McStaying Power

Willie McStay’s family have played their part in both of Celtic’s unbeaten domestic records 100 years apart

- Joe Sullivan

THE McStay family connection with Celtic started on January 13, 1912 when 17-year-old Willie McStay signed for the Hoops and the link remains to this day.

Not only are there three McStays in the Top 20 appearances of all Celtic players (Willie and Jimmy from the 1910s though to the 1930s then grand-nephew, Paul in the 1980s and ‘90s), but Jimmy also managed the club and Paul was also joined by brothers Willie and Raymond while their father, the late John McStay, was also a valued scout for the club.

And thereby hangs a tale – a direct link between Willie Maley’s 62-game undefeated Celts of 1915-1917 and Brendan Rodgers’ 63-game record-breaking Hoops 100 years later.

The first Willie McStay played for the original 62-game Celts and while the current Willie is Celtic’s Head of Academy Scouting, there is also a much more hands-on link between the teams.

Kieran Tierney, a key component of The Invincibles was discovered by none other than John McStay, giving a direct link between both records 100 years apart.