George Connelly

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Lore & Background

Connelly's early promise was first publicly displayed when he entertained the crowd at Celtic Park before a European tie against Dynamo Kiev later in 1966. By many accounts, he possessed the potential to be a world-class player as influential in British football as Beckenbauer was in Germany. He is remembered particularly for two defining goals: one just before half-time in the 1969 Scottish Cup final against Rangers where he dispossessed John Greig and rounded the goalkeeper to make it 3–0, ending any hopes of a Rangers revival. In 1970, during the 'Battle of Britain' European Cup tie against English champions Leeds United, Connelly scored in the first minute at Elland Road, helping Celtic win 1–0 before securing a 2–1 aggregate victory to reach their second European Cup final.

In Their Own Story

Despite being earmarked as the natural successor to Billy McNeill and likely future captain, Connelly's career at Celtic was cut short by personal problems that have never been fully publicised. After a fifth walk-out in 1975, he did not return. In later interviews, he cited poor salary and an unhappy marriage as primary factors for his departure, while also noting discomfort following David Hay's exit in 1974. Although Tommy Docherty approached him to sign for Manchester United, Connelly rejected the move as football was 'not in his head' at the time. He played for Falkirk for three months in 1976 before reverting to Junior status with Sauchie and working as a taxi driver.

Reader's Guide

Connelly made 254 first team appearances for Celtic over nine years, scoring 13 goals and earning two Scotland caps in 1974. His return to the club occurred in 2006 when he conducted the half-time draw during an AC Milan UEFA Champions League fixture at Celtic Park. In 2007, his life and career were detailed in 'Celtic's Lost Legend', co-written with Bryan Cooney and published by Black & White Publishing; this book was re-published in 2019. His legacy remains that of a technically gifted talent whose potential was immense, even if his time at the club ended prematurely.

Did You Know?

• Connelly was sent out to entertain the crowd at Celtic Park before a European tie against Dynamo Kiev in 1966, showcasing his ball control as a teenager.
• He scored a crucial goal in the first minute of a European Cup match against Leeds United in 1970, helping Celtic progress to their second final.
• Tommy Docherty approached Connelly for a transfer to Manchester United, but he rejected it because football was not on his mind at the time.
• After leaving professional football, Connelly worked as a taxi driver while playing Junior football with Sauchie.