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Fullname: James Milsop Melrose
aka: Jim Melrose
Born: 7 October 1958
Birthplace: Glasgow
Signed: 11 August 1983 (from Coventry City)
Left: 7 November 1984 (to Man City)
Position: Centre-forward
First game: Rangers 0-1 Hampden 13 August 1983 Glasgow cup final
Last game: Dunfermline Athletic 3-2 away 22 August 1984 league cup
First goal: Hibernian 2-0 away 20 August 1983 league
Last goal: Dundee 3-0 home 24 April 1984 league
Internationals: Scotland U/21

Biog

Jim Melrose made a name for himself as a popular striker with Partick Thisle, Leicester and Coventry.

He signed for Celtic in August 1983 for a fee of £100,000 which was a notable fee at that time, following the departure of Hoops striking heroes Charlie Nicholas to Arsenal and George McCluskey to Leeds United. The pacy Melrose made his debut for the Bhoys in a 1-0 Glasgow Cup defeat to Rangers on August 13th and he scored on his league debut on August 20th in a 2-0 win at Easter Road. The early signs were good but he lost form in the Autumn of 1983.

On October 8th Jim scored in the 2-1 defeat at Tannadice and made a gesture towards the Celtic fans after his goal and an element of the Celtic support never forgave him for this.

In March 1984 he scored in a 1-0 win over Aberdeen at Celtic Park and was a substitute in the 1984 league cup final against Rangers and the 1984 Scottish cup final against Aberdeen, however he was constantly frustrated by Frank McGarvey and Brian McClair whose good form kept him out the team for long periods.

In truth, few were convinced by him as a player. His stats show that he gave a poor return. Maybe it was the pressure having been a possible replacement for the highly lauded Charlie Nicholas. It was a step (or leap) too far for him. It's no surprise to anyone that he was pushed back in the queue for first pick for the striker's role.

He was subsequently loaned out to Wolverhampton in November 1984 where he hit a very commendable four goals in four games before returning to Parkhead.

Manchester City - managed by Billy McNeill - then moved to take the player on a permanent deal and after 48 appearances and 11 goals for the Bhoys Melrose departed for Maine Road for £40,000 on November 7th 1984, where he helped Manchester City to promotion in May 1985.

Playing Career

Honours with Celtic

none

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