The Life and Times of Willie Maley – ‘The Man Who Made Celtic’

In February 1940, a truly remarkable chapter in Celtic’s history came to a close. Willie Maley, associated with the club as player and manager for more than five decades, finally severed his formal ties with the Bhoys…

If ever there was a man destined to be connected to Celtic, it was Willie Maley. From even before his birth, and in his early years, fate seemed to repeatedly intervene to ensure that the words ‘Maley’ and ‘Celtic’ would become synonymous.

This is the story of Willie Maley

Even before he was born, destiny set in motion events that would affect Willie years after his birth.

In 1867, a Republican activist in Ireland called Pat Welsh was seeking to leave behind this troubled life, and move to Britain. However, as he attempted to depart Dublin, he was stopped by a British soldier, Sergeant Tom Maley.
With Welsh assuring Maley of his desire to leave Ireland and start a new life, he was allowed to escape, rather than face arrest. The two men kept in touch, something which would become relevant when they reconnected in Glasgow in later years.

On 25 April 1868, the baby who would go onto become Celtic’s longest serving manager was born, a child to Thomas and Mary Maley. Willie Maley’s birth took place in Newry Barracks, on account of his father’s role as a British soldier.

To say the least, Willie was born into a footballing family. One of four brothers, three of them would go on to be football players and managers. As well as Willie’s Celtic experience, his older brother Tom managed different English sides, including Man City, whilst his younger brother Alex took charge of teams like Clyde and Hibs.

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