Gorman, John

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Personal

Born: 16 August 1949
Birthplace: Winchburgh, Scotland
Signed: 19 Oct 1964 (prov)/ 19 Dec 1967
Left: 8 Sep 1970 (to Carlisle)
Position: Full-back
Debut: Celtic 4-2 Hamilton Accies League Cup 25 September 1968 (only game)
Internationals: None

Biog

Winchburgh-born full back John Gorman signed provisional forms for the Bhoys in October 1964 while playing for Uphall Saints.

His one and only senior Celtic appearance came in a 4-2 League Cup victory at Hamilton Academicals in September 1968 – the same match Kenny Dalglish made his debut in. Gorman had the honour to be playing in place of Billy McNeill for the day.

Fierce competition for a full back berth meant Gorman never had a chance to shine at his beloved Celtic. When Willie O’Neill was at Carlisle (and close to finishing due to injury) Bob Stokoe asked him if Celtic had any good young left-backs and Pumper recommended John Gorman. He was signed and moved on to Carlisle in September 1970.

He carved out a career in England curtailed short after he joined Tottenham Hotspur when injury woes after a tackle by Liverpool’s Jimmy Case sidelined him for long spells due to serious ligament trouble. He later moved to the US for a long spell playing for Tampa Bay Rowdies and Phoenix Inferno, but returned to the UK.

He turned to coaching and management, and through this he worked his way through the coaching ranks, and next thing you know John Gorman was brought in as assistant to Glenn Hoddle in the latter’s ill fated tenure as England coach. Saying that they still managed a credible display in the World Cup finals in 1998. He likely would have remained longer in the role, but Glenn Hoddle was removed from his position after what some interpreted as derogatory remarks made about disabled people.

Apart from this foray, most of his experiences as coach or assistant coach didn’t work out, but he persevered and there were moments. However, he still moved between a number of clubs and played his part. He retired from coaching in 2010.

John Gorman may not have achieved a first-team regular place as a player with Celtic, but is fondly remembered by his fellow members of the “Quality Street Gang“, most of whom went on to achieve great things. Possibly, having to compete with the quality of some of his fellow players back then was partly to blame for his inability to shine and stand-out from the crowd.

However, despite the lack of success at Celtic, he has been quoted from an interview as having said that his greatest achievement was that one game for Celtic (source: CU Podcast 209). That we can admire.

We hope him all the best.

Playing Career

Honours with Celtic

none

Pictures

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Links

• Quality Street Gang