#pray4lynk
All time British+Irish Fantasy Draft
- Thread starter crappycraperson
- Start date
I need a volunteer to put up the games on 30th Nov. Rest I can manage
When's the deadline for putting up a write up on the team etc?
I can only do Monday evening at earliest.
Cheers mate, perfect!
First match day Sunday, then?
And then Monday and Tuesday?
And then Monday and Tuesday?
That seems reasonable. I don't like the look of 4 games a day as per Crappy's list though. We should limit it to two a day really or else some of the match threads will be empty.
I was wondering why this had died, did it really take you chaps two whole days to work out you were missing the fixture list?
Worse, what happened last time we had group stages was people got completely fed up with the number of draft threads going at any one time.
I can't do thirtied Nov, got a presentation due.
next time ask before allocating dates please.
next time ask before allocating dates please.
Easy mate, I can't see how it could be taken as anything other than a suggestion. When can you then?
PLAYER PROFILES
GEORGE BANKS
The best keeper in the draft by a country mile.
ASHLEY COLE
The most defensively astute left-back since Paolo Maldini. Provides plenty of pace and positioning to shackle the finest wingers while his nippy and incisive give-and-go game makes him a productive outlet on the left flank.
GEORGE YOUNG
A man mountain who stood 6'2 and weighed in at 15 stone of bristing Scottish muscle. A natural leader who captained Scotland 48 times in his 53 national appearances, impressing directly against the likes of Tom Finney and Duncan Edwards. Young was also the captain of Rangers and its famous Iron Curtain defence that was widely regarded as the best in Britain during the post-war period.
DES WALKER
Electric centre-half who was impeccable in the tackle and ruthlessly efficient in his man-marking. Walker had few if any peers from 1988-1992, starring at both the 1990 World Cup (where his job on Van Basten is well remembered) and Euro 1992.
The Observer (1993) said:
Gary Lineker said:
Peter Beardsley said:
WILLIE MILLER
Arguably Scotland’s greatest ever centre-back, Miller captained his country in an era where Scotland enjoyed an abundance of riches in talent, his consistent excellence keeping the higher profile Alan Hansen out of the starting eleven. At club level, Miller dedicated his entire career to Aberdeen, leading them with great distinction as they broke the Old Firm monopoly and achieved success on the continental stage. In Aberdeen’s conquest of the 1983 Cup Winners Cup overcoming the likes of Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, Miller was their best player as he nullified the attacking threats of opponents. His mastery of the fundamentals of defending – his first-rate anticipation, impeccable positioning and the cleanest tackling - attracted the highest praise.
Sir Alex Ferguson said:
Karl Heinz Rummenigge said:
DAVID MEIKLEJOHN
A strong contender for the greatest ever Rangers player, Born and raised in the shadow of Ibrox, Meiklejohn was comfortable at centre-half, right back and in midfield. Regarded by the old timers as John Greig with skill. An inspirational leader who won 12 league titles with Rangers and was famous for his shackling of Dixie Dean in a 2-0 win over England in 1931.
Willie Thornton said:
John Rafferty in One Hundred Years of Scottish Football said:
ALAN MULLERY
Proper, all-round midfielder who contributed all over the park. An important part of England's 1970 vintage which was for many an even better outfit than 1966. Mullery replaced Stiles in the heart of midfield and was a tough and energetic midfield general capable of scoring goals like this.
DAVID PLATT
Another all-round midfielder whose graft, use of the ball but above all exceptional goalscoring ability made him one of the most sought after players in European football in the early 1990s. Amassed 27 goals in 62 caps - boasting a near 1 in 2 record - impressive for a striker, extraordinary for a midfielder.
ALEX JAMES
The Wee Wizard was one of the finest players in the world during the 1930s whose unique passing and vision provided countless assists for Herbert Chapman's all-conquering Arsenal side.
ALAN MORTON
The Wee Blue Devil is most famous for his part in the Wembley Wizards' 5-1 demolition of England in 1928 where Morton laid on three goals. Classic winger, diminutive in stature standing at just 5'4, but whose low centre of gravity enabled him to twist and speed away from defenders. Morton's own record against England over the course of 11 games reads 7 wins and 3 defeats (2 of them at the tail-end of his career). Has a strong argument to be considered the greatest left-winger in the entire draft (bar Best) and, along with James and Dean, would have been contending for Ballon D'Ors had such an award existed between the two wars.
TOM FINNEY
Wing wizard and goalscorer rolled into one whose all-round game saw him considered by many of his peers as the standout of a richly talented era in English football. Two-footed, "a surging, swerving dribbler" who was comfortable across the front line.
JIMMY GREAVES
The top scorer in the English top tier a record six times and England's fourth highest international goalscorer with 44 goals in just 57 games. Tottenham Hotspur's highest ever goalscorer (268 goals), the highest goalscorer in the history of English top-flight football (357 goals), and has also scored more hat-tricks (six) for England than anyone else. Supreme finisher, likely the best the British game has ever seen, who was quick, always found space and always made the right decision.
The Wee Wizard was one of the finest players in the world during the 1930s whose unique passing and vision provided countless assists for Herbert Chapman's all-conquering Arsenal side.
