Celtic 3-2 Aston Villa – International League Championship

The Celtic Star

·28 Januari 2025

Celtic 3-2 Aston Villa – International League Championship

The Celts are to take on Aston Villa tomorrow night, travelling to Birmingham for the final Champions’ League group stage game. However, in the 1890s, the two sides met in a very different match – one that was to decide who would be the World Champions!

Celtic’s Bould Bhoys in 1895-96. Photo The Celtic Wiki

In the 1800s, football competitions looked very different from what we have now to come to expect.

Video OneFootball

There was no Scottish League until 1890. The majority of a team’s games were friendlies, with the remaining matches made up of various national, regional and local cup contests. In addition, the modern spectacle of European competitions did not yet exist, partly due to transport difficulties as well as the varying stages of development that football had in different countries.

In the absence of matches versus continental teams, excitement was achieved through cross-border fixtures. After their first game in 1888, Celtic often played games in England and Ireland, first doing so in 1889.

Celtic FC, 1889. Photo The Celtic Wiki

Celtic’s first game in England was at the Oval, more famous for cricket

Their maiden English game was a 3-1 loss in London when opposing Corinthians, in a match played at the Oval, more famous now as a cricket ground. Celtic’s first trip across the Irish Sea took them to Belfast to meet Distillery, a match the Bhoys won 1-0.

However, it was not just Celtic made these journeys; numerous Scottish, Irish and English teams travelled across Britain, attracting crowds eager to watch these visiting sides. And to further increase interest in football matches, often very grand sounding titles were given to the encounters.

Some were titled as an ‘International Challenge Match’, ‘World Championship’ or even the ‘Championship of the world’. These were the fixtures that brought together the winners of the FA Cup and Scottish Cup, or later the English and Scottish Leagues.

Arguably the most famous of these games came in 1888. Playing at the second Hampden Park – now known as Cathkin Park – Scottish Cup winners Renton beat West Bromwich Albion, holders of the FA Cup. Afterwards, Renton erected a sign at their ground saying ‘Champions of the world’.

Renton – Champions of the World! Photo scottishsporthistory.com

Two of the Renton players went on to have a renowned place in Celtic history. Neil McCallum became the Bhoys’ first ever goalscorer and James Kelly was the club’s first captain and later became chairman too.

Neil McCallum, Celtic’s first goalscorer. Photo The Celtic Wiki

James Kelly, Celtic FC. Photo The Celtic Wiki

Celtic, Champions Again…

By the start of 1896, Celtic had firmly established themselves as one of Scotland’s premier teams. The Bhoys had won the Scottish Cup, twice been League champions and had also brought back to Celtic Park trophies like the Glasgow Cup and Charity Cup.

In the days where the league calendar involved fewer games, Celtic’s 1895-96 league season had ended in December 1895 with the Bhoys at the top of the table. However, it was not until Rangers played their outstanding game in February 1896 that Celtic were again crowned champions.

In England Aston Villa were the dominant side of the 1890s

In terms of English league victories, Aston Villa were the dominant side of the 1890s. In the seven seasons from 1893-94 until 1899-1900, Villa were the title winners on five occasions. Their second title was confirmed on 4 April 1896, with their season ending two days after this month.

Later that same month, Villa took part in a Scottish tour, including games against Hibernian and Ayr United. However, the most notable match was to be their visit to Celtic Park.

Celtic v Aston Villa – “International League Championship”

As both the Bhoys and Villains were their respective countries’ champions, this was seen as another ‘World Championship’ match, with the formal advertised title being the “International League Championship”.

Despite this grandiose title, there was only a certain amount of fan interest. 9000 fans turned up at Celtic Park on 20 April 1896. By the standards of the time, this was a reasonable crowd – especially for a midweek friendly – although far short of the huge crowds that often came to Parkhead.

Those fans that had turned up were certainly not disappointed, being very well entertained for their money.

Johnny Campbell. Photo The Celtic Wiki

Almost as soon as the game began, the visitors took the lead. And the scorer was well-known at Celtic Park. Johnny Campbell had been a Bhoys’ player before going south, and now he put Villa ahead. However, by half-time, matters were once again even.

Sandy McMahon scored twice. Image by Celtic Curio

Sandy McMahon’s – Campbell’s former attacking partner – ensured that the scores were 1-1 at the break.

Jimmy Blessington scored for Celtic

The second half proved to be even more exciting. Jimmy Blessington gave Celtic the lead and then with only five minutes remaining, the Villains’ captain Jack Devey grabbed an equaliser. Devey was quite the sportsman also played professional baseball at one point.

It seemed as though both sides would have to settle for a joint world title, until one final twist. The ball fell to McMahon on the left and his shot made it past the Villa ‘keeper Harry Wilkes. It ended 3-2 to the Bhoys and as a result of this late victory, Celtic could lay claim to the title of ‘World Champions’, although Hearts could do likewise.

The Tynecastle men had won the 1896 Scottish Cup, beating Hibs 3-1 at New Logie Green in Edinburgh, the only time the Scottish Cup Final has been played outwith Glasgow. In April 1896, Hearts beat FA Cup holders Sheffield Wednesday, at a time when the Scottish Cup was still seen as Scotland’s premier trophy.

In reality, although there was a novelty in beating English teams at this time, the title of ‘World Champions’ was not treated hugely seriously, or seen as an honour of major significance. Although, after Celtic’s victory, one newspaper article decried this attitude, saying:

“We think that more importance should be attached to the honour of the International League Championship. It means a big effort on the part of the clubs engaged, and given such brilliant football as that seen on Monday evening at Celtic Park, is worthy of three times the attendance that graced the meeting that evening.”

As with many competitions that the Bhoys won in that era, this hardly stands out as a momentous part of Celtic’s heritage, and fans will give little thought to this as the Hoops take on Aston Villa in the Champions League on Wednesday night. Still, for that one day when Celtic might have seen themselves as ‘World Champions’, it is worth remembering as part of the club’s overall history tapestry.

Matthew Marr

If you want to learn more about Celtic history, follow Hail Hail History on Twitter/X. You can also take part in a FREE Celtic history walking tour. Visit celticwalkingtours.wordpress.com for more information.

Click on cover to order a hardback copy

Matthew’s debut Celtic book titled ‘The Bould Bhoys – Glory to their name’ was published by Celtic Star Books last year and is available to order HERE. This brilliant book is also available on Amazon Kindle for just £3.49 and includes all photo sections that appear in the hardback edition.

Matthew Marr with his debut Celtic book, Glory to their name, which tells the story of Celtic’s first ever title win. Photo The Celtic Star

Celtic in the Thirties by Celtic Historian Matt Corr is published in two volumes by Celtic Star Books. ORDER NOW WHILE STOCKS LAST!