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Fullname: Adam Henderson
Born: 16 June 1873
Died: […]
Birthplace: Darlington
Signed: 1 May 1897 (from Preston NE)
Left: 21 May 1898 (to Bristol St George’s)
Position: Outside-Left
Debut: Celtic 4-1 Hibernian, League, 4 Sep 1897
Internationals: N/A
International Caps: N/A
Biog
Adam Henderson started in football at the wonderfully named Airdrie Fruitfield in 1891 before moving to Airdrieonians for season 1892-93, and then to the pioneering Preston North End in 1894.
For Preston North End he was a major goalscorer, scoring 28 goals in his first stint, playing alongside other future Celtic players: Willie Orr & John Cunningham.
He moved to Parkhead from Preston North End – along with his great mate Willie Orr – in May 1897. These moves were all part of Celtic’s new push as they became a private limited company, a bold step and move on from the more humble roots of the club into a more professional business-like arrangement to cement the evolving position of the club.
A brave winger with an eye for goal the outside-left made his senior debut for the Bhoys in a 4-1 league win over Hibernian at Celtic Park on 4th September 1897. Adam Henderson impressed with his overall play and underlined his threat to the opposition by hitting two goals.
He was to only play sporadically over his time at Celtic. Still, he scored doubles in league victories against Hibs (who were third that season) and also a double v Dundee in a 2-1 win with Adam Henderson reported that day by the Glasgow Herald: “who seemed to be in a scoring mood“.
He also scored a goal in a 1-1 draw with Rangers in the Glasgow Cup. Celtic lost the replay 3-1 but he was not in the side for that replay.
Despite a fine net scoring record, he was later in reflection regarded as being on par with the lesser regarded Alex Crawford. However, he has still much to hold his head high for. Maybe more was expected following his exploits with Preston North End.
He notably scored a goal v Arthurlie in the Scottish Cup, in a 7-0 victory, which for Celtic was a bit of revenge and recovery following the humiliating defeat to the lowly side in the previous season in the same tournament, still regarded by many as the worst result in the club’s history. So, Adam Henderson played his part to rectify that result.
His last game was in a 0-0 draw with Rangers in the league, which helped to push Celtic over the line to the title for which he played his part.
He scored in total five goals in ten league & Scottish Cup appearances for the Celts before returning south to join Bristol St George’s in May 1898. He soon moved to Gravesend Utd, and then back to Preston North End in 1899 for whom he continued his goal scoring form. For Preston North End he was to score 44 goals in 140 games over his two periods at the club (41 goals in 118 league games). He appears to have retired from play in 1901.
In time, he returned to live & retire in Motherwell.
Playing Career
| APPEARANCES | LEAGUE | SCOTTISH CUP | LEAGUE CUP | EUROPE | TOTAL |
| 1897-98 | 9 | 1 | N/A | N/A | 10 |
| Goals: | 4 | 1 | – | – | 5 |
Honours with Celtic
Scottish League