Jimmy Blessington

Jimmy Blessington (28 February 1874 - 18 April ????) was a Scottish footballer most notable for his time at Celtic. Born in Linlithgow, he was the son of a quarryman, his early clubs included Leith Hibernians and Leith Athletic. He joined Celtic in the close season of 1892, making his league debut against Aberdeen at Celtic Park on 10 September 1892. He was a right-winger, famous for his clever dribbling and quick turn of speed. He gained four full Scottish caps, and made five full appearances for the Scottish league. Blessington enjoyed six successful seasons with Celtic. He won Championship badges in 1893, 1894, and 1896 and played in the 1893 and 1894 Scottish Cup finals. On 18 February 1898, he was transferred to Preston North End and later had spells with Derby, Bristol City, Luton Town, and Leicester Fosse, where he became the clubs first manager in 1907. In 1913 he was appointed coach of Belfast Celtic and also as an athletics handicapper for the Irish GAA. In his later years he was a licensee in the Devon town of Newton Abbot.

References

*Lunney, Paul "Celtic: A complete record 1888-1992" ISBN:1-873626-27-4