Celtic announce death of former player, coach and manager Frank Connor

Former Celtic player, coach and unbeaten caretaker-manager Frank Connor has died at the age of 86.

The goalkeeper started his career at the Hoops in 1961 and played two games for the first team before moving on to play for a host of clubs including St Mirren, Albion Rovers and Cowdenbeath.

But the North Lanarkshire man would return to his boyhood favourites 22 years after his debut as first team coach under manager Davie Hay in 1983.

He would remain working under Hay at Celtic Park for three years before taking up a role as manager of Raith Rovers where he won promotion to the First Division in his first season.

The Kirkcaldy club where still in the in the division when Connor left in 1990.

Following three-years as assistant to Hearts manager Joe Jordan between 1990 and 1993 he re-joined Celtic, alongside Jordan, as part of Liam Brady’s backroom team.

When Brady was sacked during the 1993/94 season Connor took over as caretaker manager for four games.

During that time he managed to regain some-form for Celtic and oversaw three victories, including wins over Rangers and Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon, and one draw, before being replaced by Lou Macari and leaving the club for the final time.

During a 32-year playing and managing career he also had spells at Portadown, Derry City and Berwick Rangers.

Everyone at Celtic is saddened to hear that former player and backroom Bhoy, Frank Connor has passed away at the age 86.

RIP, Frank
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) March 3, 2022

Announcing the death on Thursday, Celtic said: “Everyone at Celtic is saddened to hear that former player and backroom Bhoy, Frank Connor has passed away at the age 86.

“Frank wore his Celtic heart on his sleeve and he was bursting with pride when he joined his beloved Hoops as a 24-year-old goalkeeper from Blantyre Celtic in 1960.

“The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Celtic Park are with Frank’s family and friends at this sad time.”