Vital Arsenal said:
ALAN MORTON
The Wee Blue Devil is most famous for his part in the Wembley Wizards' 5-1 demolition of England in 1928 where Morton laid on three goals. Classic winger, diminutive in stature standing at just 5'4, but whose low centre of gravity enabled him to twist and speed away from defenders. Morton's own record against England over the course of 11 games reads 7 wins and 3 defeats (2 of them at the tail-end of his career). Has a strong argument to be considered the greatest left-winger in the entire draft (bar Best) and, along with James and Dean, would have been contending for Ballon D'Ors had such an award existed between the two wars.
Bob McPhail said:
Douglas Lamming - football historian in "A Scottish Soccer Internationalists' Who's Who 1872-1986" said:
TOM FINNEY
Wing wizard and goalscorer rolled into one whose all-round game saw him considered by many of his peers as the standout of a richly talented era in English football. Two-footed, "a surging, swerving dribbler" who was comfortable across the front line.
Bill Shankly said:
Shankly was asked about how a top star of the day compared to Finney said:
Tommy Docherty said:
Sir Stanley Matthews said:
JIMMY GREAVES
The top scorer in the English top tier a record six times and England's fourth highest international goalscorer with 44 goals in just 57 games. Tottenham Hotspur's highest ever goalscorer (268 goals), the highest goalscorer in the history of English top-flight football (357 goals), and has also scored more hat-tricks (six) for England than anyone else. Supreme finisher, likely the best the British game has ever seen, who was quick, always found space and always made the right decision.
George Best said:
Graham Taylor said:
No dates have been decided on as far as I know.
Aye, fair point. I don't know - all things said and done I think it could be difficult to maintain a decent interest throughout a bunch of group matches no matter how they're spread out. It's not too late to go for the other format, is it? Just play six straight knock-out matches, followed by three - and then let the best loser (based on something or other) take the last semi-finalist spot.
Could even do a simple poll to decide which second round loser deserves the last SF spot.
PLAYER PROFILES
Neville Southall
He has been described as one of the best goalkeepers of his generation and won the FWA Footballer of the Year award in 1985. He played internationally for Wales, winning a record 92 caps between 1982 and 1998, though he did not feature in any major international competitions. As an individual, he was named on the PFA Team of the Year four consecutive times, and was listed as one of the world's top ten goalkeepers by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics on four occasions. He is a member of the Gwladys Street Hall of Fame. He has been named as one of the 100 'Greatest Players of the 20th Century' by World Soccer magazine. In 1995 he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his services to football.
Tony Dunne
He made his full international debut in the 3-2 home defeat by Austria on 8 April 1962. Over 13 years he took his tally to 33 caps, appearing in both full-back positions and at centre-half. Played alongside his brother Pat Dunne in one game a defeat by Spain on 10 November 1965. He captained his country on four occasions.
Tony Dunne was Manchester United's best fullback since the Munich disaster. Some say he was an even better fullback than Gary Neville Evra, Irwin and Parker. Putting him only behind Byrne in United's history. At the zenith of Dunne's career it is fair to say only Wilson was better in England's top division.
Dunne was blessed with speed, bravery and excellent recovery skills. Later on he developed his consistent game minus fancy tricks, where he would cover in defence win the ball and lay off a simple pass to Crerand or Charlton.
Some critics say blessed with such speed he should have ventured forward more often and although he did overlap at times he was in a team blessed with attacking talent so he concentrated on defence. Dunne won everything with United two league titles, an FA cup and the European Cup. He played 534 games and scored two goals.
Mark Lawrenson
- Sir Bob Paisley
Bobby Moore
One of the best defenders in the game ever, Bobby Moore, started his career in West Ham United and made his league debut for them as a 17 year-old. He won his first England cap just weeks before the 1962 World Cup and impressed enough to gain a place in the squad that travelled to Chile. Bobby played in every match as England reached the quarterfinals and made the number 6 jersey his for the next decade and more.
His ability to tackle and read the game compensated for his lack of pace. His positioning and passing ability made him an asset also in the offensive part of the game. He was a gentleman on and off the field and a true leader which made him win the England captaincy at an early age. He kept it for 90 of his 108 matches equalling Billy Wright’s record. Bobby’s contribution to England’s 1966 World Cup victory was immense. England didn’t concede a goal until the semifinal when Eusebio scored on a penalty. As a proud captain, he could receive the World Cup trophy from the Queen after a dramatic final against West Germany. The mid sixties was a time when Moore also had success with West Ham. Not only was he voted England's Player of the Year in 1964, he also helped them win the FA Cup and the European Cup winners' Cup the following year. The league championship was the one trophy he never won.
Gary Neville
Neville has always been a committed and reliable player. He has been an attacking right full-back, as well as a courageous defender. For a number of seasons he formed a very effective right-side partnership with his friend, David Beckham. Strident in character, he has often played the shop-steward role at Old Trafford. He has combined loyalty to colleagues with a passion for the club. He has spent his whole career at Manchester United and no player has proved more dependable.
No other full-back has made more appearances for the club and no other right full-back has won more caps for England.
