So much of Willie Maley’s life and Celtic story has been documented over the years. His name is still synonymous with the club and is referenced each week in song. The Celtic Star’s own David Potter once wrote a book about the great Celt – The Man Who Made Celtic.
Maley was a complicated character. He was an authoritarian, fearsome leader. He advocated Irish Home Rule, but was also an ardent Royalist, whilst his father came from a British military background. Indeed, Willie was born in a Newry Army barracks.
As a keen student of Celtic history, I often get stuck down Celtic rabbit holes online. One such research endeavour took me through the archives of Scottish newspapers and I discovered the following stories, which I feel are worth sharing with the wider Celtic faithful.
As much as Maley was a disciplinarian, he was also a man of charity and that charitable heart continued beyond his time at Celtic.
21/10/39 – WILLIE MALEY BACKS SCHEME TO FUND SCHOOLBOY TEAMS
A scheme to fund equipment for schoolboy football teams in reception areas of Scotland was launched on 21 October 1939. SFA Secretary George Graham set up the fundraising effort with the hope of raising £2,500 for evacuated and native children. The idea came as several towns and villages were left with thousands of additional children to cater for and a need for increased recreation facilities was prevalent, particularly due to the increased school population. By providing these facilities the Scottish Schoolboys Football Fund hoped to lend an opportunity for native and evacuated children to “mix together in healthy sportsmanship.”
Matches between the children were to be supervised by school teachers and the intention was not to restrict participation to those with the most ability. Indeed, an attempt would be made to ensure that all boys who desired to play were given an opportunity to take part.
The Fund immediately had the support of the Secretary of State for Scotland, whilst Celtic boss Willie Maley said, “I am sure my board will give practical support to the scheme. I certainly back it.” Similarly, the Managers of Hearts and Hibs praised the initiative and vowed to support it.
JULY 1940 – WILLIE MALEY DONATES HIS MEDAL TO A POPULAR COMEDIAN
During his half century connection with football Willie Maley always involved himself in charitable work, and at the outbreak of the War, he carried on those activities. Newspapers of the time describe his private office at the Bank Restaurant to be not far removed from the headquarters of a charity organisation.
Helping him with his endeavours had been popular comedian Ike Freedman, who offered his services free of charge at many charity concerts as well as volunteering to entertain the troops. Ike had been enjoying a rest period prior to starting a short season at the Princess’s in early November, and part of his relaxation involved travelling with Willie Maley to the village of Toward for a concert. As a thanks, the football legend presented the comedian with a medal that he had received upon retiring as Manager of Celtic Football Club. Ike was said to be delighted at this and was shocked by the gesture.
