C | Player Pics | A-Z of Players
Personal
Fullname: Thomas Callaghan
aka: Tommy Callaghan, Tid, T.C.
Born: 6 December 1944
Died: 25 October 2024
Birthplace: Cowdenbeath, Fife
Signed: 22 November 1968
Left: 4 November 1976
Position: Inside left/Midfielder
First game: Partick Thistle away 4-0, League 23 November 1968
Last game: Hearts Hampden 2-1, League Cup semi final 25 October 1976
First goal: Partick Thistle away 4-0, League 23 November 1968
Last goal: Albion Rovers away 1-0, League Cup 22 September 1976
Internationals: none
Biog
“I’ve got far too many [highlights]. From the day I signed to the present day, I still get a wee kick when I go into the park. “
Tommy Callaghan (2012)
A true Celtic Man from birth Cowdenbeath-born Tommy Callaghan signed for Jock Stein’s Celtic in November 1968 from Dunfermline for an estimated £35,000, a notable fee and the highest Celtic had paid for a player to that time.
“I regard him as an all-purpose player and not necessarily as an inside forward or a wing half. Tom will continue to stay in Fife and travel back and forward to Celtic Park at least until the spring. We will see what the situation is then. I signed Tom when he was a young fellow and he was among my early signings as a manager at Dunfermline.”
An elegant yet hard-working midfielder, Tommy Callaghan had in fact been signed by Jock Stein for Dunfermline and it showed he was Stein’s type of player when he again signed him for Celtic. He holds the honour of being the only player ever that Jock Stein signed twice!
Tommy Callaghan had impressed under Jock Stein at East End Park but the Fifer took time to settle in at the Parkhead home of his beloved Celtic. He made a scoring debut in a 4-0 league victory at Partick Thistle on November 23rd to become the first Celtic player to score on their competitive debut for 11 years. It was to be a while yet before he was to show his true qualities and class.
Callaghan’s initial difficulties came from a self-doubt that he was not worthy of taking the field alongside living legends who had so recently been kings of European football. Being in the presence of men like Bertie Auld and Bobby Murdoch seemed to over-awe the recent arrival. He also found it difficult to win over the increasingly hard to please Celtic support who were now getting used to life at European football’s top table. For them, when things went wrong, it was naturally easier to blame the ex-Par for any slip ups rather than the men who had brought the European Cup to Glasgow.
That was harsh on Tommy Callaghan but thankfully his fortunes and the attitudes of others were soon to change. His first big break came when he was fielded at outside left in the 1969 League Cup final against St. Johnstone. He put on a fine show on the day, with Bertie Auld scoring the winning goal.
By the start of the new decade Tommy Callaghan had started to feel more at home among his illustrious peers and consequently had begun to establish himself as a key component in a wonderful Celtic side. With the ability to play either in midfield or defence, Tommy Callaghan allied good control and vision with an awesome engine which at times saw him over-run the very best teams in Europe.
He was always a player for the big occasion, and in the 1971 Scottish Cup replay victory against Rangers he had a magnificent game and a year on he created three of Celtic’s six goals in the 6-1 annihilation of Eddie Turnbull’s excellent Hibernian side in the 1972 final.
His best football was between 1971 and 1974 when he was instrumental in helping bring 4 league titles to Parkhead. At the start of the 1971/72 season he was in top form and played a major part in Celtic’s three wins at Ibrox in the space of four weeks, scoring a spectacular effort in the 3-0 win on August 28th.
In 1972, the great Hungarian striker Ferenc Bene said that, in his opinion, Tommy Callaghan was amongst the best midfielders in Europe, which was quite a compliment.
Tommy Callaghan was not noted for his goalscoring exploits but scored important goals, against Aberdeen in the 1972 League Cup semi final, and a great volley against Basel in the 1974 European Cup quarter final which took the tie to extra time, where Celtic eventually won 4-2.
Tommy Callaghan’s long running stride was put to good use by Jock Stein and he was able to carry the ball from deep and start attacks in this way. He was not a noted tackler and an element of the Celtic support gave him a hard time on occasions in view of this.
In the summer of 1976, he was no longer a first team regular after the arrival of Glavin and the emergence of the young Tommy Burns. He scored his last goal, a winner, in the 1-0 victory over Albion Rovers in the league cup on October 6th 1976 and moved on to the ambitious Clydebank club a few weeks later for £6,000. He did well with Clydebank both as a player and in a developmental role for young players till he was freed by the Bankies in Christmas 1977.
