ALLY MCCOIST DOES DANIEL CRAIG ON BIRTHDAY

ALLY McCoist was compared by fans to Daniel Craig as he walked out of the sea bland bated his chest during his latest birthday celebrations. 
The Scottish footballer turned presenter was celebrating his 62nd birthday in Fascadale Bay on the West coast of Scotland when he decided to slip on his trunks and go for a dip in the freezing water there. 
Ally who was with his pal Steve in the water, attempted to walk out of the water smoothly as he adjusted his trunks for the camera. 
He told his followers online: “Last week's birthday celebrations included a trip to Fascadale Bay on the West Coast of Scotland I can 100% confirm it was freezing my friends Jeff, James & Neil bottled it, well done Steve who came in.”

Ally who also posted footage of his accommodation and showed off a mouse that was holding behind a bin added: “ I can also confirm the mouse in my lodge room was also real, I never did see him again he vanished, great week and great company.”
Ally said during the video of his escapades : “I’m too old guys I cannot lie to you, but I’m glad I did it.”

Fans however loved his latest footage and many compared him to Daniel Craig - saying he was even better than the Bond star. 
One said: “Daniel Craig eat your heart out!! I'd have chosen Ally every time and still would - 40 years I've been besotted with you now thanks to that hat trick against Celtic in the Skol Cup final in 1984. I'll pass on your hotel recommendations right enough.”
Another added: “@allymccoist9 Daniel Craig watch out.”

Someone else told him: “Daniel Craig is that you?”
And a fourth added: “ The names McCoist, Alistair Murdoch McCoist.”
Another also told him he gave the Hoff a run for his money as they told him he looked better now than he did in the 90s and added: “The Hoff no got a look in.”

ROD STEWART CHEERS WITH DELIGHT AT CELTIC BABY NEWS

ROD Stewart cheered with delight as he announced his daughter Ruby was expecting a baby boy and even made up a jingle on the spot to welcome the new addition to the family.
Maggie May rocker Sir Rod was given the honours of revealing the gender as Ruby told her followers on social media of the good news she and her other half Jake Kalick had for 2023.

As the family gathered round, Sir Rod could be seen reading from a piece of paper after opening the envelope from the hospital and he was delighted as he fist pumped the air and referenced his favourite football team as he said: “Its a boy. Mon the Celtic.”
Beaming from ear to ear, he then showed off the announcement on paper and sang a new naughty tune entitled: “Another winkle in the Stewart family.”
Ruby who is the daughter of Sir Rod and his ex girlfriend, the model Kelly Emberg, and Jake moved in together six weeks after they met during the beginning of the lockdown period.

Jake is co founder of cookware company Made- In.
The good news came following the recent death of Ruby’s uncles Donny and Bob.
Ruby urged her followers: “Hire Sir Rod Stewart for your gender reveal! He’ll even write a custom jungle for your unborn child!”
As she posted up a video of her black and white scan, she wrote: “Out of all of the things that happened in 2022 you were by far the most beautiful...We can't wait to meet you..Baby boy Kalick coming in April…”

Amongst those to congratulate her were her half sister Kimberley who wrote: “Def has the Stewart nose.”
Rod’s current wife Penny Lancaster added: “Can't wait to meet him.”
And his second wife Rachel Hunter added: “You are going to be an incredible Mum.”
Rod’s first wife Alana Stewart added: “How wonderful! So happy for you.”

