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Personal
Fullname: George Whitehead
aka: Dod Whitehead
Born: 24 Feb 1890
Died: […]
Birthplace: Galashiels
Signed: 16 Oct 1913 [loan]
Position: Centre-forward
Debut: Celtic 1-0 Dundee, League, 18 Oct 1913
Internationals: n/a
Biog
George Whitehead was a centre-forward who joined Celtic on loan in October 1913 from Hearts.
“Whitehead is a fine dribbler, smart in taking opportunities… one who will make his mark in Scottish Football” (Jan 1912)
He made his debut on October 18th in a 1-0 league victory over Dundee at Parkhead and a week later grabbed his first goal for the Bhoys as Celtic won 2-0 against Rangers at Ibrox.
His only other goal for Celtic was in a 4-0 win over Dumbarton in the league.
Although he lacked pace Whitehead possessed a good touch and he was an assured forward.
His loan period ended in November and he returned to Hearts before joining Motherwell full time in December 1913. On his return to Hearts, he didn’t play any further matches again for their first team. He went on to have a fine goalscoring record at Motherwell with 13 goals in 28 league matches.
During his brief stint at Celtic Park Whitehead played seven league games and scored two goals. He was not a goalscoring sensation but “he brought balance to the line“. He wasn’t a goalscoring sensation for Hearts either.
As one report stated: “Whitehead lacks speed but has good control”.
Celtic had an excellent run in the matches he played in, winning all seven games and not conceding a single goal in those games, so he could look back proudly on his brief time at Celtic, helping Celtic in their charge to their first league title in four seasons which set the First Team up for domestic dominance for the rest of the decade. Celtic won the league comfortably by 6 points over Rangers and 11 over Hearts.
Ebeneezer Owers, another loanee, took over from George Whitehead for Celtic for a period after his departure.
During the war, he signed up for the Royal Navy, and was to be blessed, as he twice survived when his vessel was torpedoed.
From records, he survived the war and went onto play for Cowdenbeath (loan), Newtongrange Star, Falkirk and wrapped up his playing career in 1924 with St Bernards.
Playing Career
| APPEARANCES | LEAGUE | SCOTTISH CUP | LEAGUE CUP | EUROPE | TOTAL |
| 1913 | 7 | – | – | – | 7 |
| Goals: | 2 | – | – | – | 2 |
Honours with Celtic
Scottish League