Hardcover Published September 2025, 256 pages
Relive Celtic’s Glory
The 1980s Like You’ve Never Seen
John Wight’s Jungle Days: Supporting Celtic in the 1980s is a rich, unflinching memoir that immerses readers in the fevered devotion and social tumult surrounding Glasgow Celtic Football Club during the Thatcher era. Wight, whose writing has already earned acclaim with This Boxing Game: A Journey in Beautiful Brutality, pours his heart into every page, capturing the soul of Celtic as more than just a football club—it’s a lifeline, a cause, and a defiant community for those who needed it most in difficult times. His prose is honest, direct, and deeply personal, giving credit not only to the heroes on the pitch but also to the working-class supporters whose stories echo through the decades.
Wight, drawing from his personal experience as a devoted Celtic supporter, delves into the 1980s to uncover a period where football and society intertwined profoundly. The book is part memoir, part social history, and all heart. Wight’s voice—shaped by both passion and intellect—guides readers through not just the matches and moments, but also the ‘whys’ that make Celtic an enduring obsession. He deftly explores the team’s Irish roots, the significance of Hibernian FC in Celtic’s early days, and the legends who shaped the club’s identity, making each chapter a celebration of both heritage and hope.
What sets Jungle Days apart is Wight’s ability to connect the past to the present, showing how the struggles of the 1980s resonate with fans today. The book is filled with evocative portraits of Celtic’s greats, but it never loses sight of the ordinary supporters whose unwavering loyalty made the club what it is. Wight’s writing is a tribute to the resilience and spirit of a fanbase that found meaning and unity in the terraces of Celtic Park, even as the world outside seemed intent on tearing them apart.
Above all, John Wight deserves enormous credit for his clarity, empathy, and storytelling skill. Jungle Days is more than a sports book—it’s a vital chronicle of community, belonging, and the power that transforms football. For Celtic fans and anyone interested in the social fabric of 1980s Britain, the book is an essential read, brimming with insight, nostalgia, and a love for the game that never fades.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48 Delivered to You Last Week, September 2025
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Published: September 22, 2025
Price: £18.99
Paperback: 256 pages
ISBN-10: 1836801955
ISBN-13: 978-1836801955
Dimensions: 222 x 144 (mm)
Why Pre-order?
Since 2022, we've observed that publishers often opt for smaller print runs to manage costs effectively. This process has occasionally resulted in stock shortages. We strongly recommend pre-ordering to secure your copy and avoid disappointment.
