M | Player pics | A-Z of Players

Personal

Fullname: Henry James Hall Marshall
aka: Harry Marshall, Beef Marshall, Portobello Boatman
Born: 24 November 1872
Died: 16 September 1936
Birthplace: Portobello, City of Edinburgh
Signed: 1899 (2x loan); 13 June 1899; 29 July 1901
Left: 20 Aug 1903 (to Clyde)
Position: Centre-half
Internationals: Scotland
International Caps: 2
International Goals: 1

Biog

Henry Marshall was a formidable centre half who spent several spells with the Bhoys in the late 1890s and early 1900s. In his first spell in football he was so badly injured at Blackburn that he gave up the sport to go back to hiring out boats (hence the nickname "The Portobello Boatman").

His debut came in a 3-0 home Scottish Cup win over St Bernard’s on February 4th 1899 when on loan from Hearts and during that spell at the club he helped the Bhoys to lift the trophy in April. A year later he skippered the side to cup glory once more. He was on loan to Celtic 2 times in 1899 before fully transferring in June to the club.

An interesting speech after that cup final saw Celtic chairman JH McLaughlin say in a fulsome mood:
"Sectarianism is a dead letter in Scottish football... We cull players from all quarters, regardless of sect."

A wag in the crowd shouted back "Or cost!". A dig at Celtic's spending (Harry's loan had cost £300, a lot in those days).

In total the Portobello-born defender made 46 appearances for the Bhoys and scored 5 goals. He departed Parkhead in August 1903 when he joined Clyde.

Later he was working on the new Musselburgh tramway in 1932.

Playing Career

Honours with Celtic

Scottish Cup

• 1899, 1900

Pictures

• Player pics