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Note: The correct spelling is actually "McGinley", but as "McGinlay" is what is used on the limited match reports & general records, we have left it as "McGinlay".

Personal

Fullname: Charles McGinlay
aka: Charles McGinley, Charlie McGinley
Born: 6 January 1926
Birthplace: Kilbarchan
Signed: 24 Mar 1943
Left: 3 May 1946 (to Arbroath)
Position: Inside-Forward
Debut: Celtic 3-0 Queen's Park, Charity Cup, 1 May 1943
Internationals: none

Biog

Having signed for Celtic from Clydebank Boys Guild in March 1943 Charlie McGinley was tipped to make a big impact at Parkhead.

The promising young inside-forward made his debut for Celtic in a 3-0 Charity Cup victory at home to Queen’s Park on May 1st 1943. This was followed by a 3-1 Semi Final victory over Clyde at Celtic Park on May 15th when he scored his first goal for Celtic. The Charity Cup Final was played at Hampden Park against Third Lanark in front of a crowd of 25,000 on May 22nd 1943. Celtic ran out 3-0 winners with Charlie McGinley scoring twice. Hugh Long scored Celtic's other goal. Rangers then sent the Glasgow Cup to the City Chambers for presentation by mistake!

Due to injury he never would fulfill his promise at Parkhead though, and in his three years at the club he managed just 11 Regional League appearances and 2 goals. The second of these strikes was the most memorable, coming at Ibrox on 8 September 1945 against Rangers. In all competitions Charlie enjoyed a decent return of 7 goals in 19 appearances (36% goal to game ratio).

He was released in April 1946 and joined Arbroath. In truth, it was a poor time to be with Celtic. Let alone the war time difficulties, Celtic were poorly run and managed, and the Huns had their hands on all the levers in the game. It wasn't an easy time to play for Celtic. Charlie was fortunate to have won a medal in one of the only competitions we did so. Admittedly, it was against a limited number of opponents. We were never really challenging in the league.

As well as Arbroath, Charlie went on to play for East Stirling, Ayr United & Belfast Celtic.

Playing Career

Honours with Celtic

• Charity Cup Winner 1942-43

Pictures

• Player Pics

Links

• Belfast Celtic
  
• Celtic & World War Two