David Beckham
Only makes sense to mention him after his best pal Gary Neville. Beckham was one of the famed class of '92, and has won League Titles in 4 different counties. His partnership with Neville was almost telepathic as the two worked down the right side of the field, working together as one. Neville often bombing forward to create space for Becks to pick out his trademark crosses and long balls. A dead ball specialist, he was always a danger from free kicks, and could create havoc from corners.
His career stats speak for themselves, and he was able to play at a high level anywhere his career took him.
Paul Ince
Paul Ince was an authoritative midfield marshal and became known as "The Governor". He was a key midfielder for club and country, with his snapping tackles, raking passes and some tremendously hit shots, though he was not too prolific a goalscorer.
Bobby Murdoch
He became a central plank of the side where he built, with Bertie Auld, the engine for the side. This enabled Murdoch to play at his best, and his ability was so great that it belied his podgey build. His passing was said to be so perfect that one of his colleagues remarked with no real exaggeration that "he could land the ball on a thrupenny bit". Jim Craig highlighted the importance of Murdoch's playing ethos in that no matter how hard a time he was having in a match, he'd always be there for a pass or to help out. He was more than just a player in the Lisbon Lions.
Must add that when you first see him, it's hard to believe that he could be so skilful. He had a large frame and compared to modern footballers would seem unfit. However, he was anything but and the big teddy bear appearance just endeared him more to the fans. One story is said that Stein sent him to a health farm to lose weight only to come back heavier than before. The experiment was never repeated.
Most importantly, Murdoch played a vital part in the Lisbon Lions team who won the European Cup in 1967, and it was from Murdoch's shot that Stevie Chalmers deflected in the winner. Despite an ankle knock, he had been inspirational in that game. It may have been Chalmer's goal on paper, but likely Murdoch and the boys privately knew who was the real scorer behind it.
During his time at Celtic, he went on to win eight Scottish League titles, four Scottish Cups and five League Cups, as well as the European Cup medal, a magnificent haul for any man. He also played in the 1970 European Cup Final, when Celtic lost 2-1 to Feyenoord, where they were outplayed by the magnificent Dutch. Nevertheless, he never let this get him down and he plugged away.
One of the most notable games for Murdoch was the 1972 Scottish Cup final against Hibernian, where he gave a virtuoso performance in a mind-defying 6-1 victory ranked as one of our finest ever, and remains a Scottish Cup record to this day. His power and precision in his passing was the bulwark to this victory.
He was voted Scottish Player of the Year in 1969 and was a key player in the success throughout the 1960's and early 1970's for Celtic FC. Jock Stein once said that Bobby Murdoch was the best player he ever managed, and remarked to esteemed journalist Hugh McIlvaney that Murdoch was the most comprehensively gifted player in the side (an amazing compliment when you take in that this side included Jimmy Johnstone). Jim Craig's quote "When Murdoch plays,Celtic play" is an indication of how important Bobby was to the team.
The Lisbon Lions players themselves (including Jimmy Johnstone who was voted "The Greatest Ever Celtic Player") generally held the opinion that Bobby Murdoch was the best footballer of the Lisbon Lions.
Bobby Lennox
When you have a record like this man, Bobby Lennox should be shouting from the rooftops. A remarkable number of goals in what was a very competitive time in the Scottish game (let alone in European football) yet he is generally up-scaled by some of his old colleagues from the Lisbon Lions. Bobby Charlton (ex-Man Utd & England legend) even included Bobby Lennox in his all-time greats team, much to the bemusement of many others who had little knowledge of our quiet man. So why is he not mentioned as much as others?
From the beginning, Lennox was playing like a new man in the side as Jock helped to prod the best out of him.Lennox's main asset was his exceptional pace and his ability to accelerate faster than anyone else enabled him to beat defenders giving him the advantage to take a pop at goal, and to that he took much advantage. Ably assisted by Jinky et al, he scored in abundance and his record is almost without compare, scoring 273 league goals in 571 appearances for Celtic, making him the second highest ever scorer for the club.A remarkable achievement.
English legend Bobby Charlton was one of his greatest admirers boldly stating that if he had someone like Lennox playing beside then he could have gone on forever and also as "one of the best strikers that I have ever seen". High praise indeed whilst the legendary Di Stefano also picked him out for high praise.
Frank Lampard
He is the all-time leading goalscorer for Chelsea, where he played for 13 years, and is considered by a number of journalists and football experts to be one of the best midfielders of his generation. He has been described by previous record goal-scorer Bobby Tambling, and long-term teammate John Terry, as Chelsea's greatest ever player.
A three-time Chelsea Player of the Year,Lampard is the club's all-time top scorer with 211 goals in all competitions. Lampard is one of seven players, and the only midfielder, to have scored 150 or more goals in the Premier League. He is second in the Premier League's all-time assists table, behind Ryan Giggs. In 2005, Lampard was voted FWA Football of the Year and was runner-up in both the FIFA World Player of the Year and the Ballon D'or.
John Charles
Charles is considered by many to have been the greatest all-round footballer ever to come from Britain. It wasn't just that he was comfortable playing either centre-half or centre-forward. He was world class in both positions. Such was his versatility that he managed to break the Leeds United club scoring record with 42 goals in a season at a time when he was appearing at centre-half in internationals for Wales.
There is no comparable player with that kind of range in the modern game.
He was the first Briton to make the grade in Italian football and, forty years on, is probably the most successful export from League football to Serie A where his name is still revered. Certainly, Charles adapted quickly to the skill of the Italian League and made a more substantial and sustained impact than many of those who followed him, including Jimmy Greaves, Denis Law and Ian Rush. That is why he is a God to Juventus fans, the one they Christened "Il Buon Gigante" - the Gentle Giant.
He was supremely talented, possessing a delicate first touch and good control, and in the air he was masterful. Not just because of his spectacular ability to rise above defences, but also the awesome power with which he could head the ball. Apart from his versatility, he was comfortable with either foot, possessed great stamina and strength.
In the foreword for John's autobiography, Sir Bobby Robson described him as "incomparable" and classed him among the all-time footballing greats such as Pele, Diego Maradona and George Best. He also notes that Charles is the only footballing great to be world class in two very different positions.
The respect Charles earned from Juventus fans was shown when, on the occasion of the club's centenary in 1997 they voted him to be the best-ever foreign player to play for their team
Ian Wright
Some footballers are great goalscorers. Others are scorers of great goals. Ian Wright was both.
The Arsenal legend always found a way to find the net, whether it required a sumptuous 30-yard chip or a toe-poke from two yards. Wright's repertoire of goals made him one of the finest - and most explosive - strikers to grace the English game.
And, of course, he was a showman. Wright was a force of nature on and off the pitch, assuming the mantle of practical joker in the dressing room and choreographing a string of theatrical goal celebrations. No wonder Arsenal fans loved 'Ian Wright Wright Wright'. A consistent scorer of goals throughout his career, and his time at Arsenal, he went on to become the clubs record goalscorer, until a certain Mr. Henry came along.
He became a central plank of the side where he built, with Bertie Auld, the engine for the side. This enabled Murdoch to play at his best, and his ability was so great that it belied his podgey build. His passing was said to be so perfect that one of his colleagues remarked with no real exaggeration that "he could land the ball on a thrupenny bit". Jim Craig highlighted the importance of Murdoch's playing ethos in that no matter how hard a time he was having in a match, he'd always be there for a pass or to help out. He was more than just a player in the Lisbon Lions.
Must add that when you first see him, it's hard to believe that he could be so skilful. He had a large frame and compared to modern footballers would seem unfit. However, he was anything but and the big teddy bear appearance just endeared him more to the fans. One story is said that Stein sent him to a health farm to lose weight only to come back heavier than before. The experiment was never repeated.
Most importantly, Murdoch played a vital part in the Lisbon Lions team who won the European Cup in 1967, and it was from Murdoch's shot that Stevie Chalmers deflected in the winner. Despite an ankle knock, he had been inspirational in that game. It may have been Chalmer's goal on paper, but likely Murdoch and the boys privately knew who was the real scorer behind it.
During his time at Celtic, he went on to win eight Scottish League titles, four Scottish Cups and five League Cups, as well as the European Cup medal, a magnificent haul for any man. He also played in the 1970 European Cup Final, when Celtic lost 2-1 to Feyenoord, where they were outplayed by the magnificent Dutch. Nevertheless, he never let this get him down and he plugged away.
One of the most notable games for Murdoch was the 1972 Scottish Cup final against Hibernian, where he gave a virtuoso performance in a mind-defying 6-1 victory ranked as one of our finest ever, and remains a Scottish Cup record to this day. His power and precision in his passing was the bulwark to this victory.
He was voted Scottish Player of the Year in 1969 and was a key player in the success throughout the 1960's and early 1970's for Celtic FC. Jock Stein once said that Bobby Murdoch was the best player he ever managed, and remarked to esteemed journalist Hugh McIlvaney that Murdoch was the most comprehensively gifted player in the side (an amazing compliment when you take in that this side included Jimmy Johnstone). Jim Craig's quote "When Murdoch plays,Celtic play" is an indication of how important Bobby was to the team.
The Lisbon Lions players themselves (including Jimmy Johnstone who was voted "The Greatest Ever Celtic Player") generally held the opinion that Bobby Murdoch was the best footballer of the Lisbon Lions.
Bobby Lennox
When you have a record like this man, Bobby Lennox should be shouting from the rooftops. A remarkable number of goals in what was a very competitive time in the Scottish game (let alone in European football) yet he is generally up-scaled by some of his old colleagues from the Lisbon Lions. Bobby Charlton (ex-Man Utd & England legend) even included Bobby Lennox in his all-time greats team, much to the bemusement of many others who had little knowledge of our quiet man. So why is he not mentioned as much as others?
From the beginning, Lennox was playing like a new man in the side as Jock helped to prod the best out of him.Lennox's main asset was his exceptional pace and his ability to accelerate faster than anyone else enabled him to beat defenders giving him the advantage to take a pop at goal, and to that he took much advantage. Ably assisted by Jinky et al, he scored in abundance and his record is almost without compare, scoring 273 league goals in 571 appearances for Celtic, making him the second highest ever scorer for the club.A remarkable achievement.
