Personal
Fullname: Alexander Wilson
aka: Alex Wilson, Tug
Born: 9 April 1883
Died: […]
Birthplace: Muirkirk
Signed: 9 Jan 1905
Left: 25 July 1907 (to Kilmarnock)
Position: Half-back
Debut: Partick Thistle 0-3 Celtic, League, 4 Nov 1905
Internationals: none
Biog
Muirkirk-born Alex Wilson signed for Celtic in January 1905.
The Ayrshire man had previously played for Cambuslang Rangers and had a trial at Morton before signing for the Bhoys.
Bizarre story with Alex Wilson. He played trial matches for Celtic in 1904 (“You find the space, I’ll give you the ball” – Jimmy McMenemy), and then was waiting at home one night for the signing on papers. The Celtic rep bizarrely went to the wrong house and signed up the wrong “A Wilson” (Andy not Alex!).
He finally signed for Celtic, and after initially being loaned out to Ayr United, Wilson’s debut appearance finally came in a 3-0 league victory at Partick Thistle played in the heavy fog on 4th November 1905. However, his second game was a seismic shock to all, with a 1-0 defeat to Port Glasgow Athletic, with the caveat that the match was played in treacherous conditions.
He acted as deputy for the great Sunny Jim Young, and did favourably well being said not to know when he was beaten. He was also said to be the least known of the Celtic players in summer of 1906, but in fairness he had at this point only played a handful of games. In a successful side, he was overshadowed by other more established renowned players.
His longest run was between 13th Oct – 24 Nov 1906 when he played centre-half in place of the popular William Loney. The side were having a good run, and the side were undefeated in this run, including a 2-1 victory over Rangers and a 0-0 draw with Dundee (who were to be runners-up for the title that season).
His final game was a 2-1 defeat to Third Lanark in Mar 1907.
In reflection, despite his fair record in the first team, there were a lot of goals conceded: 14 goals in just 9 league games in season 1907/08, almost half the league goals tally conceded that season. Not that he was wholly culpable alone, but on paper it is understandable to see why others were to be preferred.
It was a golden period for Celtic as the club were on a role to win the league title 6 times in a row.
A strong half-back Alex Wilson made a total of 14 league appearances for Celtic before moving to Kilmarnock in July 1907. He played his part for Celtic in a glorious time, and was worthy of his medals.
Playing Career
| APPEARANCES | LEAGUE | SCOTTISH CUP | LEAGUE CUP | EUROPE | TOTAL |
| 1905-07 | 14 | – | – | – | 14 |
| Goals: | 0 | – | – | – | 0 |