McGowan, Jimmy

Biog

Inside-left Jimmy McGowan spent just over two seasons at Celtic after signing from Armadale Thistle in August 1942. A coach-builder by trade, he was hoped to help form a new left-wing with the great Andy McAtee.

McGowan’s debut came in a 2-2 Regional League draw with Hamilton on 22nd August 1942 at Parkhead.

His main run of games came in the first half of season 1942/43, which was during wartime when Celtic were abject, and this season finished 9th even behind Falkirk. He had a rich vein of form around Oct/Nov 1942, scoring four goals, but Celtic were losing too many games, and conceding heavily.

He managed a goal against Albion Rovers on 14th Nov 1942, which included the “raw, lanky junior trialist Jock Stein“.

He was unfortunate to play in the embarrassing 8-1 defeat by Rangers on New Year’s Day 1943. He played the next week v Hibs but this time Celtic were hammered 4-0 away to Hibs, and he was dropped from the first team. Changes were needed to the first team.

McGowan did win three league appearances in the next season (2 wins & a draw) as Celtic recovered some form, but that was his final run of games. At least with that last positive run of matches he would leave on a positive note.

Problem was that Jimmy McGowan for all his talent is said to have lacked some physique which is likely what some would argue never made him properly a first-team man at any of his clubs, and post-Celtic he was out for the whole of season 1953-54 due to issues with his lungs. Saying that, from his pictures at his time at Southampton (for whom he had a long career), he definitely didn’t look that weak at all (put on some bulk as he grew older).

One of his more notable appearances for Celtic came when he played for the reserves. Against Partick Thistle on 30th Sep 1944, 5 mins before half-time he had a penalty saved, but it was retaken. This time he scored but it was retaken again, and then the goalkeeper saved the last one (great save by Jag’s keeper’s legs). Celtic though thankfully still won 3-2.

The Cambuslang-born player made a total of 23 appearances and scored 5 goals, before being given a loan spell at East Fife and then being released in November 1944.

He later went on to play for Grimsby and Southampton, for both of whom he had a long career.

After football, he ran the Drummond Arms in Southampton.

He sadly died in mysterious circumstances due to drowning, passing away in 1984. He drowned in the boating lake on Southampton Common, with some reports claiming that he committed suicide because of serious financial problems.

Playing Career

Honours with Celtic

None (barren years)

Pictures

• Player Pics

Links

• Celtic & World War Two