy and excitement you have given us. You carried this team at the times they needed you most, and for that, you will never walk alone.
Jerry Taylor // @JerryTaylorAyr