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Fullname: James Kennaway
aka: Joe Kennaway
Born: 25 Jan 1905
Birthplace: Montreal (Canada)
Signed: 30 Oct 1931
Position: Goalkeeper
Internationals: Canada / Scotland
International Caps: 1 / 1
International Goals: 0 / 0

Biog

Goalkeeper Joe Kennaway signed for Celtic in 1931 following the tragic death of the legendary Johnny Thomson.

Born in Montreal to Scottish parents Joe played against Celtic for Fall River in the club’s American summer tour of 1931. Fall River had defeated the touring Bhoys 1-0 and Kennaway had been quite superb for the hosts, making a lasting impression on Willie Maley.

Note: his real first name is "James" not Joe, but for some reason he has always been called Joe all his life.

Maley needed a top quality long term replacement for the great Thomson and with the unlucky John Falconer struggling with a knee injury the manager turned his attention to Kennaway. Joe signed for the Bhoys on October 30th and made his debut in a 2-2 league draw at Motherwell on Halloween.

It was to prove an astute signing by Maley. Kennaway was a solid and dependable keeper with excellent handling skills and ample courage. He certainly revelled in the physical battles he endured with the robust forwards of the day. He may not have been as agile or as graceful as Thomson but few, if any, ever were. His reflexes were lightening quick though and he earned a reputation as being an excellent penalty saver. He grew to a be a noted expert in the art of stopping penalty kicks, something that always comes in handy!

Possibly Kennaway’s finest moment as a Celt came in the Empire Exhibition Trophy in 1938 when he conceded just a single goal in four games as Celtic won the tournament to be crowned the unofficial champions of Britain.

In total Joe made 295 appearances for Celtic and won two league titles, two Scottish Cups and the Empire Exhibition Trophy. He eventually departed Parkhead in October 1939 and returned to the US, where he later coached the Brown University soccer team from 1946 to 1959.

Joe is credited as having been capped for his native Canada and Scotland, and he would have played more times for Scotland, if the other British nations had not objected to a Canadian playing in goal for Scotland. What is undeniable though is the fact that Joe Kennaway was an excellent keeper and a fine Celt.

Some say that he may actually have also played for the US, but there is some doubt on that front, and the record books seem to shun that this ever happened.

Playing Career

Honours with Celtic

Empire Exhibition Cup

• 1938

Scottish League

• 1935-36, 1937-38

Scottish Cup

• 1933, 1937,

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