Macdonald, James

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Note: The spelling is Macdonald but some old sources have it erroneously as McDonald (verified by his family to this site).

Personal

Fullname: James Macdonald
aka: James McDonald
Born: 21 February 1923*
Died: […]
Birthplace: Glasgow
Signed: 28 Jan 1939; 13 June 1941 (from St Anthony’s)
Left: Dec 1939 (paid off); 1943 (free)
Position: Outside-right
Debut: Hibernian 0-1 Celtic, Summer Cup, 14 June 1941
Internationals: none

Biog

James Macdonald signed for the Bhoys in January 1939 from Blairhill Colliery but by the end of the year had been released without a competitive appearance. Wartime had begun and there were to be major austerity measures implemented across all clubs.

After a spell back in junior football with St Anthony’s the outside-right returned to Celtic in June 1941 and made his debut in a 1-0 Summer Cup victory over Hibs at Easter Road on 14th June 1941 (the last game of that season).

Into the next season he was only given a few games, filling in where need be. His debut goal was in a 5-2 win over Dumbarton in Aug 1941, but his most notable form was in December 1941 when he scored in two games running, in a 2-1 win over Hamilton then a 3-0 win over Morton (a penalty), but then was dropped for the next game which was v Rangers in a 2-0 defeat.

He returned soon after but Celtic lost and he was only given one further opportunity in the opening game of the new season, which Celtic drew 2-2 with Dumbarton.

He played against Rangers in a Glasgow Cup semi-final (29th Sep 1941) in which Celtic missed two penalties (not him though).

He made a total of seven Regional League appearances – netting three times. It was a terrible time to play for the club (let alone due to the war situation) and Celtic’s results on the whole were poor in this era.

However, seems that he can hold his head up high, as 3 goals in 7 league games is a fair record for that poor era with Celtic. He also played in one Glasgow Cup game.

He was released in the summer of 1943 and joined Albion Rovers.

Playing Career

Honours with Celtic

none

Pictures

• Player Pics

Links

• World War Two & Celtic