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Fullname: William Hughes
aka: Willie Hughes
Born: 1909
Birthplace: Winchburgh
Signed: 12 Mar 1929
Left: 22 Sep 1936 (to Clyde)
Position: Utility player (played in various roles)
Debut: Celtic 2-0 Motherwell, League, 19 Mar 1929
Internationals: none

Biog

In Celtic's history there is not likely a less recognised figure who has played for the club for over 100 games and scored 11 goals!

Willie Hughes was a very versatile player, and played in numerous roles to fit in the first side. He never managed to be able to command a regular first team slot but was still regarded highly enough to get so many matches under his belt.

Signed as an outside-left, he had his moments. In one match v Rangers (Sep 8 1934) he got the ball and ran deep from the Celtic half to then finish the move off with a thunder strike to equalise before half-time! Marvellous.

However it wasn't enough and some loan spells didn't help. He was said to be forceful but not constructive on the pitch. He moved to Clyde in Sep 1936.

It was in another Glasgow derby match where he experienced likely his strangest encounter. In April 1937, in the Scottish cup semi-final replay v Celtic (he was with Clyde, and the game was played at Ibrox), he kept such a tight grip on Jimmy Delaney that a fan invaded the pitch, seized the ball and could not be persuaded to part with it until he had berated Willie Hughes on the torrid time he was giving Jimmy Delaney! Bizarre!

Off the park, he ran a grocer's store in Blantyre and married a sister of Bob Kelly (the Celtic director and Chairman-to-be).

Playing Career

Honours with Celtic

[Indicate any known awards (player of the year, etc)]

Pictures

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