Celebrating The Great Danny McGrain – Anyone lucky enough to have witnessed Danny McGrain at the peak of his powers in the 1970s and ‘80s will testify that Drumchapel’s finest is a true footballing great in every sense…
I was fortunate to have been weaned on the Lisbon Lions, and subsequently those upcoming legends of the game, The Quality Street Kids.
Kenny Dalglish, George Connolly, David Hay, Pat McCluskey, Victor Davidson, Lou Macari, Paul Wilson; names to make our hearts swell, and, together with Danny McGrain, only Alex Ferguson’s future class of ’95 could rival their brilliance – maybe!
With Danny playing an unfashionable full-back role, it may have been expected that he would have shone a lesser light in such esteemed company. Not a bit of it!
There was something different about Danny McGrain
The young right-back displayed true grit as well as vision and authority as he embarked on a journey which propelled him to two World Cups in 1974 and 1982 where he shone oh-so-brightly. Only injury denied him a third.
There was something different about McGrain; every time he entered a football field he played with the enthusiasm of an 18-year-old, even after a shocking discovery that he had diabetes.
When folk wrote him off at that time, Danny decided to write his own script, continuing to take the world by storm. He embodied the term, ‘indomitable’.
Danny was a perfect foil for ‘King Kenny’
My own personal memories are of him being a perfect foil for ‘King Kenny’ as they forged a partnership which delivered trophies and almighty hangovers. Those were the days!
His drive forward and clever one-two with Dalglish leading to a brilliant finish by the King bought Celtic the points at Tynecastle in a heart-stopping 4-3 victory over Hearts. Not bad for a defender!
Marking a series of very decent Rangers wingers over the years, whilst setting up his strikers for success in (then) ‘Old Firm’ matches.
Sitting atop his victorious team-mates in front of a lauding support at Tannadice having conquered the League-again. Great memories of times past.
Tannadice was a good place to celebrate after hosting this debutant v Dundee United in a League Cup tie in 1970. That same year, youngsters McGrain and Dalglish were honoured by Jock Stein as they joined the European Cup Final squad in Milan.
If it was a career low for the Bhoys to lose that Cup, it didn’t stop this wonder duo from kicking on in their illustrious careers.
Danny had the misfortune to fracture his skull
Only two years later, Danny had the misfortune to fracture his skull. He took the time out to plot his way to the top, and, on his return in 1972, he was given the unnerving task of replacing Lisbon Lion, Jim Craig in the Celtic squad; from one legend to another.
The following year, 1973, the rising star was selected for Scotland versus Wales at Wrexham who starred Leighton James, Terry Yorath and Liverpool great, John Toshack. a great honour indeed for the youngster.
“The best right-back in the world”
That year was momentous for him as he was delighted to see the League Flag fly over the Jungle for the 8th consecutive season. “Hello! Hello! It’s 8-in-a-row!” was the chant around Paradise.
Another League Title was won the following year, and Danny’s sterling performances in the West Germany World Cup brought him accolades aplenty. The opinion that the Celt was “The best right-back in the world” was common among global aficionados.
The darned diabetes hit him after Germany, but his lifestyle changes ensured that he would progress even further. Indeed, a League and Cup double in ’77 brought McGrain the Player of the Year bauble. Nobody deserved it more.
When Dalglish broke our hearts by defecting to a lesser club, Liverpool in 1977, his pal Danny stepped up to take the Captain’s armband, and he wore it so well. Unfortunately, (or fortunately depending on your take here), a foot injury omitted him from the ill-fated Argentina World Cup.
Compensation was gifted from the Heavens
Compensation was gifted from the Heavens however, when Daniel Fergus McGrain led Celtic to one of the most celebrated Titles in our history; the famous 4-2, Ten Men Won The League finale in the seething cauldron of Celtic Park. The after-match scenes that night are legendary, and Danny lapped up every second as skipper.
A series of titles and cups attracted themselves to this tough-tackling Parkhead stalwart, and yet another glorious title winning day was enjoyed at Love Street in 1986; Albert Kidd day, of course.
Love Street, 1986
Requiring leaders, Hearts to lose to Dundee at Tynecastle, whilst Celtic needed at least a three goal victory over St Mirren at Love Street, Manager, David Hay’s Bhoys set about the buddies with relish, and hammered home five goals without reply.
The carnage on the terraces as the news came over the ‘trannies’ that Dundee had scored twice to stymie the Jambos is now legendary. Yes, I was there, and in raptures.
McGrain was magnificent that day, and his contribution to Celtic’s third goal will be replayed on our screens for decades. Like the 4-2 game, Love Street will go down in Celtic’s annals as one of our greatest ever, and Danny skippered both!
Danny’s final game for Celtic was on 9 May, 1987
9 May, 1987, was the date of Danny’s final game for the Hoops, away to Hearts at Tynecastle. He would never be replaced despite a series of terrific performers over the years at right back. How could he be?
When I was a kid, I stood outside the old Celtic Park waiting for the players to finish training. I got the autographs of Cesar, Jinky, Kenny, George Connolly and finally, Danny. He was waiting for his lift and I asked him, “You’ve been shifted to left-back in the Scotland team to accommodate Rangers’ Sandy Jardine. Does that mean you’re better than him since you can play in both positions?”
The world’s finest full-back just smiled at me; “Aye son. For them it’s Danny Who?” He winked, ruffled my hair and left this wee boy shaking in his boots. I’ll leave that with you.
Danny McGrain made 439 appearances for Celtic
Danny McGrain amassed a total of 439 appearances for Celtic, 62 Scotland caps, seven League Championships, five Scottish Cups and two League Cup medals.
He was, and, with all due respect to the other great servants, remains the greatest full back ever to pull on a Celtic and Scotland shirt. I was privileged to have seen him play, and chuffed to have him ruffle my hair. This week Danny turned 76, and I’m sure you’ll join me in honouring the great man.
Hail Hail!
Eddie Murray
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