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Fullname: Thomas E Maley
aka: Tom Maley, "Handsome Tom Maley"
Born: 1864
Died: 24 Aug 1935
Signed: 1888
Internationals: n/a

Biog

"Speed, stamina, dash - all three were mine". Tom Maley

Known as "Handsome Tom Maley" was one of the first players signed for Celtic FC by John Glass and Brother Walfrid in December 1887. Trained teacher, he was a renowned Victorian footballer who was targeted by the founders of the newly formed Celtic as one of the men to kick-start their dream.

The son of a soldier, Portsmouth-born Tom had already played for Partick Thistle, Third Lanark and Hibernian when John Glass and Brother Walfrid made the visit to the Maley family home in Cathcart in Dec 1887. Famously Tom wasn’t home that evening (out impressing a young lady) but the Celtic party ensured their trip wasn’t wasted by recruiting his younger brother Willie [future manager and Celtic legend] – a move which of course had massive repercussion on the development and success of the club for decades to come.

The 'Scottish Soccer Internationalists Who's Who' written by Douglas Lamming in 1987 lists his clubs up to the point of joining Celtic as: Partick Thistle, Third Lanark Rifle Volunteers and the Clydesdale Harriers Football Section.

As an athlete, though not so well known as his brother, he won many prizes - in 1887 he won six first, three second and one first prize, the following year he won one first, two second and one third but also took third place in the NCU 100 yards championship. His attention though was more and more towards football.

A quick footed outside-left Tom joined his brother at Parkhead and the pair lined up for the club’s inaugural game against Rangers on May 28th 1888 at the original Celtic Park. Tom is believed to have scored three goals in that 5-2 victory. He would later play in the club’s first ever Scottish Cup tie when the Bhoys defeated Cowlairs 8-0 on September 22nd.

Tom retired as a player in 1891 having played nine competitive games and scoring 6 goals. He however would later play for Preston as an amateur. Off the pitch he became a Celtic director in 1897 and was a valued and hugely active committee member who did much to promote the early growth of Celtic, and acted as an administrator for Celtic.

In 1902 he was lured to Manchester City as manager but would be suspended from the game in 1906 due to Man City paying illegal bonuses to players. Tom Maley later returned to Glasgow to act as a headmaster in a school, however his ban was later lifted and he returned to the game as manager of Bradford Park Avenue in 1911.

He died on 24th Aug 1935.

Playing Career

APPEARANCES	LEAGUE	SCOTTISH CUP	LEAGUE CUP	EUROPE	TOTAL
1888-92	2	7	n/a	n/a	9