CUIDE RI CATHY – CHICK YOUNG
Monday 23 February, 10pm, BBC ALBA
One of Scotland’s best known football pundits, Chick Young, talks frankly about Scotland’s 2010 World Cup hopes and believes Scotland has blown it so far.
Chick says he doesn’t hold out much hope for Scotland’s 2010 World Cup ambitions; “I’ll be astonished if we make it – I think we’ve blown it so far. But hope springs eternal and it would be wonderful. A World Cup without Scotland is like making love without kissing.”
In a wide ranging interview with Cathy MacDonald for her latest programme in the Cuide ri Cathy series for BBC ALBA, Chick hits the golf course with Cathy MacDonald and also takes her for a sail on the Firth of Clyde on his own boat.
Beyond football, Chick’s other sporting passion lies in his love of boats, which almost ended in tragedy a few years ago when he fell into the icy waters at Largs on a cold January day and had to be rescued by two passers-by. More embarrassing than being pulled to safety however, was having to drive home wearing only a t-shirt and BBC jacket, with absolutely nothing on from the waist down and desperately hoping he wouldn’t be stopped by police.
In his distinguished career, Chick still admits that he has embarrassed himself on occasions. The first time he interviewed his hero, Pelé, he presented him with a tartan scarf and still cringes when he asked him at a second interview, some time later, whether the Brazilian legend could remember who he was.
That hasn’t stopped Chick from hoping to be involved with Samba stars again, outlining his dream before retirement is to report on the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil.
Chick also speaks openly about the death of his son, Keith, 20, in a motorcycle crash eight years ago and how he coped in the aftermath of the accident. Chick says: “Keith would want me to still have a laugh and I do try my best but it does change your outlook. You talk about me being a cheeky chappy but I see pictures of me and I can see a sparkle that was in my eye that is not there now.”
CUIDE RI CATHY will be broadcast on BBC ALBA on Monday 23 February at 22.00 and is available on Sky channel 168 & Freesat channel 110.