Edited by a former Celtic view writer, Matt McGlone, the magazine heralds itself as, "The Magazine for Celtic supporters that deals with the real issues", and is priced at one pounds ninety five pence for a full colour, A4 sized, 40 page publication.
On first impressions the magazine does truly provide a realistic alternative to the offical publication and is free of the constraints imposed on the"in house" effort. There are some good articles that are bound to invoke strong debate amongst Celtic supporters and the whole feel of the magazine is more, "Fanzine" than "glossy club fortnightly", and those writing the articles obviously have genuine feelings for the club they support.
The Alternative View is a bold venture by those who have put it together and it must surely be the first time that a club's supporters have organised something like this. For that alone the Alternative View producers deserve to be congratulated.
Up until now Celtic supporters have had to rely on either the official "View" or the Scottish media for information about issues surrounding the club. Now it seems they have a genuine alternative to both of them.
Speaking yesterday, Editor Matt Mcglone had this to say:
"We simply want to offer the fans an alternative read on Celtic and the issues that surround her."
"There is always plenty to discuss regarding the club and its aim is no different from Once a Tim, The Huddle or Not The View, or any other Celtic magazine written by fans for fans. We will raise issues that concern supporters, the team and the club, and will aim to be objective and humorous, with satire a pre-requisite."
Any new publication about Celtic is more than welcome and it is hoped that the "Alternative View" has a long and healthy life, if only to awaken other publications from their slumbers.