In July 1978, he took a player-manager’s job in Ireland with Galway Rovers in their first season in the League of Ireland. Also with them at that time were ex-Celtic goalkeeper Tom Lally and Danny McGrains’s brother Tommy McGrain who had been released by Partick Thistle.
A model professional, Tommy Callaghan never let anyone down during his eight years as a Celtic player, and while players of greater skill may take more plaudits, this modest midfielder was vastly underrated by some and deserves to be remembered as a truly great Celt. His medal collection is certainly an impressive one, and in 284 competitive appearances (with 33 goals) he bagged six league winners medals, three Scottish Cups and two League Cups.
Prior to playing for Celtic, Tommy Callaghan had also won a Scottish Cup Winners medal whilst playing alongside his brother Willie for Dunfermline beating Hearts in the 1968 Final.
A much loved Celt and he was still regularly seen at Celtic Park supporting the Hoops.
He passed away after a long life in October 2024.
Quotes
“A few years ago, when we walked from Celtic Park to John Thomson’s grave in Fife, big Tid drove the support bus for us. A happy-go-lucky guy who always had time for everyone. A real sad loss.”
Dave McLaughlin (Oct 2024)
“From the day I signed to the present day, I still get a wee kick when I go into the park.”
Tommy Callaghan (2012)
“Tommy sat at our table for lunch with the manager at the time Lenny was in charge . To be honest I’m not the age to have know. Who he was. But the gentlemen with me Tommy and big Charlie made sure I soon knew all about him. After that he sat beside me and we talked for a solid 30mins about my hero’s at Celtic and his time at Celtic. An absolute gentleman! ”
Maxie1888
Playing Career
| APPEARANCES | LEAGUE | SCOTTISH CUP | LEAGUE CUP | EUROPE | TOTAL |
| 1968-76 | 172 | 32 | 52 | 28 | 284 |
| Goals: | 14 | 6 | 7 | 6 | 33 |
Pictures
Notes
- Corrected date of birth to 6 Dec 1944 and not 1945 as was previously stated.
Articles
Interview with The Celtic View (Feb 2012)
Do you remember how the move to Celtic came about?
I’d fallen out with George Farm, the manager at Dunfermline, so I had asked away. For a few weeks things weren’t happening and then I got a call from a reporter in Dunfermline who asked if I had heard anything. I said no and he told me Celtic had put a bid in for me. He asked me to go along to his house at night and it was there that Big Jock was going to phone me. And he did. He told me they had put a bid in and they were in talks with Dunfermline. I think there was a difference of £5,000 at the time, Dunfermline wanted more for me. He told me to keep going in and see them every week and eventually they would get fed up with me. So that’s what I did and all of a sudden I was signed.
What did you think when you heard of Celtic’s interest?
I was over the moon because at that time I was really low. I was playing in Dunfermline’s reserve team, which is something I had never really done before. There was a European game coming up and the boys were going to Greece. That was the first trip that I’d missed since I had joined Dunfermline so I wasn’t too happy. But when I got the news of Celtic’s interest I was absolutely delighted. The timing was perfect and it gave me a right lift.
What was Jock Stein like while you were at Dunfermline?
He was absolutely brilliant. That’s where he cut his teeth in management and he was so different. Managers normally went around in suits and smoked pipes, they were a figurehead, but Jock Stein was active. He was with the players. he would put the tracksuit on and mixed with everyone. I remember being at Dunfermline, when I was on the groundstaff at the time, and he would come into the snooker hall with us. We would get a game of snooker and then he would go in and clean the dressing rooms. It didn’t matter if you were first-team or reserves, he mixed with everyone.
So it was no real surprise that it was him who personally called you then to arrange the Celtic deal?
At first I thought it was a hoax! I had worked with him at Dunfermline and he was so good. When he left everyone was shattered but, lo and behold, I ended up back with him again so it worked out well for me. It was brilliant – when I got the call, I nearly ran across the Kincardine Bridge!
How quickly was the deal done after you met Jock Stein for the first time?
It was done immediately. I signed the papers right away. I went into the boardroom and he had the forms sitting out in front of me. I went to sign them and he said; ´Do you not want to know how much you’re getting a week?´ I said ´No, just give me your pen,´ and I signed them there and then. He then told me my wages and told me to give him back his pen because I had put it in my pocket.
Was it fair to say it was an extra-special moment considering you were a Celtic fan?
