Hemple, Sammy

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Personal

Fullname: Samuel Hemple
aka: Sam Hemple, Sammy Hemple
Born: 3 May 1929
Died: […]
Birthplace: […]
Signed: 11 Dec 1952
Left: 6 Aug 1954 (to Albion Rovers)
Position: Centre-Forward
Debut: Stirling Albion 2-1 Celtic, League, 5 Dec 1953
Internationals: N/A
International Caps: N/A

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Biog

Centre-forward Sam Hemple was an experienced Junior player when he joined Celtic from Rutherglen Glencairn in December 1952.

He was the nephew of ex-Celt John McKnight from the 1920s who played for Celtic reserves but did not win a first team place in a major competition.

Sam Hemple was the 23rd striker on Celtic’s books, and kind of reflected the poor team management at the time.

Renowned for his ability in the air, Sam Hemple (in place of the injured John McPhail) made his debut in a 2-1 league defeat at Stirling Albion on December 5th 1953, first time Celtic used a white ball.

Despite that disappointing result in his first start, he went on to score two goals in four appearances for the Bhoys but with John McPhail as first choice forward, Sam Hemple couldn’t force his way into the first team on a regular basis, then Walsh and Fallon were preferred.

Celtic did well with Sam Hemple in his games, the team scoring 13 goals in Sam Hemple’s first three games. His two goals came one goal each in a 4-0 win over St Mirren then one in a 7-1 victory over Clyde on St Stephen’s Day. From reports he appears to have been heavily involved in the goals and played a good game in those two games.

However he was then replaced for the following game, a 1-0 victory over Rangers in the Ne’er Day derby, but then having been put back in the side he was dropped after a 2-0 defeat to Aberdeen.

Sam Hemple was effectively a back-up for John McPhail whom others had a difficulty in taking his place.

Sam Hemple was to end up leaving Celtic for Albion Rovers in August 1954 after falling out with the board over terms. Not too dissimilar a situation to many of his peers at the club in that era.

Still, he played for Celtic in what was a glorious season, the first for a generation or so, as Celtic won the league and Cup double, and Sam Hemple played his a small part in this. Celtic’s first domestic double for 40 years and first league title for 16 years.

He retired prematurely from the game due to a groin injury that would not heal in 1955.

He returned to Celtic, and with his trade in stock as a builder’s labourer, he was to leave his mark on improvements to turnstiles and other entrances and exits at Celtic Park.

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Playing Career

Honours with Celtic

Scottish League

• 1953-54

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Pictures

• Player Pics

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