From the pitch black of an Ayrshire coal mine to the floodlights of Celtic Park, Billy Price’s football journey is the stuff dreams are made of.
In the week Celtic are due to take on Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, September 10 marks the 60th anniversary of a previous meeting between the two clubs.
That’s where the former Killoch colliery electrician, and part-time miner, Billy, from Tarbolton, comes in.
Billy, a cousin of Ayr United’s record goal scorer Peter Price, was part of the Celtic team that night. They lost, but won the hearts of the crowd — and the Los Blancos, who included Di Maria, Di Stefano, Puskas, Gento and Santamaria.
Billy’s son Stephen said: “The 10th of September this year is the 60th anniversary of when my father Billy, a part-time miner at the Killoch Pit played for Celtic against Real Madrid, who were in 1962, five times European Champions.
“I literally couldn’t believe it when I saw Celtic had drawn Real in the Champions League group stages — in the very week of the 60th anniversary of the game.
“The match was organised by a Glasgow businessman to raise funds for the Jewish National Fund Charitable Trust. The teams played for the Blue & White Trophy.”
Football fans of a certain age will remember the Real Madrid team.
And the charity clash at Celtic Park was one the fans would savour.
Stephen said: “Real were full strength. Although they beat Celtic 3-1, Celtic had a goal disallowed. Apparently they bossed the game for the last 25 minutes.
“So good was the performance that the players were hailed out from the dressing room after the final whistle and given a lap of honour by the fans!”
Stephen recalled how his dad, a left half, had to do a ‘man-marking job’ on Puskas — 24 hours before the game!
He revealed: “The night before the game both teams were booked in at The Central Hotel. Celtic's players’ names were put into a hat and were drawn a Real player to look after.
“Dad drew Puskas. He said that he never saw a footballer drink as much whisky whilst puffing away on a huge Cuban cigar all night!
“Puskas skinned my dad for the first goal. But there can’t be many guys from Ayrshire who played against Real Madrid, it’s incredible.”
Billy attended St Margaret’s School, now St John’s Primary, in Ayr. He was born and bred in Annbank, his trade a miner and an electrician.
His talent as a footballer was apparent. With Annbank United, he helped them reach the 1953 Junior Cup Final at Hampden — before stints with Airdrie and Falkirk. Then Celtic came calling.
Stephen, who runs a promotional merchandise business with his wife Ciorsdan, said: “Celtic signed my father from Falkirk in 1961 as cover for Paddy Crerand, who later went to Manchester United for a record fee. My father was there from 1961 to 1964."
After hanging up his boots Billy worked as an electrician in the Falkland Islands, in the North Sea, Singapore, Canada and Afghanistan.
Sadly, Billy, who stayed in Ayr, passed away in 2004 aged 69. But his family, including wife Margaret, 84, son Stephen, daughter Lesley and step sons David and Robert, still treasure his achievements.
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