Jimmy McMenemy
A true Celtic legend and master of deceptive movement.
James McMenamin (11 October 1880 – 23 June 1965), was a Scottish footballer who most notably played for Celtic from 1902 to 1920 and later served as trainer in the 1930s. He has been described by the club as "a true Celtic legend".
- Role
- Manager
- Nationality
- Scottish
- Status
- Deceased
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Nicknamed "Napoleon" by manager Willie Maley due to his strategic and leadership qualities and calmness, as well as an apparent resemblance to Napoleon Bonaparte. He was said to be "a master of the deceptive movement" who "seldom troubled himself with the physical side of the game – he had no need." He made his debut on 20 September 1902 against Third Lanark, scoring his first goal on 18 October 1902 in a 3–0 win over Port Glasgow Athletic.
In Their Own Story
In October 1913, McMenemy suffered a broken collar bone during a match against Aberdeen. After jumping up to win a header, McMenemy collided mid-air with John Wyllie, "and they both fell like a log". McMenemy was not to play for Celtic again until 27 December in a 6-0 victory over Ayr United. Prior to season 1918–19, 38-year-old McMenemy retired from playing, only to return to Celtic by the halfway point of the season, where he was restored to the line-up and helped secure another Scottish League title, his eleventh overall. He also won six Scottish Cup medals with the club, although the only final in which he scored was 1912 against Clyde. McMenemy made 515 appearances for Celtic in the League and Scottish Cup, scoring 166 goals. In Celtic's all-time records, he ranks in sixth place for league appearances and seventh for league goals. He is also the club's oldest goalscorer (39 years, 56 days v Motherwell, 6 December 1939) and third-oldest player (39 years, 194 days vs St Mirren, 22 April 1920). He also holds the record for scoring for Celtic in the most consecutive seasons, scoring in every season from 1902-03 to 1919-20.
Reader's Guide
McMenemy began his career playing for local Junior teams Cambuslang Hibernian and Rutherglen Glencairn, winning the Scottish Junior Cup and Glasgow Junior League double with the latter in 1902. He joined Celtic in June 1902 and became a mainstay for two decades. He made 515 appearances for Celtic in the League and Scottish Cup, scoring 166 goals. He left Celtic in June 1920 and joined Partick Thistle, helping them win the Scottish Cup in 1921. He retired from playing in 1923. After retiring, he spent some years away from football as a publican, then returned to Partick Thistle as a coach, and in 1934 returned to Celtic as trainer assisting Willie Maley.
Did You Know?
- McMenemy holds the record for scoring for Celtic in the most consecutive seasons, scoring in every season from 1902-03 to 1919-20.
- His son James 'Jimmy' McMenemy Jr. played for Celtic and other clubs, but not Newcastle United.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jimmy McMenemy?
Jimmy McMenemy was a Scottish footballer and manager born in Rutherglen, Lanarkshire on October 11, 1880. His career spanned from local junior teams to professional management roles in the early 20th century.
Which club is he most associated with?
McMenemy spent a significant portion of his playing career at Celtic between 1902 and 1920. The organization considers him a true legend due to his long tenure there.
What trophies did he win during his time there?
Over two decades, he secured 11 league titles and 6 Scottish Cups with the team. These victories cemented his status as one of their most decorated figures in history.
Where did his football journey begin?
He started by playing for junior teams like Cambuslang Hibernian and Rutherglen Glencairn. With Rutherglen, he achieved a double by winning the Scottish Junior Cup and Glasgow Junior League in 1902.
What role did he take after his playing days?
Following his time on the pitch, he served as an assistant manager during the 1930s. His contributions to the sport continued well beyond his active playing years.
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