In the modern era, few players stay long enough at one club to be given a testimonial match. In McNair’s case, he stayed so long at Parkhead that he got two of them! In 1921 – 17 years into his time at Celtic Park – a second benefit game was held in his honour. If playing Rangers in 1913 might have seemed unusual to modern eyes, this second benefit was even more surprising!
In January 1921, a joint Celtic and Rangers XI – wearing green-and-white hoops – took to the field, playing against a Scottish League Select. 30,000 fans came along to honour Celtic’s Icicle and cheer on the ‘Old Firm’! Owing to injury, McNair played only a short time and his team lost 3-1.
It is said that time eventually ends all things. In this case, regardless of how long Alec McNair had been at Celtic Park, it could not continue forever. In March 1923, the Bhoys defeated Hibs 1-0 in the Scottish Cup Final. Although no-one knew it at the time, this would be McNair’s final national trophy whilst playing for the Celts.
His last success in green-and-white came the following year, in May 1924. The Bhoys faced old foes – and friends! – Rangers in the Glasgow Charity Cup Final. Although the Ibrox men were favourites, it was the Celts who claimed a 2-1 victory.
As happy as this made McNair, the game also showed age’s the impact upon him. One match report said that he had “improved as the game went on. But in the first half looked more than a bit shaky.” He considered retiring but chose to spend one more year as a Celt, playing for the last time in April 1925. Having signed 21 years before in April 1904, this is a phenomenal achievement.
McNair’s playing retiral did not end of his time in football. Instead, now came the next phase, with management the order of the day. In 1920, he had acted to protect Dundee players from being attacked by Celtic fans. Perhaps as a consequence of this, he now became the manager at Dens Park.
Celtic v Newcastle United, Paris, May 1921. Willie McStay in action with Alec McNair in the background.
He spent just over two years in charge on Tayside. It was a period of little success for McNair and the Dark Blues. They finished third bottom of the League in 1926 although improved the following season and rose up to fifth place. They had little luck in the Scottish Cup, and had only memories of defeat to Celtic in the 1925 final.
Early in the 1927-28 season, McNair decided that football management was not for him and resigned in October 1927. The next stages of his life were relatively private but kept some football links. In the days before football players earned enough to never work again, he made his living as a stockbroker, being based in Falkirk.
His footballing connection was as a Referee Supervisor. McNair spent two years travelling around Scotland watching matches and then speaking afterwards to match officials about their performances.
Following this, McNair departed from public scrutiny. By 1951, he had been ill for some time. His family played their role in looking after him, but his life came to an end on 18 November that year. He was aged 68, and his funeral – held in Larbert – was a huge event as numerous people turned out to celebrate this famous Celt.
There is often a tendency to simplify a football club’s history. Fans may fixate on either recent players, or if historic ones are known, it tends to be a small number. Those such as Jimmy McGrory or Patsy Gallacher whose goal contributions were significant perhaps have an advantage in this regard.
However, the impact of Alec McNair is one that deserves significant celebration. His 21 years in the Hoops will surely never be emulated, far less beaten. To get one benefit match nowadays is amazing so for McNair to get two – both of which featured Rangers! – gives an idea about how important a player he was for the Celts.
A record-breaking Celt, celebrated as the Icicle in his playing days, Alec McNair is a true Celtic legend.
Matthew Marr
If you want to learn more about Celtic history, follow Hail Hail History on Twitter/X. You can also take part in a FREE Celtic history walking tour. Visit celticwalkingtours.wordpress.com for more information.
If you would like to read more about Alec McNair then David Potter’s wonderful biography Alec McNair – Celtic’s Icicle, published by Celtic Star Books in 2021, is available not at just £10 in our half-price January sale. We literally have one box of this book remaining. All available books are half price and sale ends on Sunday 1 February.
And a quick reminder…
It’s the last few days of the Half Price January sale at Celtic Star Books. Every book ordered is now just £10 and p&p is only charged on the first book at £4.50. So ordering three books will cost a total of £34.50 and given you a £30 saving. Order at celticstarbooks.com/shop
All Books Now Half Price in the Celtic Star Books January Sale…
These books now available at at HALF PRICE in our January sale – click on image to order…
Order from Celtic Star Books HERE!
Please note that p&p is priced at £4.50 is only charged on ONE book so you can buy as many of our books as you like and the postage cost will remain the same. Why not expand your Celtic library today?
