Celtic and Motherwell pay tribute to Johannes Edvaldsson

The former defender has died at the age of 70

Published 25th Jan 2021

Celtic and Motherwell have paid tribute to former player Johannes Edvaldsson following his death at the age of 70.

Celtic said they were "saddened'' by the news about the Iceland international, who spent five years at Parkhead after a successful trial in 1975.

'Shuggie', as he was affectionately termed while in Scotland, was a versatile player who could play centre-back or centre-forward. He scored 38 goals in 195 games for Celtic.

A club statement added: "He won two league titles and one Scottish Cup with Celtic - the league and cup double in 1977 and, most famously, playing his part in the 1979 title triumph, when the Hoops beat Rangers 4-2 at Paradise to become champions, an event that has gone done in Celtic folklore as the night 10 men won the league.''

Former Celtic midfielder Murdo MacLeod wrote on Twitter: "Very sad to hear of the passing of Johannes 'Big Shuggie' Edvaldsson. Big part of the team when we beat Rangers 4-2 to win the league in 1979. My thoughts are with his family.''

Former Hoops goalkeeper Pat Bonner added: Really sorry to hear that a great man Johannes Edvaldsson has left us. He was very good to me in the first year that I came to Celtic. RIP.''

After two years in the United States and West Germany, Motherwell boss Jock Wallace took Edvaldsson to Fir Park, where he played until 1984.

A Motherwell statement read: "An uncompromising defender, 'Shuggie', as he was known, made 65 appearances in claret and amber, netting six goals. Primarily playing at the back, he could also be deployed to great effect further up the pitch.

"Everyone at Motherwell FC's thoughts are with his family.''