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A picture taken from the 1950/51 Celtic F.C. Season. Roy Milne is on the back row second from the left.
Quote from "An Alphabet of the Celts" Milne, Robert Role: Left back 1940 -1952 5'9" 11st 7lbs. b. Camelon 27th April 1921 Career: BB/Dunipace Thistle August1940/Polkemmet Juniors Sept 1940/Celtic 1st Nov 1940/RAF Aug 1941/free May 1952/New York Americans Sept 1952/Los Angeles Danes Sept 1955/manager 1957/Los Angeles United Scots. Debut v Morton (h) 2-0 (RL) 30.11.40 A studied calm defender, Roy Milne first got his chance for Celtic when Joe McCulloch was called in to play for the Scottish Army against the English (1-4) on St Andrew's Day 1940. Two weeks later "Milne can be claimed as a discovery". Roy played in the 2-3 Ne'erday win at Ibrox in 1941 and quickly developed into Celtic's lucky mascot. With 'Shammy Feet' in the team Celtic went nine matches undefeated until Hibs won 2-0 in Edinburgh on February 1st 1941. Roy served in India throughout the war (Celtic Sailors John Rae and Willie Corbett met him in Bombay) and after September 20th 1941 did not re-appear for Celtic until December 29th 1945 when his game was no longer so cool. He was moved to left half as of November 16th 1946 but inclined to play wing half like a full back, "too prone to biff the ball up-field and hoe for the best." On October 18th 1947 the famous alliteration of Miller, Mallan and Milne lined-up for the first time in the Celtic Rearguard. Roy was at right-back by ne'erday 1949 and after the 4-0 skinning at Ibrox was dropped for Alec Boden. His last game for Celtic was at Ibrox again on ne'erday two years later. He went down with the flu and Alex Rollo became Celtic's left-back as of January 6th. Roy went on the US tour of 1951 but no longer figured in Celtic's plans. He described his twelve years on the Parkhead books as "the happiest a man could have." His nickname is explained by a peculiar shuffling style he had. He lives in retirement in Spain. There is a Celtic Supporters' Club in Alva named for him. Tribute from The Alloa Advertiser Thursday 9th July 1998 Ian Fitzgerald Former Celtic mid-fielder Roy Milne, who ran the Johnstone Arms Hotel in Alva on his retiral from football, has died in Stockport following a long illness, aged 77. Roy, without doubt one of the best liked hoteliers in Central Region, was extremely popular by everyone he knew. After his playing career finished at Parkhead, he moved into Alva to run the Johnstone Arms where he gave his full backing to the football club on a Sunday, and to the Celtic Supporters Club, to which he gave his name. One of the players who was in the Johnstone team in the mid 1970's - George Law of Fishcross said this week, "Roy was one of nature's gentlemen, liked by everybody. He was always fully behind our football team and his words before a game were usually, 'Go out there and play silky soccer'." George, who now runs a bookmakers in Alva added, "I remember playing in a charity game at Greenhead Park and Roy came out of his retirement to play. His class still showed. He was a quiet, unassuming man who never talked about his Celtic career because he was a modest chap." Before taking charge of the Johnstone Arms, Roy had carved out a footballing career for himself both here and in America. He joined Celtic in 1940 from Polkemot Juniors to be manager Jimmy McStay's first signing. Roy enjoyed the company at Parkhead of such well known names as Tommy Docherty, Willie Fernie, Charlie Tully, Bobby Colins, Sean Fallon and his great friend Alex Devanney, the Celtic and Alloa Goalkeeper. By quirk of fate, when Celtic embarked on their successful quest for the 1951 Scottish Cup - beating a strong Motherwell team 1-0 by courtesy of a John McPhail goal - Roy was on the injured list. It was in season 1949-50 that Roy won his only major medal with the club, in a 3-2 victory over Rangers in the Glasgow Charity Cup. Released by Celtic in 1952, Roy and his wife Cis moved to California, where Roy was influential in the formation of the early American Soccer leagues. When a young Jock stein took Celtic to America in 1966, for a pre-season tour, it was Roy and Cis who hosted their welcome. Cis recalled at a later date, "My main problem was finding a Scottish Pipe Band in California, but I got one." In 1973 Roy and his wife returned to Scotland, took over the tenancy of the Johnstone Arms and in the process made many lifelong friends. Of an affable nature, Roy was extremely pleasant and approachable. Perhaps it is appropriate in the week leading up to the Alva Games that we should especially think of Roy for his generosity and kindness. He and Cis were sponsors to the Games five-a-side competition and were constant attendees to present the prizes. The funeral took place at Stockport Crematorium on Monday. |
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