Position

Date of Birth

Career
1976-1981













In 1981, a gallant young Celt died in a tragic accident, whilst rewiring the loft of his home in Kilmarnock. Johnny Doyle arrived at Celtic Park as a 24-year-old, in March 1976 from Ayr United. He hailed from Viewpark, in Uddingston - the very same area of Lanarkshire where Jimmy Johnstone first pulled on a pair of football boots. He wasn't the greatest player of his generation, but you'd need to search far and wide to find a more committed one. Nor was he adverse to the odd run-in with officialdom, and he wasn't unfamiliar with the odd red card or early bath.


His most memorable sending-off came in the momentous 4-2 title-winning game against Rangers on May 21, 1979 when the famous chant of "10 men won the league" was born. Another infamous sending off came in 1977, when playing against his former club Ayr United at Somerset Park. His cross hit the ref and knocked him over, the linesman said it was deliberate and Doyle was handed a red card! Footage to the hilarious incident can be found at the link below. The red card was later rescinded.


Another more sombre Doyle-related chant eminated after the league win of 1981/82, when The Faithful remembered their departed hero, with the sombre but celebratory chant of "We won the league for Doyle". Johnny was tragically electrocuted at his home on October 19, 1981. He died a Hoop.

Johnny Doyle : The Man Who Loved The Green

I've travelled 'round these islands, from shore to shining shore,
I've met so many heroes, from the team that I adore,
I've followed Glasgow Celtic, from London to Aberdeen,
But I always remember, the man who loved the green.

And Johnny Doyle told me, just before he died,
I live for Glasgow Celtic, I'm just a Celtic bhoy.

He came from Ayr United, to join his favourite team,
To play for Glasgow Celtic, would fulfil his dream,
Around about St Patrick's Day, signed by Big Jock Stein,
He played only for the jersey, the man who loved the green.

And Johnny Doyle told me, just before he died,
I live for Glasgow Celtic, I'm just a Celtic bhoy.

In Europe 1980, he made a gallant bid,
He capped a great performance, against Real Madrid,
He rose with two defenders, to win the ball so clean,
With Sabido and Camacho, was the man who loved the green.

And Johnny Doyle told me, just before he died,
I live for Glasgow Celtic, I'm just a Celtic bhoy.

So in your prayers remember, a gallant Celtic son,
His young life cut so cruely, in 1981,
The 19th of October, is the day when I'll be seen,
Browsing through my photos, of the man who loved the green.

And Johnny Doyle told me, just before he died,
I live for Glasgow Celtic, I'm just a Celtic bhoy.

Johnny Doyle
(1952 - 1981)

RIP

Pictures
Player Pictures


Quotes
"Still remember a night at Love Street in 1980 I think. A Scottish Cup replay and Celtic were two down and had Tom McAdam sent off. Things were looking grim until Doyle single handedly pulled Celtic back into the game. He tore St Mirren apart and was untouchable that night. Celtic won 3-2 after extra time and I think but I'm not 100% sure Doyle scored the winner. A truly outstanding performance.

I still laugh at him for getting sent off at Ayr for knocking the ref out" - Kevtic

Link
Footage of Doyle knocking over the ref with a cross, then getting sent off!