Yes, I’d grown up a Celtic fan and the year before that, they had won the European Cup. They were the top team in Europe so to join a club like Celtic at their peak was unbelievable. It was the old story of a dream come true but it was true, I kept thinking, ´God almighty, I’m signing for Celtic!´ It was hard to take in at first. There was a guy along the road from me who was Celtic-daft, he used to take me to all the games, and he was actually crying when I signed. He was a friend of the family and he went to every game. He would take me on the supporters’ bus and look after me when I was a kid.
Was your family’s reaction similar?
Yes, my Mum and Dad were so happy. My Dad never actually saw me play for Celtic, though, because he took not well after I signed so could never manage out to see the games, which was a pity. My brothers would come through a few times when I first signed. It was a great thing for the family.
Did you save the newspaper cuttings from the day you signed?
Yes, I kept them all! They’re up in the loft somewhere in a box. But there wasn’t the same hype you get today. Nowadays they are paraded about in a Celtic strip at Lennoxtown and it’s all very razzmatazz but all I got was a ´Callaghan signs for Celtic´ headline and that was it – that was as far as the media covered it then.
What kind of reception did you get from the fans after signing?
It took a bit of time for the Celtic supporters to get used to me and nobody understands why. I played in the team early doors and then I was out of the team for a while. I got back in but it was a love/hate relationship with the fans. But after that wee spell I got a regular place in the team and it was alright. That was the Lisbon Lions, though, and with the likes of myself and Harry Hood coming along, everything was changing. That was the team who won the European Cup breaking up and no one likes change – but I did!
How easy was it to settle into your new surroundings?
It took me a wee while because the first game I played was at Firhill so I had to wait until the next Monday or Tuesday to get to the stadium. Celtic were playing away in Europe at the time. That was when wee Jimmy didn’t have to go with the team because he tore Red Star Be;grade apart, so Big Jock had let him stay at home. I remember seeing wee Jimmy at Barrowfield. He had a big Jaguar at the time and he could hardly see over the wheel. The first-team were away but everything was starting to fall into place and it was exciting. Once I got into the swing of things it was good and I think the big thing that helped me was moving to Glasgow. I had been travelling through with big George Connolly from Dunfermline every day, and that was good company for me. I signed in November but I didn’t move through until the summer, just before the new season started.
Did you ever feel out of place in the dressing room with the Lisbon Lions?
I think at first you’re asking yourself, ´What am I doing here?´ but I think after I got my first game under my belt – and scored my first goal that day too – it was fine. There were a lot of good boys there who helped me settle in, people like Bobby Lennox and Stevie Chalmers who I’m still friendly with today. Jim Brogan as well – he was a good lad. It was a good squad actually, and big Jock helped knit them all together.
Was Jock Stein the same man at Celtic to the one you knew at Dunfermline?
He was the same but as he got older he got wiser, if that’s possible. He used to say ´I can hear the grass growing.´ His knowledge of football was first-class. He was very simple and basic – he didn’t use stupid terms you get in the present day now, it was a game of football and that was it. He also never asked us to do things we couldn’t do. He made you believe in yourself.
And finally, what was the highlight of your Celtic career?
I’ve got far too many. From the day I signed to the present day, I still get a wee kick when I go into the park. I talk to all the boys and all the ones who work with me on a Saturday still get these wee kicks. It’s in us and even coming up the stairs to the offices is great. I’m still being remembered by doing these interviews and that’s nice.
Article on Tommy Callaghan, Evening Times, December 2nd, 1972.
![[Untitled]](https://wikifoundryimages.s3.amazonaws.com/3b1bc238483679f61a07d2c24053c9c2 "[Untitled]")
Tommy Callaghan
October 25, 2024
10:31 am
Everyone at Dunfermline Athletic was hugely saddened to learn of the passing of a true club great, Tommy Callaghan.
Signed by Jock Stein from Lochore Welfare in 1962, Tom was initially considered to be a winger when he first came into the squad, but soon found himself playing at wing half.
Along side his brother Willie the pair became regulars in the side. Tom`s influence on the side grew, particularly in European matches. He was a player who seemed suited to these games, as his record of five goals in fourteen European ties shows.
Tommy was also famously part of the 1968 Scottish Cup winning side, immortalising himself among the greats of the club.
In November 1968 Tom left Dunfermline, joining Celtic for a then record fee for the Glasgow club of £35,000, going on to play a major role for Celtic during their glory years. He famously became the only player Jock Stein signed twice.
