William Loney joined the club in 1913, he had played for Celtic for 13 years where he had a spell as captain and would feature in over 300 games for the Glasgow club, he was a stalwart in the Celtic side that won six League Championships.
Nicknamed the “Obliterator” William was a tough tackling but skilful defender, he was brought in as the club hoped to improve upon the previous seasons 6th place finish. The story of William Loney of course would have an interesting twist to it, at a board meeting on 24th November 1913, he was asked why he was absent from training during the week, he very honestly explained to the board that he was upset by the sides 5-0 reversal at the hands of Clyde that he had been the worse of liquor for 3 days. William asked the board for another chance, which was given. Within a few weeks he managed to repay the boards faith in him by netting in the 3-0 win over St Mirren at Fir Park on 27th December.
Come early March, he failed to show for training again and the board’s patience obviously ran out as they gave him a free transfer for “Intemperance”. Soon thereafter he joined Partick Thistle, having made only 16 appearances for Motherwell. It was just a shame Motherwell couldn’t profit from the guile and experience he had shown at Parkhead for many a season.
William also had a handful of Scottish international caps which he picked up against Wales and Ireland.
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Name:
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William Loney |
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Height:
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Weight:
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Date of Birth:
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31st May 1879 |
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Place of Birth:
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Denny |
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Position:
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Centre-Half |
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Nationality:
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Scottish |
Football Career:
| Denny Athletic | 1900 | |
| Celtic | 1900 | 1913 |
| Belfast Celtic (Loan) | 1907 | 1908 |
| Motherwell | 1913 | 1914 |
| Partick Thistle | 1914 | 1915 |
| Clydebank | 1915 | 1917 |
Well Career:
| Apps | Goals | |
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League:
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13 | 1 |
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Scottish Cup:
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3 | 0 |
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League Cup:
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0 | 0 |
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Other:
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0 | 0 |
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Total:
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16 | 1 |