vs. Celtic F.C., stitched number 8 verso, long sleeved

Note: Originally believed to be the shirt of Bernard Blanchet, the programme for this fixture lists him in the no. 11 position, whilst Vladica Kovačević is listed as no. 8.

Swapped with Bertie Auld; The Bertie Auld Collection.

Presented here is another jersey from the legendary 1967 European Cup run. It is believed to have been worn by either Bernard Blanchet or Vladica Kovačević of Nantes.

Both men were capped internationals, Blanchet receiving 17 for France between 1966 and 1972, Kovačević 13 for Yugoslavia between 1960 and 1965. Their club careers differed, the Frenchman making 356 league appearances for Nantes over eleven seasons. Kovačević would play just one season for the club, signing from Partizan Belgrade in 1966, just after having lost the European Cup final to Real Madrid.

Nantes were fated for a short run in the 1966/67 competition.

First round victories vs. Iceland’s Reykjavík didn’t belie a slump in domestic form, the team going four games without a win in the lead up to the 1^st leg vs. Celtic.

This match was played in France, the home side perhaps thinking their form had returned when, in the 17^th minute, Francis Magny capitalised on a Tommy Gemmell mistake to give them an early lead.

Celtic did settle however, Joe McBride pushing forward to score the equaliser just seven minutes later. Now it was time to put Nantes to the sword. Goals from Bobby Lennox and Stevie Chalmers in the second half secured a 3-1 victory. Praise for Stein from the French press was resounding, the influential journal L’Equipe dubbing Jimmy Johnstone ‘the flying flea’, whilst McBride was as classy as the film star ‘Marlon Brando’.

Though demoralised, Nantes persevered in the return leg at Parkhead. A goal from Johnstone in the 13^th minute didn’t stop their attempts, with a 36^th minute equaliser from Gérard Géorgin perhaps giving them hope. Another second half masterclass awaited though, Celtic matching the first scoreline to secure a 6-2 aggregate victory.

These masterful displays by the eventual Lisbon Lions impressed the French side so much that one player, Jacques Simon, would tip Celtic to win the tournament.