Everyone at the club shares their condolences with the family, friends and team mates of Tommy at this difficult time.
Our players will wear black armbands at tomorrow’s match against Falkirk and a full tribute will be released ahead of our match with Livingston on Tuesday evening.
The great Tommy Callaghan passes away
https://www.celticfc.com/news/2024/october/25/the-great-tommy-callaghan-passes-away/
Club News
By Celtic Football Club
Share
25 Oct 2024, 9:33 am
Everyone at Celtic Park was saddened to hear that former player, Tommy Callaghan passed away early this morning (Friday) at the age of 79.
Cowdenbeath-born Tommy signed for Celtic from Dunfermline Athletic in November 1968 and, in doing so made history in being signed by Jock Stein twice, as it was Stein who had also signed Tommy for the Fife team in 1962.
Midfielder, Tommy made an immediate impact on his debut by scoring against Partick Thistle at Firhill.
That was the first of 34 goals in 264 games he played for Celtic between then and joining Clydebank in 1976.
Over Tommy’s time in the Hoops, Celtic lifted six titles, five Scottish Cups and three League Cups
His heart was always at Celtic Park and he was still a regular at every game as a matchday host with the club.
The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Celtic Football Club are with Tommy’s friends and family at this sad time.
Tommy Callaghan has passed away, RIP legend, YNWA
By Editor 25 October, 2024 No Comments
[Tommy Callaghan has passed away, RIP legend, YNWA]
“That’s the Celtic support for you. Brilliant,” Tommy Callaghan…A look back and our interview with Tommy Callaghan, who sadly passed away in the early hours. Rest in Peace, Legend! YNWA…
[Tommy Callaghan]
Tommy Callaghan, pre-season photo-shoot, 1975. Photo The Celtic Star
Celtic FC confirmed the sad news and as always we never report on terrible news like this until it has been officially confirmed, a lesson others would do well to heed.
“We are saddened to hear that former player, Tommy Callaghan passed away early this morning at the age of 78. The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Celtic FC are with his friends and family at this sad time. Rest in peace, Tommy,” the club stated.
[Tommy Callaghan, RIP]
Tommy Callaghan, RIP. Image Celtic FC
As part of my research into the life and career of Harry Hood, I had the privilege of speaking to many of the players he lined up with and against, ranging from his schoolboy days, through youth and junior football to the senior ranks.
[Tommy Callaghan, pre-season training 1975]
Tommy Callaghan, pre-season photo-shoot, 1975. Photo The Celtic Star
Those included George Herd at Sunderland, the Clyde trio of Graham Macfarlane, John McHugh and Dick Staite, Tommy Callaghan, Denis Connaghan, Kenny Dalglish and Willie Wallace at Celtic and Jim McCalliog for Scotland. These men provided unique insights into what made Harry tick, both as a footballer and a man, and have been invaluable as we built up the story of his life and the context which surrounded it.
Earlier this year I had the nicest chat with that wonderful Celt, Tommy Callaghan, an absolute gentleman with a host of great stories from his life and career. Tommy played against Harry whilst with Dunfermline, then as a teammate both at Celtic and San Antonio Thunder in Texas.
He has kindly agreed for me to share some of those memories with readers of The Celtic Star ahead of the launch of the book. Tommy has written one of the forewords for Twice As Good, which is published at the end of this month and he will be signing copies of Harry’s biography for all pre-orders via Celtic Star Books.
Matt Corr – Firstly, Tommy, thanks a million for taking the time and trouble to talk about your time at Celtic, and indeed, before and after that great time of your life. First things first, have you always been a Celtic supporter?
Tommy Callaghan – I have indeed, Matt. And I owe that to a lovely man called Owen Moran, a Celtic-daft neighbour and family friend, when I was a kid back in Cowdenbeath. I was the youngest of four brothers and Owen would take me to the games at Parkhead on the supporters’ bus which left Cowdenbeath. He was one red-hot fan of Bobby Evans, I recall.
There’s a nice story, there, actually. Some years later, when I had signed for Celtic, I took Owen through with me in the car for a few of the matches I was playing in. He was absolutely over the moon. He got very emotional and he couldn’t stop crying. The wee lad he took to the games was now taking him to see him wear those famous Hoops. I loved being able to do that. To repay him for those early trips.
Matt Corr – I remember you initially as a player at Dunfermline, in that classic pin-stripe kit, before you signed for Celtic. Can you tell me how that all came to pass?
