A guest contribution from The Celtic Wiki, the ultimate reference site for all things Celtic, a real treasure and something that all Celtic Fans should treasure and appreciate. Here The Celtic Wiki considers title Mr Celtic which is probably up there as even more special that Legend in the hearts and minds of The Celtic Support…
The Celtic Wiki – Mr Celtic…The title of ‘Mr Celtic‘ is often bestowed on former members of staff at Celtic (or supporters) as a recognition of their long-term commitment to or identification with the club beyond what could ever have been asked of anyone. It’s not a formal title handed down to one person or another, and there can be multiple people at one time referred to by the title by the support. It’s a rare honour, and more one in respect to the person and not some trophy, and in many ways is immeasurable in its worth.
The question really is then what is this title and for whom? There is not necessarily any single reason given for why it is given, and could be for a myriad of reasons. There is no tick-list, and maybe it’s ineffable. The only unarguable key attribute is that the name nominated has to be indisputable amongst the support who grew up with or watching the person in their efforts for the club.
In some ways the title is an informal pseudo-beatification of worthy names within the Celtic support. Some common themes behind the bestowing of the title can be for:
- Longevity at the club (across playing and long after as staff member)
- Long held positions at the management of the club (at board or playing level)
- Instilling an ethos or character that remains long after they have left, and defines the club
- Rebuilding/restructuring of the club
- Having made sacrifices (personal or financial) beyond that could ever have been asked
- Genuine heartfelt devotion to the club
- Unsung heroes
Worthy Examples…Tommy Burns is often most sited as a perfect ideal for ‘Mr Celtic‘ but then so has former Celt Bertie Auld who has a very different history at the club, but both are very much held in high esteem. Tommy Burns’ religious ethos and Bertie Auld‘s character have both helped define the club.
For longevity, there are few who can dispute that of the more quiet John Clark (over fifty years service with the first team) but also Willie Maley whose 50 year tenure at Celtic manager was pivotal in establishing the club.
Brother Walfrid is undoubtedly one of the most important people in Celtic history. His ethos and character underly the club, and he was a seminal figure in the foundation of the club. Undeniably ‘Mr Celtic‘.
Billy McNeill towers over practically all others when it comes to achievements on field (as player and manager) but then there was also Jock Stein who towers above even Billy McNeill due to the achievements as manager. Both undeniably deserve the title.
At board level, when Bob Kelly was the chairman of the club, his name was synonymous with the term ‘Mr Celtic‘, he was so well respected and recognised as the club’s chairman. His tenure may be disputed, but there is no denying his unconditional devotion to the club, its history and its ethos, best exemplified by the furore that surrounded the Irish Flag flying above the Jungle terracing. He was knighted by the establishment for his work, but really the ‘Mr Celtic‘ honour is far more cherished.
John Glass is a lesser known board member but as the great Willie Maley stated, John Glass is “[the man]to whom the Club owes its existence“. A father of the club and therefore another worthy of the title.
There are also plenty of unsung heroes too. One unsung name who should be mentioned as a ‘Mr Celtic‘ is Jimmy Gribben who gave thirty years of service to the club, but we are in eternal debt to him as he was the man who brought Jock Stein to Celtic. There are also plenty of other staff member whom few of us in the support know who have also behind the scenes done so much for Celtic.
It’s not just about the men too. Betty Geddes was a well known face on the terraces with her teddy bear for so many years, watching Celtic through thick and thin, epitomising all that was great about being a supporter. To many who had the good fortune to know or meet her, she was to them ‘Lady Celtic‘, and even now long after her passing, many fondly recall her on social media.
The Celts for Change members who helped to pave the way for the pivotal Celtic Takeover by galvanising the support are also very much deserving of the title for each of their key people.
They could have been….
There are though some who likely have lost the opportunity, Brendan Rodgers is a good example when he was well on his way to it but sold out the club and support for the gold down south.
Neil Lennon is also one who could be argued to be deserving of the title, despite the harrows of the 2020/21 season that saw Celtic lose the chance to win ten league titles in a row. Maybe in further time, he’ll possibly be bestowed the honour of the title by the general support.
Many may argue that Fergus McCann is deserving of the title, but that’s difficult. His part in the revitalisation of Celtic is undisputable but he still does have his critics. In certain ways Fergus McCann embodied his own idiosyncratic spirit which some would argue are in conflict with what is thought of as one that would fit the title of ‘Mr Celtic‘. However, the title of ‘Father of the modern Celtic‘ is one that fits him best and is as at least as honourable to the great man.
In summary
There are also many people who have sacrificed a lot to help their fellow supporters, and are as equally deserving of the title.
It’s a title that has a weight of sporting history. When used respectfully and not just bandied around like other titles across football are, then it will sit right on the correct people. An honour worth more than even its weight in gold to all those connected to Celtic. The below is a sub-set of names that have been referred to as Mr Celtic by the general Celtic support, and is in no way an exhaustive list of all the names deserving of the title.
- Bertie Auld
- Tommy Burns
- John Clark
- Betty Geddes
- John Glass
- Jimmy Gribben
- Bob Kelly
- Willie Maley
- Jimmy McGrory
- Billy McNeill
- Celts for Change
Another man who deserves a mention for Mr Celtic is John Fallon the original holy goalie. Who gave everything for the club and even today travels to every game home and away and on a Saturday at every home game stands outside superstore amongst the supporters giving autographs and pictures to all who ask and a more humble man you would struggle to meet.
Surely James Edward McGrory should be mentioned
Nelly “smiler” Mochan, He was there for the 7-1 LC Final in the late 50s and was still there when Cesar won the Centenary Double as manager in 1988.