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Fullname: Thomas McDermott
aka: Tommy McDermott
Born: 12 Jan 1878
Died: 1961
Birthplace: Bridgeton
Signed: 26 Oct 1901 (from Dundee)
Left: 23 May 1903 (to Everton)
Position: Inside Forward
Debut: Hearts 2-2 Celtic, League, 2 Nov 1901
Internationals: ? [which international team played for]
International Caps: ?
International Goals: ?

Biog

Tommy McDermott was a talented inside forward who signed for Celtic in October 1901 from Dundee.

A clever and creative talent Bridgeton born McDermott had first caught the eye while a member of Cambuslang Hibernian but he had moved east after impressing for Dundee in a series of trial games. He made his Celtic debut in a 2-2 league draw at Hearts on November 2nd 1901 but his early performances for the Bhoys suffered from what appeared to be a lack of match fitness.

There was no doubting McDermott’s talent though and once up to speed he was an asset to the team, being a pivotal member of the side which won the Glasgow Exhibition Cup in 1901. He made a total of 21 Celtic appearances – and scored four goals – before departing Parkhead in May 1903 for Everton after seemingly being unwilling to fall in line with the training and discipline standards set by Willie Maley.

McDermott enjoyed another decade in the game and played for various clubs north and south of the border including Chelsea, Kilmarnock, Dundee Hibernian (now Dundee United) and Bradford City.

'Trooper Joe' Cassidy said of McDermott: "The finest footballer I ever saw. When I was a kid I used to watch him with intense delight when he played for Clyde. If ever there was a master of the ball it was Tommy. He could do what he liked with it." Joe Cassidy, 1924

Playing Career

Honours with Celtic

Empire Exhibition Cup

• 1901

Pictures

• Player pics