Personal
Fullname: Richard Michael Madden
aka: Richard Madden, Dick Madden
Born: 27 July 1944
Birthplace: Blantyre, South Lanarkshire
Signed: 17 Aug 1962
Left: 9 June 1964 (free); 5 Aug 1964 (to Albion Rovers)
Position: Goalkeeper
Debut: Kilmarnock 6-0 Celtic, League, 23 Mar 1963
Internationals: none
Biog
Keeper Dick Madden joined Celtic from Blantyre Celtic in August 1962.
His only first team appearance was a most unfortunate one as Kilmarnock destroyed an injury ravaged and inexperienced Celtic 6-0 in a league clash at Rugby Park on 23rd March 1963. Two of his debut colleagues were Jimmy Johnstone & John Cushley, both of whom had longer tenures at Celtic. Kilmarnock were a very strong team at home that season with only one defeat in the league at home, and finished second behind Rangers in the title race.
Dick Madden was Celtic’s third choice keeper during his time at the club which ended in June 1964 when he was released. After such a drubbing in his debut it is no surprise he never played again for the first team, but with such a scoreline the defence should be held as culpable as himself, and Celtic were perennial underachievers at that time. It was his debut and he was only 19, so young and inexperienced. A heavy blow to take at this stage in his football career.
A steady if unspectacular keeper Dick Madden went on to play for Albion Rovers and Clydebank.
Not all bad luck in life as he did have the good fortune, just a few years later, to win the football pools. Life all balances out in some ways.
Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone once joked:
‘Dick Madden was the only thing Haffey managed to keep out during his time at Celtic!’
One anecdote referenced by Bertie Auld in his biography was that on winning the pools, Dick Madden was recommended to open up a pub with the winnings and title the place ‘Lets Six Inn‘. All in humour.
Anecdotes & Quotes
‘Dick Madden was the only thing Haffey managed to keep out during his time at Celtic!’
Jimmy Johnstone
2) Met Dick Madden at a dinner party in a relative’s house. He was a great lad, and told a great story against himself. He went to the barber one day years after his career had ended and the guy kept looking and looking at him.
Finally, he says: “Are you Dick Madden, Sellik’s reserve goalie for years?”
“Sure am,” says Dick cheerfully.”Jesus,” says the guy.
“You’re the only thing that Frank Haffey ever kept oot!”
Source: Torquemeda of KDS forum (http://kerrydalestreet.co.uk/single/?p=531313&t=482359)
3) Winning the pools has been noted in some resources, e.g. source: link.
Playing Career
| APPEARANCES | LEAGUE | SCOTTISH CUP | LEAGUE CUP | EUROPE | TOTAL |
| 1962-64 | 1 | – | – | – | 1 |
| Shut-outs | 0 | – | – | – | 0 |
Honours with Celtic
none
Pictures
Dick Madden is just in front of John Hughes, Third from right at back