No Eddie this week as he prepares for a European scouting mission to uncover some desperately needed new blood for the podcast amongst those with a better grip of the English language and so James Kelly steps into the breach. He's joined by Tosh McLaughlin of the Villarreal Penya Celtic Submari to tell us all about the links fostered between the two clubs and their supporters in the years since our first meeting in the 2004 Uefa Cup. Tosh explains all about the social, academic and charitable dimension to the partnership, some forthcoming fundraising events in Hamilton, Carfin and Celtic Park, and the work done by supporters of both clubs to form a lasting bond, provide exchange trips for Scottish and Spanish schoolkids, and help raise money for Yorkhill Hospital and various other charitable causes. He fills us in on Villarreal's fortunes on and off the pitch in recent years, their youth set-up, and their hopes for Europa League glory this term. He explains the activities of penyas - supporters clubs to you and I - and their relationship with owner Fernando Roig Alfonso, whose investment has underpinned the club's astonishing rise from provincial minnows to Champions League contenders in little more than a decade. He makes his case to the cynics for following a 'second club' beyond Celtic, then gets down to his own experiences supporting the bhoys since the early '60s, before we finish up by bringing things back up to date and discussing our chances entering into the title run-in after the international break, starting with the game versus Inverness. He explains why he won't be the new Paddy McCourt any time soon and gives his thoughts on whether Neil Lennon's touchline ban will be a factor in results. James messes up by going on about how a home game against Caley is the ideal opportunity to rediscover top form, before realising after recording that we're actually faced with the trickier prospect of travelling north. But he's confident no-one will read this far or notice whilst they're actually listening.
Anyone interested in attending the Celtic Submari fundraiser can get in touch with Tosh to make it happen at toshino@blueyonder.co.uk. Number 7 Lounge, Easter Sunday 24 April, 8pm - 1am, live music, three course meal, tickets £20, cheap at half the price and your hard-earned going to a great cause. The Penya Celtic Submari official website can be found at www.celticsubmari.com
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