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Fullname: Joseph McLaughlin
aka: Joe McLaughlin
Born: c1920
Birthplace: ?
Signed: 8 Feb 1941
Left: 17 Nov 1945 (to Hamilton Accies)
Position: Right-half; utility player
Debut: Celtic 5-1 Partick Thistle, Regional League, 8 Feb 1941
Internationals: ? [which international team played for]
International Caps: ?
International Goals: ?

Biog

Utility man Joe McLaughlin was signed by the Bhoys from Blairhill Colliery in January 1938.

He was one of several Celts to move to Parkhead from the Fife side during that era and he would remain at the Bhoys until 1945 - although he would be farmed out to junior outfit St Anthony's in 1940 as part of cost cutting measures.

He returned in February 1941 and soon made his competitive debut for the Hoops in a 5-1 Regional League triumph at home to Partick Thistle on February 8th 1941.

Joe had good body strength and a quick thinking football brain. He was comfortable on the ball and these attributes allowed Celtic to use him in virtually any outfield position, although his preferred place was at right-half. As capable of making a crunching tackle as he was of firing off an unstoppable shot.

Joe, despite not playing in any set position, was made captain of the team in 1944-45. In truth, it wasn't as a great accolade as it should have been, the team were poor and vastly underachieving. Results were woeful and the club was in a poor state on the pitch and off it, although Joe was present and made the best of it. Must respect him for sticking by the club through such difficult days (both on and off the field)

Joe departed Celtic in November 1945 for Hamilton after 150 appearances and 35 goals. He would later win the Scottish Cup with Aberdeen in 1947.

Playing Career

Honours with Celtic

none

Pictures

• Player Pics

Links

• Celtic & World War Two