Doyle Daniel Image 3 Glasgow Celtic 1896

Description

Paisley, Renfrewshire born right back Daniel “Ned” Doyle started playing football for Rawyards Juniors in 1880, and his junior career also saw him play for Darngavil in 1881, Slamannan Barnsmuir in 1882 and Broxburn Shamrock in 1883 before he joined Hibernian in 1884 and East Stirlingshire in 1885. His first spell in England came the following year with Sunderland though it was brief and he returned to Scotland to play once again for Hibs. He was then loaned to Heart of Midlothian in 1887 before returning to England later that year with Newcastle East End, then with Grimsby Town in 1888.

He had a spell with Bolton Wanderers in 1889 but failed to make their first eleven, and joined Everton in the close season of 1889, making his Football League debut against Blackburn Rovers that September. He became club captain and in his second season Everton won the League Championship. However, after a single goal in 45 appearances for The Toffees he returned to Scotland to join Celtic in August 1891, and it was here that he really found fame. He played in the first Celtic team to win the Scottish League (1892-93) and the first to win the Scottish Cup (1892) and won the League four times during his eight year tenure at Celtic Park.

He was a strong and wonderfully two footed player who was arguably the best defender of his generation and the player’s qualities were such that he would also become captain of both Celtic and Scotland. When he retired in 1899 after nine years as a Celt, he had played 133 times for The Bhoys and scored 6 goals.

He won 8 caps for Scotland while with Celtic between April 1892, when he made his international debut in a defeat to England at Ibrox Park, and April 1898, his final cap also a defeat to The Auld Enemy, that match played at Celtic Park. He also played 9 times for The Scottish League whilst with Celtic between April 1892 and February 1899.