McSTAY, Jimmy (1934)

Overview

Here we have one of the greats of Scottish football, Jimmy was born in Netherburn on 1st April 1895. In the summer of 1917 he was signed by Larkhall Thistle and a year later he was playing for the Royal Scots Fusiliers.

It was while there that he came to the attention of Celtic and they signed him in November 1920. Originally a left half he was later played at centre half and there he discovered his true position. By 1929 he had taken over the role of captain from his elder brother, Willie. Two years later he captained the Scottish League eleven which defeated the English League 4-3 and it was said that he kept the renowned Dixie Dean very quiet. Jimmy was a quiet man himself, he just got on with the job in hand. Never capped at full level, he did appear against the English League on 3 occasions. While at Parkhead he appeared in over 400 League games and 63 Scottish Cup ties.

On being freed in 1934, he was signed by Willie McAndrew as Accies were finding it difficult to find a steady pivot. He was in the side which met Rangers in the 1935 Cup Final, though not the captain, as has often been quoted, Jamie Bulloch had that job. In May 1936 he turned out in green and white once again on loan to Celtic on their Irish tour.

Retired on a free transfer in April 1937. He then turned his attention to Irish football and became the player/coach/manager of Brideville FC, a Dublin based side. He resigned from there to take on the job as manager of Alloa Athletic, this came about in April 1938. He was then appointed as manager to Celtic in February 1940. He was dismissed from that post on July 1945.

Seven months later he returned to Hamilton following the retirement of manager, Willie McAndrew. He remained in the job for five years. At the end of 1951 he took on the role as Celtic’s chief scout, a post he held until 1961.

He died on 3rd January 1974. As a centre half he was not tall, at 5’8” and weighed 11sts, but his lack of inches was no problem to him.

Debut on 29th September 1934 in a Scottish League match at home to St Mirren.

Scottish League 63 Appearances

Scottish Cup 8 Appearances

Lanarkshire Cup 1 Appearance

Accies Career

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