McPherson, James

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Fullname: James McPherson
aka: Jamie McPherson
Born: 1866
Died: […]
Birthplace: Kilmarnock
Signed: Oct 1890 (loan)
Left: Oct 1890
Position: Left-half
Debut: Carfin Shamrock 1-3 Celtic, Scottish Cup, 4 Oct 1890
Internationals: none

Biog

James McPherson was a left-half who played one competitive game for the Bhoys while on loan from Cowlairs.

He had played for Cowlairs v Hibs at Celtic Park on 8 May 1888. His brother, a then famous John ‘Kytie’ McPherson, also played in this match.

He actually had played for Cowlairs against Celtic in the club’s first ever final, the World Exhibition Cup Final (Glasgow Exhibition) on 6th Sep 1888 which Celtic lost 2-0 played at Kelvinside. A shock result as reports stated that it was expected that Celtic, composed of Edinburgh Hibernian and Renton players, would be ‘invincible‘.

James McPherson also played as a guest for Celtic from Cowlairs on the 2nd October 1890 in a Friendly Match v Sunderland – confirmed by the Scotsman & Scottish Sport newspapers.

Having previously also played with Rangers on loan, although does not appear to have played in any of the major competitions with them in that spell.

James McPherson’s solitary major honours appearance for Celtic in a competitive game came in a 3-1 Scottish Cup replay victory at Carfin Shamrock on October 4th 1890. This match was played at Byreknowes Park in Carfin before a reported 6000 spectators. A spectacle not expected sadly ever again in the small mining village which is a die-hard Celtic area, best known as a homage place for Roman Catholics for the Carfin grotto.

Note: Some records/reports don’t seem to record James McPherson to have ever actually even played in this Scottish Cup match or ever for Celtic in a competitive fixture. In those early days, records weren’t as well kept as they are today, so there can be differences between records.

There is very little detail around on the Scottish Cup match v Carfin Shamrocks that would confirm 100% that McPherson played in that game.

However, on the day of the Scottish Cup tie v Carfin Shamrock, Cowlairs played Leith Athletic in a Friendly match and the Scotsman newspaper confirms that McPherson was not available that day for Cowlairs but doesn’t say he was playing for Celtic.

Appears to have gone back to Kilmarnock and wrapped up his career there in April 1894.

Playing Career

Honours with Celtic

none

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