McGONAGLE, William (1936)

Overview

Here we have another Hamilton born player, on April 30th 1904. In 1920 he was with St Joseph’s Boys Guild then moved to Greenhead Thistle and Duntocher Hibernian and it was while he was at Glenhead Park that he was noticed by Celtic who signed him in October 1926.

He then went on loan to Nithsdale Wanderers and Dunfermline Athletic before on 25th April 1936 he was given a free. Near the end of July, Willie McAndrew signed him for Accies and he spent the first half of the season as a regular before losing his place. Allegedly rather slow in the early part of his debut match but improved as the game progressed.

In August 1937, Rotherham enquired about him without any business being done. He then appeared for Cheltenham Town prior to retiring in 1939. He then went on to become a founder/trainer/manager and player to Sunningend FC at the outbreak of hostilities in 1939.

He had a great left foot and struck a mean penalty in his role at left back. During his ten years at Celtic Park he turned out in over 300 matches. Capped no less than 6 times while at Parkhead, he also was selected five times for the Scottish League and picked up Scottish Cup Winners medals with Celtic in 1931 and 1933.

Peter was a motor mechanic to trade. When he went to Cheltenham as a player the English club had sought advice from “Waverley” of the Daily Record as to his availability. No need for agents in those days. His father, Peter, that’s where the “Peter” came from, played for Hamilton Harp and then came to Accies in 1894, he was an outside right.

His death took place in Cheltenham in December 1956.

Debut on 8th August 1936 in a Scottish League match away to Falkirk.

Scottish League 20 Appearances 1 Goal

Accies Career

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