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Fullname: Arthur F McInally
Born: 15 Sep 1900
Birthplace: Barrhead, East Renfrewshire
Signed: 9 July 1917 (from Croy Celtic)
Left: 1 Aug 1918 (to to St Mirren)
Position: Centre-half
Debut: Motherwell 3-4 Celtic, League, 15 Dec 1917
Internationals: none

Biog

Arthur McInally was a centre-half and the elder brother of the erratic Celtic genius Tommy McInally.

Signed from Croy Celtic in July 1917 Arthur only made one senior appearance for the Hoops when on December 15th he took to the field late at Motherwell to bolster a Bhoys side which contained only ten men! Celtic won that league match 4-3 but Arthur’s first team career at Parkhead was not to progress.

After loan spells at Ayr United and Dumbarton Harp he left Celtic and moved to St Mirren in August 1918.

His later career proved his ability, and he was much respected.

At one time, he was involved in a strange tangle over his transfer between Hamilton Accies & Clyde from Alloa. Arthur was banned from football for the best part of a season even though he had broken no rules. Pathetic!

It was said that later he was "in a class by himself" and rumours were that Celtic were manoeuvring to take him back, but sadly it never happened.

Arthur's clubs were - St Mungo's Academy, Barrhead Bellmont, Kirkintilloch Rob Roy, St Mirren Juniors, Croy Celtic, Celtic, Ayr United (loan), Dumbarton Harp (loan), St Mirren, Abercorn, Dunfermline Athletic, Armadale, Alloa Athletic, Clyde, Alloa Athletic (2nd spell) and St Bernard's. He seems to have retired in 1925, although he remained on St Bernard's books until 1928. It was around this time that he became a Scottish League (Division Two) referee. Later, during the mid 1930s he had a couple of seasons as match secretary (manager) of St Anthony's, including the 1935/36 season when the club set a British record by playing 88 competitive matches.

He was a schoolmaster when not playing football. He was once punished by the education authorities for playing a match when he was supposed to be off work sick - which must have brought a wry smile to the face of brother Tommy as Arthur was supposed to be the sensible one.

Playing Career

Honours with Celtic

none

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Links

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