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Fullname Thomas Boyd
aka: Tom Boyd
Height 5.11
Weight 11.04
Date of birth 24 Nov 1965
Place of birth Glasgow
Position Defender
Nationality Scotland
International Caps 72
International Goals 1

Biog

Until we got Larsson for next to nothing, our switch of Tom Boyd from Chelsea for Tony Cascarino will surely rank amongst the greatest crimes ever by Celtic Football Club. How on earth we were ever able to dupe Chelsea into this manoeuvre surely must rank amongst the greatest acts of fraud that even Columbo would have difficulty unravelling. I can remember the back of the Jungle all singing "Lets all laugh at Chelsea" repeatedly on his debut game at Celtic v Airdrie (I think it was them?). Boyd didn't settle in London, and having tasted success with Motherwell in the classic 1991 final, mediocrity with Chelsea was a no no for him in comparison to coming to Celtic.

That said, Celtic were the poor relations in Glasgow, and for Boyd not only being over looked due to Rangers dominance but he was overshadowed at Celtic by Collins and McStay. Hard to believe that with three quality players like them that the team could have been so pish at times, but when you were surrounded by some of the muppets we had they really did have a hard job ahead of him. Boyd's first game return to Fir Park (Motherwell) for Celtic saw him get sent off (after being barracked with abuse from the M'well fans) which I'm sure didn't help his confidence, but he developed quickly enough to get over it, and he developed into a great defender whose laid back style at times hid his actual true ability and confidence. A classy defender, he used to be able to breeze past attacking players whilst others struggled.

His early career at Celtic was filled with poor luck as Celtic lurched between poor and crap, but he was to finally taste success, as Celtic finally won the Scottish Cup in 95 (after losing the league cup to Raith Rovers in 94!).

Since then he played a strong part in ending Ranger's 9iar, being the captain in our 1-in-a-row in 1997-98, and having the honour to lift and kiss the trophy that sent both the team and crowd wild. It was from Boyd's feet that the referee rolled the ball away in the final game and then blew the final whistle that signalled the league victory and the joy as he exploded into ecstasy was the signal for everyone to celebrate the good times. The joy was greater for him than anyone else on that pitch as he was there through some very dark days with Celtic.

His career continued through further ups and down at Celtic, and he played his part in the memorable treble year of 2000/01, a season he deserved to be fully involved in. Hard for him to have imagined in 92 or 93 that this would ever happen but thankfully it did! He became only the second captain (after Billy McNeil) to captain a Celtic side to the treble. A great honour.

Capped 72 times for Scotland as well, he was consistent and reliable but he is also remembered for having scored an own goal v Brazil in the 98 World Cup, the winner for them! But we were always going to lose that one in any case, plus hardly should be held against him. He was a great player for the national side, much underrated by the Tartan army on many occasions.

A very likeable guy and player, and we hope him all the best. Players like him prove that you don't have to be a cheeky chappie character (copyright McAvennie) to achieve anything in sport!

Tom Boyd now does media work, and works with the Celtic youth set-up and is a regular guest on Celtic TV. Still watches and supports the Hoops!

We'll always respect him and hope him the best for the future.

Playing Career

Club	From	To	Fee	League		Scottish Cup		League cup		Other
Celtic	06/02/1992	01/06/2003	£ 750,000	295 (9)	2	20 (3)	0	18 (2)	0	16 (1)	0
Chelsea	27/06/1991	06/02/1992	£ 800,000
Motherwell	01/08/1990	27/06/1991	Youth
Totals			£1,550,000
			goals / game
				Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals

Trophies with Celtic

League Championship

• Winner 1997/98, 2000/01

Scottish Cup

• Winner 1994/95, 2000/01

League Cup

• Winner 1997/98, 1999/00, 2000/01
  

Pictures

• Player Pics

Matches

• Testimonial: Celtic 0-2 Man U (2001)

Links

• KDS Player Discussion