Divers, John (1893-96 & 1898-1901)

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Note: There has been more than one player to have played for Celtic with the same name, so please check the other namesakes if you need.

Personal

Fullname: John Divers
aka: Johnny Divers
Born: 19 January 1874
Died: 13 March 1942
Birthplace: Calton Entry, Glasgow
Signed: September 14th 1893 & October 15th 1898
Left: 1 May 1897 (to Everton) & 16 Nov 1901 (to Hibs)
Position: Forward
Debut:
Celtic 6-0 Hurlford, Scottish Cup, 25 Nov 1893
Internationals
: Scotland
International Caps: 1
International Goals: 1 goal

BiogJohn Divers 1893-96

John Divers signed for Celtic from Hibernian in September 1893 and made his debut in a 6-0 Scottish Cup win at home to Hurlford on October 25th.

Although not as physically robust as many of his contemporaries, Divers was a whole-hearted forward who combined hardwork with fine footballing skills. On November 28th 1896 – following newspaper criticism of the team in a recent defeat to Rangers – he was one of several players who refused to go on the park for a game unless the Press Box was cleared.

Willie Maley respected him saying:

“He’s an artist, I tell you. It’s a treat to watch him play. His only fault is, he’s too artistic at times. He does too much.”

He managed one cap for Scotland, but lack of physique stopped him gaining more (in the opinion of Willie Maley).

After helping the club to two league championships he left Celtic for Everton in May 1897 but returned in October the following year and was in the Celtic side which defeated Rangers in the 1899 Scottish Cup final. He also played with Celtic as they retained the trophy the next season.

He joined Hibernian in the autumn of 1901 but not before scoring 40 goals in 87 appearances during his two spells with the Bhoys.

He was a wholehearted Celt who never shirked, and for that he is deserving of our upmost respect.

He passed away after a long life in 1942.

Playing Career

APPEARANCES LEAGUE SCOTTISH CUP LEAGUE CUP EUROPE TOTAL
1893-1897 & 1898-1901 64 23 N/A N/A 87
Goals 31 9 40

Honours with Celtic

(Honours below are only for those campaigns in which the player has played in at least one match in the campaign)

Scottish League

Scottish Cup

Pictures