English legend Bobby Charlton was one of his greatest admirers boldly stating that if he had someone like Lennox playing beside then he could have gone on forever and also as "one of the best strikers that I have ever seen". High praise indeed whilst the legendary Di Stefano also picked him out for high praise.
Frank Lampard
He is the all-time leading goalscorer for Chelsea, where he played for 13 years, and is considered by a number of journalists and football experts to be one of the best midfielders of his generation. He has been described by previous record goal-scorer Bobby Tambling, and long-term teammate John Terry, as Chelsea's greatest ever player.
A three-time Chelsea Player of the Year,Lampard is the club's all-time top scorer with 211 goals in all competitions. Lampard is one of seven players, and the only midfielder, to have scored 150 or more goals in the Premier League. He is second in the Premier League's all-time assists table, behind Ryan Giggs. In 2005, Lampard was voted FWA Football of the Year and was runner-up in both the FIFA World Player of the Year and the Ballon D'or.
John Charles
Charles is considered by many to have been the greatest all-round footballer ever to come from Britain. It wasn't just that he was comfortable playing either centre-half or centre-forward. He was world class in both positions. Such was his versatility that he managed to break the Leeds United club scoring record with 42 goals in a season at a time when he was appearing at centre-half in internationals for Wales.
There is no comparable player with that kind of range in the modern game.
He was the first Briton to make the grade in Italian football and, forty years on, is probably the most successful export from League football to Serie A where his name is still revered. Certainly, Charles adapted quickly to the skill of the Italian League and made a more substantial and sustained impact than many of those who followed him, including Jimmy Greaves, Denis Law and Ian Rush. That is why he is a God to Juventus fans, the one they Christened "Il Buon Gigante" - the Gentle Giant.
He was supremely talented, possessing a delicate first touch and good control, and in the air he was masterful. Not just because of his spectacular ability to rise above defences, but also the awesome power with which he could head the ball. Apart from his versatility, he was comfortable with either foot, possessed great stamina and strength.
In the foreword for John's autobiography, Sir Bobby Robson described him as "incomparable" and classed him among the all-time footballing greats such as Pele, Diego Maradona and George Best. He also notes that Charles is the only footballing great to be world class in two very different positions.
The respect Charles earned from Juventus fans was shown when, on the occasion of the club's centenary in 1997 they voted him to be the best-ever foreign player to play for their team
Ian Wright
Some footballers are great goalscorers. Others are scorers of great goals. Ian Wright was both.
The Arsenal legend always found a way to find the net, whether it required a sumptuous 30-yard chip or a toe-poke from two yards. Wright's repertoire of goals made him one of the finest - and most explosive - strikers to grace the English game.
And, of course, he was a showman. Wright was a force of nature on and off the pitch, assuming the mantle of practical joker in the dressing room and choreographing a string of theatrical goal celebrations. No wonder Arsenal fans loved 'Ian Wright Wright Wright'. A consistent scorer of goals throughout his career, and his time at Arsenal, he went on to become the clubs record goalscorer, until a certain Mr. Henry came along.
Agree with all this.
Who are we sending our tactics and write up to now? Still @crappycraperson ?
Wednesday ideally or Tuesday
Which day has 4 games happening?
It is a bit confusing because you turned 2 Sundays into Saturdays and 2 Thursdays into Wednesdays
Are we still doing group games or going for knockout now?
@MJJ you still have one more snake pick right? You picked Whiteside for your first pick if I'm not mistaken.
I don't mind either but just wish things will speed up a bit here
I don't mind either but just wish things will speed up a bit here
Yeah me too. Not really sure what's going on right now. If I should be doing my tactics, who to send them to, or who I'm even playing for sure lol
Whiteside and Sherwood were my two picks mate.
Oh my mistake, missed your Sherwood pick.
I looked at the days in the list and managed to completely ignore the dates
After United game pal.
No problem. Try to send them by end of today
@Barney @Joga Bonito
I don't remember group stages being so painful to orchestrate... It's just like with knockouts, Matchday 1 rivals, talk to each other and agree on a date, using crappy's as a marker.
Great write-ups btw, @Gio's side is looking very impressive there!
I am travelling from US to India from tonight till Monday morning. So can start matches in coming 5-6 hours and then on Monday morning.
I have @Gio 's write up. Need others.
I would suggest everyone sent me a write up for their first opponent. I will start any feasible matches
Pele, Puskas, McGrory, Muller. For the majority of readers, and certainly those outside Scotland, one name in this quartet might be considered a little less illustrious than the others. As it is, and while Jimmy McGrory is undoubtedly the least-known of these goalscoring greats, the Celtic legend nonetheless stands proudly alongside Pele et al in the list of football’s ten most prolific marksmen and as the greatest British goalscorer ever.
A staggering tally of 550 goals from just 547 competitive appearances ensures his place amid such legendary company and when it comes to league goals, only six players in the history of the game have managed more. Muller isn’t among them, nor indeed are any of his fellow countrymen, with McGrory’s colossal haul still a record in the United Kingdom, 171 higher than that of England’s all-time leading scorer, the Everton great Dixie Dean.
