Died:25 Oct 1903
Signed: 1888
Left: 25 Aug 1891 (to Blackburn Rovers)
Debut: Celtic 5-1 Shettleston, Scottish Cup, 1 Sep 1888
Position: Defender/Left-back
Internationals: Scotland
International Caps: 2
International Goals: 0

Biog

One of the very earliest Bhoys Michael McKeown was lured by the ambitious Celtic from Hibernian in 1888.

The Ayrshire-born left-back had played for the Edinburgh side against Cowlairs in the opening of Celtic Park. His competitive Celtic debut came at the same ground in the 5-1 Scottish Cup victory over Shettleston on September 1st 1888.

Capped by Scotland, McKeown was a fine and much sought after talent but he was also an outspoken and fiery character who was only too happy to offer his considerable skills to the highest bidder.

During his stay at Parkhead he made it be known that if Celtic weren’t prepared to recognise his worth then he would be on the move. It was rumoured that during one such discussion that McKeown was so incensed by the club’s offer to him he struck club secretary John O’Hara. In many ways, possibly the first true modern player by attitude alone (and likely a further indication of the changing nature of sport at the time).

He had several fall outs with other key players and officials and at one time declared to the press he was leaving Celtic to play for the breakaway Glasgow Hibernian - a club formed by some disaffected conservative members Celtic who wanted an all Catholic selection policy as was the case with (Edinburgh) Hibs. He was even offered captaincy of the new club. The majority of those at the club thankfully were against any such idea and it has been a proud statement of the club to support or employ any man regardless of their faith, despite the actions of those who wanted to thwart it.

Celtic refused to release his kit and he was to remain with the Bhoys after his issues were resolved. In August 1891 McKeown did finally depart Celtic Park when he moved to England and Blackburn Rovers.

That move proved to be the beginning of the end for the player. A heavy drinker his problems with alcohol worsened and his stay in Lancashire lasted less than a year. He returned to Scotland and had brief and unsuccessful spells at a number of minor clubs. He had became a rather poor site, living day to day dependent on charity. He was a regular at court for various frequent drink related misdemeanours. A spell in the army lasted less than a year when he was dismissed and described as being “worthless”. Michael McKeown died on October 25th 1903. He was aged just 33. His body was found lying in a lime kiln just a short stroll away from Celtic Park in Camlachie. He had died from asphyxiation. A pauper’s grave awaited the former Scotland star but Celtic did not forget their former player despite past run-ins. Celtic did the decent thing and arranged the funeral and burial to give him at least an honourable send-off.

The Dundee Courier & Argus(Dundee, Scotland), Wednesday, September 28, 1898

Playing Career

APPEARANCES (goals)	LEAGUE	SCOTTISH CUP	LEAGUE CUP	EUROPE	TOTAL
1888-91	14	16	n/a	n/a	30
Goals	0	0	-	-	0

Honours with Celtic

Glasgow Cup

• 1891,

Pictures

• Player pics

Links

• Grave & Memorial