In the sequel to We Are Celtic Supporters, Richard Purden tackles takes a fresh look at Celtic's relationship with individuals who have had made a unifying and cohesive impact on the club, its support and the team.
Following on from We Are Celtic Supporters, Richard Purden tackles a variety of subjects in his second book Faithful Through and Through. Here he takes a fresh look at the people who have added to the wider culture, reputation and traditions on and off the park which have strengthened Celtic's position as a much valued institution. Purden talks to a selection of supporters, ex-players, managers and public figures, while travelling to a number of historical locations. While visiting the club's ancestral home in Ireland he discusses Celtic in the context of faith, politics and identity. The author channels the voices of secret millionaires, Irish troubadours, Scottish politicians and the club's most popular icons who take you on a Celtic odyssey in a continuing story that underlines why this team from Glasgow's East End personify a way of life that represents unwavering hope and positive life-affirming values around the world.
A vivid and innovative look at Celtic and the culture of the club. Fresh, informative and entertaining - The Herald - Hugh Macdonald
Richard Purden grew up in Edinburgh but with family roots in Limerick and the west of Scotland he always felt a strong connection to Irish literature, culture and of course, Celtic FC. While studying at the University of Stirling he began to write arts reviews for student magazine Brig and on graduating he was first published in the Celtic View, Scotland on Sunday, The Scotsman, The Irish Examiner and The Irish Post. More recently he has contributed to Four Four Two, the Sunday Mail and the award-winning Herald Saturday magazine.