Tommy Callaghan – It was largely down to Jock Stein, to be honest. Back in 1962 I was playing with local Junior outfit, Lochore Welfare. I’d be about 17. They had a tremendous track record of young, talented players turning senior. Alec Edwards had signed for Jock at Dunfermline the year before and Willie Johnston and Ian Porterfield would also turn pro around the same time and go on to have excellent careers.
Anyway, I was training with Cowdenbeath at the time and their manager, Harry Colville, was really keen to sign me and it looked like I would go there. A scout named Jimmy Paterson was also on the scene. He was one of those guys who just ate, slept and drank football. I don’t think he ever went home.
He obviously liked the look of me, and recommended me to Jock, who promptly offered me the chance to sign for Dunfermline Athletic. I was really happy to do that, as Dunfermline were a top side at the time and were clearly going places under Jock. My older brother Willie was already there. I do remember Harry Colville taking the news badly, though, which was a shame.
[Tommy Callaghan in action for Celtic ]
Tommy Callaghan in action for Celtic
Matt Corr – Speaking of the Blue Brazil, I remember Cowdenbeath being in the top division for one season, around 1970 or 71, Celts winning 5-1 at Central Park, the only time we’ve played there that comes to mind. Big Yogi scored that day, I’m sure, and Harry Hood. There was a speedway track around the pitch and for some reason I remember the match programme talking about stock car racing. Did you get the opportunity to play on your old stomping ground for that one?
Tommy Callaghan – I did. I don’t remember a huge amount about it, to be honest, but I did play.
[Tommy Callaghan in action for Celtic ]
Tommy Callaghan in action for Celtic
Matt Corr – You played in two Scottish Cup finals with Dunfermline, losing out to Celtic in 1965 then beating Hearts in 1968, both times turning out with your brother. Those must have been very proud occasions for you and your family. I read fairly recently that Rangers had been asked to move their League game with Aberdeen at Ibrox, which clashed with the final in 1968, to help attract a bigger crowd to the showpiece but that they had refused, and the attendance was around half what would normally have been expected, 50/60,000. My brother was there, and I know that Jock Stein took the Celtic squad to Hampden. Celts then clinched the title in midweek at East End Park, amidst the most incredible crowd scenes. That must have been some atmosphere to play in.
Tommy Callaghan – Absolutely. Rangers drew or lost that match at Ibrox, which meant that Celtic were the champions without kicking a ball. They say there were 30,000 inside East End Park that night but it felt like 90,000!
I was approached by a Celtic supporter outside the ground looking for tickets. Told me he had travelled all the way up from somewhere in England to see his team play. I would have loved to have helped him out, but I had no tickets. There was folk on the roof, and some climbed up a floodlight pylon. And crushing on the terracing, which wasn’t good. Tiny Wharton was the referee, I don’t know if you remembered that? The game was stopped at one point as they tried to get people to come down from the roof. Astonishing night.
[Tommy Callaghan in action for Celtic ]
Tommy Callaghan in action for Celtic
Matt Corr – And just a few months later, you were a Celt. What do you remember about your debut?
Tommy Callaghan – First and foremost, I remember the size of the crowd as we drove up to Firhill. I had signed on the Friday and 24 hours later I made my debut against Thistle. I’d never seen as many people outside a stadium before. I have to confess that I was nervous and had a few ‘collywobbles.’ Big Jock was brilliant, though.
He said to me in the dressing-room, “Just go out and enjoy yourself, Tid. Just do what you do.” He put me right at ease and I went out and scored on my debut and we won 4-0. On the Monday, the team were flying out to Belgrade for the second leg of the Red Star European Cup-tie. But I was ineligible, so I ended up at Barrowfield, training with wee Jinky, who as you’ll remember, was excused from flying to Yugoslavia as he had helped get us a 4-goal lead in the first leg. I’ve never seen anybody as happy as him to miss out on a trip abroad!
[Tommy Callaghan in action for Celtic ]
Tommy Callaghan in action for Celtic
Matt Corr – Other early memories of joining Celtic, Tommy? Getting to know the lads, on and off the pitch?
Tommy Callaghan – They were a great bunch, to be honest, Matt. For trips to Seamill and European away games, Jock liked to ‘pair up’ guys who would most likely get on well together. It was one of those ‘Jock Stein things,’ I guess, which inevitably worked. Most of the boys had been there a while and the room arrangements were already established. So, Cesar and John Clark would share, Tommy and Bertie, the ‘old guys’ Faither and Stevie and Bobby Murdoch and John Fallon. Willie Wallace and Jim Craig was another, although I shared with Willie when I first joined.
