Henry Anthony Hood, born Glasgow, Scotland, October 3, 1944. In the tapestry of Scottish football, few names resonate with the same depth of talent and dedication as that of Harry Hood.
Growing up in Garthamlock, a neighborhood known for its working-class roots, Harry Hood’s early life was steeped in the culture of football. Raised in a household where the beautiful game was cherished, Hood was inspired by the exploits of his older brother, Jackie, who had a brief stint in professional football, winning the Liverpool Senior Cup as a reserve player at Everton. Although Jackie returned to Scotland to play for local Junior club St Roch’s, his influence remained potent, fueling Harry’s aspirations to become a professional footballer. Initially, Hood attended St Aloysius’ College, where rugby union dominated the sports scene, yet his heart was set on football. He later transferred to Holyrood Secondary School, hoping to secure a place in the national schoolboy squad. Unfortunately, his ambition was thwarted as he had already registered as a senior player at St Roch’s, a setback that would not deter his determination to succeed.
In the summer of 1962, Hood signed with Clyde, marking the beginning of his professional career. Making his Scottish Division One debut in November of that year, he quickly adapted to the rigors of senior football. Despite Clyde’s relegation to the second tier, Hood flourished in the lower division, scoring an impressive 37 goals in 45 appearances during the 1963-64 season, showcasing his ability to find the back of the net with remarkable consistency. His prolific scoring not only propelled Clyde back to the top division but also caught the attention of clubs further afield. In November 1964, after much contemplation regarding a move to Celtic, the club he supported as a boy, Hood transferred to English club Sunderland for a fee of £30,000. This pivotal move marked a new chapter in his career, one filled with promise and potential. Hood’s time at Sunderland, however, was marred by injuries and managerial turmoil. He made an immediate impact by scoring the only goal in a match against Manchester United, yet his fortunes took a turn for the worse as he suffered a double hernia during pre-season in 1965, which sidelined him for the entire 1965-66 season. Upon his return, Hood found himself among a group of players ostracized by manager Ian McColl, leading to a frustrating spell where he struggled to secure a regular spot in the starting XI. As a result of this tumultuous period, Hood made the decision to return to Clyde in October 1966 for a fee of £13,000. His comeback to Clyde reignited his career, culminating in a stellar 1966-67 season, where the club finished third in the league, behind only the celebrated Celtic and Rangers teams, both of which were European contenders. Hood’s resurgence not only reinstated his confidence but also reaffirmed his status as a formidable forward in Scottish football.
In March 1969, Hood’s dreams of playing for Celtic finally materialized when he signed for the club for a transfer fee of £40,000. Joining a squad managed by the legendary Jock Stein, which included the iconic Lisbon Lions and promising youngsters like Kenny Dalglish, Hood quickly established himself in this talented ensemble. His technical prowess and eye for goal endeared him to the Celtic faithful, and he became an integral part of the team’s success. Hood played a crucial role in Celtic’s journey to the 1970 European Cup Final, contributing with vital goals along the way. Despite not being selected for the final against Feyenoord in Milan, where Celtic ultimately fell short, Hood’s impact on the team was undeniable. The pinnacle of his Celtic career arrived when he scored the winning goal against Rangers in the 1971 Scottish Cup Final replay, helping Celtic secure a 2-1 victory. Additionally, he netted the first goal in the 1974 Scottish Cup Final, leading to a 3-0 triumph over Dundee United. His time at Celtic was marked by considerable success, with Hood claiming six Scottish league championships, three Scottish Cups, and two Scottish League Cups, amassing an impressive 123 goals in all major competitions. His presence on the field was often met with chants of “Hare Krishna” from the fans, a testament to his popularity and connection with the supporters. Furthermore, his hat-trick in an Old Firm game against Rangers in 1973 remains a remarkable feat that was not matched until 2016, highlighting his lasting legacy in one of football’s most intense rivalries. Hood’s time at Celtic came to an end in 1976, after which he enjoyed brief stints with San Antonio Thunder in the North American Soccer League (NASL) and Motherwell, before eventually hanging up his boots at Queen of the South during the 1977-78 season. His departure from Celtic was bittersweet; he left behind a legacy that few could rival, but the lure of continuing to play and contribute to the game he loved was too strong to resist.
After his playing career, Hood transitioned into management, first taking the reins at Albion Rovers before returning to Queen of the South as manager in the summer of 1981, shortly after the club’s promotion to the First Division. Though his managerial career did not mirror his playing successes, Hood’s experience and insights from his time on the pitch proved valuable as he guided his teams through various challenges. An intriguing chapter in Hood’s career unfolded during the 1967 close season when he participated in an unofficial Scotland national team tour, which took him to countries like Israel, Australia, and Canada. Despite the tour’s success—winning every match—these fixtures were not initially recognized by the Scottish Football Association (SFA) as full internationals. This oversight meant that Hood was often overlooked in discussions about Scottish football legends, despite his undeniable talent and contributions. In June 2020, a BBC Sport article recognized Hood as one of the best Scottish players to never receive a full international cap, an acknowledgment that reflects the complexities and nuances of footballing recognition. However, in October 2021, the SFA announced that some of the matches from the tour would be reclassified as full internationals, posthumously awarding Hood an international cap and rectifying a long-standing oversight in the annals of Scottish football history.
After stepping away from professional football, Hood embarked on a new journey as a businessman, founding a hospitality company named Lisini, which incorporated the names of his three children. This venture flourished, allowing him to remain connected to the community while also contributing to the local economy through various public houses and restaurants in the Greater Glasgow area. His entrepreneurial spirit showcased the versatility of a man who, while known for his footballing prowess, was also adept in business acumen. In recognition of his contributions to Scottish football, Hood was inducted into the Clyde FC Hall of Fame in 2012, a fitting tribute to a player whose career spanned various clubs, levels of competition, and countries. His legacy as a footballer is underscored by his skill, tenacity, and the warmth he shared with those around him, both on and off the pitch. Harry Hood’s journey through the world of football is a testament to resilience, skill, and unwavering dedication. From his early days in Garthamlock to the heights of success with Celtic, Hood’s career is a rich tapestry of achievements and challenges that reflect the beauty and complexity of the beautiful game. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring footballers and a reminder of the enduring impact that a single player can have on a club and its supporters. In the ever-evolving narrative of Scottish football, Harry Hood’s name will forever remain etched in history, not just for the goals he scored or the titles he won, but for the passion and love he brought to the sport that continues to unite and inspire generations.