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Personal
Fullname: Joseph James Clark
aka: Joe Clark, Joseph Clark
Born: 11 July 1889
Died: 22 April 1922
Birthplace: Govanhill, Glasgow
Signed: 27 Jan 1912
Left: 18 Sep 1913 (to Abercorn)
Position: Defence / Outside-left
Debut: Celtic 3-1 Third Lanark, League, 3 Feb 1912
Internationals: none
Biog
Govanhill-born outside-left Joe Clark signed for Celtic from St Anthony’s in January 1912. He was St Anthony’s “crack outside-left“.
His debut for the Bhoys came in a 3-1 league win at home to Third Lanark on 3rd February 1912, and bagged a debut goal and an assist. The match report from The Scotsman newspaper was very positive this young 19 year old:
“After prolonged pressure the Celtic’s latest recruit [Joe Clark], who created a favourable impression, opened the scoring with a, Well taken goal. Shortly after the same player sent across a. fine centre, which Gallacher easily converted”.
After such a great start, much was expected from him, but it didn’t work out sadly or more simply he wasn’t given sufficient further opportunities to again prove himself. He was deputising for John Brown who was preferred for the regular place in the First Team.
He made one further first team appearance in a 2-1 win over Queen’s Park on 17th February 1912 in the league. Celtic finished second behind Rangers that season by 5pts.
He didn’t get to play a part in the Glasgow Charity Cup tournament in May 1912 following the conclusion of the league, which Celtic won against Clyde on penalties after a 0-0 draw in the final. Actually Celtic played three matches to win this cup, and the first match was also was on penalties again after a 0-0 draw but this time against Partick Thistle.
He went on to join Cowdenbeath on loan at the start of season 1912/13 and was joint top scorer with 7 League goals in his one season at North End Park. Subsequently, Joe played with Abercorn (moving to there on a permanent basis in September 1913) and then Renton. He then served his country in ‘The Great War‘ (World War One).
By 1917, Joe was fighting for King & country in World War One.
He sadly died in the Royal Infirmary, in 1922, passing away prematurely at the young age of just 32.
Joe Clark at St Anthony’s FC
Mr Alastair Hay, historian at St Anthony’s FC and source of the photos on the Wiki:
“Joe Clark signed for us in the summer of 1907 from top juvenile club Anderston Benburb, and stayed with us for over five years with the exception of a short spell at Maryhill FC in 1909/10. He was “capped” for both the Glasgow Junior FA and Scottish Junior League – in my opinion he is wearing his GJFA cap in the portrait photo, but not enough of it is visible to be absolutely sure. Before signing for Celtic he had trials with Third Lanark (his local club), Dumbarton and Motherwell. Partick Thistle and Hibernian were also interested in signing him.”
Playing Career
| APPEARANCES | LEAGUE | SCOTTISH CUP | LEAGUE CUP | EUROPE | TOTAL |
| 1912-13 | 2 | 0 | n/a | n/a | 2 |
| Goals | 1 | 0 | – | – | 1 |
Honours with Celtic
none
Pictures
Links
Note:
Reference book “Alphabet of the Celts” attributed ‘Joe Clark’ to the wrong person. With the assistance of a relative of the ‘correct‘ person, we were able to track down the details, all as above in TheCelticWiki biography. Much thanks to all who assisted.
See also: http://celticgraves.com/topic/9800350/1/?x=50#new
