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Personal
Fullname: George Denholm Paterson
aka: George Paterson
Born: 26 September 1914
Died: 24 January 1986
Birthplace: Denny, Falkirk
Signed: 23 Mar 1932
Left: 1941 (RAF Cleveleys Lancs); 4 Oct 1946 (Brentford)
Position: Left-half
Debut: Rangers 2-1 Celtic, Glasgow Cup, 11 Oct 1933
Internationals: Scotland
International Caps: 2
International Goals: 0
*Note: Date of Birth corrected from 10 December 1985 as earlier reported.
Biog
| “The most unfair punishment ever meted out by the referees committee was to George Paterson. The cruelty of his sentence was shattering to both player and club.“ Celtic Chairman Robert Kelly |
Few Celtic careers have been ended by such a great injustice as that which befell gifted wing-half George Paterson. Indeed rarely in the history of football has someone so decent been treated so indecently.
Denny-born Paterson arrived at Celtic Park from junior side Dunipace in March 1932. Originally signed as a centre-forward he made his first team in April 1933 when, as a replacement for the injured Jimmy McGrory, he scored a debut goal in a 2-1 home league victory over Airdrieonians.
The following season saw George Paterson make a solitary first team appearance and by the start of the 1934-35 campaign he had been converted from a centre-forward to left-half. It was in this position that Paterson would establish himself as one of the finest talents in the Scottish game.
Coupling hard-work and intelligence George Paterson became an integral part of the great Celtic side of the mid to late 1930s. Composed in possession, Paterson’s fine touch and excellent vision were to be the cornerstone for many Celtic victories.
There was arguably no finer passer in the game. His distribution was graceful, precise and frequently effective. He would zip the ball across the turf with pin point accuracy. Passes were rarely wasted and possession seldom surrendered. George Paterson was a natural athlete and off the ball his tireless running and tenacious tackling meant their was few weaknesses to his game.
Away from the field George Paterson was a well mannered, modest and easy-going gentleman. He carried an air of assured authority but possessed a calming rather than daunting presence. An officer in the Boys Brigade, Paterson was regarded as the very personification of fair-play and honesty.
A ready-made idol, the Celtic support were quick to take George Paterson to their hearts.
Alongside Chic Geatons and Wille Lyon, Paterson formed a formidable midfield triumvirate. By the autumn of 1938 George Paterson was a Scotland international and had helped Celtic claim two league championships, a Scottish Cup and the Empire Exhibition trophy.
It was an impressive haul of honours for the 25-year-old. But the battles of the football field were soon to take on a grave irrelevance.
The outbreak of the Second World War caused an abrupt interruption to George Paterson’s Celtic career as he swapped his hooped jersey for the uniform of the RAF. During the war years he would make sporadic appearances for the Bhoys but also played as a guest for the likes of Arsenal, Leicester and Blackpool .
In January 1942, when Celtic lost 2-1 to Clyde, George Paterson was criticised at centre forward “as out of place as a vegetarian at the annual reunion of beefeaters“.
The highlight of George Paterson’s nomadic wartime football career came on New Year’s Day 1945 when he scored a stunning long range goal at Ibrox to give Celtic a then all too rare victory over Rangers. In 1946, with the war ended, George Paterson returned home to Parkhead on a full-time basis and this hugely popular figure succeeded Bobby Hogg as Celtic captain.
The Victory Cup Debacle
To celebrate the end of the war the Scottish FA had organised a one-off Summer tournament called the Victory Cup. Celtic’s record in unofficial wartime competitions had been abysmal, so it was a considerable surprise when the Hoops impressively progressed to a semi-final showdown with Rangers on June 1st.
With keeper Willie Miller in supreme form Celtic would hold out for a 0-0 draw and a replay was organised for a few nights later. On a blustery evening a crowd of 45,000 took their place on the vast slopes of Hampden. What they were about to witness was not just one of the most infamous Glasgow derby clashes of all time but also the sad end of George Paterson’s Celtic playing career.
The replay would be officiated by referee Matthew Dale. An unpopular figure among the Celtic support, shipyard-worker Dale was a pompous and petty official who was well known for his strong affinity to Rangers.
Indeed during a game between the Govan side and St.Mirren some years earlier an array of shocking decisions by Dale had provoked the outraged Buddies into threatening to walk off the field. Celtic should have heeded the lessons from that day.
Soon after blowing for the start of the Victory Cup replay Dale caused concern among the Celtic ranks with a string of highly dubious decisions in favour of Rangers. Then after just 10 minutes the Ibrox side scored the opening goal. The Hoops cause was damaged further when forwards Jimmy Sirrell and Jackie Gallacher were left hobbling and ineffective after robust challenges from Rangers defenders.
