jimmy delaney

Source: Match Programme, 18th November 1950

Jimmy retired in 1957 after more than a quarter of a century in professional football, his travels taking him on a tour of the British Isles from Celtic to Elgin City. He had a remarkable career in Scotland, England and Ireland and had the distinction of winning medals in the Scottish, F.A. and Irish Cups.

In 1937 Jimmy helped Celtic to beat Aberdeen in the final of the Scottish Cup; in 1946 he gained an English medal when Manchester United beat Blackpool, and he completed a unique hat-trick with Derry City who won the Irish Cup in 1954.

In 1950, the late Mr. David Halliday pulled off a surprise deal for Aberdeen F.C. when he paid Manchester United £4,000 for Delaney's services, but Jimmy spent little more than a year at Pittodrie. He was transferred to Falkirk in December, 1951.

During his spell as a Dons player, Delaney made 39 first-team appearances, 34 at outside right and five at centre forward. In that period he scored only 11 goals, but Pittodrie supporters still got glimpses of his speed and class Jimmy helped Falkirk to gain promotion before moving to Ireland to play first with Derry City and then Cork Athletic. He returned to Scotland to sign for Elgin City and finally retired from the game in April, 1957. He did make one last appearance in Aberdeen after his departure from Pittodrie, turning out for Elgin at King's College where the Highland League team were beaten 4-1 by Aberdeen University in a North Supplementary Cup-tie.

Jimmy, who became a labourer in Lanarkshire, severed his connection with the game he served so well and for so long. In fact, he did not even go along to watch any matches. Jimmy died at the age of 75 in Cleland, Lanarkshire on the 26th September 1989.