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Fullname: John Browning
aka: Johnny Browning, Smiley
Born: 29 November 1888
Died: 14 November 1964
Birthplace: Dumbarton
Signed: 24 April 1911; 28 Oct 1912
Left: 12 June 1919 (to Chelsea)
Position: Outside-Left
Debut: Third Lanark 0-1 Celtic, League, 2 Nov 1912
Internationals: Scotland
International Caps: 1
International Goals: 0
Biog
A fine outside-left Dumbarton-born John Browning was signed by the Bhoys from Vale of Leven in April 1911. A baker by trade, he was nicknamed humorously as “Smiley” due to his generally dour demeanour, however he was said to be a good entertainer too.
He was deemed to be a ‘Catch of the Season’, and his debut came in a 1-0 league victory at Third Lanark’s Cathkin Park on 2nd November 1912.
As successor to the great Davie Hamilton he quickly established himself as a first team regular with some fine performances on the flank. A strong and direct wideman, John Browning combined flair and force with great effect and his wing play was a key weapon in Celtic’s attacking armoury.
A popular and jovial figure in the dressing room, John Browning was an integral member of the side that won four league titles in succession. Probably his greatest moment was when he hit two goals against Hibernian in the 1914 Scottish Cup final to help the Bhoys lift the cup.
As a measure of his quality, in 59 matches of the wonderful 62 unbeaten league match run (1915-17) he was the highest scorer with a fabulous 20 goals. He was an ever present in the 1915/16 league title winning side and so one of the bulwarks of the side.
He was a real attraction for many to go watch Celtic. Said to be a popular and cheerful character in the dressing room, notable for his impressions of Charlie Chaplin, Harry Lauder and Willie Maley too. The stern Maley is said to have overlooked his foibles.
On the international front, he was capped by Scotland on 28 February 1914 in a 0-0 draw with Wales, played at Celtic Park, and also earned two call ups from the Scottish League sides.
He would depart the Hoops in 1919 when he headed to London after signing for Chelsea. A long stint with the Celts, amassing 217 league and Scottish Cup games, and a fair tally of 65 goals into the bargain.
Post-Celtic
His stay in London was short lived and after just five games with the Blues he had returned to Vale of Leven.
A move to Dumbarton then followed and John Browning’s reputation suffered a bitter blow when in 1924 he and ex-Rangers man Archie Kyle were found guilty of attempting to bribe Bo’Ness player Peter Brown with £30 to throw a Second Division match. He received 60 days hard labour for this misdemeanour.
After release, John Browning emerged smiling from the nick and in April 1925 was applying to coach in Bavaria.
His son, also né John Browning, was later on Celtic’s books in August 1932 although no first team appearances, and then moved to play for Liverpool.
John Browning is remembered working in the family newsagents and stationers in Main Street, Alexandria in the years before his death.
He died in 1964, a long good innings. He is buried in Alexandria Cemetery.
Playing Career
| APPEARANCES | LEAGUE | SCOTTISH CUP | LEAGUE CUP | EUROPE | TOTAL |
| 1911-1919 | 210 | 7 | n/a | n/a | 217 |
| Goals: | 63 | 2 | – | – | 65 |
Honours With Celtic
Scottish League
Scottish Cup
Glasgow Cup
- 2
Glasgow Charity Cup
- 6