Indeed Celtic’s anger was inflamed by the fact that Dale had ignored the obvious foul by Rangers full-back Shaw which had left Sirrell limping. Dale then awarded another dubious free-kick to Rangers. It was at that point George Paterson began to realise that it was more than bias that was influencing the referee’s performance.
When placing the ball for the free-kick Dale lost his balance and fell to the floor. Paterson leaned down and helped the referee to his feet. As he pulled the official up from the turf the Hoops skipper caught the smell of alcohol from Dale’s breath. George Paterson immediately inquired of the ref if he was feeling alright. Dale responded to this request by issuing Paterson with a caution.
By half-time the entire Celtic team were adamant that Dale was in no fit state to continue. They complained bitterly to manager Jimmy McGrory and Parkhead board member Robert Kelly immediately sought out SFA secretary George Graham.
Robert Kelly informed Graham of his players suspicions and requested urgent action be taken. Graham assured Kelly the matter would be dealt with promptly. But as the teams took to the field for the second-half they were joined once again by Mr Dale.
With twenty minutes of the match remaining Celtic were still trailing Rangers by that early goal. The Hoops were becoming increasingly frustrated as Dale continued to give virtually every decision in favour of Rangers. If that wasn’t enough they were now playing with nine men following the withdrawal of the injured Sirrell and Gallagher.
The sense of injustice carried by the Celtic team since the earliest moments of the match then became simply too much to bear when Dale awarded Rangers the softest of penalties. The official had pointed to the spot after Rangers forward Willie Thronton attempted to connect with a cross by diving head first towards the ball.
It was the final insult for George Paterson. He collected up the ball and refused to hand it over to Dale until he had made his protest to the referee. Unimpressed with this challenge to his authority Dale ordered the Celtic man from the field.
Exactly what George Paterson said to Dale remains uncertain. Contemporary accounts claim he simply told Dale: “Why don’t you keep the ball, you deserve it.” Later retelling of the event suggest George Paterson was a bit more direct in his language, instructing Dale to shove the ball up his rear-end.
While the Celtic captain had been protesting with the referee Hoops full-back Jimmy Mallan – an infinitely more fiery figure than his skipper – furiously scrubbed out the penalty spot with his boots. When Dale eventually went to place the ball for the kick Mallan innocently declared: “There’s no penalty spot ref!” and then booted the ball down the pitch.
He too was ordered off. By now chaos reigned on the terraces and the pitch. As the Celtic players debated the prospect of walking off, a Celtic fan ran onto the field and swung a bottle towards Dale before eventually being wrestled off the park.
Rangers would finally net the penalty and play out the next 15 minutes against the seven men of Celtic quite happy not to inflict any further damage on their stunned opponents. What should have been an enthralling cup tie had descended into farce. Celtic were furious at the actions of Dale and at the fact the SFA had allowed him to take charge of the game when he was clearly in no fit state to do so.
However any hope that the SFA would belatedly put right this wrong was soon dashed.
Dale would go unpunished while at the next meeting of the SFA’s referee committee George Paterson and Jimmy Mallan would each receive a 3 month ban. Mallan had some history as a hot-head but Paterson’s suspension was ridiculously harsh for a man who had played for 11 seasons without picking up a single caution.
Now he was suspended for three months for what was little more than dissent . It was a terrible and appalling injustice. George Paterson was a man of proven integrity and fairness. In contrast the incompetent and morally corrupt Dale was a disgrace to his profession.
Yet to the SFA only one of these men were worthy of punishment. The SFA might argue that the actions of Paterson provoked the pitch invasion that followed the sendings off . But to do so would be a shocking abdication of their own full responsibility for the entire farce. Indeed it has to be asked if George Paterson was punished not for his dissent but for potentially embarrassing the SFA by revealing that Dale was officiating under the influence of alcohol.
Whatever the real reason behind this draconian act the effect of the suspension was devastating. A man who prided himself on his honesty and decorum George Paterson fell into a depression. Deeply distraught he struggled to come to terms with his treatment and questioned his very future in the game.
Celtic – out of genuine concern for the players well-being – believed that it would perhaps be better for George Paterson if he continued his career outside of Scotland. Before his ban was over he was reluctantly transferred to Brentford in exchange for Jerry McAloon on 4th October 1946. Reports are that he was already working in London, so these events likely hastened any move down south. It was a cruel and bitterly unfair end to George Paterson’s playing career in the Hoops. He would however remain a hero to the Celtic support and they were delighted when he returned to Parkhead as a coach in the early 1950s.
It says everything of George Paterson’s integrity and honesty that Robert Kelly – that most strict of disciplinarians – would comment years later:
“The most unfair punishment ever meted out by the referees committee was to George Paterson. The cruelty of his sentence was shattering to both player and club.“
Post-Celtic
Following on directly from his playing career, George Paterson had a more than decent run as a manager and trainer with Yeovil Town and Stirling Albion up to 1952.