A few months later, Harry Hood signed from Clyde, and Jock put us together. Harry and I just clicked, and we became great friends. He was a good lad. A smashing football player and he loved his golf. Harry also had a very good business brain, and he was always thinking ahead. Some of the boys had moved into the pub business at the time and I remember he was thinking about buying a pub up in Uddingston or thereabouts, Sherwood Manor, I think. His brother, George, God rest him, and wife Kathy were involved in running that from memory.
Harry was great company and fitted in really well at Celtic. Getting back to Seamill, those were wonderful times. Jock used to send Neilly Mochan and Bob Rooney to check we were all in our rooms at night. They were great characters who liked a laugh. I loved Neilly’s stories. His opening gambit would usually be something like, “Right, lads, any wee Bacardi’s for me?”
[Celtic celebrations]
Tommy Callaghan top right at another Celtic celebration
Matt Corr – I used to see you in church in Bishopbriggs when my kids were young. How did you end up living there?
Tommy Callaghan – I continued to travel through from Cowdenbeath initially and then, sometime in 1969, Jock took my wife and I around Bishopbriggs to look at houses. He said it was the Fife side of Glasgow, whatever that means! Joe McBride and Stevie Chalmers were already there, which was great. We’ve been here ever since.
Matt Corr – What were your major highlights and disappointments as a Celtic player, Tommy?
Tommy Callaghan – Well there’s no doubt about the biggest disappointment. That was Milan in 1970. We underestimated Feyenoord, who were an excellent team. Lots have been said and written about that match over the years, but it was their turn. They were a great team. European highlight would be the quarter-final against Basel at Parkhead four years later. I managed to score a good goal and you tend to remember those. We qualified after Steve Murray headed a late winner. Stevie was another good, good lad.
[Steve Murray headed a late winner for Celtic ]
Steve Murray headed a late winner for Celtic
Domestic match? That would be the 1972 Scottish Cup final against Hibs. Dixie was unplayable that day and I remember coming off the pitch at the end feeling like I’d played well. That was a brilliant day. Another disappointment was missing out on the opportunity to play in Bobby Moore’s Testimonial game at Upton Park in November 1970. I had been stretchered off against St Johnstone at Parkhead with a badly cut leg a few weeks before that game. A horrific injury that was. Anyway, I was still out when the boys left for London. Bobby had been my idol as a kid. Gutted isn’t the word. I would get to live the dream, right enough, by playing in the same team as the great man. You’ll enjoy this, Matt.
In the summer of 1976, towards the end of my time at Celtic, Jock Stein took a call from Harry Hood, asking about the possibility of me being made available to play some games for San Antonio Thunder in Texas. Harry had been over there with his family for a few months and he said I would like it. I was really keen but Jock less so, for whatever reason. Anyway, long story short, the Boss agreed, so we headed over to San Antonio. Apart from Harry, there were a few players I knew already at the club. Jim Henry, who played with Dundee United, Eddie Thomson who you might recall from his time at Hearts and Aberdeen, and Billy Semple who spent some time at Ibrox.
Bob McNab, the former Arsenal full-back from their double-winning team, was also there, although he was injured at that time. But the captain was Bobby Moore! It was all a bit surreal, especially the time we played in Los Angeles and met up with George Best. He was an absolute God over there. Film star. They loved him. After the game, we’re all in George’s pub. I’m coming back from the bar with a jug of beer in each hand and Bobby Moore is telling me to fill George Best’s tumbler up! Totally surreal. George was a lovely guy. Great company. I managed six games with San Antonio then we got knocked out in the Play-offs so that was that. I came back and signed for Clydebank.
[Celtic star Tommy Callaghan runs on the pitch]
Celtic star Tommy Callaghan runs on the pitch
Matt Corr – Do you have a favourite non-playing Celtic story, Tommy?
Tommy Callaghan – Too many to be honest, Matt! Where do I start? OK, here’s one you’ll enjoy. I’m heading out to Spain on holiday with the family. It’s my grandson’s birthday and it clashes with Celtic playing Porto in the UEFA Cup final in Seville. We’ll be staying in a place called Los Boliches on the Costa del Sol and I’m talking about how we get to the game from there with a lad I know from the Celtic hospitality, Jim Brown. Jim says, “I’m staying in Marbella and we’re heading in a limousine so you’re coming with me.”
