On this day in 1993, Liam Brady was in charge as Celtic prepared for a visit to Fir Park where they would meet Motherwell in the opening league match of the new season.
First–team coach Mick Martin had just been removed from his post and Joe Jordan had been appointed as assistant manager in place of Tommy Craig.
During the close season, midfielder Pat McGinlay had been brought in from Hibs for the sum of £525,000, the deal being financed by the sale of both Joe Miller to Aberdeen for around £300,000 and Stevie Fulton to Bolton for a similar sum.
By contrast with this penny-pinching, Duncan Ferguson had only recently been bought by Rangers for the sum of £4million.
The Celtic Board of the time was under fire from the fans to spend some money; Liam Brady was under pressure from the Board and the fans to deliver results; and the players were no doubt feeling the strain even before the opening game of the season.
Two goals were scored – one by Stuart Slater, one of Liam Brady’s signings and the other by Frank McAvennie – but Motherwell also got two to force a draw, putting the manager back under the cosh once more.
John Graham – who was born on this day in 1881 – came into Celtic Park from Bristol Rovers in time to make his debut at inside-forward in a league match against Hibs on 5th September 1903.
Johnny was only at Parkhead for this one season and only made 4 appearances before moving down south again to Millwall.
Jim Craig
