The role the Seamill Hydro hotel played in Celtic's preparations in winning the European Cup in 1967 has been recalled in a new online video.
Former PM strategic advisor to Tony Blair, Alistair Campbell, told Jan Aage Fjørtoft about the Hydro link with the first British football team to win European football's greatest prize- and so Jan decided to visit the luxury hotel to see the facilites for himself and posted the below video.
He recalls how the Lisbon Lion legends prepared for their iconic cup final victory over Inter Milan by staying at the hotel.
Love this guy! I knew he was in Ayrshire for the holiday to see his son @MarkusFjortoft who plays for @AyrUnitedFC - I mentioned the @CelticFC Seamill Hydro history and next thing I know he is there making films! #enthusiast https://t.co/qVnQl6aO25
— ALASTAIR CAMPBELL (@campbellclaret) December 30, 2021
Indeed, the wonders of the sea air and the close proximity to the Clyde Coast resulted in the Parkhead team returning to the Seamill Hydro many times over the yearas into the 1980s when European Cup skipper Billy McNeill was in charge, with another West Kilbride connection being former resident Roy Aitken who went on to follow Billy's footsteps as Celtic captain.
Legendary manager Jock Stein was also a frequent visitor to Inverclyde Sports Centre in Largs as you can see from our archive photo, pictured with future Scotland manager Andy Roxburgh.
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