M | Players Pics | A-Z of Players
Personal
Fullname: Denis McCallum
aka: ‘Wafer’
Born: 4 May 1908
Died: […]
Birthplace: Alexandria, West Dumbartonshire
Signed: 26 May 1926
Left: May 1932 (free); 26 Sep 1932 (Glentoran)
Position: Outside-Right
Debut: Falkirk 4-1 Celtic, League, 6 April 1927
Internationals: N/A
International Caps:N/A
Biog
Outside-right Denis McCallum was signed by the Bhoys in May 1926 and was viewed as an understudy to Adam McLean. He made his debut on 6th April 1927 in a 4-1 defeat at Falkirk.
The great-nephew of Celtic great Neil McCallum, Denis was nicknamed ‘wafer’ by some supporters due to his slight build. An erratic performer he could produce some great wing play but was also culpable of getting caught in possession and dwelling too long on the ball.
He was given little game time early on, mostly deputising for Adam McLean in the odd game. However, on Adam McLean’s departure, Denis McCallum finally become a regular in season 1928/29 but lost his place after a 2-1 defeat by Hibs in February 1929, with Hughes taking over into the long-run.
In season 1929-30 he seems to have been moved position to deputise for Chic Geatons, but otherwise he played little again for the first team.
One notable match was likely a 3-1 win in the league on 9 Aug 1930 over Kilmarnock, where he scored two goals in what was deemed to be an experimental Celtic side, but it worked:
“McCallum did splendidly in his new position at outside right, and that apart from his goals….”
His only other league goal was against Airdrie in the league in a 4-1 win.
His greatest moment was probably the Glasgow Cup Semi-final in season 1928-29 when he scored twice to take Celtic through in a 5-1 victory over Third Lanark. He played in the 2-0 victory over Queen’s Park in the final, his only silverware with Celtic.
After various loan spells at numerous clubs he was freed by Celtic in May 1932. It just wasn’t to be for him at Celtic sadly.
He would resume his football career in Ireland where he played for Glentoran, Bangor, Coleraine and Sligo.
Playing Career
| APPEARANCES | LEAGUE | SCOTTISH CUP | LEAGUE CUP | EUROPE | TOTAL |
| 1926-32 | 39 | 1 | n/a | n/a | 40 |
| Goals | 3 | 0 | – | – | 3 |
Honours with Celtic
Glasgow Cup