In the early years of the 20th Century, the stars of teams like Celtic were awarded a benefit match, very often against old rivals Rangers, as a reward for lengthy service.
Unfortunately, on this day in 1906, Celtic’s only goalkeeper, Davie Adams, lacerated his hand on a nail in one of the goalposts while playing in such a match at Ibrox for Scottish international Finlay Speedie and as the start of the season proper was only two days and Celtic had no back-up, the club had a real problem on its hands.
As Rangers felt responsible, though, they offered the services of their reserve keeper Tom Sinclair, an offer which Celtic was glad to accept.
Sinclair turned out to be an excellent keeper. He kept clean sheets in every one of the six league matches he played before going back to Rangers.
I wonder if the Glasgow Derby of today would be quite so accommodating in the same circumstances?
Many Happy Returns to John Fallon, born on this day in 1940.
Jim Craig
