They played for Celtic – Dariusz Wdowczyk

Dariusz Wdowczyk arrived in Scotland from Legia Warsaw in November 1989, as Billy McNeill splashed out £400,000 to secure the defender’s signature…

Wdowczyk followed in the footsteps of former Legia and Polish international teammate Daurisz Dziekanowski who signed a few months earlier.

‘Shuggie’ as he was soon christened by Tommy Burns was an exceptionally experienced defender, having represented his country at the 1986 World Cup finals, and had once been a reported target of several English sides including Manchester United.

Wdowczyk was what you would now describe as a ‘ball playing’ centre back, one who wasn’t afraid to venture forward. ‘Shuggie’ also had a cultured left foot, meaning he was also capable of delivering pin point crosses, meaning he was often utilised at left back, so was very much the versatile defender.

The big Poland international made his debut for the club in 1-1 draw with St Mirren at Celtic Park, in a season of disappointment which saw Celtic lose out to Aberdeen on penalties in the 1990 Scottish Cup final, with Wdowczyk missing one of the spot kicks. However it was his fellow defender Anton Rogan who is forever remembered as the main culprit as his missed effort is seen as the one that cost the club the trophy, and a place in Europe the following season.

Like many Celtic players of that era, Wdowczyk suffered from playing in a Celtic side that played second fiddle to the now defunct Rangers, with the old Ibrox club miles ahead of everyone else due to the financial muscle they boasted. Where they were getting the funds was a real mystery at the time and certainly Celtic did not have anywhere near those resources.

The Polish international, despite having great ability was sometimes exposed in an all round weak central defensive line, as his apparent lack of ‘brute’ strength, often saw him exposed in the rough and tumble of the Scottish game. That’s why he was soon competing with Anton Rogan for the left back position.

After Rogan’s departure, Wdowczyk was seen as the man in the left back slot, and despite it being a barren period for the club, he had some great highlights in a Celtic shirt.

The most notable memory of Dariusz in the eyes of the Celtic support, is undoubtedly his goal in the famous 2-0 Scottish cup quarter final win at Celtic Park on St Patrick’s day 1991, a game now iconically known as the ‘St Patrick’s Day Massacre’.

Wdowczyk struck a thunderous free kick via a slight deflection past Ibrox goalie Chris Woods, in a game that will be forever remembered by the supporters of that era.

He also scored a terrific free kick against Hibs in a league clash at Celtic Park in 1992, as well as joining a select band of Celtic players to score directly from a corner kick, which be scored against Hearts at Tynecastle in a league clash in August 1992.

Dariusz Wdowczyk whose commitment and attitude, unlike his compatriot Dariusz Dziekanowski, was never called into question, should have been a star player given his experience and reputation. However due to his abilities not being fully utilised, combined with playing in arguably the worst era in the club’s history, he never got the chance to show his true potential in a Celtic shirt.

After five years at the club, Dariusz, who made 148 appearances for the hoops, and scoring six goals left the club to join English side Reading. Despite playing in barren era for the club, he’s still fondly remembered by supporters of a certain vintage myself included.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

HAVE YOUR SAY – Join the Celtic conversation in our comments section below…

Quick Tip – Add Celticshorts.com as your ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News for quick access to the Celtic content you value the most. It takes just a few seconds and you’ll notice the difference straight away! – Click HERE….Hail Hail!