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Fullname: Francis Doyle
aka: Frank Doyle, Snally
Born: 20 November 1901
Died: 19 May 1965
Birthplace: Glasgow
Signed: 23 March 1926 (free)
Left: 1928 (left club); Aug 1933 (retired)
Position: Left-Half
Internationals: N/A
International Caps:N/A

Biog

Francis Doyle was signed by Celtic in March 1926 having been released earlier that year by Fulham following injury problems. He was previously a "tip-top inside-forward with Airdrie" and so this was possibly valuable for Celtic if he could regain that form. Cartilage problems had been the trouble for Frank at Fulham and it was hoped he had it cured/sorted whilst at Celtic (with assistance of Eddie McGarvie).

The Glasgow-born left-half made his Hoops debut on August 28th in a 6-1 league victory at Queen’s Park. Used mostly by the reserves Francis made a total of 21 appearances for the Celtic first-team and scored three goals.

He at one point was actually about to go to Dundee, but his father offerred him a share in the fanily outfitter's business as inducement to stay in Glasgow.

On one occasion, he was said to have walked out on the players at Seamill (training ground) during the week's training after being unable to take a practical joke. As this is lads in their 20s, being fair to Frank it was possibly not as innocent as some jokes so we should not hold any comment against him on this without knowing the full joke and circumstances.

He was really a reserve through most of his time, and he left the club in 1928 after a dispute over wages. He was idle throughout season 1928-29, and took up the family shop in 1933 on retiring from football.

He sadly died in May 1965, just as Celtic were to turn the corner and herald a new golden area in the club's history.

Playing Career

Honours with Celtic

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