It is not always easy to break into senior football and many a young man has had to undertake a very complicated journey to get to the destination of his choice.
The player who is the subject of today’s tale was one such laddie although in his case the time lag was small, the clubs more numerous. At the age of 18 in 1898, he joined Rutherglen Young Celtic Juveniles, then during the following year moved to Cambuslang Bluebell Juveniles. During this season, he got a trial with Dundee and the fact that the Dark Blues made no attempt to sign him up meant one of two things, either they were disappointed by what they saw or he did not like the terms.
In 1900, his career was in some jeopardy as he had some trouble with his feet but later that year joined Cambuslang Hibernian for the season and then moved again, this time to Rutherglen Glencairn in 1901. At the beginning of 1902, the lad had another trial, this time with Everton but a club much nearer home was also keeping an eye on him and on this day in 1902 – and according to legend, the deed was done up a close in Union Street – Jimmy McMenemy was signed up for Celtic by Willie Maley.
It was an inspired choice. Over the ensuing 18 years, he played 515 matches for the club scoring 168 goals.
Jim Craig
