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Fullname: Daniel McArthur
aka: Dan McArthur
Born: 9 Aug 1867
Died: 11 Nov 1943
Birthplace: Old Monkland
Signed: April 1892, 20 Aug 1902
Left: 1902 (free); 29 July 1903 (Clyde)
Position: Goalkeeper
Debut: Celtic 3-2 Abercorn, League, 10 Sep 1892
Internationals: Scotland
International Caps: 3
International Shut-outs: 1

Biog

If you read through any list of Celtic historians thoughts on the club, one name that rates highly for goalkeeping is the name Dan McArthur. Despite none of us having seen him play and with practically no real footage out there to judge him, it is quite a feat.

However, we have to bear in mind the game in those days and what goalkeepers had to endure. "Bundling" was a common tactic which really was just an excuse to assault keepers. Also, keepers weren't just the last line of defence, they were the defence! Formations were along the lines of 1-1-8 and so on. Bearing all this in mind, it's quite feat for any keeper to have lasted so long, yet Dan McArthur gave us loyal service for almost ten years. All that is worthy of our attention and respect, and that is why he is rated so highly.

Fearless and athletic Dan McArthur was Celtic's first goalkeeping hero.

Born in Old Monkland McArthur signed for the Bhoys in April 1892. The former Parkhead Juniors keeper made his debut in a home league clash with Abercorn on September 10th that same year in a game in which Celtic triumphed 3-2.

McArthur's bravery as the custodian of the Celtic goal was the stuff of legend and in an era when keepers were subject to near assault during every attack where he was regularly knocked unconscious. McArthur wore his many battle scars with pride but apart from his incredible courage he was also a skilled keeper with excellent reflexes and great judgement.

As one man put it: "If they're going to kill McArthur they'll have to shoot him" - Tom Hynds.

When Rab MacFarlane was brought in as cover for McArthur, he had none of wee Dan's suicidal tendencies, stating: "It's better to lose a goal than a goalie"! Clearly depicts the "bravery" that Dan had in going for the ball!

By late 1902 his body had however taken enough punishment and he retired from the game after 120 Celtic appearances and 3 Scotland caps. The briefest of comebacks with Queens Park followed - one game - but McArthur's career was all but over the day he left Celtic Park. He unsurprisingly retired with broken ribs.

At a club that wasn't blessed with many great keepers since the retiral of Ronnie Simpson until the arrival of Artur Boruc, great keepers from our fuller history are therefore more fondly remembered than at other clubs. McArthur is rated as among the very best, and there are few with a stronger and harder-hitting challenge than his.

Playing Career

Major Honours With Celtic

Scottish League

• 1892-93, 1893-94, 1895-96, 1897-98

Scottish Cup

• 1899, 1900

Glasgow Cup

• 1895, 1896

Pictures

• Player Pics

Links

• The KDS Greatest All Time Celt
  

Evening Telegraph - Wednesday 17 November 1943