‘Sunny’ Jim Young was an integral part of a hugely successful Celtic side in the early twentieth century…
The half back was signed from Bristol Rovers in 1903 and become one of the most successful players in the clubs history by winning 16 major honours. Hailing from the strong Protestant stranglehold of Ayrshire, he wasn’t what you would call a Celtic ‘minded’ man by any means. Not that it would have bothered the Celtic support who welcome anyone no matter colour or creed.
By the end of his career Jim was a fully fledged Celt and held a special place in the hearts of the Celtic supporters. His talent and never say die attitude on the park seen to that. Jim was not the most skilful of players but he was a hard committed player and was a favourite amongst the supporters due to his will to win on the park.
Jim was a tough tacking player who forged the perfect link between defence and attack. He was very much seen as the heart beat of a superb Celtic side and it came as no surprise when he Willie Maley appointed him club captain in 1911.
Jim was captain for the bulk of matches in an impressive 66 game unbeaten run between November 1915 to April 1917. A superb achievement which wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for the battling displays from the likes of sunny Jim.
One example of his commitment and attitude was after an incident at work left Jim with a badly injured hand. Ruled out for three games, Jim wanted to play against Doctors orders “Ye dinnae play Fitba wi yer hand” were his words of defiance.
Jim like a lot of players who didn’t go to battle during World War One had a job and he worked a demanding job as an iron turner in an iron foundry as he’d done before making it as a footballer.
Jim unfortunately had to retire due to a serious knee injury in 1917 at the age of 35. Jim played a total of 443 games for the club scoring 13 goals amassing an impressive trophy haul which included 10 league titles and 6 Scottish cups, plus 6 Glasgow cups and 8 Charity cups. Jim like a lot of Celtic players in that era was overlooked for international recognition on a regular basis and he only earned one solitary Scotland cap.
His popularity amongst the supporters was reflected in the 25,000 strong crowd who flocked to his testimonial in 1918.
Jim sadly passed away in 1922 at age of just 40 after a motorcycle accident. His death hit the Celtic family dearly and he was heavily mourned. He might not be a name that rolls off the tongue when you talk of the Celtic greats, but there’s no doubting that Jim Young was and always will be remembered as a legend of Celtic football club.
The late David Potter’s biography on Sunny Jim Young is essential reading.
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