They played for Celtic – Davie Hay, AKA The Quiet Assassin

Paisley born Davie, who would be become known as The Quiet Assassin, signed for Celtic in 1966, and would make his first team debut as a substitute in a 4-1 home win over Aberdeen in the right back position. However Jock Stein soon realised that Davie’s talents would be better utilised as a midfielder.

It was evident that Jock Stein made the right decision, as Davie’s ability as a creator as well as a ball winner made him a truly wonderful player, and one who would become a valuable member of not just the Celtic side, but the Scottish national side.

Even at a young age Davie Hay showed ability beyond his tender years both domestically and on the European stage, playing at right back in the ‘Battle of Britain’ European Cup semi final win over Leeds United, and the final itself against Feyenoord, and despite the disappointment of that painful defeat he acquitted himself well in Milan.

Davie truly blossomed as a terrific footballer, one of the best of his generation as he became a vital player in the Celtic side that dominated Scottish football as Jock Stein’s side racked up trophy after trophy.

He had his run-ins with the club though, and once went on strike after he and teammate George Connelly found themselves in dispute with the club over their pay and conditions.

Thankfully it was all sorted in the end and Davie was present in midfield the day the club secured the iconic nine titles in a row at Brockville in 1974, securing his fifth league winners medal to go along with his two Scottish cup gongs as well as a league cup winners medal. Which was quite an impressive haul for the player who was still only 26 years of age and very much in the prime of his career.

The talented midfielder would go on to represent Scotland at the World Cup finals in Germany that summer and as always put in an impressive performance, leading to the likes of Manchester United, Spurs and Chelsea showing a keen interest in luring him down south.

It was Chelsea who had a club record bid of £225,000 accepted by Celtic, much to the disappointment of Davie, and after 230 appearances and 12 goals his Celtic career was over, despite wanting to stay, with it even being suggested that he would have stayed in Glasgow for an extra £10 a week.

It was seen as a bad decision by the club as Davie Hay was one of the main driving forces in the Celtic side and was viewed as a future Celtic captain, but the hoops loss was definitely Chelsea’s gain.

Unfortunately for Davie he suffered his fair share of injuries at Stamford Bridge, and his career would end prematurely at the age of 31 due to a persistent knee injury, with an eye issue also affecting his ability, something that would eventually cost him vision in his right eye.

He could however be proud of his impressive career in the game. Over 200 appearances for Celtic and a stack of winners medals. Over 100 appearances for Chelsea as well as 27 Scottish caps. He truly made his mark on the professional game.

Davie would embark on a career in management, taking the reins at Motherwell before returning to Celtic as manager in 1983, leading the club to a Scottish cup win in 1985, as well as the iconic 1986 league title win at Love Street, but was dismissed in the summer of 1987.

He would have a further spell at the club as chief scout in the mid 1990s, and was responsible for identifying the likes of Jorge Cadete, Pierre Van Hoojidonk and Paolo Di Canio, before cutting ties with the club yet again in 1997.

As well as managing Celtic, Davie also managed Lillestrom, St Mirren, Livingston (whom he led to League Cup Final success in 2004) and Dunfermline Athletic.

Davie Hay was a terrific footballer who made 230 appearances for the club, scoring 12 goals and winning eight major honours, as well as winning two honours as manager. He’s more than worthy of his place in the Celtic hall of fame.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

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