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"The Sniper"

Personal

Fullname: James McColl
aka: Jimmy McColl, The Sniper
Born: 14 December 1892
Died: 7 Mar 1978
Birthplace: Glasgow
Signed: 20 Aug 1912 (Trial); 27 September 1913 (full from St Anthonys)
Left: 27 May 1920 (to Stoke City)
Position: Striker, Centre-forward
Debut: Celtic 1-0 Dundee, League, 18 Oct 1913
Internationals: None

Biog

Centre-forward Jimmy McColl is unquestionably one of the Celtic greats. Signed from junior side St Anthony's in September 1913 he made his debut in a 1-0 league win over Dundee on October 18th.

Despite his slight build McColl was as brave as they come and this fearless centre-forward was to prove the inspiration behind some of Celtic's finest successes.

He first made a major impact in the Scottish Cup final replay of 1914 against Hibernian at Ibrox, Having missed the first game McColl was called in to lead the forward line and within ten minutes he had fired home a double as Celtic went on to defeat their rivals 4-1.

That performance earned McColl a reputation as one of the deadliest forwards in the Scottish game and it was a billing he more than lived up to. Unable to count on brute strength McColl used great awareness and speed to often fire home a goal before the opposition even knew he was there. These deadly stealth-like qualities earned him the nickname 'The Sniper'.

With McColl leading the line Celtic won five league championships and a Scottish Cup before he joined Stoke City in 1920. In 169 Celtic appearances McColl scored 123 goals. He was to later join Hibernian where as a veteran he continued to terrorise Scottish defences.

He was simply a phenomenon whom we are proud to be able to number amongst our own.

Notably, he also went on to be a manager for Belfast Celtic.

Playing Career

Honours with Celtic

Scottish League Champions

• 1913-14, 1914-15, 1915-16, 1916-17, 1918-19
  

Scottish Cup

• 1914

Pictures

• Player Pics

Links

• The KDS Greatest Ever Celt
• Belfast Celtic