Celtic fans love arguing about the greatest ever Celt. Was it club founder Brother Walfrid? Maybe Willie Maley, the longest serving manager. Or Jock Stein, who led the Bhoys to their greatest day…

Pat Woods, Celtic Historian

One of the reasons that fans can do this is the work of many men and women who have devoted themselves to researching Celtic’s history. Yesterday (11 August 2025) saw the sad passing of arguably the most important researcher when it comes to knowing Celtic’s story: Pat Woods.

Born in Bangor in Wales in 1946, he grew up in the east end of Glasgow, close to the team that would define much of his life. He was a devoted fan, travelling all across Scotland and Europe as part of this. However, his main Celtic connection was off the field.

As a librarian, he spent much of his professional life amongst Glasgow’s archives. Pat also chose to give up much of spare time in those same buildings, helping him amass a phenomenal knowledge of Celtic’s history.

This took him right back to the club’s beginning. Indeed one part of the Woods’ folklore relates to his iconic book (written with Tom Campbell) ‘The Glory and the Dream’. Published just in advance of Celtic’s 1988 centenary, this told a century of club tales.

Tom Campbell and Pat Woods, co-authors of The Glory and The Dream. Photo The Celtic Star

It was said that his book irked many in the Celtic hierarchy. One matter that was examined in detail was the club’s foundation date, which was 6 November 1887. Of course, Celtic’s badge says 1888 – marking Celtic’s first game – but club officials felt this undermined the 1988 celebrations!

Of all the many topics in which Pat became an expert, arguably the most significant of these was the Bhoys’ 1967 triumph in Lisbon. As well as writing and co-authoring different books on the topic, he build up a huge library of research materials. These were later donated to the Mitchell Library, a place where Pat spent many a day as part of his research efforts.

In 2017, Pat’s contribution to Celtic’s heritage was acknowledged at the annual Player of the Year event when he was given a special recognition award. It was no mean feat to persuade him to accept this as he was generally a very private man.

Pat Woods, Celtic Historian

Anyone who has read a Pat Woods book will have their own favourite. Perhaps those that most stand out are ‘The Glory and the Dream’ and ‘Dreams and Songs to Sing’ (both written with Tom Campbell) or the definitive account of Celtic’s 1967 success ‘One afternoon in Lisbon’ (written with Kevin McCarra). He also contributed articles to Celtic history fanzines such as The Celt.

And it’s not just books that bear his name which he has influenced. A huge number of other Celtic researchers have either benefitted from his help when writing their own publication, or simply been inspired by the work that he has done.

Pat Woods in Lisbon

Fans will rightly debate who was the greatest Celt, and this will correctly focus on those men who have pulled on the Hoops (or stripes, before that). Hopefully those that do this will give some thought to the club historians who helped them “know the history.”

If ranking the importance of those people, Pat Woods would sit near – if not atop – that list. His death leaves a huge gap in efforts to learn Celtic’s history, but also prompts a reminder of his amazing work on this topic.

Requiescat in pace, Pat.

Matthew Marr