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Fullname: John Connor
Born: 7 Sep 1911
Died: 28 June 1994
Birthplace: Garngad, Glasgow
Signed: 6 June 1932 (permanent); 18 Aug 1931 (trial)
Left: 30 Apr 1934 (free); 6 June 1934 (Airdrie)
Debut: Queens' Park 4-1 Celtic, League, 17 Sep 1932
Position: Centre-Forward
Internationals: n/a

Biog

Centre forward John Connor was born in the Celtic heartland of Glasgow’s Garngad district.

He was signed by the Bhoys from St Roch’s in June 1932 and made his competitive first-team debut in a 4-1 league defeat at Queen’s Park on September 17th.

Good in the air and capable of playing with both feet, John enjoyed a very successful and free scoring loan spell at Airdrie later that season but following his return to Glasgow injuries restricted his opportunities at Celtic Park. Having competition from fellow Garngad Bhoy Jimmy McGrory didn’t help John’s chances either.

He was released by Celtic in April 1934 after four appearances and one goal. Airdrie were delighted to snap up the hard-working Connor who continued his rich scoring vein for the Lanarkshire side, and was nothing less than a phenomenal scorer, scoring 47 goals in 70 appearances and finishing second to his friend Jimmy McGrory in the Scottish League goalscorers in season 1935-36. He repeated this at his later clubs (Albion Rovers & Plymouth Argyle). While at Plymouth "Jack" had a fair record and played along with John "James" Foley as can be seen from this team photo showing the two ex-Celts.

Maybe in John's case we lost out on something special, but then again we already did have the greatest of them all, Jimmy McGrory.