[Player Pics]

Coleraine-born Willie Cook was a hard tackling full-back who signed for Celtic in February 1930 from Port Glasgow Juniors.

Strong, fit and with an excellent touch, Cook made an instant impact at Parkhead following his debut in a 4-0 league victory at home to Ayr United on February 20th. The talented defender quickly made the right-back berth his own and he soon became a key performer for the Bhoys and was an integral part of the 1931 Scottish Cup winning side.

Cook, who played in the Celtic team on the day of Johnny Thomson’s fatal accident at Ibrox, was called up to the Northern Ireland team in September 1932. However, just when it seemed Celtic had at last found a long term successor to Willie McStay the club agreed to sell Cook to Everton in December 1932. The move was a major shock to the Celtic support who had not be used to seeing their best players being sold.

Cook – who made 110 appearances for the Bhoys – was a great success at Everton and added an FA Cup winners medal to his Scottish Cup gong. As a coach he the 1950’s he was in charge of the national teams of Peru and Iraq.