Tom Boyd

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Boyd began his professional career at Motherwell, making 252 league appearances. His most notable achievement there was skippering the side that defeated Dundee United 4–3 in the 1991 Scottish Cup final. He later moved to Chelsea for one year before transferring to his boyhood club, Celtic, in a deal involving Tony Cascarino. At Celtic, he served as captain from 1997 to 2002. He led the team to their first league title in ten years in 1998 and became only the second captain after Billy McNeill to lift a domestic treble in the 2000–01 season. Boyd was versatile, playing as an attacking full back, centre of defence, or on either side of the pitch.

In Their Own Story

In his international career, Boyd earned 72 caps for Scotland, appearing at UEFA Euro 1992, UEFA Euro 1996, and the 1998 World Cup. During the opening match of the 1998 World Cup against Brazil, he scored an own goal when the ball deflected off him as he ran back facing his goalkeeper, contributing to a 2–1 loss for Scotland.

Reader's Guide

Boyd retired from playing in 2003 but remained with Celtic. In 2016, he was named an ambassador alongside Davie Hay, joining Billy McNeill who had been appointed in 2009. He has also participated in charity events such as the Tommy Burns Tribute match and climbing Ben Nevis.

Did You Know?

• Boyd captained Celtic to their first league title in ten years in 1998, preventing Rangers from winning a tenth consecutive championship.
• He is only the second Celtic captain after Billy McNeill to lead the club to a domestic treble.
• In the opening match of the 1998 World Cup against Brazil, Boyd scored an own goal when the ball deflected off him while he was running back facing his goalkeeper.
• Boyd played for Chelsea for only one year after struggling to settle at Stamford Bridge.