Johannes Edvaldsson would go on to be one of the first successful European imports in the club’s history, after joining the club in 1975 following a short trial period…
The towering Icelandic international started his career in his native Iceland with Valur, before enjoying a spell in South Africa with Cape Town City, and then had fleeting stays in France and Denmark with Metz, and Holbaek respectively.
Johannes was a towering centre back, but had a great versatility, which was evident in his time at Celtic in which he played in every outfield position.
Big Shuggie was a popular player with the Celtic support
‘Big Shuggie’ as he was soon christened by the Celtic faithful, was utilised in a midfield position, and scored on his debut in a friendly against English Champions Derby County at a packed Celtic Park.
Edvaldsson soon established himself as a first team regular with his grit and determination endearing him to the supporters, and he chipped in with his fair share of goals, reaching double figures as he excelled in his debut season, although it was a disappointing one for the club as we finished the campaign empty handed.
The next season was one of mixed fortunes for the big Icelander, with the presence of the newly acquired experienced and talented Pat Stanton, added with the emergence of a young Roy Aitken, saw Shuggie overlooked for a spell, but he would soon find himself back in the side after an injury to Roddie MacDonald, and played a vital part in the club’s double success.
Shuggie was particularly outstanding in the 1-0 Scottish Cup final win over Rangers FC, with his header leading to the award of a spot kick which was converted by Andy Lynch as the Hoops claimed a domestic double.
The following campaign would be one of disappointment for the club as it was another season devoid of silverware, but on a individual level for Shuggie, it was pleasing as he finished as the club’s joint top scorer.
When Billy McNeill took over in the summer of 1978, he looked to stamp his authority on the side, and that meant ringing a few changes, with one of those being Shuggie being played consistently in the centre of defence.
He excelled in his more natural position, and alongside Roddie McDonald he formed a steady and solid central defensive partnership, which played a part in a memorable title win.
The game that clinched the league title in May 1979, was of course the famous 4-2 win over Rangers at Celtic Park, and Shuggie played his part in a historical win, as his strength and never say die attitude was a key factor in the side winning the game and the title, a game which is now widely recognised as the night when ‘ten men won the league’.
Season 1979/80 proved to be one of disappointment for Johannes Edvaldsson as he was used sparingly, and not surprisingly would eventually end his five year association with the club as he decided to move across the Atlantic, joining American side Tulsa Roughnecks in February 1980.
Shuggie would move back to Scotland in 1982, this time in the claret and amber of Motherwell where he would spend two years before returning home to Prottur, hanging up his boots just a year later.
Johannes Edvaldsson sadly passed away at the age of 70 in January 2021, but will always be fondly remembered by Celtic supporters of a certain vintage. And rightly so as he made 188 appearances, scoring 36 goals, winning two league titles and a Scottish Cup.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
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