EX RANGERS STRIKER BECOMES ESSENTIAL WORKER DURING COVID CRISIS

EX Rangers striker John Macdonald has been working twelve hour shifts as an NHS driver and porter to help those on the frontline. 
John who played between 1978 and 1986 before moving to Barnsley, made 230 appearances for Rangers, scoring 77 goals, and won the 1981 Scottish Cup and the Scottish League Cup in 1982 and 1984. 
He spoke exclusively to theshowbizlion.com about his work ensuring that doctors get to see patients in need and revealed that it was more frightening working on the frontline than it ever was playing at a big Rangers game. 
John who has been working from 12 midday until 12 midnight on Tuesdays from the Queen Elizabeth hospital to cover closed doctor surgeries as well as portering during other days said: “I’ve been driving  essential doctors to people’s houses.  I’m just an out of hours driver for Greater Glasgow and Clyde for NHS 24. They tell us who to go and see and I drive the doctors around to people’s houses after they have called NHS 24.”
“It is scary and more frightening than playing in any Rangers game, You don’t know what could happen. With Rangers you always knew that if you got beaten, you’d come out the next week and win again. If this hits you badly you don’t know what the outcome is going to be. That’s the bad thing about it.”
John has been acting as a porter and driver for NHS 24 for the last twenty years but he says his hours have increased as a result of the virus.  
He said: “We have a fleet of cars for the NHS and buses taking patients who are at risk as well. We are covering twenty four seven and they have sites during the day for people to be checked too.  It’s the first job I could get. I was working for a medical company and then doctors took it on and now it’s run by NHS 24.”
He’s also been given some protective gear. 
He said: “It’s changed dramatically. The gear I’ve got on is stricter now. You’ve got to get kitted out for your safety and patients as well. They don’t know if they have it so we can’t take chances. We have a bit of everything - a mask, gown, gloves like the doctors who have glasses too if it’s a serious case. People might not mention the virus in their call and doctors then have to decide themselves.  It’s frightening. The doctors go into houses and are coming into the car to sit beside you as well. He’s hoping I’ve not got it and I’m hoping he’s not. I’ve been saying a wee prayer. I usually go to church on a Sunday but we had a wee service on the  internet instead.”
John who has three grown up children hasn’t been able to see his grandkids during the outbreak. 
He said: “We’ve has to stay away in case. My youngest  daughter  sits on the desk at the Queen Elizabeth booking patients who come in so we are very involved with this. I’ve just been going day by day. My niece had symptoms of it so they are all isolation. I’ve not had symptoms but I might have it and my body might be immune or it might not be as bad. If you have it bad you will soon know about it.”
John who still plays in some legends games said working as a porter and driver sometimes reminds him of his old dressing room days. He explained: “Its all about the banter. I make the banter. Everywhere I go to I think I’m still in a dressing room and give people a bit of stick. I play in some of old crocs games now and we were meant to be playing in June at Shotts but I don’t think that is happening now. Its great to play games with people who were my heroes when even I finished playing. I can’t wait to play again.”

Excerpts of this article have since appeared in the Scottish Daily Record 

FORMER CELTIC PLAYER BOBBY PETTA IS ON TRACK TO NUMBER ONE

Exclusive 
Beverley Lyons 
FORMER Celtic player Bobby Petta is on track to be number one after carving out a new career for himself as a house DJ. 
Dutch star Bobby, who was with the Glasgow club for five years until 2004, was well known for his fancy footwork but decided to pursue his other passion of DJing two years ago. 
Two months ago he went into the Groove City Radio studios to produce his own tracks. 
Bobby said: ”I released a track with Saint Luke and it was top 100 and has now gone to number four in the Traxsource Jackin’ house charts. To be honest it’s really weird, but it’s doing well so we’ll see.”

Bobby claims he’s always loved music but never got the chance to pursue his hobby when he joined the Hoops in 1999. 
Bobby who recently celebrated Republic Bort Halle’s 20th anniversary with Hospitality legend Colin Barr said: “I always actually liked DJing when I was at Ipswich but when I came here it was different. It was only two years ago that I went back to it and I like doing it but I want to produce too. I’ve got some good people around me and it’s a new journey in my life and I love it. It’s a process, it’s a journey and I love it.”
This month he released his funky disco house track Feel Good with Glasgow producer Saint Luke which is now at number four. 
Bobby, who recently played at charity night in honour of Fernando Ricksen at Club 69,  said: “The track is called Feel Good and it’s a jackin’ house number, funky disco house. It is deep and underground and I like melodic techno too. It changes all the time. I got together with Saint Luke, a producer from Scotland who knows his stuff. I’ve got it in my head and he translates it for me. It’s hard when you’re doing everything yourself so he’s the one that can translate what I want from my head. It’s a good combination.
“The fact that it is at number four in the charts means I am on the right track and it is only my second attempt. I know what it takes and it’s just learning every time as I go on. I just play what I like to play. For me it’s all feel.”
Bobby says he’s not quite at the level of Calvin Harris but he admits he’s competitive when it comes to making tracks. 
He said: “I’m very competitive. I say this with football, I put in the hours and enjoy it. It’s not like work. For mental health, it is my outlet and it keeps me happy. That’s what I do, I do what I love. Whenever I’m behind the decks I’m doing it because I love it. It’s not work. It’s enjoyment. Like football and the fans, music connects people.

If I’m being honest, I’d like to go to Ibiza, like Jackmaster from Glasgow. That’s just an ambition and a half. I’d like to go to the Sub Club on Glasgow or Circo Loco in Ibiza, that’s my vibe. 
A Vegas residency would be nice but do you know how many good people that are out there? 
In this industry there are really quality people like my manager Jay Gunning from Attic Room Sessions. I’m humble and take it as it comes.”
So far, he’s kept his own name but he admits he might change it for the dance world. 
He laughed: “Whilst we are here in Glasgow and called Bobby Petta, but I like to step away from the football thing. It’s hard. I’d like to be judged on the music I play.
Football has given me a lot, but this for me is not physically demanding. I can play music as long as I want and it’s fun and if You can make a living out of it that’s good too. For me it’s more the journey and experiencing everything and meeting various people who are very good a bit like football.”

