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Fullname: James Young
aka: Jim Young, Sunny Jim
Born: ?10 January 1882
Birthplace: Kilmarnock, Scotland
Signed: 1903
Position: Defender/Midfield
Internationals: ? [which international team played for]Scotland
International Caps: ?1
International Goals: ?0

Biog

James 'Sunny Jim' Young is one of the greatest names in the rich history of Celtic FC.

Born in Kilmarnock the dour faced but big hearted half-back joined Celtic in May 1903 on a free transfer from Bristol Rovers and began a love affair with the club which was to last 14 incredible, trophy-laden years.

Prior to becoming a Bhoy, Young had been a self-confessed football mercenary quite prepared to play for any club which paid him a decent wage. But from the moment of his arrival at Parkhead Young developed an amazing affinity with a club in which he previously had no links with. It was to be a relationship which Celtic supporters would treasure forever.

Young made his debut in a goaless Charity Cup tie with Hibernian on May 16th 1903 and although originally played in defence he was soon moved to midfield from where he would orchastrate numerous wonderful Celtic successes for more than a decade.

Immensly hard working and tough tackling Young was to forge the perfect link between defence and attack and he was both the heartbeat and lungs of the Celtic side. His tireles running and battling runs were simply the inspiration for success after success.

A natural born leader it was no surprise when Willie Maley appointed Sunny Jim captain in 1911. He would roar his team-mates on to victory and his pride in wearing the Hoops was obvious every second he was on the pitch.

With Young in the side Celtic won an amazing nine league championships and five Scottish Cups and no player contributed more to that glory than Sunny Jim. He may not have possesed the skills of some of his contemporaries but there was no one in the game who offered the effort and commitment of Young.

He was to eventually retire in 1917 with a knee injury but not before playing 443 games for his now beloved Celtic and scoring 13 goals. During his time at Parkhead Celtic enjoyed a level of success they were not to witness again until the arrival of Jock Stein as manager. It was no coincidence that Young's departure saw a dramatic dip in Celtic's fortunes.

Tragically the magnificent James Young was to die on September 4th 1922 at the age of just 40 following a motorcycle accident involving a bike on which he was the passenger. His life will forever be cherished by the supporters of Celtic.

James Young - a true Celtic great.

Playing Career

Honours

League Titles - 9
Scottish Cup - 5

Pictures

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