When it comes to arguments over who is the greatest Celt of them all the name at the top of many people's list is the one and only incomparable James Edward McGrory.
The barrel chested phenomenon was to be an immensely strong and forceful attacker prepared to take whatever knocks came his way in search of a goal.
There were few players as tough or as fair as the modest and humble McGrory and his commitment to the Celtic cause was obvious every time he took the field. He had a rapacious appetite for goals yet was completely gentlemanly, an intriguing dichotomy that only the best of men can balance.
This normally gentle and devout man became a fearsome warrior once he crossed that white line. However, he also set the highest standard of sportsmanship and shook the hands of even the most unscrupulous defenders once the game was over.
Though he measured in at just 5ft 6ins, no more than average for the time, this supreme predator’s great strength was his unrivalled ability in the air. Broad-shouldered and brave, McGrory was also blessed with an extraordinary leap, earning him the nickname ‘The Mermaid’.
Indeed, headers accounted for almost a third of his goals, with journalist Hughie Taylor writing of the “tingling feeling” of watching the striker "hover hawk-like, then twist that powerful neck, and flick the ball as fiercely as most players could kick it."
"Queen's Park keeper Jack Harkness once broke three fingers trying to save a McGrory header."
He burst into football folklore on April 11th 1925 when in the dying minutes of the Scottish Cup final at Hampden he launched himself at a cross and bulleted the ball into the net with his head to give Celtic a last gasp 2-1 triumph over Dundee.
McGrory was now on the road to establishing himself as the deadliest centre forward in football. The most feared attacker in the game. His ability to score with his head was unrivalled but his skill with the ball at his feet was also immense. McGrory could score from any angle and distance.
One curiosity in his scoring record is that he only ever took three penalties yet missed two of them!
His committed play meant he regularly suffered a broken nose and in one match he even shattered his jaw after taking a boot to the face.
McGrory’s bravery was the stuff of legend and one of his main attributes as a player and he often suffered for his fearless approach. He cracked two teeth and split his lip in the opening minutes of the 1933 Scottish Cup final and went on to score the only goal of the game and, as he said, had his nose broken ‘more times than I care to remember’.
The Arsenal transfer saga
In August 1927, the Celtic board decided to accept an offer from Arsenal for £10,000, which at the time would have been the World football transfer record.
McGrory had accepted a paid holiday invitation from the Celtic Board to make a pilgrimage to the shrine at Lourdes as a guest of Celtic manager Willie Maley. What he didn't know, was that the Board had arranged a meeting with Arsenal manager Herbert Chapman and chairman Sir Samuel Hill-Wood MP, in London. Upon arriving in London at Euston railway station, McGrory was surprised (Maley knew, but had said nothing to McGrory about the ulterior motive) to be met on the station platform by Herbert Chapman and Hill-Wood. Chapman tried his hardest to charm and persuade McGrory to sign for Arsenal, but he turned him down flatly.
Upon their return from Lourdes, McGrory and Maley were again met in London by Chapman and Hill-Wood in a surprise (even to Maley this time) visit. The Arsenal manager and chairman made one last attempt at getting McGrory's signature, but again failed to persuade him despite offering a blank cheque and the prospect of being the highest paid British player. Feckin desperate Gooners
Let's not forget this was Herbert Chapman's Arsenal and the best team in England at that time.
So riled were the Celtic board by his refusal of Arsenal's offer (£10,0000 transfer) that they secretly paid him less than his team mates for the rest of his career. When he later discovered this dastardly deed McGrory simply said:
"Well it was worth it just to pull on those Green and White Hoops.
McGrory of Arsenal just never sounded as good as McGrory of Celtic."
Money meant nothing to McGrory. Scoring goals for Celtic meant everything. He was the very personification of the true spirit of the club he adored. He is to Celtic what Di Stefano was to Real Madrid, Sir Bobby Charlton was to Manchester United and Maldini was to AC Milan. Simply put he was Mr Celtic.
His love for, and loyalty to, the club – his club - remained absolute. Many believe that it cost him greater recognition at international level, with a paltry haul of seven caps (6 goals) attributed to anti-Celtic sentiments among the Scotland selectors of that era not helping his cause as well.
A loyal, unselfish, modest, inspirational man and a true gent who lifted the hearts of his countrymen and raised the spirits of a nation, who will be forever be etched into the Scottish and Celtic folklore.
"Jimmy McGrory leaves memories of the finest and of deeds in our colours that will never fade."
Shoulders like a young Clydesdale, neck like a prime Aberdeen Angus and a head the nightmare of every goalkeeper. He had the knack of connecting with his napper and directing the leather netwards with greater velocity and judgement than many a counterpart could accomplish with his feet."
Jimmy was all strength and muscle, and he had a great bull neck," said the former Celtic and Chelsea forward. "If he had been a boxer, you couldn't have knocked him out. He was the hardest header of a ball I ever saw - along with Tommy Lawton at Chelsea - and had a great shot in his right boot.
