Jimmy Quinn was one of Celtic football club’s greatest ever goalscorers and had a strike rate bettered only by Sandy McMahon, Jimmy McGrory and Henrik Larsson.

Born in Croy on 8th July 1878 to a hard working Irish family Jimmy was something of a shy lad, but not when it came to gracing his presence on the football field.

Jimmy started his career with junior side Smithston Albion and was spotted by Willie Maley. Jimmy had already turned down a big move to England with Sunderland trying to tempt him down south, but home-bird Jimmy didn’t fancy the upheaval. Sunderland’s misfortune was Celtic’s gain as Maley persuaded Jimmy to sign for the famous Glasgow Celtic on New Year’s Eve 1900.

Naturally a winger, Maley converted Quinn into a clinical centre forward due to his great ability. He had strength, he had pace. His awareness was excellent. He was great in the air while packing a lethal shot. Jimmy was the complete striker.

Something that was showcased in the Scottish Cup Final of 1901 against Hearts which seen his strength and skill help him beat six of his maroon opponents before unleashing a cracking strike to score a wonderful goal. Celtic may have lost the game, but it would have been a memorable occasion for Jimmy. That goal was one of the decisions that convinced Maley to move Jimmy into a new position of centre forward, and it was one both wouldn’t regret.

Jimmy achieved plenty of success at the club, but perhaps his most stand out achievement was scoring a hat trick in the 1904 Scottish Cup Final win over Rangers, with Celtic at one point trailing in the game 2-0.

Jimmy in total scored 216 goals in 331 appearances for the club winning 11 major honours with the club, not to mention five Glasgow cups and a British league cup in his 14 years at the club. Jimmy was just as clinical at International level scoring seven goals in 11 caps for Scotland.

Jimmy passed away on 20th November 1945 at the age of 67. He will be forever remembered as one of the most prolific centre forwards in our club’s history. The words penned by Willie Maley in memory of Jimmy were rather telling in how much he was rated by the legendary manager. “He was the keystone in the greatest team Celtic ever had”

Jimmy Quinn, Celtic legend.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy