Paton, Robert

Personal

Fullname: Robert Paton
aka: Roy Paton
Born: 20 June 1942
Died: 6 Oct 2015
Birthplace: Glasgow
Signed: 14 Nov 1957
Left: 2 May 1961 (free); 1961 (Derry City)
Position: Inside-right
Debut: Celtic 1-1 Clyde, Scottish Cup, 18 Feb 1959
Internationals: none

Biog

Inside-right Robert (‘Roy’) Paton signed for Celtic straight from St Mungo’s Academy in November 1957 having been a Parkhead ball boy for a number of years. He first appeared on a team list in a Benefit game against Dumbarton in March 1958, playing alongside future greats like Pat Crerand and Billy McNeill.

He had a succession of injuries which hindered his development, including being dogged by cartilage and then by ligament trouble which it is remarked that his ankle was more often in plaster than out.

His competitive debut came in a 1-1 Scottish Cup draw with Clyde at Parkhead on 18th February 1959 at the very young age of just 16. Roy Paton failed to make an impression and returned to the reserves.

Roy Paton was unlucky in that one appearance, as three minutes from half-time Colrain laid on what was said to be the gift of the game only for Roy Paton from six yards out to loft the ball high over the bar, with one reporter stating in an unnecessary acerbic remark that the young player then “hung down his head in shame“. He was most likely at this point out of his depth and so swapped positions with Matt McVittie in the 70th minute when Celtic were one up, but then Clyde scored their equaliser a few minutes later. Roy Paton was still young, and these things happen, and in any case Celtic didn’t lose.

Celtic went on to win the replay 4-3, and defeated league leaders Rangers in the next Scottish Cup round 2-1 but only went as far as the semi-finals losing to St Mirren by 4-0. Roy Paton didn’t get to play in any of these following games.

He may have been young and so had time on his hands, but he was to not win any further first team opportunities and was freed in May 1961.

Celtic were going through the barren years through much of his time at the club, no trophies between 1957-1965, and so no easy place for any aspiring footballers. There were a number of young, talented and frustrated players at Celtic during this era. The club management at both team & board level was woeful at this time.

Roy Paton was to spend the remainder of his career in Ireland (south and north leagues) playing for Derry City, Shamrock Rovers and Drogheda.

Roy Paton passed away in 2015, Drumconrath, Meath, where he lived after moving back from Los Gatos, California. We believe he ran a youth team in the US that played in the Celtic strip – the club may have sent the kit over. So it’s great to see the Celtic connection having remained a part of him in his life.

Playing Career

Honours with Celtic

none

Pictures

• Player Pics