New documentary to tell unique story of Fife born Celtic star George Connelly

George Connelly was a bona fide star with Celtic and regarded by many as one of the finest players of his time in Europe, but the Fife-born walked away from the game with little explanation.

Now, 50 years on, a new documentary is set to tell his story, and also celebrate a player who was part of Celtic’s ‘Quality Street Gang’ along with legends such as Kenny Dalglish, Davie Hay, Lou Macari, and Danny McGrain.

Connelly, now aged 77, was born in High Valleyfield and signed for Celtic in 1966, making his senior debut two years later. He won seven league titles, five Scottish Cups three League Cups and was capped twice.

He was earmarked as the successful to Billy McNeill in the heart of the defence, and Tommy Docherty tried to sign him for Manchester United, but Connelly walked away from the club several times, and his fifth departure in 1975 was his last. He played briefly for Falkirk before bringing the curtain down in his career in 1977.

Documentary director, Ged Fitzsimmons, is now putting the finishing touches to a new documentary with a public crowdfunding campaign launched to complete the final stages of production.

It has been filmed over seven years after he first tracked down Connelly, living quietly in Clackmannan, where he has spent years away from the spotlight.

Ged said: "When I first started this project, my priority was to challenge the narrative about George and instead celebrate him as an incredible success story, not just a career that was mysteriously cut short.

“Over 15 or 20 years, 99% of footballers do not achieve one per cent of what George did in less than half of that time.

“But George's story goes far beyond football. It is a story about genius, pressure, masculinity, mental illness, addiction, and redemption. It is also about the unseen victims of these crises; the immediate family. For decades people have wondered what happened to George. This film finally gives him the opportunity to answer that question in his own words."

The documentary features unprecedented access to Connelly and his family, alongside rare archive footage, personal video diaries and interviews with some of the biggest names in Celtic history, including Jim Craig, Lou Macari and Davie Hay.

The project has also attracted the support of acclaimed actor and filmmaker Peter Mullan, who has joined the production as executive producer, while its original score will be composed by Barry McKenna of Scottish rock band, Twin Atlantic.

Peter said: "George's story is a powerful and poignant reflection on talent, vulnerability and the cost of fame. It's a story that deserves to be told with honesty and heart, and I am honoured to support a film that shines a light on a man who has remained a mystery to so many people for so long."

To complete the final stages of production, the filmmakers have launched a crowdfunding campaign. Eligible donations of up to £250 per supporter will be matched by Creative Scotland, up to a total match fund of £10,000. Donations can be made at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/george-connelly-celtic-film