My mind was set on scoring goals," the great man himself told The Observer in 1971. "I got into positions from which I could head or shoot. When the ball did come, I did not have to waste any time. I hit it. I see players trying to control and manoeuvre the ball when it comes to them, then looking up to see what they are going to do with it. They waste so much time."
He was always Mr. McGrory to me - and to all the other players. A lovely man with a pipe. Always smartly dressed in a collar and tie, it was hard to tell he was such a dynamo of a player in his day. But then a player changes as soon as he runs on to the park. He didn't just love Celtic - he was Celtic."
In July 2007 IFFHS (International Federation of Football History & Statistics), produced a survey that put Jimmy McGrory as the 8th greatest goalscoring striker of all time, a great great accolade and the highest ranking Briton.
I'll try to send it tonight, but I might be delayed until tomorrow.
A feel good rag to riches tale
‘Jimmy, it’s time to get up,’whispered Harry McGrory in his soft Donegal accent to his sleeping son. Sometimes he hated waking the boy up. He was surely happier in his dreams than he was facing the harsh realities and grinding poverty they faced each day in Glasgow’s tough Garngad district? Young Jimmy opened his eyes, smiled at his Da and then, remembering that today was to be the day of his brother John’s funeral, his smile faded. ‘What time are we due at St Roch’s Da?’ he asked quietly.
‘An hour or so to go yet son so get dressed and have a good wash. Put on your school clothes. Yer Ma is making some breakfast in the skullery.’ As his Dad left the room, Young Jimmy got up and glanced out the window of the tenement they lived in at 179 Millburn Street. The street was quiet and the old buildings, blackened by the soot of industry and the nearby Gas Works, looked dilapidated and dirty. He dressed quietly and before leaving the room sat on his bed, closed his eyes and prayed for his brother John, lost to meningitis just a month after his first birthday.
‘Jimmy, your breakfast is out son,’ called his mother from the skullery jolting him out of his prayers. Jimmy opened his eyes, blessed himself quickly and headed for the smell of toast which wafted through the chilly flat. His Mother looked him over as he entered the kitchen, ‘Yer looking smart son, we’ll get you some boots before winter.’ Jimmy glanced down at the frayed school uniform and sandshoes he wore every day.
It was not in his nature to complain as so many of the boys at St Roch’s Primary school were worse off. Some even came to school barefoot in the better weather. The McGrory family finished their breakfast and slipped out of the flat for the short walk down the hill to St Roch’s. Neighbours nodded at them with solemn faces, ‘Sorry for your loss,’ said Dan Murphy, shaking Harry McGrory gently by the hand, a sad look on his face. Others stood in silence as they passed, a few blessed themselves.
The sad walk of the McGrory family was one which many families in the Garngad had made in those hard years after World War one. Infant mortality in such areas was a national disgrace and as always, the poorest carried the heaviest burden.
They entered the Church and Jimmy saw the little coffin waiting for them by the altar. Tears welled in his eyes for little John but also for his parents. He glanced at his father who sat to his left, eyes closed, rosary beads in his hand. Decent, hard-working Harry McGrory, a man who signed Jimmy’s birth certificate with a cross because he couldn’t write. A man who laboured and sweated for more than 60 hours a week in the Gas Works to try and feed his family.
His mother, Kate McGrory, prematurely old due to the wearying effects of poverty and child bearing sat grim faced and stoic. Her faith in God helped carry her through her troubles but losing a child is always a heavy blow. Whisps of grey flecked her hair and care lines ploughed her proud Irish face though she was still not yet 35 years old.
Young Jimmy didn’t know then that he would lose her too before his twelfth year was over. He sat quietly in the rapidly filling Church and glanced at the image of Christ on the cross suspended high above the altar. ‘Help me,’ he whispered quietly to his God, ‘help me to help them.’
20 years later….
England brought their formidable team north to face a Scotland team which though often erratic was capable of occasional brilliance. The crowd packed into Hampden that day was given as 134,710 but this figure didn’t include the thousands of boys ‘lifted’ over the turnstiles to gain free entry.
The scores were tied 1-1 and a titanic struggle ensued as both teams sought the winning goal. The excellent Bob McPhail of Rangers sent a fizzing shot whizzing just over the England bar and the packed bowl of Hampden growled and roared sensing Scotland might just snatch a winning goal.
With six minutes remaining McPhail drove towards the England goal and saw his strike partner pulling left to make space for him. Instead of shooting though, the adroit McPhail pinged a perfect pass to his strong running team mate who controlled it instantly and stepping inside the English full back found himself through on goal. The crowd roared.
This was the moment of decision. The tall, muscular English goalkeeper Henry Hibbs rushed out at the attacker to deny him time to think only to find himself outfoxed as the blue shirted Scot lobbed him with a deft left foot chip. The ball arced through the air as 134,000 Scots willed it into the net. The roar which greeted the goal was described as deafening by commentators of the day. The scorer of the goal which gave birth to the Hampden roar was James Edward McGrory of Celtic FC. The little boy born into poverty in the Garngad was the toast of Scotland.
