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Fullname: James Kyle
aka: Fish Kyle
Born: 22 September 1870
Died: […]
Birthplace: Glasgow
Signed: 1890
Left: 1892
Position: Left-half
Debut: Cowlairs 0-5 Celtic, League, 29 Apr 1891
Internationals: none
Biog
Signed from Benburb in 1890 left-half James Kyle made his debut (along with John Cunningham) in a 5-0 league win at Cowlairs on 29th April 1891, towards the tail-end of Celtic’s first league campaign in the inaugural Scottish league championship.
However, like Cunningham he wasn’t retained for the next match which saw Celtic defeat Rangers away; Rangers were to be joint league title winners with Dumbarton whilst Cowlairs were to be “not re-elected” back to the top tier for the next season.
Prior to his arrival at Celtic, he had been the captain of Benburb (a team based in Govan) and was one of Celtic’s many captures from “The Polmadie Greens” which included Johnny Campbell, Barney Crossan, Joe Cullen and Johnny Cunningham.
He had the curious nickname of “Fish“!
Some records seem to state he played in the 1-1 draw v Rangers on 7th May 1892, but others don’t (for example ‘125 years of Celts‘ by Potter & Rowan). Records weren’t as well kept then as now. We have credited him an appearance in the table below as The Herald newspaper report credits his performance in their match report. That match at least is something he later likely cherished (assuming he did play in it). That match was also the first time that goal nets were used at Celtic Park. On an aside, Major Burke of the travelling Buffalo Bills Wild West Show from the USA kicked off the match.
He was to only make one other competitive appearance for the Bhoys, when he deputised for Peter Dowd in a 9-2 win over Linthouse in a Glasgow Charity Cup semi-final in 1891.
Celtic finished the 1891/92 season as runners-up by just 2pts behind Dumbarton, who finished the season with an exceptional home record, winning all eleven home matches. Celtic were not far off with ten home wins and one home draw. A tough and competitive league season, with Hearts only one point further behind Celtic.
He was released in 1892.
Playing Career
| APPEARANCES | LEAGUE | SCOTTISH CUP | LEAGUE CUP | EUROPE | TOTAL |
| 1890-92 | 2 | – | – | – | 2 |
| Goals: | 0 | – | – | – | 0 |
Honours with Celtic
none