McMillan, Duncan

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Fullname: Duncan McMillan
aka: Dunky
Born: 18 January 1922
Died: Grimsby, 20 May 1992
Birthplace: Glasgow
Signed: 6 Sep 1945
Left: 8 Mar 1949 (to Grimsby)
Position: Defender, Centre-half
Debut: Celtic 2-0 Hamilton Academicals, Regional League, 15 Sep 1945
Internationals: None

Biog

Centre-half Duncan McMillan was a solid and dependable defender who became Jimmy McGrory’s first signing as Celtic’s manager.

Dunky was brought to Parkhead from Maryhill Harp in September 1945 and made an assured debut on September 15th as the Hoops defeated Hamilton Academicals 2-0 in a Regional League tie at Celtic Park.

A steady if unspectacular performer hopes were high that McMillan could develop into a top class defender under the coaching of Jimmy Hogan. Sadly Dunky suffered from ptomaine poisoning in the summer of 1948 and lost his regular starting berth to Alec Boden.

He played at Celtic at its worst, with his longest runs during 1946-47 and 1947-48. The latter season was ignominious near regulation season, so no easy time for Dunky et al.

Never able to regain a regular first team place Dunky left Parkhead in March 1949 for Grimsby Town having played 45 times for the Celts.

Duncan McMillan went on to have a long career with Grimsby Town appearing 188 times with two goals for the Mariners. As one said to him at Grimsby “Are there any more like you?“. Did Celtic possibly miss out on another good potential talent in this man during those difficult barren days of the 1940s/1950s? Not exactly a short list from the shambles that was Celtic in those days.

Seems to have settled down long-term in Grimsby.

He passed away in 1992.

Playing Career

Honours with Celtic

None

Pictures

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