James Forrest eyes another Bobby Lennox record before chasing Napoleon

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The Celtic Star

·19 May 2025

James Forrest eyes another Bobby Lennox record before chasing Napoleon

SWEET 16 FOR CELTIC’S MOST DECORATED PLAYER JAMES FORREST…

James Forrest scores and celebrates. Celtic v St Mirren, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 17 May 2025. Photo Robert Perry Shutterstock

James Forrest used to divide opinion amongst Celtic fans – but not anymore. His success, his medals and his goals have written him into the club’s all-time history records and there’s more to come from our Prestwick Pele…

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On Trophy Day in Paradise, Forrest got on the scoresheet this season – finally! – meaning that he has now netted for Celtic in a remarkable 16 consecutive seasons. This puts him joint third in the club’s all-time records.

So many of Forrest’s goals have played a vital part in Celtic’s recent success, including those that helped win crucial league games or claim a quadruple Treble. And it all goes back to his very first goal, a debut strike as Celtic beat Motherwell 4-0 in 2010.

Jimmy McGrory, image Celtic Curio

Celtic goalscoring records

In terms of scoring in successive seasons, Forrest shares third spot (16 seasons) with two other Bhoys’ legends: Jimmy McGrory and Paul McStay.

McGrory’s Celtic goals – which made him Celtic’s all-time record scorer – came between 1922-23 and 1937-38. After retirement, he went on to manage Kilmarnock and then Celtic from 1945-1965.

30/10/82 Celtic 3 Rangers 2. 30 October 1982, Celtic Park.Celtic’s Paul McStay dashes off to celebrate after levelling the score at 1-1. Photo The Celtic Wiki.

Paul McStay – from a true Celtic family – first scored in 1980-81 and then did so every year until 1995-96. After this, injury forced his early retirement.

Currently, two men sit out in front of James Forrest, Paul McStay and Jimmy McGrory.

Celtic winger Bobby Lennox in action during a friendly match against Tottenham Hotspur at Hampden Park on August 5, 1967. (Photo by Don Morley/Allsport/Getty Images)

Bobby Lennox remains ahead of Jamesy but he’s behind Jimmy McMenemy

In second place on 17 seasons is Bobby Lennox. The Lisbon Lion first found the net for Celtic in 1963-64. His final goal came in 1979-80, despite actually leaving Celtic for a few months in 1978.

Celtic’s top all-time scorer in terms of consecutive seasons is Jimmy McMenemy. ‘Napoleon’ managed to get his name on the scoresheet from 1902-03 until 1919-20, a phenomenal 18 seasons.

Celtic’s Napoleon Jimmy McMenemy, image by Celtic Curio for Celtic in the Thirties, available at Celticstarbooks.com

McMenemy’s record is unlikely to ever be beaten. However it is not unfeasible that a rejuvenated Forrest could score next season too, which would put him in joint second place with Lennox. After that, who knows?

The term ‘legend’ can be overused. However given Forrest’s incredible scoring record and trophy haul, it is difficult to think of another word to describe his substantial impact on Celtic’s history.

Matthew Marr

VISIT – https://celticwalkingtours.wordpress.com/

If you want to learn more about Celtic history, follow Hail Hail History on Twitter/X. You can also take part in a FREE Celtic history walking tour. Visit celticwalkingtours.wordpress.com for more information.

Click on cover to order a hardback copy

Matthew’s debut Celtic book titled ‘The Bould Bhoys – Glory to their name’ was published by Celtic Star Books last year and is available to order HERE. This brilliant book is also available on Amazon Kindle for just £3.49 and includes all photo sections that appear in the hardback edition.

Matthew Marr with his debut Celtic book, Glory to their name, which tells the story of Celtic’s first ever title win. Photo The Celtic Star

Celtic in the Thirties by Celtic Historian Matt Corr is published in two volumes by Celtic Star Books.