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Fullname: James Walsh
aka: Jimmy Walsh

Born: 3 December 1930
Birthplace: Glasgow
Signed: 21 October 1949
Left: 13 Nov 1956 (to Leicester)
Position: Inside Forward
Debut: v Hibernian (a) 30th April 1951.
Internationals: None

Biog

Jimmy Walsh was signed by Celtic in October 1949 from Bo’ness United.

After initially spending some time in the reserves the inside-forward made his first team debut in a 3-1 league defeat to Hibernian on April 30th 1951.

The likeable Fifer possessed a great shot and his ample pace helped ensure he was a handful for most defences.

A member of the glorious Coronation Cup team Jimmy wrote his name into the Celtic history books by netting the second goal in the 2-0 final victory over Hibernian at Hampden He also played his part in securing the 1954 league title, although injury meant he would miss the Scottish Cup triumph over Aberdeen that same season.

He played in the 1955 final but by the time of the final against Hearts in 1956 Jimmy was no longer regarded a first team starter. After 144 competitive appearances and 59 goal Jimmy Walsh departed Celtic Park for Leicester City in November 1956.

What was not known about Jimmy Walsh during his time with Celtic was that he had a vision problem. This must have diminished his effectiveness and even though his record was very good, one can only wonder how he would have fared had this problem been diagnosed and corrected by having contact lenses fitted.

In 2009 during a fascinating interview with a Leicester Blogger, aptly named the Fox, Jimmy was asked what his strengths as a striker were. He replied with this incredible admission:

"I would say I was quite quick and I could nip onto chances. If there was a loose ball I would get there first. I should have scored more goals than I did and I blame my eyesight for that. I did score quite a few goals. I had more shots on goal than anybody else.

"But it was only near the end of my career that they found out that my eyesight was bad. It had always been bad, even when I played for Celtic, but I didn’t know it. I thought everybody was the same. Someone would say ‘Is that the number 14 bus?’ and I would say ‘What bus?’"

Playing Career

Honours with Celtic

St Mungo's Cup

• 1951

Coronation Cup

• 1953

Pictures

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