Johnny, Johnny Doyle on the wing, on the wing

Johnny Doyle is a player I have no recollection of seeing play for the club, I wasn’t born when he signed and I was just a young pup when he sadly passed away on this day in 1981.

I do however like most Celtic supporters know about him and what type of player he was, what type of man he was, and from what the older Celtic supporters all say Johnny was a great player, lovely man and a brilliant Celt and that’s good enough for me!

Johnny fulfilled a boyhood dream when he signed for the club from Ayr United for a then club record of £90,000 back in 1976. A talented pacy winger he would go on to appear 180 times in the hoops scoring 36 goals. Winning five honours along the way.

He had a fiery temperament and was famously sent off in the famous ‘10 men won the league’ game at Celtic park against Rangers in 1979. There was also a crazy moment that most Celtic supporters know of, which was of course that moment at Somerset park in 1977 when he was ordered off for accidentally hitting the referee when attempting a cross into the box, more on that incident in our video below.

Johnny was a fine player though and served the club well. He tragically died in an accident at his home in Kilmarnock on this day in 1981 and that was a tremendous lose to his own family and also to his wider Celtic family where he was also much loved. Back in those days Celtic players were regular visitors to supporters club functions, with some more enthusiast than others about attending.

What I understand from speaking to our Editor about Johnny is that he was always first to volunteer and no-one attended more of thse functions that the one and only Johnny Doyle.

He died while still a Celtic player and will always be fondly remembered by the Celtic support. God bless you Johnny. The Celtic support will never forget you, that’s a sure thing. And Johnny will be remembered at the sold-out Kerrydale this evening when The Celtic Star take over the venue at Celtic Park for an incredible evening of Celtic conversation and song. If you’re lucky enough to have a ticket, I’ll see you there!

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

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