It was Pele who is credited with coining the term “The beautiful game” when referring to football.
For many of us those three words bring to the forefront of our minds the more aesthetically pleasing parts of the sport. A magical Messi run as he glides past five opponents before delicately lifting the ball over the keeper into the back of the net. Pirlo effortlessly moving across the pitch as he plays pass and move football in tune with a choir of angels or watching Nakamura curl, at pace, a 30 yard free kick past the despairing dive of Van Der Saar into the top corner of the net.
All beautiful memories.
There are also many elements of “The beautiful game” that while not as exciting or eye catching are completely fundamental to the success of the vast majority of teams.
Workrate, fitness, energy, combativeness, selflessness, passion, desire and leadership.
When a player displays not one, but all of those traits, they may not get the critical acclaim from all of the watching public but to their colleagues and management team they are worth their weight in Gold.
Step forward Scott Brown.
“Broony” as he’s more commonly known would be the first to admit he’s not blessed with the technique and awareness of Pirlo, Iniesta or Xavi (not many are!) but rather than focus on what he cannot do, it’s what he can do that makes him in my mind the most important player at Celtic football club.
When Broony arrived from Hibs it would be fair to say there was a mixed reaction, certainly among the online community. Paper talk and the words of his ex-Hibs team-mate Kevin Thomson had Broony strongly lined with a summer transfer to Rangers only for Gordon Strachan to step in and pinch him in a £4.4m internal Scottish transfer record deal that came as a surprise to many. The Rangers ‘link’ clearly got under the skin of some and Broony could do no right for a small but fairly vociferous group. His case wasn’t helped when his omission from the first team for the final games of the 2007/08 season allowed Barry Robson and Paul Hartley to play integral roles as they drove Celtic to their third League championship in succession.
The fact Broony was only 22 was neither here nor there – many, not most, would not have been disappointed to see him sold on such was their negative views towards him.
Broony’s early time at Celtic wasn’t helped when he suffered a personal tragedy that put everything into perspective when his young sister Fiona sadly died of cancer aged only 21.
That period and what has happened since has made one thing very clear – Scott Brown is a fighter.
In my view the true emergence of Broony occurred during the reign of Neil Lennon allied to Broony maturing…slightly!
Lenny’s onfield character was similar to Broony in many ways with that snarling, fighting attitude that winds up the opposition players and fans alike and there appeared to be a kindred spirit for Broony to relate to. Lenny’s first full season saw Broony finally living up to the high expectations many had for him. The talent was there but the consistency was missing, albeit a large part of that can be attributed to the many injuries he picked up, one in particular in the Champions League v Benfica when an appalling challenge from Binya could have ended Broony’s career.
While Broony’s performance levels increased there was one hurdle to overcome – that connection with some of the fans. That all changed on February 6th 2011…..
In a hard fought Scottish Cup tie at Ibrox, Celtic were down to ten men and trailing by one goal at half time. Celtic came out and totally dominated the second half earning a 2-2 draw thanks to a wonderful left foot curling effort from Broony. That goal in itself was special but the icing on the cake, the part that made everyone go “Get fcuken in there Son” was immediately after his goal. Scott turned round and who should be standing next to him but the appalling El Hadji Diouf. Scott stared him in the eye, lifted his arms and did the now iconic “Broony” pose right in his face. That image is right up there for a generation of Celtic supporters and in my view created a bond with Scott and the fans that gets stronger by the year. Funnily enough Scott was booked by the referee for his actions and commented in a later interview that the yellow card was the “best of my life”.
Magic!
As Scott’s performance levels increased it became apparent to me just how vital a player he is to Celtic. There’s an energy and galvanising impact he brings to those around him and his self drive and will to win is infectious as his commitment to put his body on the line for his team. Broony is one of the first to confront opponents after a bad challenge on his team-mates and it can normally be noted that at a future time within the ninety minutes some form of retribution within the laws of the game (sic!) will be meted out by the captain to send a clear marker that his team won’t take any shite.
While the ‘street’ aspect of Scott’s game is still a vital element within Scottish fitba capturing physical and verbal aspects that are still very rife in our football culture, it’s important not to underestimate one other critical component that makes Scott Brown our most vital player.
Leadership.
