Jim Craig – Twenty goal Celtic Star, John ‘Eric’ Smith

On this day in 1934, Eric Smith was born in Glasgow.

After spells with St Andrew’s Juveniles, Pollok and Benburb, Eric joined Celtic in April 1953, going on to make a total of 130 appearances, scoring 20 goals.

Eric then moved south in 1960, spending four years with Leeds before coming back to Scotland and Morton, where he both coached and managed over the period 1964-72.
After that, Eric was on the move again, covering Hamilton ( manager 1972-78), Sharjah (UAE) 1978-82, Al Nasr (Saudi Arabia ) 1982 -83, Al Shab (UAE) 1984-87 and Peziporikos ( Larnaca, Cyprus) from 1987.

Eric passed away in Dubai on 12th June 1991 at the age of 57.

Jim Craig

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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