AMY MACDONALD CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY WITH POO CAKE

Beverley Lyons
AMY MacDonald celebrated her birthday with a designer cake in the shape of a poo, toilet paper and a bottle of poo pourri.
The This Is Your Life singer turned 32 on Sunday (yesterday) and couldn’t wait to party with friends.
She showed off the cake she’d been given by one of her friends on her Instagram story, revealing the cheeky creation.
The confectionary was emblazoned with the words: “Holy S***, you’re getting old.”
She said: “If ever there was a cake that summed me up, everybody that knows me... it’s three different types of cake. The poo is peanut butter and chocolate. How good is that? I’m so excited.”

Cake designer Linda Daly who owns Daly Delight Cakes revealed: “The happiest of birthdays to my lovely friend Amy Macdonald. Next years cake will have to be extra special to top this. Apologies for the profanity this early on a Sunday.”
Amy was also presented with a golden Tennents can for her birthday.

CORONATION STREET ACTRESS HELEN FLANAGAN AND STYLIST JAY BIRMINGHAM AT GLAM SQUAD

HELEN Flanagan has revealed that her best pal celebrity hairdresser Jay Birmingham styles her from his phone. 

Helen couldn’t wait to get her jammies on and watch Love Island Reunion after putting on the style at Glasgow’s Glamsquad event on Sunday. 

The Corrie star and model was thrilled after her best friend Jay Birmingham presented a slot at the hair, make up and style show in Glasgow’s SWG3.
Helen said: “Jay is one of my best friends and he did absolutely amazing hosting Glamsquad which is one of the biggest events in Glasgow.
Jay said: “ There’s no other event of this kind that has so much talent on stage in one day. Helen and I met on Birmingham about seven years ago. Helen took me under her wing and I showed her the lights of Birmingham.”
Helen added: “Now Jay takes me under his wing.”
Jay joked: “I am Helens stylist, hairstylist, therapist, lifecoach.”Helen said: “If I am ever stuck about what to wear I always WhatsApp Jay loads and and he send me the links.”

Helen and Jay attended the event alongside Alexis Stone, Polly Marchant, Reuben de Made and Tatti Lashes. 
Jay said: “People are going less glam now and going more natural, wearing their hair a bit messy, with tracksuit bottoms. People go to events on tracksuits now. I think times are changing now.”
The two besties were planning a comfy night in following their glam day at the venue. Jay laughed: “We’re going to the rathole now. I’m staying at Helen’s house and I’m having my own bedroom this time.”

Helen added: “We’re just going to chill because Jay will be exhausted after this event. We’re going to put on comfies and watch Love Island.

DHABBA AND DAKHIN RESTAURANTS PUT CARDS IN GENTS FOR MOTHERS DAY

GLASGOW restaurants The Dhabba and Dakhin have decided to put roses and cards in their male toilets to help relieve the stress of Mothers Day.
Mothering Sunday is on the same day as the Old Firm game this weekend so Glasgow men will no doubt be sinking pints and reaching fever pitch rather than shopping for pressies.
Owner Navdeep Basi at the North and South Indian restaurants in Candleriggs came up with the genius idea to help football loving men with their last minute Mothers Day gift.
Removing the stress and anxiety of searching for a pressie, he and the staff  decided to put roses and cards in the male loos on Sunday.
It means disorganised diners will not only be able to treat their mummies to a slap up dinner, they’ll also be able to look like they’ve actually planned ahead.
Navdeep said: “We know that a lot of men in particular will be a bit preoccupied on Sunday so we’ve decided to help them out in the most discreet way we can. There will be roses and cards and pens available in the loos to help them get their act together on the big day. Mothers are very important in India and Scotland so this is our way of making sure they feel extra special.”
From Scotland with Love Theshowbizlion.com