Roy Aitken was a successful Celtic captain. It would also be fair to say that ‘The Bear’ was a fine player but nowhere near the most gifted in the Celtic teams he captained. What made Roy Aitken stand out was an insatiable will to win. An inner drive that pushed him to get the best not only out of himself but crucially – also of those around about him. Roy was a leader of men. A man with a quite shite haircut who would also be the first down the football trenches if required. Scott Brown is of similar mould, including crap hair!
Broony’s energy as he covers every blade of grass, cajoling, encouraging and demanding the best from his team-mates is primarily noticeable when he’s not playing. Take a note of this the next time he’s injured or suspended. His drive and desire is quite fundamental to Celtic and is a major catalyst for those round about him. The Lennon snarl, the Lambert point to push on, the mad guy doon the Barras stare….all key components of a player who gets better every year.
The one area of his game I feel we should be getting more out of him in an attacking sense. There’s skill and goals there and Ronny clearly sees this as he mentioned he wants to see his captain getting forward far more, something we seen as the season progressed.
Broony’s performances haven’t gone unnoticed and Celtic have received many offers for his services primarily from English PremierLeague clubs but every one refused (to date) by a guy who loves life in Scotland with his family, friends and playing for his team….oh you better believe it is now. Scott Brown vitally now completely ‘gets’ Celtic. His involvement in supporting many charitable causes (John Thomson memorial, foodbank collections etc) related to Celtic and now active support of coaching the younger age groups with little prompting shows a complete embrace of the values treasured by Celtic supporters. He’s one of the key people who now welcomes new players to the club and shares with them the importance of the club, what it stands for and what it means to Celtic supporters all over the world.
Scott Brown seems like he has been around for an eternity and yet ‘only’ turns 30 this week (June 25th).
Broony has been at Celtic for 8 years, made 328 appearances and scored 33 goals. His role of honour includes 5 League Championships (4 as captain), 2 Scottish Cups, 2 League Cups and participation in the last 16 of the Champions League on two occasions.
When it comes to fitness it’s widely regarded within the club that his fitness is “unbelievable” and there’s every reason to believe, injuries aside, he’ll be a regular first team starter for the next five years. By that point Scott Brown will have considerably more honours and quite probably made well over 500 appearances for Celtic. To put this in context, only 10 Celts have ever played in excess of 500 games for Celtic. This will elate Broony into legendary status…no bad for a wee guy fae Fife….ken!
Scott Brown was not born a Celtic supporter. However, he cherishes everything about our great club and will be a Celtic man for the rest of his days….and quite probably a Celtic legend.
Broony….Broony…..Broony!
Great article Hector. For me his legendary status was cemented the very second he invented the Broony in front of the rat-faced feck that was Joof which you have already mentioned. From what I gather his influence in the dressing room on team-mates is thoroughly inspiring too.
HH To all of that Hector.
I did a piece on another site 2 Seasons ago saying more or less the same thing.
The word Legend get’s banded about far too readily in Fitba’ for me nowadays pal but I think Scott is well on his way to being one.
You see for me personally I have always held the guys who were never Celtic men when they arrived but became so later on with a wee bit more esteem myself.
Guys Like Danny McGrain and Kenny Dalglish who even though had loyalties elsewhere before they signed soon left those loyalties well behind as you say ..as they got what it means to be a Celt.
Scott does not need to prove anything more to me he has played through the pain of bereavement and the pain of injury for months to sweat blood for Celtic.
His goal in this Mays GOTM was everything I have come to expect from him …
Absolute class and determination from a genuine Box to Box Midfielder who lays it on the line and with determination wins those 50/50’s most of the time.
God Bless Him heres to the next 8 years at Celtic
HH
https://youtu.be/CrpMI-0F5lc
Broony is my favourite current Celtic player as you have said before, he’s grew into the captains role year on year and is the heart beat of the team.
A few years ago my son who does Taekwondo was attending a physio who was also physio for Celtic first team. My wife who had been taking my son asked him who his favourite player was? Without hesitation he said Broony but said not only was he his favourite player/person at the club he was everybody’s. They just love him at lennoxtown, literally from the manager to the tea lady, they all love Broony.
