Catholic United, a team in Essex, might only have been on the radar of Celtic supporters who lived in Southern England.
However, after Cameron Carter-Vickers signed for the Bhoys, the Southend-on-Sea club have gone international.
Carter-Vickers was a youth player with Catholic United before Tottenham Hotspur signed the American international to their youth academy. With links between the clubs going back decades, eager supporters of both outfits have been discussing the move in their thousands.
Their Twitter page now has 16k followers, and a shout-out from Celtic during Carter-Vicker’s welcome interview [Celtic FC] has only furthered interest. As such, Catholic United chairman James Paviour has issued a statement in the last hour, addressing the sudden interest.
Paviour said [CUFC]:
“The last 48 hours have been truly remarkable for our club, Catholic United. Following a tweet relating to Celtic signing ex Catholic United youth player Cameron Carter-Vickers we have been adopted by the wonderful Celtic supporters and our Twitter following increased by over 13,000.
“I simply cannot express the positive energy the incredible Celtic fans bring, and what it has meant to our club which is wholly run by volunteers.
“This has been one of the most positive experiences in the clubs illustrious history and we all feel a real meaningful connection with the Celtic family.”
The statement continues [CUFC]:
“Catholic United’s relationship with Celtic FC is a genuine part of our history and constitution dating back over 50 years, so as long as this is respected and not flaunted as a publicity stunt then let’s all just enjoy the football and the increased following.
“Thank you once again to all our new family, and for making this a thoroughly enjoyable couple of days.”
Catholic United and Celtic links go beyond Cameron Carter-Vickers
What an interesting quirk of fate.
The links go further than Cameron Carter-Vickers, of course. The club, formed in 1959, contacted former Celtic chairman Bob Kelly, who gifted Catholic United with jerseys in 1968 [CUFC]. Since then, the Essex side have worn the Hoops with pride.
However, given the size of the club, it would’ve been hard to imagine any of their former players making a move to Paradise. That is, until the son of an NBA player made a deadline day move.
However this relationship manifests in the future will be interesting. How great it would be, for example, if Catholic United came up to Glasgow for a charity match?
Or, on a pre-season tour, the Bhoys could turn up at the Len Forge Centre? Certainly, the local interest would be significant.
Whatever the case, it’s been an exciting few days for the small Essex-based outfit. We’ll be following their progress!
Read more: Ranked – Celtic’s outgoings this summer transfer window
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