McCann, William

Fullname: William McCann
Born: […]
Died: […]
Birthplace: […]
Signed: 22 Dec 1894 (from Strathclyde)
Left: 18 Aug 1895 (reinstated as amateur); 7 Nov 1895 (to Clydebank)
Position: Centre-Forward & inside-right
Debut: Celtic 2-2 St Mirren, League, 22 Dec 1894
Internationals: none

Biog

William McCann signed for Celtic on 22nd December 1894 from Strathclyde and made his debut on the same day in a 2-2 home league draw with St Mirren.

His debut game was said to have been played in such horrendous weather, so wild and stormy that he was able to count spectators as they arrived. The game was still played and the result still stood.

The centre forward played only a further two league games that season, a 4-0 defeat away in Feb to eventual league title winners Hearts, then finally a 2-0 win away to Dumbarton. That defeat to Hearts was probably the pivotal victory for Hearts that sealed the title for them (their first top tier league title) with Celtic finishing 5pts behind in the final standings.

So a neat record of one win, one draw, one defeat, but he never managed to score a goal. Celtic finished second to Hearts in the league that season, so it was disappointing.

He also won places in the wintertime friendlies v Everton (0-3) and Burnley (0-2), both defeats.

He was released in the summer and reinstated as an amateur in 1895, and went onto play for Clydebank Utd, Abercorn, Partick Thistle and finally Kilsyth Wanderers.

Playing Career

Honours with Celtic

none

Pictures

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