Celtic in action in the USA, Canada, Bermuda and Mexico

July 16, 2024

On Saturday evening (Sunday morning) Celtic begin their three-game tour of the USA. It will be the Bhoys’ 15th visit to the USA, the first being in 1931.

This final trip includes games in Washington DC, North Carolina and Indiana with opponents such as DC United, Man City and Chelsea.

You can read more about Celtic’s further visits to the USA in this three-part series starting today.

1 – CELTIC IN THE USA – 1931

Article image: Celtic in action in the USA, Canada, Bermuda and Mexico

The Bhoys’ first trip across the Atlantic took place in 1931. During a tour of the USA and Canada, Celtic played 13 games, winning nine, drawing one and losing three. The Bhoys performed at various grounds, including famous baseball stadiums such as Wrigley Field and Fenway Park.

This was a notable trip for a number of reasons, including the first time Celtic had played under proper floodlights (against a Michigan side and the University of Detroit Stadium). On this visit, the Bhoys played against Joe Kennaway, who later signed for Celtic in place of the tragically departed John Thomson.

The photo was taken in Detroit when Celtic were visiting to play Michigan All Stars, who they beat 5-0 at the University of Detroit Stadium. While in town they were given a tour of the famous Ford Motor Works. From left: 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 visit to America came in 1951. The Celtics played nine games in the USA and Canada, winning six, drawing two and losing one. Celtic played in a variety of locations including New York, Toronto and Kearney, New Jersey, which is famous for its huge Celtic Supporters’ Club.

On that trip, the Bhoys won the D. Kennedy Cup, beating the Chicago Polish Eagles 4-0. Celtic are still the cup winners.

3 – CELTIC IN THE USA – 1957

Celtic’s third Atlantic tour took the team to Canada and the USA. Eight games were played, with five wins, one draw and two losses. In half of those games, Celtic’s opponent was Tottenham Hotspur, also on a US tour. Another opponent – the Philadelphia Uhrik Truckers – certainly has one of the longest names of all Celtic’s opponents.

The trip must have done the team some good, as months after returning to Scotland they achieved a British record result in a cup final, thrashing Rangers 7-1 to win the League Cup.

4 – CELTIC IN THE USA – 1966

Celtic’s famous summer tour that left its mark on the Lisbon Lions. The Bhoys travelled to the USA, Canada and Bermuda. In eleven games, Celtic won eight and drew three without ever being defeated. They also scored an incredible 47 goals and conceded just six!

This trip is remembered in Celtic’s history books as a key to the Bhoys’ success in the 1966/67 season, as it strengthened the players’ cohesion and ensured that they won all five competitions in which they entered.

5 – CELTIC IN THE USA – 1968

Celtic’s fifth transatlantic trip took them to the USA and Mexico. Celtic played three games, including one in Mexico. The Bhoys faced AC Milan twice, winning and drawing those games. In the second game – played in Toronto – Celtic won 2-0 to claim the first CNE Cup of Champions trophy, which can still be seen at Celtic Park today.

Celtic lost their game in Mexico City 3-2 against Necaxa, but it was still remarkable to play at the world-famous Azteca Stadium.

Read more about Celtic’s other US visits in tomorrow’s Celtic Star.

Follow Matthew on Twitter @hailhailhistory

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Matthew’s first 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 included in the hardback edition.