Cairney, Charles

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Fullname: Charles Cairney
aka: Chic Cairney
Born: 21 September 1926
Died: 25 March 1995
Birthplace: Blantyre, Scotland
Signed: 14 March 1949 (from Cambuslang Rangers)
Left: 6 May 1950 (free); 27 July 1950 (to Leyton Orient)
Position: Right-Half
Debut: Celtic 2-2 Raith Rovers, League, 1 Oct 1949
Internationals: none

Biog

Right-half Charles ‘Chic’ Cairney signed for Celtic from junior side Cambuslang Rangers in 1949.

The Blantyre-born player made only one competitive appearance for the Hoops when he played in a 2-2 draw with Raith Rovers in a First Division game at Parkhead on 1st October 1949, coming on to replace Alec Boden. He had a few days beforehand had a decent game in a friendly for Celtic against Brentford, again coincidentally ending in a 2-2 draw.

Celtic were no great shakes at that time and had been hammered 4-0 at Ibrox by Rangers just the week before Chic Cairney’s debut.

With the great Bobby Evans ahead in the queue at Celtic, appearances were always likely to be limited for opportunities. In any case, Celtic were still in a post-war doldrums unable to build up a good head of steam to mount a decent challenge to the stronger sides of the time which included Rangers and Hibernian. Celtic finished the league season fifth behind East Fife, and well behind Rangers who took the title by 1pt ahead of Hibernian.

So in May 1950 he left on a free transfer to English side Leyton Orient, with stints across various sides including Bristol City, Worcester City and Barry Town, before heading back up north to play for East Stirlingshire.

Career: HM Forces/Cambuslang Rangers 1947/Celtic 14 Mar 1949/Free 6 May 1950/Leyton Orient 27 July 1950/Barry Town 1951/Bristol Rovers July 1953/Headington United cs 1955/Worcester City 1955-56 (52 games, 2 goals)/East Stirlingshire 24 Oct 1957.

He passed away in Airdrie in 1995.

Playing Career

Honours with Celtic

none

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