BRENDAN ROGERS GOES TO UNI FOR A LANGUAGE COURSE

CELTIC boss Brendan Rogers became a university lecturer for the day after urging students to learn a foreign language.
And students couldn’t believe it when he started chatting away to university professors in Spanish, French and Italian in the lecture theatre at the private event.
Northern Irish football gaffer Brendan was the very first speaker at the Living Languages event hosted by Senior Language Teaching Fellow Cedric Moreau.
And he even welcomed children from St John Ogilvie High School in Hamilton and Holyrood Secondary in Glasgow to the chat about his love of linguistics.
Brendan spoke of his love of learning and revealed to students that an "inspirational" teacher/coach Jim spurred him on to be the best coach he could be.
He told them: "Do the extra work, put the time in".
Brendan, who recently translated a written message in the official football programme to Spanish fans for the Celtic Valencia game, also said it was important to use languages in work life
Student Jack Batty admitted afterwards: “I’m still shook at Brendan Rodgers chatting away to my uni lecturers in Spanish, French and Italian. What a man.”
Hollyrood French and Spanish teacher Mr Mcilkenny added: “I had a great Monday night hearing from Brendan Rodgers about the importance of learning languages. It was a tremendous experience for our four S2 pupils from Holyrood Secondary who attended and got to hear about language learning first hand from an inspirational and high-profile guest speaker
Brendan has told of his loved of language in the past.
He had tried his best to communicate with players in their native or shared language and explained: “I always think if you speak to someone in their second language, you speak to their head. If you speak in their first, you speak to their heart. I've always tried to let players see that.”

From Scotland with Love Theshowbizlion.com

KING ERIC CANTONA JOKES WITH ALEX MCLEISH OVER SCOTTISH DEFEAT

The King Eric Cantona in the meantime sported a rather fetching number to his Street Soccer event at the Hilton.
Footballing giant Eric had popped out in the afternoon for a stroll and a fitting before the big bash.
I met him before he changed into the outfit and said a wee Bonsoir to him. I studied French and management at Glasgow uni so it was nice to try a bit of my Oral French on him! The other journos there were a tad bemused.Eric and Scotland manager Alex McLeish had a good laugh as Alex reminded Eric that he scored two goals out of three in a France Scotland match. Alex delighted in saying that the shoe was on the other foot when the French came to Scotland and we beat them.
Mark Hateley was amongst the guests too and told me Eric was a ‘controversial genius who lives on the edge.’ He recalled that he played against him in Monaco when he was a really young boy.
Eric who helped to raise over 190,000 for the Street Soccer Charity, was loving his kilt and even popped downstairs for a wee drink while wearing it.
One enthusiastic fan showed him old pics of Charles Aznavor and Johnny Halliday and Eric joked that they were all known as the French Collection.

EX RANGERS PLAYER GORDON SMITH CLEANS UP WITH NEW BUSINESS

Exclusive 

Beverley Lyons 

FORMER SFA chief exec Gordon Smith and ex Celtic forward Jim Melrose are hoping to clean up with their new business idea - quite literally. 

The two former Manchester City players have teamed up to score in the disinfectant business and are even planning to approach the Scottish government with their plans to start selling their long lasting germ busting formula. 

 Gordon, a director at Rangers before it went into administration, who declared bankruptcy shortly after, believes their Bacoban product will revolutionise the way people sanitise products. 

Speaking at the launch of Falkirk’s Envisage Dentist surgery where he showed off his new product he said: “I’ve set up a company called Bacoban with Jim Melrose, a former teammate at Manchester City. We’ve been friends for years and he told he was getting a license for the uk for this German made product and I thought it looked very good. It’s really unique. Normally when you clean something it can become reinfected  in an hour but Bacoban lasts for a week to ten days which means you have security for that amount of time which  is fantastic.”

I think it’s going to take off. It’s not long on the market but it has all the licenses and certifications now. It kills most of the infections out there.”

The product which comes as spray or wipe can be used on door handles of toilets and public places and it’s also available as a smaller spray for shoes or football boots. 

Jim said: “You can’t buy it off the shelves yet. We have a lot of infections in this country and this kills all known infections and all the flu viruses. It’s ideal in certain environments like schools, hospitals, airports, transport and hotels. I believe it will be of major benefit to people in this country.” 

Gordon laughed: “The Germans are very good at creating things. You can trust their products and manufacturing and never ever come out with anything less than 100 per cent of what they say it is. The Germans were very good at football and still are. They win world cups and we don’t.” 

The two men are scouring the UK market for sales and hope to pitch it to government ministers in a few weeks. 

Gordon said: “The government should be looking at this. People tell us that the government looks at cures rather than prevention and that has been a problem and we are trying to get beyond that and say we really should be looking at prevention first. This will make a big impact to prevent major illnesses and infections coming into Scotland.

I’ll be speaking to the minister of health or education in weeks to come about this because I do want to get to a high level on it.”

Gordon added that it was difficult to change career paths after football and said he wouldn’t rule out going back into the game. 

