In the years and decades that’s followed the end of the second world war it’s fair to say Celtic had lost the winning mentality that had delivered so much success in the initial half century of our clubs existence. The grand gala which marked our jubilee celebrations in 1938 was a distant memory along with the gilded dreams of a flourishing club at its peak. After winning the Empire Exhibition trophy and League championship in 1938 Celtic would be starved of any sustained success until the golden era of Jock Stein & the Lisbon Lions team he nurtured. However, even in amongst those darker days Celtic still produced moments of magic along with players that will live forever in the folklore of the club.
The immortal names of the players who wore the Hoops with distinction and pride, and still echo around our modern arena helped deliver success during a downturn in fortunes. Mochan, Fallon, Peacock, Stein, Tully and Evans all played their part in providing some of the biggest days in the clubs history. The latter of the names mentioned Bobby Evans joined Celtic in 1944 from juniors side St Anthony's and spent 16 years in the east end of Glasgow before leaving in 1960 to join Chelsea, during his time as a Bhoy, he amassed over 500 first class appearances winning 1 league championship, 2 Scottish cups, 2 league cups and the Coronation cup.
When the wait for a major honour finally ended after 13 years Evans took his place on the field as the side overcame Motherwell by a single goal in the 1951 Scottish cup final. Not a classic final by any stretch but a winning mentality was a welcome change for the Celtic officials and faithful on the terraces.
In 1953 a one off Cup competition was created to commemorate the Coronation of the new Queen. 8 clubs took part in the festival of football starting on the 11th May, 4 clubs each from Scotland & England. Celtic, although finishing 8th in the Scottish league beat Arsenal and Manchester United on route to the showpiece final where they overcame a fantastic Hibernian team that included their “Famous Five” frontline. Goals from Mochan & Walsh ensured Celtic would forever hold on to this piece of history.
In season ‘53-54 his stamina and durability were put to the test as Evans played in all but one of the clubs league, Scottish & league cup fixtures throughout the season. His reward for competing in 41 of 42 matches was helping Celtic achieve the league & cup double, our first domestic double for 40 years.
With Jock Stein sidelined due to injury Bobby Evan’s found a new lease of life at the heart of the Celtic defence. With the entire playing field in front if him Evans ability to read the passage of play and game management paid dividends as he secured 2 more medals as captain of the club. Firstly in 1956 when Celtic defeated Partick Thistle 3-0 in the league cup final replay at Hampden park. This victory ensured the league cup would be held in the Celtic park trophy room for the very first time.
The following season Evans won his final medal at Celtic leading the club to their greatest domestic cup victory of all time. On the 19th October 1957 an inspired performance by the men in green & white rewrote the history books by notching up the biggest margin of victory in a UK cup final. Celtic thrashed Rangers 7-1 to retain the league cup, a simply stunning performance that is still celebrated by Celtic fans around the world.
His medal haul does not reflect the influence he had in the team, nor does it fully recognise the talent of a hugely versatile talented leader on and off the pitch. At a time when Celtic players found it hard to make an impact at International level Bobby Evans was selected as captain of the Scottish national team and earned every one of his 48 caps.
Bobby Evans ability to play, marshal and eventually lead a Celtic side for 16 years ensures that he will always be considered as one of the greatest names to have worn the hoops.
