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Famous Scots - John Bonnar

Celtic,goalkeeper,1948-1958

Johnny Bonnar (born 11 January 1924) was a Scottish association football goalkeeper, most famous for his time at Celtic. Bonnar signed for Celtic from Arbroath on August 9 1948 and made his league debut in the 4-0 victory over Clyde on the 6 November that year. Although small, Bonnar was agile enough to make over a century of league appearances for Celtic, and over 200 appearances altogether.

Bonnar was not particularly tall for a goalkeeper but was able to produce moments of magic. He was Celtic's goalkeeper and hero in the 1953 Coronation Cup final against Hibs, where he kept their Famous Five forward line at bay. In 1954 he played his part in a league and Scottish Cup double for Celtic. Bonnar moved to Dumbarton in 1958 - he had lost his place in the first team to Dick Beattie three years earlier and had made only sporadic appearances thereafter. After his spell at Dumbarton,

Bonnar left the game to concentrate on business interests. However, St. Johnstone managed to entice him back, where he helped the club win promotion for the first time. Bonnar also had the job of organizing the club's original development fund during the 1960s.

Video Link

http://www.britishpathe.com/record.php?id=38980

Headstone Photograph

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Further Information

Firstname: JOHN

LastName: BONNAR

Date of Death: 14th Jan 2004

Age at Death: 80

Cemetery: Dalbeth

  St Peters

  London Road

Town: Glasgow

Region: Glasgow and Clyde Valley

Country: Scotland

Please Note, the marker on this map indicates the Cemetery location, not the location of a particular grave.

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