He said: “I’ve not applied for the new SFA job but I never rule anything out. It’s hard when you give up the game and such a fantastic lifestyle. I’ve been an agent and assistant manager and always had plans to do coaching but it didn’t happen until I was out of the game for three years, working as a financial advisor. I’ve had a few offers since to be back in football as a coach and assistant manager of other clubs  even down in England and I haven’t taken them cause everything was going well with my business and what I had.”

SIR ALEX FERGUSON GIVES HILTON GLASGOW STAFF A SOFT BLOW DRY

SIR Alex Ferguson might be known for his famed hairdryer treatment but he ended up giving Hilton staff in Glasgow more of a gentle blow dry as he held an impromptu coaching session with them after a big night out.
It was like a scene from the half time dressing room as the former Manchester United manager volunteered to give one of his famous motivational sessions to staff at the city centre hotel the morning after he had hosted a charity dinner there.
And managers and front of house staff couldn't believe it as the famous Scot sat down with them at their breakfast debrief meeting to talk about teamwork.
The Glasgow Hilton which celebrates 25 years of being in business this year had donated its services to host a charity night for Street Soccer with Sir Alex.
The charity provide a range of football-related development and training programmes to socially disadvantaged people, including the homeless.
The following morning he was chatting at breakfast with management who told him they were about to have a debrief from the night before.
Sir Alex, who was officially off duty, then offered to attend the meeting so he could give staff some extra motivation.
William Hume Restaurant Manager said: " I have met Sir Alex on many occasions and he is indeed a great friend of Hilton, Glasgow. After breakfast Sir Alex joined the breakfast team for the debrief. He felt it very important the stance we were taking in listening to the guests and staff.”
An insider added: "He might be famed for his Hairdryer treatment with players like Rooney and Rio but underneath the scary demeanour is a golden heart who wanted to take some time out to help and support young kids."
Sir Alex spent an hour with the hard working staff and gave them advice they'll never forget.
The insider continued: "During Sir Alex's chat he talked about the importance of strong leadership. He said we are all leaders and each and every one of you has a role to play. He also talked about the importance of teamwork, listening and sharing information and having an appreciation of each individuals contribution. He told us that when we are leaders in an organisation we should get to know everyone’s name and make them feel valued, irrespective of station or rank.
Sir Alex also talked about the proud history of Glasgow and especially his love of Govan, and the legacy of Jimmy Reed in the political life of Glasgow.
The insider added: "Sir Alex spoke of the famous “Rat Race” speech made by Jimmy Reed when he was made Rector of Glasgow University in 1972. He then answered questions from the breakfast team and talked about his love of tattie scones."
New GM, Calum Ross, who has made a series of changes and is really behind the positive changes to install “teamwork” across the whole hotel both front of house and behind the scene said: "Sir Alex talked about the importance of 'TEAM' - that’s something we are also passionate about. He was here for the Street Soccer event and then surprised us all by coming to our staff meeting."
Sent from Scotland with Love - theshowbizlion.com
Excerpts of this article have since appeared in the Sunday Post.

FERNANDO RICKSEN CELEBRATES HIS 41ST BIRTHDAY IN BENIDORM

FERNANDO Ricksen battled against the odds to greet hundreds of his awaiting fans last night at his 41st birthday party in Spain.

The stricken Rangers legend has been suffering from Motor Neurone Disease after being diagnosed with it in October 2013.
Despite failing health, Fernando and his wife Veronika attended a special party in his honour at the Ibrox Bar in Benidorm.

