John Bonnar (footballer)

Johnny Bonnar 11 January 1924 - 14 January 2004, born in West Calder, was a Scottish footballer, a 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. He was Celtic's goalkeeper and hero in the 1953 Coronation Cup final against Hibs, where he kept Hibernian's 'famous five' at bay.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.

"I wish to record here and now that when Bonnar was having a great game I never saw a goalkeeper anywhere in my life who was better than him." Charlie Tully

References

Celtic: A complete record 1888-1992 by Paul Lunney (ISBN:1-873626-27-4)