John Falconer, the Celtic keeper after John Thomson’s death – Did he become a Rangers Director?

Just been reading the article by Matt Corr on The Celtic Star regarding the tragic death of John Thomson on this day, the 5th September, in 1931.

Read Matt Corr’s article…A Familiar Face was Missing…Today we Remember Celtic Legend John Thomson

In his article Matt writes about John Falconer taking over in goal for the next game at Celtic Park. Ironically the same John Falconer became a Rangers Director in later years while his brother and son Les Falconer were diehard Celtic supporters.

Both were, along with my father John Doogan founder members of probably the first Celtic supporters Club in the East of Scotland shortly after the war.

Their passion for Celtic never wavered up until their deaths. In later years my father and Les never missed a match home or away travelling all over Scotland up until my father’s death in 1979. Their travelling companions were Dave Easton and Mowbray Dilger who made the journey for every game Saturday and midweek from Kelso in the borders for the best part of forty years.

My father was the only R.C. in the merry band.

Their commitment to the Celtic cause was total. I have a photo of all the founder members of the Edinburgh C.S.C taken at John Thomson’s grave in the early fifties.

My wife’s aunt danced with Sam English in a ballroom im Edinburgh in the 1930s, he too deserves to be remembered none of the Celtic supporters of that period ever spoke ill of him.

Regards in Celtic

Neil Doogan

And here is Matt Corr’s reply to Neil…

Fascinating stuff, Neil.

I had no idea that John had picked up that role in his career beyond Parkhead.

And Sam English also paid a heavy price for his part in the incident which cost John his life. He was goaded mercilessly I believe before and after his move to England. Another victim of that tragic day.

Thank you for adding yet another piece to the incredible Celtic story.

Take care,

Matt