And he’s as good as his word. On the day, the limo is outside our place and we’re travelling to the game in style. He’s got all his wine and his champagne, you name it, in a bar in the car but I’m a beer man, so we stop off at a garage and pick up a few San Miguels. My son Tommy is with me, so that makes the trip even more special. He was an absolute star. Looking after his dad and making sure the bar never ran dry! Pure bliss. We reach Seville and it’s heaving with Celtic supporters.
The car is crawling through the streets and we have those tinted windows, so we can see out, but the fans can’t see in. I hear a guy ask, “Is that Rod Stewart?” I wind the window down, stick my head out and say, “Sorry, it’s me. What a disappointment!” But the guy laughs and says, “Tommy? How are you doing? Here. Take my hat!” And he hands me this absolutely beautiful sombrero. A work of art. I still have it to this day. That’s the Celtic support for you. Brilliant.
Matt Corr – Tommy. It’s been an absolute pleasure. We have to do this again.
Tommy Callaghan – My pleasure. I’d be happy to do that. Brought back some fabulous memories.
Farewell Tid, Celtic’s superstar from Cowdenbeath
By Matt Corr 26 October, 2024 3 Comments
Tommy Callaghan RIP
Tommy Callaghan, RIP. Image Celtic FC
Facebook
WhatsApp
Twitter
Reddit
Email
Share
Farewell Tid, Celtic’s superstar from Cowdenbeath…
Tommy Callaghan at Celtic Park
Tommy Callaghan at Celtic Park, October 2023. Photo AJ, The Celtic Star
Broken-hearted to pick up the news about Tommy on my return from Italy yesterday.
The kindest, gentlest and funniest of men. And humble to a fault, despite everything he achieved.
I was privileged to witness Tommy’s career at Celtic from beginning to end. From his dream goal-scoring debut for his boyhood club at Firhill in late 1968, through his peak in the early 1970s as a marauding midfielder in Jock Stein’s last great Celtic teams to more difficult times a few years later as a veteran full-back. Three hundred games in all. Living his dream and ours.
Self-deprecating and obviously still a bit hurt after all these years that some fans didn’t take to him, and so occasionally needing to be reminded that Stein, the master, signed him not once but twice, then picked him constantly in an era when the Hoops were the cream of Europe.
Tommy Callaghan
Tommy Callaghan, pre-season photo-shoot, 1975. Photo The Celtic Star
So he was a player.
And a gentleman in every literal sense of that word yet strong enough to survive in the toughest of dressing-rooms. To respond to Bertie’s sharp wit by reminding him that Jock had signed Tommy from Dunfermline to replace him! All done with the humour that those of us privileged to get to call him a friend found so endearing.
That friendship in my case began with Harry Hood’s biography almost four years ago. When I asked Harry’s family who they would like to do the foreword.
Tommy had been Harry’s roommate and friend since the pair joined Celtic within a few months of each other in 1968/69. They had been opponents when Tommy was at Dunfermline Athletic and Harry at Clyde, then teammates at Celtic Park and later at San Antonio Thunder in Texas, playing under Tommy’s hero Bobby Moore and enjoying a beer with George Best in Los Angeles, as you do.
That wonderful opportunity was at Harry’s instigation. He and Tommy were born within two months of each other in the latter part of 1944, a period which also gave us Bobby Murdoch and Jimmy Johnstone. War babies who would grow up to be heroes. The pair were kindred spirits who remained close until Harry’s own untimely death in 2019. Tommy was a perfect choice for the role and he duly delivered, with beautiful words and sentiments which delighted the Hood family.
And I gained a lovely friend.
Nothing was ever a problem for Tommy.
Tommy Callaghan with Matt Corr
Tommy Callaghan and Matt Corr signing copies of Harry Hood – Twice as Good. Photo The Celtic Star
He agreed to sign some copies of Harry’s book to help us with our promotion. Tommy lived nearby so I brought him over to ours, to a room stacked high with books and, of course, a cup of tea and some biscuits. A cuppa or ten was Tommy’s vice.
I’ve left him in the care of my wife to take a first carload of books to the stadium warehouse at Celtic Park. And I’ve just started the return journey when I receive a call from her to say that Tommy has already signed everything in the room and is wondering if there’s anything else he can do to help! I drop him home that day and we agree to meet up again for a chat and a cuppa in the near future. He’s just being polite, I think.
But that’s exactly what happens and continues to happen right up until a few weeks ago.
