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McKeown, Michael
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One of the very earliest Bhoys Michael McKeown was lured by the ambitious Celtic from Hibernian in 1888.
The Ayrshire-born left-back had played for the Edinburgh side against Cowlairs in the opening of Celtic Park. His competitive Celtic debut came at the same ground in the 5-1 Scottish Cup victory over Shettleston on September 1st 1888.
Capped by Scotland, McKeown was a fine and much sought after talent but he was also an outspoken and fiery character who was only too happy to offer his considerable skills to the highest bidder.
During his stay at Parkhead he made it be known that if Celtic weren’t prepared to recognise his worth then he would be on the move. It was rumoured that during one such discussion that McKeown was so incensed by the club’s offer to him he struck club secretary John O’Hara.
He had several fall outs with other key players and officials and at one time declared to the press he was leaving Celtic to play for the breakaway Glasgow Hibernian - a club formed by disaffected members of the Parkhead team who wanted an all Catholic selection policy.
Celtic refused to release his kit and he was to remain with the Bhoys after his issues were resolved. In August 1891 McKeown did finally depart Celtic Park when he moved to England and Blackburn Rovers.
That move proved to be the beginning of the end for the player. A heavy drinker his problems with alcohol worsened and his stay in Lancashire lasted less than a year. He returned to Scotland and had brief and unsuccessful spells at a number minor clubs.
He had became a rather pathetic and embarrassing figure who was living day to day and dependent on charity. He was a regular at court for various but frequent drink related misdemeanours. A spell in the army lasted less than a year when he was dismissed and described as being “worthless”.
Michael McKeown died on October 25th 1903. He was aged just 33. His body was found lying in a lime kiln just a short stroll away from Celtic Park in Camlachie. He had died from asphyxiation. A pauper’s grave awaited the former Scotland star but Celtic did the decent thing and arranged the funeral and burial.
| APPEARANCES | LEAGUE | SCOTTISH CUP | LEAGUE CUP | EUROPE | TOTAL |
| 1888-91 | 14 | 16 | n/a | n/a | 30 |
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Latest page update: made by auldbhoy
, Jun 11 2008, 4:04 AM EDT
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