His Yeovil Town side even defeated Celtic 2-0 in a friendly in April 1950.
He was recalled & welcomed back to Parkhead in 1952, and worked as a trainer and scout with the reserves.
George Paterson passed away in January 1986 soon after emigrating to New Zealand.
He is a man who should be remembered with pride and affection by every Celtic fan. A gentleman, a true Celt and an all time great.
Quotes & Anecdotes
Playing Career
| APPEARANCES | LEAGUE | SCOTTISH CUP | REGIONAL LEAGUE |
SCOTTISH WAR CUP | REGIONAL LEAGUE CUP |
EUROPE | TOTAL |
| 1932-46 | 175 | 20 | 80 | 2 | 6 | N/A | 283 |
| Goals: | 15 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 6 | – | 18 |
Major Honours With Celtic
Scottish League
Scottish Cup
Empire Exhibition Trophy
Pictures
Links
Notes
- Research by Celtic historians confirmed he passed away in New Zealand on 24 Jan 1986, RIP. https://twitter.com/Jimmy_McColl/status/1394038005556465665?s=20
Articles
Wedding article: Falkirk Herald, Sat 8 Aug 1942.
wrote:FOOTBALLER WED AT DENNY The wedding of Sergt. George Paterson, of the R.A.F., a prominent figure in Scottish football circles, which took place in Denny Old Parish Church, attracted much public attention, the attendance of members of the fair sex being the largest seen at a similar event for many years. Sergt. Paterson’s bride was Miss Mary Learmonth Smith, 7 Grove Street, Denny, daughter of Mr and Mrs William Hyslop. The church was prettily decorated witii vases of cornflowers and the ceremony was performed by Rev. J. Jackson, minister of Haggs. Mr David Ritchie was in charge of the musical arrangements and presided at the organ. The bride looked extremely pretty in a charming gown of white brocaded moire pulte cut on princess lines and mediaeval in design. Her train was extensive, and she wore a veil of tulle with headdress in keeping with the general ensemble, her bouquet being of pink and white roses. Miss Nettie Bulloch, a friend of the bride at present with the A.T.S., was to have acted as bridesmaid, but unfortunately was unable to obtain leave, and her place was taken by Miss Jeanette Kelly, a cousin of the bride. Miss Kelly was attired in a smart dress of turquoise blue, trimmed with wine velvet, and wore a hat to tone. Her bouquet was of sweet peas. Sergt. W. H. Smith, R.A.F., a brother of the bride, officiated as groomsman. The bride’s mother attended in a frog green silk two piece suit with brown accessories, arid Mrs Paterson, mother of the bridegroom, wore a becoming dress of a navy blue shade with accessories and hat to match. A reception was held after the ceremony in the Denny Drill Hall, at which there were about 60 guests present, these including Mr Malcolm M’Donald, a former colleague of the ‘groom in the Celtic ranks, and Mrs M’Donald. Many messages of congratulation were read, and the guests spent a happy time. Music was provided for the dancing programme by Miss Trixie Murray, accordionist, and Mr D. Ritchie at the piano, and in the role of entertainer Mr Tom Kay was first-rate. When the happy couple set out for their honeymoon, which will be spent in the East of Scotland, the bride w as wearing a powder blue suit with brown accessories and a cross fox fur, the gift of the bridegroom. Mr and Mrs Paterson were the recipients of about 200 gifts from friends and well-wishers.
It was thought he was going to sign for Arsenal, a team he was already turning out for during the war.
Celtic in the Thirties: Unpublished works of David Potter – George Paterson
By Editor 23 November, 2024 No Comments
George Paterson, Celtic in the Thirties by Matt Corr. Images Celtic https://thecelticstar.com/celtic-in-the-thirties-unpublished-works-of-david-potter-george-paterson/
The late David Potter
The late David Potter
Name: GEORGE PATERSON
Born: September 26 1914
Died: December 25 1985
Appearances: 283
Goals: 18
Scottish League medals: 1935/36, 1937/38
Scottish Cup medals: 1936/37
Glasgow Cup medals: 1938/39; 1940/41
Glasgow Charity Cup medals: 1935/36; 1936/37; 1937/38
Scotland Caps: 2
George Paterson
George Paterson, Celtic in the Thirties by Matt Corr. Images Celtic Curio
One of Celtic’s less well known footballing heroes
George Paterson is one of Celtic’s less well known footballing heroes, and yet he was one of our best ever players. Like a few others, he lost his best years to the war, but he had already done enough before the war to show that he was a class player. He was a left half mainly but versatile enough to play in other positions if the occasion demanded it.