‘An hour or so to go yet son so get dressed and have a good wash. Put on your school clothes. Yer Ma is making some breakfast in the skullery.’ As his Dad left the room, Young Jimmy got up and glanced out the window of the tenement they lived in at 179 Millburn Street. The street was quiet and the old buildings, blackened by the soot of industry and the nearby Gas Works, looked dilapidated and dirty. He dressed quietly and before leaving the room sat on his bed, closed his eyes and prayed for his brother John, lost to meningitis just a month after his first birthday.
‘Jimmy, your breakfast is out son,’ called his mother from the skullery jolting him out of his prayers. Jimmy opened his eyes, blessed himself quickly and headed for the smell of toast which wafted through the chilly flat. His Mother looked him over as he entered the kitchen, ‘Yer looking smart son, we’ll get you some boots before winter.’ Jimmy glanced down at the frayed school uniform and sandshoes he wore every day.
It was not in his nature to complain as so many of the boys at St Roch’s Primary school were worse off. Some even came to school barefoot in the better weather. The McGrory family finished their breakfast and slipped out of the flat for the short walk down the hill to St Roch’s. Neighbours nodded at them with solemn faces, ‘Sorry for your loss,’ said Dan Murphy, shaking Harry McGrory gently by the hand, a sad look on his face. Others stood in silence as they passed, a few blessed themselves.
The sad walk of the McGrory family was one which many families in the Garngad had made in those hard years after World War one. Infant mortality in such areas was a national disgrace and as always, the poorest carried the heaviest burden.
They entered the Church and Jimmy saw the little coffin waiting for them by the altar. Tears welled in his eyes for little John but also for his parents. He glanced at his father who sat to his left, eyes closed, rosary beads in his hand. Decent, hard-working Harry McGrory, a man who signed Jimmy’s birth certificate with a cross because he couldn’t write. A man who laboured and sweated for more than 60 hours a week in the Gas Works to try and feed his family.
His mother, Kate McGrory, prematurely old due to the wearying effects of poverty and child bearing sat grim faced and stoic. Her faith in God helped carry her through her troubles but losing a child is always a heavy blow. Whisps of grey flecked her hair and care lines ploughed her proud Irish face though she was still not yet 35 years old.
Young Jimmy didn’t know then that he would lose her too before his twelfth year was over. He sat quietly in the rapidly filling Church and glanced at the image of Christ on the cross suspended high above the altar. ‘Help me,’ he whispered quietly to his God, ‘help me to help them.’
20 years later….
England brought their formidable team north to face a Scotland team which though often erratic was capable of occasional brilliance. The crowd packed into Hampden that day was given as 134,710 but this figure didn’t include the thousands of boys ‘lifted’ over the turnstiles to gain free entry.
The scores were tied 1-1 and a titanic struggle ensued as both teams sought the winning goal. The excellent Bob McPhail of Rangers sent a fizzing shot whizzing just over the England bar and the packed bowl of Hampden growled and roared sensing Scotland might just snatch a winning goal.
With six minutes remaining McPhail drove towards the England goal and saw his strike partner pulling left to make space for him. Instead of shooting though, the adroit McPhail pinged a perfect pass to his strong running team mate who controlled it instantly and stepping inside the English full back found himself through on goal. The crowd roared.
This was the moment of decision. The tall, muscular English goalkeeper Henry Hibbs rushed out at the attacker to deny him time to think only to find himself outfoxed as the blue shirted Scot lobbed him with a deft left foot chip. The ball arced through the air as 134,000 Scots willed it into the net. The roar which greeted the goal was described as deafening by commentators of the day. The scorer of the goal which gave birth to the Hampden roar was James Edward McGrory of Celtic FC. The little boy born into poverty in the Garngad was the toast of Scotland.
‘Jimmy,’ shouted his sister to the young player walking from the Garngad to Celtic Park for training. ‘Don’t be giving all your wages away today eh?’ He smiled back at her, ‘I’ve only got a few bob on me, will you stop worrying.’ She looked at him, a wry smile on her face, ‘Get the tram home then if it’s raining.’
They parted and young McGrory, Celtic’s new hotshot striker continued the walk through the streets of depression hit Glasgow to Celtic Park. There would be no tram home after training though as every beggar and down at heel Glaswegian who asked him for a copper was met with a patient smile and couple of coins.
By the time he reached Celtic Park McGrory had not a penny in his pocket. It was not an unusual occurrence.
They parted and young McGrory, Celtic’s new hotshot striker continued the walk through the streets of depression hit Glasgow to Celtic Park. There would be no tram home after training though as every beggar and down at heel Glaswegian who asked him for a copper was met with a patient smile and couple of coins.
By the time he reached Celtic Park McGrory had not a penny in his pocket. It was not an unusual occurrence.
It doesn't really work that way crappy. You really want managers to agree on a day or else you may find one completely missing who may not even know you put the game up. Games are already dull enough to have them without the managers chippping in, let alone here where you would expect to need much input from them re: the less known players and what they are doing/how they fit. That's actually the sole point of the games IMO.
Great story there @Joga Bonito, I had heard of this McGrory fella in the usual listing of players made by random people reminiscing about greats but literally knew nothing about him.