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Fullname: John Bonnar
aka: Johnny Bonnar, Tiger, Coronation Bonnar
Born: 11 January 1924
Birthplace: West Calder
Died: 14th January 2004
Signed: 13 August 1948 (from Arbroath)
Left: 18 Aug 1958 (to Dumbarton)
Position: Goalkeeper
Debut: Clyde 0-4 Celtic, League, 6 Nov 1948
Internationals: N/A
International Caps:N/A

Biog

John Bonnar will go down in Celtic folklore for his part in ensuring one of the great unique triumphs in Celtic history.

Born in West Calder - John was signed in August 1948 from Arbroath Bonnar - the son of Donegal parents - he had originally made a name for himself as a junior. However it would be in the Coronation Cup of 1953 that the keeper would earn his place in Celtic and football folklore. Prior he was a shale-miner but was much sought after as a player.

Originally brought as cover for Willie Miller John's debut for the Bhoys came on November 6th 1948 when he kept a clean sheet as the Celts defeated Clyde at Shawfield in a league tie. It was said that he was inspired in that game.

Despite playing second (and even third fiddle) he was given his back chance on Hogmany 1949 when Willie Miller was injured and it was Bonnar and not Alex Devanny given the nod to play. He was soon heralded as "Celtic's best since John Thomson."

Supposedly "He's not a big Lad but he makes up for it by his catlike ability and magnificent anticipation."

Not particularly tall for a keeper Bonnar was prone to the odd costly error but was also able to produce moments of magic. So it was that in 1953 Bonnar turned in a string of magnificent performances against Arsenal, Manchester United and Hibernian to play a huge part in help an unfancied Celtic lift the Coronation Cup.

The next season he played his part in a league and Scottish Cup double but would later lose his place to Dick Beattie. John would leave Parkhead for Dumbarton in 1958.

In truth, he was best described as a competent goalkeeper but could be inconsistent (not exactly an uncommon trait at Celtic in those days), but his Coronation Cup heroics (for which he was dubbed "Coronation Bonnar") meant he would always be remembered with huge affection by all Celts. He was for some a "jewel of a keeper".

Additionally, in 1954 he made four world-class saves against Partick Thistle on March 20th to help us to the points on the road to a league title win. This adds to the affection the support from the time had for him.

After football John became organiser of the Celtic Development Fund (31 Mar 1963) and later owned the Spur Bar in Polmadie not far from Celtic Park.

Playing Career

Honours with Celtic

Scottish league

• 1953-54

Scottish Cup (needs checked)

• 1951, 1954

Coronation Cup

• 1953
  

Pictures

• Player Pictures

Links

• Coronation Cup
• Grave & Memorial
  

Obituary

Copyright 2004. All Rights Reserved. Record Number: A20040115 -12D0-EIW,0,XML,EIW