Docherty, James (1947-50)

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

Personal

Fullname: James Docherty
aka: Jimmy Docherty
Born: 28 April 1926
Died: […]
Birthplace: Clydebank
Signed: 15 December 1947 (from HM Forces)
Left: 6 May 1950 (free); 22 July 1950 (to Northampton Town)
Position: Inside-Forward
Debut: Celtic 2-1 Clyde, League, 18 Apr 1949
Internationals: N/A
International Caps: N/A

Biog

Clydebank-born inside forward James Docherty signed for Celtic straight from the forces in December 1947, and was marked as a prospect for the future.

After showing potential with the reserves the athletic Docherty finally got his competitive first-team debut in a 2-1 league victory over Clyde at Parkhead 18th April 1949. He’d played for Celtic in a Glasgow Charity Cup game v Queen’s Park a year earlier in a 0-0 draw, won on a coin toss. His only other game was a year later, in a 1-0 defeat to Third Lanark away. So all his main appearances were well spread out.

He couldn’t command a regular starting spot and despite his promising performances in friendly games Docherty was released in May 1950 after just two league appearances and moved onto Northampton Town.

It’s said that his free transfer came as a surprise for some Celtic fans but after only two league matches played in 2-3 years, what were people expecting? At the age of 24 he was no longer a youngster, and had to have set himself a first team place by now or to sadly move on.

Another player to join Celtic in the darkest days when Celtic were poor and at one point almost relegated to the second tier. Not a good environment to play in for any aspiring player.

He returned to Scotland before having spells in Wales & Ireland for clubs there too.

Playing Career

Honours with Celtic

none

Pictures

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