A recent question on X got a lot of Celtic supporters debating. The question by a well known Celtic account asked: ‘Who is the most important figure in the history of Celtic football club?
That got me thinking, but not for too long as there is only one answer. It’s got to be the man who founded our football club. Isn’t it? The one and only Brother Walfrid.
Brother Walfrid had a vision. He set in motion the idea of helping the most vulnerable and shunned in society by raising funds in the form of a football team, and lo and behold Celtic football club was created.
Although football and life in general has changed dramatically since the 1880’s the very same mantra still applies to the club in the present day. Generations of Celtic supporters have been captivated by this magical football club. It’s been a big part of our lives and many more generations will continue to follow the same path.
It’s a cliche, but we are more than a football club, and all this was only possible thanks to the Irish Marist brother from County Sligo.
Of course there have been many great men associated with the club throughout the years. Figures who are legendary and without them the club wouldn’t have the history it holds so dear. From James Kelly, the first ever captain of the club, to Willie Maley the first ever manager of the club who won over 50 honours in a staggering 43 years in charge of the club.
Jock Stein, the man who revolutionised our football club, catapulting us to greatness by leading us to our finest ever triumph in 1967 as we lifted the big cup in Lisbon.
Then there was of course Fergus McCann, the man who saved us from certain death while changing our fortunes on and off the park and leading us into the modern era. The success we currently enjoy today is in a massive part down to wee fergus.
Henrik Larsson of Celtic salutes the crowd after scoring his second goal during the UEFA Cup match between Celtic and FK Teplice at Celtic Park on February 26, 2004. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Gritty and determined leaders such as Bertie Peacock, Billy McNeill, John Clark, Tommy Gemmell, Danny McGrain, Bobby Murdoch, Bertie Auld, Tommy Burns, Neil Lennon and Scott Brown.
All legendary figures in the history of this football club, but the man who made it all possible, Brother Walfrid is and always will be the most important figure in the history of our football club.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