He hailed from Denny near Falkirk. He was born just at the start of the Great War, grew up in the difficult days of the 1920s, and joined Celtic, his first senior club, in 1932. Maley thought very highly of him and compared him to Jimmy Hay, a man who had few peers. As left half he was a great distributor and ball winner with an infectious enthusiasm for the game, with a great ability to take throw-ins, a little recognised skill in the game perhaps but one which could lead to goals. It was in season 1935/36 that he really began to be recognised and he was in no way out of place in that fine half back line of Geatons, Lyon and Paterson.
Chic Geatons on the left
George Paterson hurdles Jimmy Delaney in training, with support given by Chic Geatons and Jimmy Delaney. Photo The Celtic Wiki
The Empire Exhibition Trophy winners
The team won the Scottish League in 1936 and 1938, the Scottish League in 1937, and of course the Empire Exhibition Trophy in 1938. He was clearly not the only fine player in that set-up, but he fitted in and was intelligent enough to “read the game” working out who was playing well and who wasn’t and acting accordingly.
He was an unusual Celt in many ways. He was an officer in the Boys Brigade, something that may well have raised an eyebrow or two in some bigoted circles in the late 1930s, but it didn’t bother him for he was no whey-faced bigot who spent his time warning the boys about women and sin, but the other type of BB Officer, perpetually cheerful, happy and encouraging the boys in sports and other healthy activities.
He also had an independent streak in him. When he was rich enough to own a car, he bought one. Incredibly to modern eyes, Maley tried to ban his players from driving their car to training! Most got round this by parking their car about half a mile away from the ground and walking the rest, but George drove up and parked his car blatantly outside the ground and defying Maley to do something about it!
George Paterson
George Paterson, Celtic in the Thirties by Matt Corr. Image The Celtic Wiki
Famous for his common-sense, no nonsense approach
He won two caps for Scotland, one before the war and one after, but he was possibly not a classy left half in the sense that Jimmy Hay had been or Bertie Peacock would become. Rather, he was famous for his common-sense, no nonsense approach to the game, and in his strong relationships that he formed with his colleagues. He and Willie Lyon were clearly one of a kind, and he was a good deputy for Willie, whereas several others needed to be nursed and humoured. Johnny Crum, for all his gallus Glasgow patter, was underneath it all, rather insecure and needed cossetted, Malky MacDonald and Frank Murphy needed a little reassurance as well, while the prodigious Delaney needed to be ignored and allowed to do his thing.
George Paterson
George Paterson, Celtic in the Thirties by Matt Corr. Image The Celtic Wiki
When war came along George joined the RAF
Great football teams need a great deal of positive dynamics in their group. In the old days, Maley provided that. Now that he had sunk into morose and paranoid self-pity, the optimism and cheerfulness had to come from somewhere else. McMenemy, Lyon and Paterson provided that – but so too did the sustained success on the field.
When war came along George joined the RAF, but still played for Celtic whenever he could as well as “guesting” for several English clubs including Leicester City, Wolves, Blackpool and Arsenal. It was a shame that his departure from the club in 1946 was so controversial and so unfair.
George Paterson
George Paterson, Celtic in the Thirties by Matt Corr. Image The Celtic Wiki
Referee not unknown for a fondness for strong drink
A Victory Cup in June 1946 had been arranged to celebrate the end of the war a year previously. Celtic were drawn against Rangers, and the game was refereed by a man called Matthew Dale, who had had a few controversial games in the past and who was not unknown for a fondness for strong drink.
Celtic were losing and carrying a sense of injustice, for two players had been injured by tackles which Mr Dale had done nothing about. Some players, including Paterson, had smelt drink on his breath. After a particularly outrageously wrong decision, Paterson had asked if he was OK.
He was ignored but the decisions against Celtic continued, in particular a dreadful penalty kick. Paterson picked up the ball, handed the ball to the referee and, according to some reports, invited Mr Dale to do something unlikely with it. This would have been surprising as George Paterson was a clean living person, little given to vulgarity, but Mr Dale saw fit to send him off.
Paterson never played for Celtic again
This was bad enough but then the SFA suspended him for 3 months, an extremely draconian punishment for a first offence which did not involve any kind of violence. Even Bob Kelly said that this was harsh, and in the event Paterson never played for Celtic again, leaving for Brentford before his suspension was up.
It broke his heart to leave Celtic
It broke his heart to leave Celtic (in an exchange deal for Gerry McAloon) but he possibly felt that was now 32 and felt that he wanted to sample English football at the then strong going Brentford. He then featured with a variety of clubs in both Scotland and England before returning to Celtic Park to work as a coach and a trainer in 1952. He remained there until 1956 and played a valuable part in the training and preparation of the team which won the League and Cup double of 1954. He was a very popular man and even difficult characters like Charlie Tully were very appreciative of what he had done.
He had a career outside of football. He was a graduate of Glasgow University, and had a career in the movie industry on the technical side and worked for the London Film Company when he was playing for Brentford. He emigrated to New Zealand and died there on Christmas Day 1985.
David Potter