Although I had to be converted to the Deila cause I am proud to say I have admired and defended Scott Brown from day one. Even just a few years ago his detractors were many. But many of us bhoys saw the passion and leadership from the very start. Simple:when Broony doesn’t play we don’t win as often. He is a natural leader in the Celtic mould. He is loyal and gives everything to the cause. You couldn’t win with eleven Broonies in the team (someone has to score goals ffs!)but one is enough. Scott Brown is a credit to his family, friends and Celtic Football Club. A great article about a great player. Scott Brown, to your good health with many thanks for your service—a good heart and courage can’t be taught or learned. It is special.
Great stuff Hector! TBH I have to admit that – in the early days – I was one of those who doubted Broony, but he’s proved me badly wrong and made me et my wrds 🙂 – There’s not a shadow of a doubt that Celtic are a much better and effective side when he’s playing and that – when he’s on his game – the impact he has and the driving force he provides is totally unmissable. Agreed, he’s not the most cultured or technically accomplished player around, but the leadership & fighting spirit he provides more than makes up for it.
If I have any question marks at all, it’s that his one of his biggest assets – his sheer physicality – often works against him and (through no fault of his own I hasten to add!) results in his “hard-men” reputation preceding him. – In Europe they’re simply not used to players of that type, so that seems to make him automatically a marked man.
For example, if that had been anyone other than Broony who tackled that wee drama ladyboy Neymar at CP – I very much doubt if he’d have been sent off.
However, it would be madness/impossible to curb that side of his game – he wouldn’t be half the player. I just think it’s a shame that refs seem to have trouble recognising between hard but fair – particularly when diving & cheating are by far a bigger problem in both the Scottish game & abroad.
HAIL HAIL B R O O N Y!
You forget to mention that up to last season his first touch was dreadful. He was also taking to many touches, which invariable seen him lose possession and also his weight of pass was terrible.He was easily wound up and put off his game, never mind his petulant side on the pitch. As you can tell was never his biggest fan, but it had nothing to do with who he was brought up supporting. Under RD last season Scott thrived and had his best season in the Hoops, were every aspect of his game improved dramatically. I honestly think under this management team his best years are definitely in-front of him. HH
this is a total fallacy – I’m sick hearing how poorly Broonies first touch was, how his passing was dreadful – this is pure media nonsense.
Can I point out, every Celtic manager since Strachan signed him has played him, most as captain.
Every Scottish Manager has picked him and several made him captain.
This has happened over the 7 years he has been at CP. not just last year.
Strachan, Mowbray, Lennon & Deila at Celtic & Strachan, Smith, McLeish, Burley & Levein for Scotland.
They’ve always rated him – not just last season.
If Broonie had been as bad as you make out, he would have played 227 games for Celtic or 44 for Scotland.
Time to eat some humble pie I think – just admit you believed all the negative hype about Scott Brown and now you see what the rest of us have seen for the last 7 years.
should have been “would he” not “he would”
Hector
Excellent article. There are several, nae 99% of Scottish journalists who should have this to study for their “passing out” – which they probably would do on reading it.
I was particularly pleased you compared Broony to Big Roy. I have often thought they were like peas in a pod. Physically he reminds me of Davy Hay too though Davy had a quiet solidity rather than the flamboyant, if not petulant demeanour of the other two. Many of us used to say we would not relish being in front of Big Roy if we were not trying. Personally, I would need brown pants to contain my emissions if I was playing anywhere near Mr. Brown.
Some say the real change and commitment came from his appreciation of what the club did to help him through the tragedy of his young sister’s death. I seem to remember thinking around that time he had changed somehow and taken on the mantle of a “Celtic man”, something he had not convinced me of prior to that. No matter when, he is 110% one of us now and in his inimitable style can not hide it.
I know there were fans who only accepted him because of the things he did against the deceased club and I would be a downright liar to say it did not give me great pleasure too. But the key attributes of Scot are his never say die determination, his forceful encouragement of others – and criticism too when warranted – his unstinting support for his manager and especially Ronny from day one and, above all, his desire to perform and win for the fans. Whatever his past, whatever his failings – pizzas ‘n all – whatever his uncompromising attitude, his unquenchable desire to give the support the best has him in my “great” book already.
Hector, he will end his days at Parkhead. Mark my words.
H H
He’s pissed me off a few times but I’ve never doubted him.
Another time I remember was his response to a succulent lamb muncher who asked what he thought about something Bastard Novo said in the paper “To be fair i never bother reading the papers….(frown)….especially when HE’S in them…”
\O/
Brilliant article Hector.