Locals as well as dedicated fans from around the world gathered at the bar adorned with the famous blue and white memorabilia and team kit in the holiday resort to pay their respects and wish the Dutch star and former right back and right midfielder a happy 41st birthday.
After fighting against the debilitating disease, at the eleventh hour Fernando admitted it was touch and go whether he could attend the bash.
 Theshowbizlion.com met up with Fernando near his home in Valencia to give him a special present of a personalised front page of The Sunday Post before we headed to the party with him in Benidorm.
Opening his gift, he said "Thankyou. It's great."
Veronica added:"I feel like a small child opening his present for him."
 Making the two hour journey from his home in the sweltering heat of Valencia to the bar in the Costa Blanca, Veronica and Fernando said: "We'd love to stay in Benidorm tonight but we can't. We have to get back for our four year old daughter Isabella. It is too much for her to make the journey tonight and too late for her."
Fernando summoned all his strength to attend the birthday bash. In the days before the event, he said he had had some bad days but that the love of the fans gave him the power to go on.
He added: "I'm tried but still ok."
Footballers including Nacho Novo, Marco Negri and Michael Mols had sent messages of support to the star on his birthday two days ago while Alex McLeish had earlier joked via a personal message that he was sorry he couldn't make it but hadn't been invited.
Rangers FC also told fans: "Please join us in wishing #Rangers Hall of Fame inductee Fernando Ricksen a very happy birthday today!"
Fernando himself said he was extremely excited about the party and specifically asked organisers to play some Rangers anthems as well as his theme song and Abba classic Fernando.
In the weeks running up to the event had also asked bar owner Wilma Wallace to make everyone feel relaxed and to help raise money for his MND charity The Fernando Ricksen MND Foundation.
Wilma who was originally from Dunbarton before moving to Clydebank in Glasgow decked out the blue and white themed bar with messages of congratulations for the Rangers legend.
She added: "We are thrilled to welcome Fernando here again. He likes things very relaxed, the same as other punters do. It was always going to be a casual affair with a chance for fans to get up close with their idol. Tonight was all about making Fernando feel special and we have hundreds of people who have taken over the terraces here tonight.
"The most important thing was that people could see him and get their picture taken with him. I myself have been a Fernando fan ever since he's been in Rangers. He was always the best looking and a wild boy. He is a legend and we were honoured to host his birthday here. He has come to the bar to celebrate his birthday for the last three years."
We have organised special Fernando cocktails with vodka, peach schnapps, blue balls and lemonade and we also presented his charity with a large cheque this evening."
Last year was an important birthday for him because it was his fortieth and every year makes it so much more special that he is fighting the disease and making his plight known. He wants to let people know what it is like living with motor neurone disease and raise money for his charity."
Excerpts of this article have since appeared inThe  Sunday Post.

CELTIC TARGET OLIVIER NTCHAM RETURNS TO GLASGOW HOTEL AFTER TALKS

Celtic target Olivier Ntcham looked every bit the superstar as he arrived in Glasgow ahead of signing talks with the club.

The 21-year-old Manchester City midfielder who arrived surrounded by a posse of security, kept his hood up as he was spotted entering the Blythswood Hotel in the city centre at around 7.45pm on Saturday evening.
The soon to be player arrived in a white team sponsored Kia Jeep accompanied by three others and rushed straight into the hotel while carrying a bar of soap and a hairbrush.
He had earlier been spotted on the Parkhead pitch getting a look at the new surroundings that will await him if a deal is agreed.
Hoops boss Brendan Rodgers is believed to be keen to land the French player after he impressed on loan at Italian side Genoa last season, and hopes he will compete for the No.10 role.

CELTIC PLAYERS AND FANS HIT THE STATES

CELTIC players Bobby Peta, Tosh McKinlay, and Joe Miller are amongst the former Hoops stars headed to Vegas this week.
The event is being organised by the North American Federation of Celtic Supporters Clubs in Vegas and takes place until June 11.
Bobby who flew out this morning following his charity match for the Les Hoey MBE Dreammaker Foundation in Wishaw is keen to Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Lisbon Lions out there and said: "It's a Celtic convention so it's going to be busy. Every couple of years they organise it for the fans and with it being the fiftieth anniversary of the Lisbon Lions it will be great. It's my first time there. Joe Miller Tosh McKinlay, some of the Lisbon Lions will be going. It will be like a green and white spring break in Vegas. I'm looking forward to it. We are out there for a week so will go to a dinner and films and other things. We won't be playing but a lot of them will be drunk at the pool while I will be exploring the place and getting to know it. It's a great chance for everyone to catch up with each other."

Excerpts from this article have since appeared in The Scottish Sun.
From Scotland with Love - theshowbizlion.com

NEIL LENNON MEETS STAR WARS DARTH VADER AND R2D2

NEIL Lennon went over to the dark side quite literally after spotting Darth Vader actor Spencer Wilding at a Glasgow hotel.
The Hibs manager was hanging out at Glasgow's Hilton hotel when he decided to introduce himself to Star Wars actor and former British Welsh kickboxing champion Spencer and his wee pal Jimmy Vee who plays R2D2.
The two actors were in Glasgow for a Comic Convention at the city's Barrowlands and were chilling out before meeting fans in Saturday and Sunday.
Neil, whose team drew against Morton in a controversial decision on Saturday appeared to seek some enlightenment from the dynamic duo.
Glasgow born Jimmy Vee said: "We were at Spencer's hotel in Glasgow when Neil Lennon, who was with some of his friends, came over to us and asked I'd we would get our picture taken with him.
It turns out he know some people who Spencer knows Liverpool way and he was quite keen to say hello. I don't follow football at all and never have. I'm more into motors and bikes and fast things but it was nice to see him."
This week sees the fortieth anniversary of Star Wars.









- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

RYAN BAIRD MEMORY KEPT ALIVE BY RANGERS LEGEND FERNANDO RICKSEN

IT was an emotional moment as Fernando Ricksen presented the fiancée of Rangers bus crash victim Ryan Baird with a mirrored portrait in his honour.
Glasgow dad of two Ryan was on the way to the Rangers game against Patrick Thistle in October last year when their Nith Valley Loyal Rangers supporters bus crashed near Kilmarnock.
Heartbroken Sarah Hughes who turned up to see Fernando with her friend Billy McLeod from the club, couldn't hold back the tears as she accepted the gift in Ryan's honour and later said: "Everything has just been so overwhelming and the support we've had from everybody has been amazing. I just love the picture and I'll make sure I find a great space for it."
Fernando, who has invited Sarah and her family to be guests of honour at his forthcoming charity march in Fleetwood with a team of legends said: "The Nith Valley supporters club have always been there for me and I wanted to give something back. No one expected to go to a football match and not come home."
The former Rangers player who suffers from Motor Neurone Disease was joined by his fellow Rangers veterans including Derek Ferguson, John Macdonald and Bob Malcolm as fans launched two special Rangers Legends strips in his honour.
The Ibrox hero was at the Stonefield Tavern in Blantyre for the launch of the two strips which will be sold to raise funds for the Fernando Ricksen Foundation.
They will also be used in charity matches like the forthcoming Rangers Legends versus England Select match in Fleetwood's Highbury Stadium on March 25.
The two strips - in red and blue - were designed by Fernando himself and feature his national colours.
Fernando was in high spirits as he joked with some of his oldest friends and Derek Ferguson paid tribute to him saying he was one of the most colourful characters in football. He said: "They don't make them like Fernando anymore."
Bob Malcolm added: "When Fernando first came to Rangers he was Dutch and quiet and then he came out of his shell as he got to know the people. It's great these strips wil be brought out at every game and give Fernando and his charity the recognition they deserve."


- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

CELTIC DAFT ROD STEWART KEEPS TABS ON RANGERS DURING SCOTS VISIT

ROD Stewart might be Celtic daft as he screens some victory matches tonight at his live show in Glasgow but he keeps in touch with the competition just to see how they are doing.
As he prepared for his gigs at the Hydro tonight and Friday he said: "I bumpfded into one of the hierarchy at Rangers and they did say it would take a couple of years and it may take a couple of years but I get up here as many times as I can. I'm coming up for the Hearts game and I'm coming to watch them playing Albion for The Scottish cup and that's about that this year." Speaking of his drinking time in the Rogano he added: "Usually before England Scotland matches it's almost obligatory to get slightly plastered so I can't remember much about it or about the game either."
Rod also revealed he'd installed a football pitch in his new home in Essex for his boys to enjoy.
He said: "I've just had a pitch put in for my boys. It's a seven aside AstroTurf and is absolutely beautiful. I was speaking to my two boys and I was trying to tell them 'Do you know how lucky you are?' .
When I was their age - Aiden is five or six - my football was mums stocking stuffed with newspaper and you had to play out in the street and if it went under a lorry that was the end of it so they don't know how lucky they are."
Rod also revealed how he keeps fresh faced. He said: "I have facials every week and it obviously seems to be paying off."

Excerpts of this article have since appeared in The Sun.


- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

PELE TALKS MARRIAGE AND MEETS SCOTS SICK KIDS

Exclusive
Beverley Lyons
SOCCER superstar Pele has spoken for the first time about his new marriage - admitting it was about time he made the commitment.
The greatest player of all time was appearing at a swish dinner and Q and A in Glasgow's Crown Plaza hotel when one of the guests congratulated him on his recent nuptials.
Pele who married his third wife 50 year old Marcia Cibele Aoki in July replied: "I felt I needed to fix something. After five years it was time to be done."
He added: "We are very happy."
The two lovebirds got together in 2010 following a chance meeting in a lift in São Paulo when Marcia invited Pele to see a home renovation she’d done.
The two had planned to marry a couple of years ago but the ceremony had to be postponed after he suffered health problems.
Pele truly made his mark on his Scots fans during his flying visit.
He also made dreams come true for sick kids from the Les Hoey MBE Dreammaker Foundation after inviting them to meet him.


Pele was introduced to kids including eight year old leukaemia sufferer Kai Green from Balarnock, Paisley's Mitchell Connell, 13, and
Michael Glen from Paisley.
Kai who was with his brother Sean said: "It was brilliant meeting Pele. He asked me what position I play and I told I'm I was a striker."


