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Fullname: James McGhee
aka: Jimmy McGhee
Born: ?
Died: circa 1945 (USA)
Birthplace: Lugar, Ayrshire
Signed: 9 Aug 1889 (loan); 20 Dec 1890 (from Hibs)
Left: 11 Apr 1908 (Hearts manager)
Position: Utility
Debut: Vale of Leven 3-1 Celtic, League, 24 Jan 1891
Internationals: ? [which international team played for]
International Caps: ?
International Goals: ?

Biog

Ayrshire man James McGhee was a well established footballing talent when he joined Celtic in December 1890. Prior he was a plasterer by trade.

Comfortable in almost any position on the park McGhee really made his name with Hibernian and he had skippered the Easter Road side to Scottish Cup glory in 1887. He was also in the Hibs side which opened Celtic Park against Cowlairs in 1888. However, he stuck with Hibs whilst some of his colleagues left to the newly formed Celtic.

He came to Celtic only once the original Hibs side had gone into permanent demise, and his debut came in a 3-1 league defeat at Vale of Leven on January 24th 1891.

Stong and robust on the ball but with an excellent touch McGhee was seen as bringing valuable experience to the Celts and he was regarded as someone the younger members of the club could learn from. The great Sandy McMahon described him as "Next to Peter Dowds, Jimmy McGhee was the best all-round player I have ever seen". Dan Doyle (who was also his lodger) described him as "the best right-half I ever saw". High praise from one of Celtic's all-time greats.

He departed Celtic in 1892 after 10 appearances and three goals. He went on to briefly be manager of Hearts before moving to Philadelphia in the USA in 1910.

He hadn't forgotten Celtic as on a holiday back in Scotland in 1924 he visited Celtic Park to watch the club play Airdrie on 23 Aug 1924.

Playing Career

Honours with Celtic

none

Pictures

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