They played for Celtic – Charlie Gallagher | OneFootball

Charlie Gallagher played an important part in Celtic’s legendary European Cup win in 1967, although unfortunately for the cultured midfielder, he wasn’t in the 12-man squad that day in Lisbon on the 25th May…

Charlie Gallagher – What a Player! Photo Celtic Star Books

Charlie took the corner kick that led to Billy McNeill’s last gasp goal against Vojvodina in the quarter final second leg at Celtic park, a goal that would send the club into the semi-finals, so he could lay claim to having played his part on route to our iconic success.

Just a couple of years earlier, Charlie also laid on Billy McNeill’s winner in the Scottish Cup final over Dunfermline, again from a corner kick.

That cup final win over the Pars was said to the the catalyst for the period of success we enjoyed under the legendary Jock Stein, so Charlie deserves great credit for his contributions to the Celtic fairytale.

Charlie who was the cousin of Paddy Crerand signed for the club in September 1958, and made his full debut a year later in a 1-0 League Cup win over Raith Rovers at Celtic Park, but it wasn’t until the appointment of Jock Stein that he fully flourished, as he suffered from inconsistency due to Jimmy McGrory playing him in serval positions, without ever settling in the one role. That understandably affected his confidence.

The Gorbals born midfielder, would go onto make 171 appearances scoring 32 goals for the club he supported, amassing six honours along the way.

Charlie wasn’t exactly a first team regular during his Celtic career, and having Bertie Auld as his direct competition didn’t help matters.

He also suffered from a lack of consistency, and wasn’t the quickest, whilst lacking the extra dig and determination required by a central midfielder, but his natural ability made him a favourite with the supporters, but maybe not so in the eyes of Jock Stein.

The legendary boss once stated “You’re too fond of Charlie Gallagher and Harry Hood. You wouldn’t win a league with 11 Charlie Gallaghers or Harry Hoods.“

Charlie Gallagher – What a Player!

International recognition with Republic of Ireland

Charlie who would also become the first Scots born player to represent the Republic of Ireland thank to his parents who hailed from Donegal, could thank his natural ability for longevity in a talent Celtic side.

Comfortable with the ball at both feet, a terrific passer of the ball, whilst possessing a thunderous shot, made Charlie a favourite among the supporters, and in the eyes of man who mattered, Jock Stein despite his criticism as he wouldn’t have lasted that long at the club otherwise.

Charlie left the club in 1970 as he joined Dumbarton, and would find himself coming up against his old club in the League Cup semi finals just months later, and inspired the Sons as they ran Celtic close, before losing out 4-3 in a thrilling contest, after a replay.

And he would receive a standing ovation from the Celtic supporters in both matches, something that was a clear indicator of his popularity among the faithful.

Charlie latterly went on to have a two year stint as a scout at Celtic, before embarking on a career as a taxi driver. He sadly passed away in 2021.

Charlie Gallagher – What a Player!

Charlie once stated “For years it galled me that the only thing people remembered me for was two corner kicks. Then my wife said: ‘Your name is in history for that’.”

Lisbon Lion Charlie Gallagher lived the dream, made a significant contribution to the Celtic cause and remained a fully committed Celtic supporter all through his life.  If you can find a copy of Charlie’s biography by my former colleague, the late David Potter, it’s a highly recommended read. It is titled “Charlie Gallagher – What a Player!’  so is perfectly named.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

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