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Fullname: Peter Dowds
Born: c1871
Died: September 1895
Birthplace: Not Known
Signed: February 1889; 5 May 1894
Left: May 1892 (Aston Villa); July 1893 (Stoke)
Position: Utility
Debut: Hearts 0-5 Celtic, League, 23 Aug 1890 (he scored one of the goals)
Internationals: Scotland
International Caps: 1
International Goals: 0

Biog

Peter Dowds was a great Celt who was willing to play anywhere and in any place for the Bhoys.

The Johnstone born man was brought to the then still fledgling Parkhead club in February 1889 from Broxburn Celtic. His competitive debut for Celtic saw him on the score sheet as the Bhoys won 5-0 at Hearts in the league on August 23rd 1890.

Although predominantly a left-sided player Peter Dowds was capable of playing all over the park and was often asked to do just that. Quick, strong and sure footed he was instrumental to the early successes of Celtic and was part of the first Bhoys side to lift the Scottish Cup. During the 1891-92 season, Peter Dowds became the first Celtic player to play in every single match of one season. While the Bhoys finished second in the league to Dumbarton (champions alone this time), Celtic won their first Scottish Cup, as they defeated Queen’s Park 5-1 in the second of two finals, on the 9th April 1892.

In May 1892 – with the Scottish game still amateur – he was tempted south by Aston Villa to play in the professional English league but he would return to Parkhead via Stoke City in May 1894. Effectively, he missed the chance to play in the first Celtic squad to win their first league titles (1892-93 & 1893-94).

One archaic point about his career is that according to Col John Chaughnessy, Peter Dowds used to be a tobacco-chewer during matches! He used to remove the wad before going for high balls! Thankfully will never see that ever gain in senior football.

However it soon became clear that Peter was an ill man. He played for Celtic in a friendly against Manchester City that December in what would prove to be his last appearance. He would die in September the following year after his health rapidly failed through the effects of consumption (also known as tuberculosis).

Peter Dowd played 49 times for the Bhoys and scored 21 goals.

Quotes

"To the present generation Peter Dowds is not even a name, but to old-timers he was the greatest-ever, at home in any and every position, the equal of a Doyle or Kelly in defence, of Madden on the right, Campbell on the left, Cassidy at centre . . . "
Willie Maley drawing on sentiments expressed at Peter Dowds funeral.

'Some Famous Celts'
Peter Dowds, a Johnstone lad, was generally regarded as the greatest all-round player we had seen at Celtic Park; he could step into any position and fill it not only satisfactorily but with distinction. He was probably, however, seen at his best in the intermediate line, where his intuition made the robbing of opponents look simple. After a short spell with the Club he allowed himself to be persuaded to go South, where he assisted Aston Villa and Stoke, but returned to us in 1894. The old ability was still in evidence, but his health had suffered and lung trouble developing he died at an early age. Only one honour came his way, a cap against the Irish League in 1892.
Willie Maley, The Story of the Celtic (1939)

Playing Career

Honours with Celtic

Scottish Cup

• 1892

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