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Fullname: Alexander Byrne
aka: Alec Byrne
Born: 4th June 1933
Birthplace: Greenock
Signed: 25 September 1924 (from Royal Engineers)
Left: 22 June 1963 (to Morton)
Position: Outside-Left
Debut: East Fife 2-0 Celtic, League, 9 Mar 1957
Internationals: N/A
International Caps:N/A

Biog

Greenock-born winger Alec Byrne made 100 appearances for the Bhoys during a nine year career in the Hoops.

He signed for Celtic in 1954 from Gourock Juniors, after having had trials with Motherwell, Stirling Albion and Third Lanark, and would remain at the club until 1963 before departing for his hometown side Morton. He made his first team debut in season 1956-57 but in truth throughout his Parkhead career he never managed to command a regular starting spot. It was a poor time to play for Celtic, as after the league cup win in 1957, we did not win another trophy until 1965.

Celtic were at their worst and really were very poorly managed, not an environment for any aspiring players. "An Alphabet of the Celts" described him as symbolising the Seven Lean Years. On his joining, John McPhail had pointed him out as "Byrne is assured of a great future at Paradise". It wasn't to be.

Despite the lack of opportunities and the poor set-up, he still managed to notch up an impressive 30 goals so he was able to hold his head up high and be proud of his achievements.

Byrne was also part of the first Celtic team to play a competitive European football tie when Valencia beat the visiting Hoops 4-2 in the first round, first leg tie of the Inter City Fairs Cup on September 26 1962. A good milestone for this fine gentleman, but it is a little footnote to what else he likely deserved to achieve and be part of.

However, Alex Byrne was often referred by some as "Alice Byrne", mainly because he wasn't exactly keen on the old 50-50 tackles!

Said to have been a fine gentleman of a player who worked full shifts daily in the shipyards at Greenock and trained the nights at Port Glasgow and Cappielow. He was said to be destroyed by barracking (sledging) even when it was directed at colleagues and not at him. He is remembered with respect by the long-suffering support of the time, despite the lack of success.

A winger with dazzling speed and control, but the promise didn't pay out.

He played 100 times in nine years at the club, leaving for Morton in 1964. After joining Queen of the South he played for Hellas FC in Australia, where he went on to coach

Playing Career

Honours with Celtic

none

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