On Saturday night (early Sunday morning) Celtic begin their three-match tour of the USA. This will be the Bhoys’ 15th visit to the USA, following their first in 1931.
This final trip includes matches in Washington DC, North Carolina and Indiana, against DC United, Man City and Chelsea.
In this three-part series starting today, you can read more about Celtic’s other visits to the US.
1 – CELTIC IN THE USA – 1931
The Bhoys’ first trip across the Atlantic was in 1931. During a tour of the US and Canada, Celtic played 13 matches, winning nine, drawing one and losing three. The Bhoys played at a variety of venues, including famous baseball stadiums such as Wrigley Field and Fenway Park.
This was a remarkable trip for several reasons, including the first time that Celtic played under real floodlights (against a Michigan XI and the University of Detroit Stadium). On this visit the Bhoys played against Joe Kennaway, who would later sign for Celtic in place of the tragic John Thomson.
Photo taken in Detroit during Celtic’s visit to Michigan All Stars, whom they defeated 5-0 at University of Detroit Stadium. While in town they were given a tour of the famous Ford Motor Works. From left to right: Willie Cook, Bobby Whitelaw, Hugh Smith, Joe McGhee, Willie Maley, Bertie Thomson, Johnny Thomson, Jimmy McGrory (with trophy) Peter Scarff, Charlie Napier, Peter Wilson, Tom Maley, Denis Currie, Willie McGonagle.
2 – CELTIC IN THE USA – 1951
Celtic’s second American visit was in 1951. The Celts played nine games in the US and Canada, winning six, drawing two and losing one. Celtic played in a variety of locations, including New York, Toronto and Kearney, New Jersey, famous for its huge Celtic Supporters’ Club.
During this trip the Bhoys won the D. Kennedy Cup by beating Chicago Polish Eagles 4-0. Celtic still hold this trophy.
3 – CELTIC IN THE USA – 1957
Celtic’s third Atlantic trip took them to Canada and the US. Eight games were played, with five wins, one draw and two losses. Celtic faced Tottenham Hotspur, also on tour in the US, in half of these games. Another opponent – the Philadelphia Uhrik Truckers – undoubtedly has one of the longest names of any Celtic opponent.
The trip must have been good for the team. Months after returning to Scotland they set a British cup final record when they beat Rangers 7-1 to win the League Cup.
4 – CELTIC IN THE USA – 1966
Celtic’s famous summer tour that shaped the Lisbon Lions. The Bhoys went to the USA, Canada and Bermuda. In 11 games Celtic won eight and drew three, and were never beaten. They also scored a whopping 47 goals, while conceding only six!
Celtic history books describe this trip as crucial to the Bhoys’ success in 1966-67, as it saw the players bond and win all five competitions they entered.
5 – CELTIC IN THE USA – 1968
Celtic’s fifth transatlantic trip took them to the US and Mexico. Celtic played three games, including one in Mexico. The Bhoys met AC Milan twice, drawing and winning. In the second game, played in Toronto, Celtic’s 2-0 victory meant they claimed the first CNE Cup of Champions trophy, which still stands at Celtic Park.
Celtic lost 3-2 to Necaxa in their match in Mexico City, but it was still special to play in the world-famous Azteca Stadium.
Read more about Celtic’s other visits to the US on The Celtic Star tomorrow.
Matthew Marr
Follow Matthew on Twitter @hailhailgeschiedenis
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Matthew’s debut Celtic book entitled ‘The Bould Bhoys – Glory to their name’ was published last year by Celtic Star Books and can be ordered HERE . This brilliant book is also available on Amazon Kindle for just £3.49 and includes all the photo sections that appear in the hardback edition.
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