Traynor, Joseph

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Personal

Fullname: Joseph Traynor
aka: Josie Traynor,
Born: 11 Sep 1952
Birthplace: Falkirk
Signed: 1969
Left: 1970 (released)
Position: Right Full Back

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Biog

(by Josephy Traynor)

In 1969 I was at St Mungo’s High School in Falkirk. Our Janitor Tom Harvey was a scout for Celtic FC. He took three players from our school – myself, Brian McLaughlin and Michael McFadden for trials at the club and I trained every Tuesday and Thursday at Celtic Park for around 18 months under the guidance of Willie Fernie and John Higgins.

I trained with (amongst others) Kenny Dalglish, Frank Gray, Tommy Livingstone, Jim Davidson, Benny Irwin and of course Brian and Michael. I was paid each week.

Myself and Frank Gray were right and left fullbacks and we were known to Willie Fernie as “Francie and Josie”.

I took part in one trial match – I cannot remember where – possibly Clydebank and scored a free kick in a 1-1 draw. Afterwards I was introduced to Jock Stein who told me that I should have a haircut as players representing Celtic FC should uphold certain standards. Needless to say I had a haircut very shortly afterwards.

Another memory from training – Willie Fernie explained that goalkeeper Tommy Livingstone had lost a wee bit of confidence and asked that Frank Gray and I send in crosses from left and right to help him gather the crosses cleanly.

Trained twice weekly in 1969 & 1970 with Celtic, but sadly never made the first team. Released in 1970.

After leaving Celtic, played with Dunipace Juniors and Campsie Black Watch (in Lennoxtown), but then a bad injury meant not to play again.

However, since leaving football behind, married with 3 children. Worked in The Civil Service. Was a 4 handicap golfer. Now retired.

I still follow Celtic and have made the journey to see them on a number of occasions from my home in Yorkshire.

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Articles

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