I’ll be slogging away at something or other and the phone will light up with his name. And the day lights up with that call. “Time for a cuppa and a catch-up?”
The ritual is the same every time. I pull up at Tommy’s home and he is waiting. Short drive to Costa at a retail park in Bishopbriggs. Two pots of tea and a couple of toasties, followed by another pot each and some goodies then just more pots. A noon or 1pm start becomes a 4pm finish.
That’s down to two things, the endless supply of tea and the fact that everyone in the place seems to know Tommy and wants to stop for a chat. And he obliges every time with a smile and asking after them. A real class act.
It’s the quickest afternoon of the month and it’s bliss as Tommy brings the characters from his career to life. My heroes are his friends and he makes them real. Kid in a toy shop stuff as he rolls back the years and is clearly in his element. These are the greatest of players in the greatest of eras.
There is sadness as he talks about those who are no longer with us, a memory so poignant as I write this now. So many great Celts who still have such a huge place in his heart. Stevie Chalmers is right up there, as are Billy and Harry. And Jock.
The Callaghan brothers line up at East End Park. Willie is back left and Tommy front right.
Tommy also speaks so fondly about his time at Dunfermline, in what was their finest era. It was at East End Park he met another who would become a lifetime friend, Alex Ferguson. He has huge affection for Fergie, recalling how upset the striker was at being left out of the team which faced Celtic in the Scottish Cup final of April 1965, and how unfair Tommy felt that decision was.
Tommy and big brother Willie would be on the losing side that day but would both be back for the showpiece occasion just three years later, having knocked out Celtic in the first round. This time the Pars would lift the famous old trophy by defeating Hearts at Hampden, and the Callaghan brothers from Cowdenbeath entered the history books. Following one set of McStay siblings and pre-dating another.
Football was in the family blood. Tommy was thrilled when I discovered a connection with his Uncle Paddy and Celtic’s American tour of 1931, and I was thrilled that he was thrilled. That I could give something back for the countless hours of conversation and friendship. Tommy wouldn’t accept my offers for payment for his time and effort. “I’m not taking anything from you, Matt. That’s not up for debate.”
Tommy Callaghan
Tommy Callaghan at a Celtic Star Books event at Celtic Park, October 2023. Photo AJ, The Celtic Star
A case in point being this time last year, when Tommy delighted the audience at Celtic Park as he took centre stage at our book launch for Majic, Stan and The King of Japan. A total natural, relaxed and funny. Sharing his stories. Making our night.
A few months later, we’re having a catch-up and Tommy asks if I’m busy the following night. I’m not so we’re off to the Supporters Association Rally at Celtic Park. I’m his plus one and he introduces me to his company, including Jinky’s wife, Agnes. We then enjoy a surreal but hilarious evening listening to her stories, none of which, of course, are publishable. Tommy’s friends were your friends. That was the deal. And that was very special.
Tommy Callaghan
Tommy Callaghan, pre-season photo-shoot, 1975. Photo The Celtic Star
As well as his football career, Tommy loved his other jobs. Very proud of his time in the car industry and driving ‘the wee bus’ to support school kids in the east end. And of course his hospitality role at Celtic Park, which enhanced his final years. Meeting friends new and old every second Saturday and making supporters’ days that bit more special simply by being Tommy with them. A gift. He looked forward to catching up with his pals George and Dixie so much and took such huge pride that folk wanted to spend time with them and talk about their time in the Hoops.
This last year has not been without its challenges from a health perspective for Tommy, but the fighter in him kept going, dealing with the setbacks and just getting on with it. We met up this time last month, and he wasn’t feeling so great. Something not quite right. We left Costa early and headed back to his garden cabin, and after a quick cuppa I took my leave, telling him to rest and we’d catch up again when he felt better.
Sitting at my desk a couple of weeks ago, and the number lights up the phone as always, but this time my greeting of ‘Mr C!’ is stopped in its tracks as Tommy’s son tells me things are not so good with his dad.
Tommy Callaghan, RIP
Tommy Callaghan, RIP. Image Celtic FC
And the news we all dreaded finally arrived yesterday, leaving so many holes in so many lives.
My thoughts and prayers are with Kathy, Marie, Tom, Tommy’s grandchildren and extended family.
Hopefully in time, the memories of such a special man and a life so well lived will help you cope with the sadness of your loss.
Rest in eternal peace, Tommy.
A superstar on and off the park.
Matt Corr