(by TheHumanTorpedo)
From Willie Maley to Fergus McCann notable periods of Celtic history have been dominated by one overwhelming personality. But even formidable characters like McCann and Maley can’t compare with the omnipresence of the all-powerful Robert Kelly.
Born in 1902, the son of Celtic’s first captain and later club chairman James Kelly, the future Sir Robert was appointed to the Celtic board in 1932 following the death of his father. He would remain a director for 15 years before, in 1947, he became chairman. For the best part of the next two decades Kelly’s influence would be all encompassing. He was a mostly conservative figure with an exceptionally high regard for tradition and discipline. Never one to duck from confrontation, with players or the football authorities, his reign was laced throughout with controversy.
As an administrator and legislator he was a highly regarded talent and his expertise were utilised by both the Scottish Football League and the SFA, serving as president for both authorities. His persuasive debating skills were demonstrated in 1952 when he took on and defeated the SFA – who were threatening Celtic with expulsion unless the Irish tricolour was removed from the Parkhead flagpoles – in what became known as the ‘Flag Flutter’.
Players whose attitude and self-discipline fell short of Kelly’s lofty standards were frequently and firmly dealt with. Most famously Paddy Crerand was seemingly given little option but to depart for England. The chairman’s authoritarian man-management was often questioned by supporters concerned this self-righteous disciplinarian was putting his personal standards of behaviour before the quality of the team.
Kelly’s firm belief that Celtic continued to play in an attacking and entertaining manner was however widely applauded, as was his decision to ‘educate’ his coaching staff and players with trips to the 1953 England v Hungary international and the 1954 World Cup,
Not so welcome though was his long running interference in team selection. Although Jimmy McGrory was officially manager for most of Kelly’s rule it was an open secret that the chairman had final approval of the team. His erratic team selections infuriated supporters and were blamed for numerous cup final defeats.
Successes in Kelly’s first decade may, like the Coronation Cup, have been noteworthy but they were considerably fewer than the Celtic support would have liked. The famous 7-1 League Cup triumph over Rangers in 1957 had provided some hope of resurgence. But ‘Hampden In The Sun’ was but a fantastic last hurrah for an aging team, and the chairman’s decision to rely on home-grown youngsters rather than invest in quality and experience meant the Parkhead faithful were set to endure yet more trophy free years.
By the mid-1960s it was evident to all this ‘Kelly Kids’ policy had failed. While the talent was there the expertise, experience and leadership needed to gel them into a successful team was lacking. The supporters were increasingly frustrated and the voices of dissent were growing louder with almost every passing game. McGrory was simply too nice a guy to stand up to Kelly and the chairman’s continued meddling with playing matters merely exasperated an already desperate situation. With highly rated talents such as Billy McNeill all set to move on from the mediocrity of Parkhead Kelly knew he had to act.
Stein would become Celtic’s first non-catholic manager and Kelly initially worried how the support would take to this. He needn’t have. Stein was greeted like a long lost son. Kelly should have known the religion of a player – or in this case manager – was not a concern for the fans. Indeed to Kelly’s credit he himself had done much to ensure players of all creeds were welcome in the Hoops. It was after all under Kelly that Protestants such as Stein, Bobby Evans and Northern Ireland’s Bertie Peacock became hugely popular Celtic captains.
Under Stein, who accepted Kelly’s choice of Sean Fallon as assistant, Celtic would go on to dominate Scotland and conquer Europe. The Chairman would relish Celtic’s moment at the pinnacle of football achievement, but there was little sign of any mellowing in his approach to maintaining personal standards.
His stern stewardship would rear its head again when he disciplined the team for their behaviour in the brutal World Club Championship games with Racing Club. His decision left the players – who believed they were more sinned against than sinners – bemused, frustrated and financially poorer.
Kelly would receive a knighthood in 1969 for his services to football but ill-health would see his influence diminish until he finally passed away in 1971.
His rule of Celtic had been total. His sternness, stubbornness and meddling in team affairs had rankled many a player and fan. Yet, ultimately, he was the man who had overseen the greatest period in Celtic’s history.