There was no more wholehearted character than Charlie or Chick Geatons. He was born Gattens in Lochgelly in 1908 but the name was changed in the First World War because it sounded too German, one supposes.
He joined the Fife colony at Celtic Park in 1927, and very soon began to impress as a fast running wing half with good passing ability.
By 1931 he was in the wonderful forward line of Wilson, McStay and Geatons, and was heavily involved in all the triumphs and tragedies of that year. Indeed when John Thomson was carried off in the infamous game at Ibrox, it was Geatons who took over in goal.
His versatility was further proved when Peter Wilson left in 1934 and Geatons simply moved over to the right half position as the half back line now read Geatons, Lyon and Paterson, and it was good enough to won the Scottish League twice, the Scottish Cup and of course the Empire Exhibition trophy.
Geatons was a hard tackler, a good passer and a fierce ball winner – everything that makes a good half back. He didn’t really play for anyone other than Celtic and when his playing days were over, he moved into the licensing trade in Renfrew.
He died in 1970, and was much loved by those Celtic supporters who had seen him.
David Potter
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HUGE SAVINGS IN THE CELTIC STAR’S SUMMER SALE!
The Celtic Star’s Father’s Day Promotion has been so successful, with hundreds of books at great prices being posted to Celtic fans all over the world, that we’ve decided to continue with the sale until the end of July. We’ve reduced all six books currently available from their usual retail price of £20 and prices are as low as £6 (see below).
All books are high quality hardback, with some signed by the author. And it’s also worth noting that you only pay postage on one book, so it’s free for the second, third and so on. ORDER HERE or click on The Celtic Star image above…this is how it feels to be Celtic!