Mitchell who hasn't been able to play as much football since being diagnosed a year ago said: "It was amazing. He's such a legend and we talked about football and how he scored goals."


And Michael smiled: "Pele told me to kill the goalie."
His mum added: "Michael has just finished his treatment after three years and this is a brilliant way to finish it. Pele was lovely and Les did a great job of getting us all to meet him."

Extracts of this article appeared in The Sunday Post





- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

PELE MEETS FORMER OPPONENT IN WEIRD TWIST IN GLASGOW

SOCCER superstar Pele was left in shock after a competition winner at his private dinner in Scotland turned out to be one of his opponents in the sixties.
The Brazilian legend was left grinning from ear to ear after seventy one year old Mickey Walker presented him with a photo of them both playing a match in the 1960s at the bash in Glasgow's Crown Plaza.
Pele remarked: "He told me he used to play against me. I thought he was joking. He kicked me a few times."
Doncaster lad Mickey who now lives in Scotland part time did indeed used to play against Pele - twice as a striker with the Los Angeles Wolves North American soccer league.
He said: "I couldn't believe it. I just brought a picture of me with him and didn't expect to meet him like that. We played twice together - once in LA and the other in New York. The picture I have is when we played in Los Angeles at the Rose Bowl in 1968. The score was four two to Los Angeles and I got one, the third goal."
At the New York match we lost four two and Pele scored two and was magnificent.
I also played against Vava, Peles playing partner in Brazil in San Diego and in Los Angeles."


Mickey brought the photo with him on the off chance he might meet the veteran champ.
He said: "He's the worlds greatest player, better than Messi."
When Pele told me I'd kicked him I knew I wasn't the only one. It was the only way to stop him playing. I wasn't a dirty player but that's how you did things then. It was a tough era and he was one of the toughest."
These days the game has gone soft and you're not allowed to spoil the actual theatre. If Pele was playing today with non contact tackling he'd probably be able to score more goals than Messi and Ronaldo put together."
Pele spent a good few minutes catching up with Mickey and was as shocked as he after Mickey won a painting of him during a game of Heads and Tails. Mickey said: "He couldn't believe a player from his era was in the audience. He hasn't really changed physically and looks very good for his age. I'd like to think he remembered me too but you never know. I'm still shaking. He put a wonderful finale to my years as a coach manager ambassador and player of football and it's a privilege to meet him socially."

Extracts of this exclusive article appeared in The Sun 

- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com

BIFFY BANNED FROM FOOTIE AS THEY PREPARE FOR SCOTS GIG

BIFFY Clyro might be avid football fans but frontman Simon Neil claims they aren't allowed to play the beautiful game any more.
The lads take to the stage for Glasgow Summer Sessions this Saturday and Simon revealed: "We don't play a lot of sports. We're denied playing sports in case we hurt our hands or our fingers. We love playing football but can't really do that in case we stave our fingers and then there's no show so don't ever join a rock band. It's really boring."
The band who can't wait to play Bellahouston Park also say they give so much on stage they've almost collapsed and suffer from great lows when they finish.
Ben said: "Normally we feel great coming off stage then you feel terrible for about half an hour cause all that adrenalin leaves your system and there's no longer people screaming mad being happy in front of you and you think what am I doing with my life? It's sad but it's true and slowly you get over that and we all sit together and have a good time."
Simon added: "Its like PGSD - post gig stress disorder. We're very much in the moment and there are times when you feel you could just collapse on stage it's so emotive and intimate and the music matters so much to us. It really courses through the whole body. The last few gigs I've been in a heap in the back and the boys have had to carry me because I've just been so out of breath and so spent."
Glasgow Summer Sessions also play host to Noel Gallagher this Friday and they want you to feel as safe as a High Flying Bird when you attend the event. To make sure everything goes to plan they've enlisted the help of Sound Boab - a new event information mascot.
Sound Boab wants to ensure that both he and everyone else who will be there is aware of all key information, stays safe and is respectful of the neighbours. Essentially, he’ll be encouraging everyone to be sound. Like him.
Ahead of this week's gigs Glasgow Summer Sessions, Sound Boab will be on hand to offer his fellow gig-goers information and advice on things like travel, being prepared and looking after yourself and others at the gigs.
Here's the first of his tips on this poster.


Tickets are available via www.glasgowsummersessions.com or by calling 08444 999 990 Travel and event information is available at www.glasgowsummersessions.com and by
following @GSSFestival on Twitter.



- Posted with love from Scotland by theShowbizLion.com