Weir's Week: Jimmy Johnstone memories, Joey Barton's book promotion and yet another Old Firm derby

I’m in Fort William for the Camanachd Cup final between Oban and eventual winners Newtonmore, where I bump in to a good friend, occasional firefighter, squeeze box exponent with the band Manran, and shinty aficionado Gary Innes who tells me he is to replace Robbie Shepherd MBE as the host of ‘Take The Floor’ on BBC Radio Scotland.

Ironically, my journey home is accompanied by what is Robbie’s last show, a mix of great stories and even better tunes.

I know, Scottish dance music might not be hip, cool or sophisticated enough for some. But trust me, there were times over the years (before DAB digital radios were the norm) when fiddles, accordions and Robbie’s voice crackling on medium flavour was the only thing you could find on the wireless, especially if you were driving back from Stranraer or Selkirk in the rain, or, heading down from Aberdeen in the dead of winter after a Saturday at Pittodrie.

So, this fan of ‘Take The Floor’ will miss Robbie Shepherd, but warmly welcome Gary. Big breeks to fill pal, and who knows, you might get 35 years out of this gig as well …

Read more: Weir's Week: Old Firm fallout, Libby Clegg heroics and a benevolent Joey Barton

Sunday

All Ireland Football Final between Dublin and Mayo ends in a draw. Extra time, penalties?

Nah, let’s have another replay in a fortnight. Any excuse for a piss up. I love sport with true traditions …

Monday

And I’m invited to the premiere of Purple TV’s film about the life and times of Jimmy Johnstone, which will be shown on BBC Alba on the 30th of this month.

I won’t give too much away, other than you can expect some amazing footage of Jinky in action, a few tears (either that or there was a lot of dust floating around in the auditorium) and plenty of laughs (especially from the tales delivered by wife Agnes) that will bring on even more tears.

In 1970, I was amazingly lucky to see him, in the flesh, not once but twice, in the space of a few weeks, one of 136,000 at Hampden when Celtic (“come on Mrs Weir, we’ll take yir wee boy to see a good team”) beat Leeds United in the Battle of Britain European Cup semi-final, and at the same venue when Scotland and England drew 0-0.

Although I was disappointed not to see one of my real heroes, Bobby Charlton, in that game, I watched Johnstone’s mesmeric display, what seemed like just a few feet away, as he ripped Bobby Moore and Emlyn Hughes apart, the Liverpool defender suffering the same torture as Terry Cooper had done a few weeks before.

As a kid, I would see Jimmy regularly (usually on a Monday or a Thursday evening) visit legendary Celtic and Scotland masseur Jimmy Steel.

Jinky may have been an outstanding athlete and a dedicated trainer (as Margot McCuaig’s wonderful documentary relates) but he needed the healing hands of ‘Steelie’ (who Graeme Souness tried to tempt to Ibrox when he took over as manager) to keep those wee legs supple and rid them of the aches and pains of training, or more likely, the effects of being kicked to bits by less scrupulous opponents.

We would hang about in the park across from Mr Steel’s (a good tipper, I should add, when it came to milk and newspaper boys), just to catch a glimpse or a quick ‘hiya Jimmy’ as Johnstone would step back in to his Jaguar.

That’s my wee insight and memories of Jimmy Johnstone, but there will be many more for others, especially those who watched him week in, week out at Parkhead, in this film.

Like their previous productions, around the life and careers of Jock Stein and Jim Baxter, Purple TV have captured the man, the moment and the mood wonderfully well.

Watch it; you won’t be disappointed.

Tuesday

Who knew that Joey Barton was wanted by Celtic? You’d think the Rangers midfielder (the word ‘former’ can be inserted at a later date) had a book to sell or something.

I can’t help think though that those purchasing his latest publication, “No Nonsense” have been short changed, although perhaps they’ll add another chapter for the paperback edition.

And the title of the additional chapter?

How about ‘The Rangers Weeks’ or ‘How I Couldn’t Keep Up With Scottish Football.’

They could, of course, make it an audio offering. After all, we’ve only ever heard Joey talk up here …

Wednesday

Having missed the Six Nations earlier in the year after receiving a 10-week ban for eye gouging, the Saracens and England winger Chris Ashton is handed a 13-week ban after being found guilty of biting Northampton prop Alex Waller.

Waller was said to have been shocked by the incident, and, that he allegedly tasted like chicken …  

Thursday

English Football League clubs decide Premier League B teams and 'non-English' won’t be included in plans to reform the structure of the league system. So no Celtic and Rangers in England.

Did anyone, really, truly believe that the Old Firm would be offered a place?

You did? Look up 'delusional'…

Friday

And just when you think you’ve got rid of the last one, an unexpected one appears. Yes, Rangers and Celtic were paired together in the semi-finals of the Betfred Cup, so guaranteeing a fifth Old Firm encounter this season.

A game a great many never wanted - well, except for the supporters of Morton, Aberdeen, and those polis who will be forced in to more overtime …