Born: Feb 1932
Birthplace: Glasgow
Played: 211 games
Goals: 87

An incredibly intelligent player Johnny Crum was one of the most talented Celtic centre-forwards of all time.

Hyndland-born Crum was a railwayman who was signed from Ashfield Juniors in February 1932. He made an immediate impact on his debut scoring twice in a 4-1 victory over Motherwell on October 22nd at Parkhead.

With quick feet and an even quicker thinking football mind Crum, unlike some of his predecessors, did not have the brawn to match his brain but he certainly had the heart.

His intelligence allowed Crum to drift into spaces unoticed by defenders and he would strike before the opposition even knew he was there. With John Divers and Malcky McDonald he combined to produce quick intricate passing moves which bamboozled rivals and delighted the support. It was a revelationary style of football for the time and the supporters lapped it up.

Crum loved playing for Celtic with a passion and it was unfortunate that at the age of 27 World War Two would disrupte his career just as he was hitting his peak. With offical competitions suspended he was surprisngly transferred to Morton in 1942 but his talent was never to be forgotten by the Hoops support.

Johnny Crum played 211 times for Celtic and scored 87 goals on his way to winning two league titles and a Scottish Cup. He was capped twice by Scotland.

Pictures

• John Crum Pics