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Fullname: Charles Napier
aka: Charlie Napier, Happy Feet
Born: 8 Oct 1910
Died: 5 Sep 1973
Birthplace: Bainsford
Signed: 10 Oct 1928
Positions: Forward
Internationals: Scotland
International Caps: 3 caps

Biog

Dazzling footwork and an abundance of skill made Charles Napier a huge Celtic favourite.

Celtic signed the Bainsford-born forward as a teenager in October 1928 from Alva Albion Rangers and after a period farmed out to Maryhill Hibernian he made his debut in a 2-1 league win over Queen’s Park on October 19th 1929.

The Hoops support took an immediate shine to Napier whose artistry on the ball was both entertaining and effective.

Originally viewed as a winger capable of playing on both flanks, Napier – nicknamed ‘Happy Feet’ by the support - not only possessed the skill and pace to unlock defences he also had the ability score with both feet. For a support blessed earlier with Patsy Gallagher, Happy Feet was a favoured son, seen as being a nice heir to his throne (even though he wasn't in the same sphere as Patsy).

His prowess in front of goal was such that manager Willie Maley decided that Napier would be most effective as an inside-left rather than on the wing and it was in this position that he really excelled.

He played a key role n the 1931 Scottish Cup final when with under 10 minutes remaining his cheeky lob from a free kick set up Jimmy McGrory to score and spark a late and dramatic comeback as Celtic came from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Motherwell.

Victory in the replay and further Scottish Cup success in 1933 gave Charlie his only major honours as a Celt and after knee surgery in 1934 his career as a Bhoy began to draw to an end and he fell out with the club over terms for a benefit game.

He refused to resign for Celtic unless the club guaranteed his benefit. Reluctantly he eventually left for Derby County in June 1935 after the English side agreed to pay the considerable sum of £5,000. He was signed by a guy called George Jobey (Derby manager).

Happy Feet on leaving: "I'm sorry to leave Celtic Park. I've made friends I'll never forget... I know my faults and it won't be for want of trying if I don't' get over them."

By then Happy Feet had played 200 games for Celtic and scored 92 goals. He had also made three starts for Scotland and established himself a deserved place in Celtic history, and was the first Celt to play at Wembley Stadium (London).

One unusual claim to fame which Charlie had whilst at Derby was that, on 14th November 1936 against Charlton Atheltic at The Valley, he was one of 5 County players who made history by lining up in Derby's first ever all-international forward line. The players were Sammy Crooks (England), Dai Astley (Wales), Jack Bowers (England), Charlie Napier (Scotland) & Dally Duncan (Scotland).

Playing Career

APPEARANCES (goals)	LEAGUE	SCOTTISH CUP	LEAGUE CUP	EUROPE	TOTAL
1928-35	176 (80)	24 (12)	n/a	n/a	200 (92)

Honours with Celtic

Scottish Cup

• 1931

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