On the 13th of January 1990 a tall slim central defender made his debut for Stalybridge Celtic. Eleven years and four months later, that man now somewhat less slim, made his final appearance for the blues. His career had spanned some of the most exciting seasons for Celtic and he had played a huge part in the success of the club. His name was Martin Filson.

Nobody would call him an elegant defender (not even Martin himself) but he had the heart of a lion and his strength and power would lead to his favourite Celtic nickname the Bear.

January 1990 and Celtic were joint bottom of the HFS Loans Premier League with 23 points from 28 games. Phil Wilson had just been appointed manager and within three weeks he signed Martin. Over the next 14 games Celtic amassed 22 points and safely stayed up. Martin played in most of these games and scored his first goal for the club in their last game at Caernarfon.

Season 1990-91 was eagerly awaited and Celtic started well. Martin had already played 20 games by November 24th but on that day, against South Liverpool at home, he suffered an appalling injury, a break of both tibia and fibula. He was already a favourite and the Reporter called the injury a considerable blow for Celtic. Martin was in hospital for some time and although on crutches for months he was determined to play again that season. It was not to be and even the next season (91-92) the injury was such that he was unable to start the season. Finally on 1st Feb 1992 after 15 months out he came on as substitute in the superb 3-1 FA Trophy win at Harrow. The season was to prove enormously frustrating for Martin who came on as a substitute 7 times but had no starts. Celtic won the league and promotion to the Conference and Martin was a proud member of the squad who were invited by the Mayor of Tameside to a celebration at Ashton town hall.

Martin was fit and ready for our first ever season in the Conference. The huge hero of the previous season had been Chris Camden, the mighty Buffalo who had scored 45 goals and terrorised opposing defences. In our first competitive outing for the HFS Challenge Shield, Martin faced Chris Camden who had left Celtic and joined Marine. It was a tight game and Martin shackled the Buffalo well. The game went to penalties and Martin missed! However, all his colleagues scored and Celtic won 4-2. After so long out of the game many people doubted if Martin would be up to the Conference, but by the fourth league game everyone knew the answer. Against Telford at home in front of 1300 fans he was Man of the Match and scored the equalizer. The season was a great challenge for Celtic who finished mid table. Martin was a star though some of his antics led to his first Celtic nickname Big and Daft.

Celtic fans had got used to the big man but it was time for Martin to move on. Halifax who were full time wanted him and Celtic sold him prior to season 1993-94. It was a disappointing time at Halifax, he found himself on the subs bench and when he did play he was sent off against Slough. Halifax played Celtic in October; in a drawn game Martin apparently stopped a certain Celtic goal. Shortly afterwards Martin was on his way again, this time to Dagenham. Because of the distance it was impossible to travel to Dagenham for training and so Celtic agreed he could train with the Celtic squad.

Celtic fans did not see anything more of Martin for a couple of seasons but in 1996-97 season he returned to Bower Fold with Leek in the FA cup 4th qualifying round. He played as a striker but could not stop the Celtic winning 1-0. Leek did win the Unibond league though and were promoted to the Conference. So, in August of season 1997-98 the two teams met at Bower Fold in the Conference. Martin played but Celtic were rampant that day with Brendan Burke scoring a hat trick in a 6-1 win. Unfortunately the season was a disaster for Celtic who were relegated.

The next season was almost deja vu. Following relegation Celtic were bottom of the Unibond and on October 31st the club appointed Phil Wilson as manager. Just as in season 1989-90 three weeks later on Nov 21st Martin Filson became a player at Bower Fold for the second time. Martin was a huge influence as Celtic moved from bottom to finish in the top half of the table. In his first 8 games back he was named Man of the Match twice against Lancaster & Frickley scoring in both games. A difficult season ended on a high when Celtic won the League cup 2-1 with Martin scoring the equalizer.

Season 1999-00 was to be his penultimate season and it was, to say the least, a mixed season. Martin was never consistently fit and probably played only half the games because of a groin injury. Celtic finished 7th but the season will be remembered for one of the most exciting games ever at Bower Fold and this match (of all his 193) was probably the one in which Martin contributed the most while in a Celtic shirt.

In the FA cup 4th qualifying round Celtic had got a superb draw at Altrincham and then won the replay 2-1. There was horror at Celtic when it was realised that Andy Mason who had scored one of our goals was ineligible. The ineligibility was not deemed by the FA serious enough to award the tie to Altrincham and it was ordered to be replayed at Bower Fold. In front of a crowd of over a 1000 people Celtic were understandably flat and could not raise their game. Altrincham led by the huge tough tackling Paul Ellender bullied Celtic and went into a 2-0 lead at half time. The Bear was not fit but after 48 minutes and with no way back for Celtic based on the balance of play, Phil Wilson sent Martin on as substitute to play as a striker. The description in the Reporter read Enter Martin Filson a giant with the heart of a lion. Suddenly it was Altrincham who were being bullied and Martin headed a goal to give the Celts some hope. With time running out he thumped home a second header to send the game into extra time where a great winner by Winfield Steel sent the Blues into the first round proper.

The next season is possibly our greatest ever. Is it a coincidence that Martin was able to play a full part, making 50 appearances? Much has been written about the amazing treble season where a team with few stars and on a relatively low wage bill but with supreme team spirit carried all before them. The league was the real prize and Martin scored the equalizing goal in the crucial match at Wakefield & Emley where 10 man Celtic came back from a goal down to win 3-2. The match though that epitomises Martin and his character most was the Presidents Cup final at Blyth Spartans. Celtic were playing many matches at the end of a tough season and were struggling to put out a first choice team. Martin was working in London at the time and could not make it to Stalybridge in time to travel up for the night match. But he decided he must be with the lads and paid for his own flight up to Newcastle. After a thrilling match which went to penalties (and Martin missed one) he celebrated with the team before staying in a Newcastle hotel and flying back to London the next morning.

The final match of the season was to be a great celebration as Celtic had already won the league. Martin`s father attended what was to be his son`s final game. Somehow Martin managed to get himself sent off and many supporters were very disappointed for him. However the end of the game saw an ecstatic Martin celebrating with the cup, his team mates and the fans, and any disappointment was forgotten. He still had a great day to cap an amazing season and a great non-league career.
Written by Nigel Mason

Career

Position

Defender

Born

25th Jun 1968 (56 years)

Last App

5th May 2001

Last Goal

28th Apr 2001

 

Career

Appearances

141

As Sub

19

Subbed off

12

Goals

18

Assists

0

Red Cards

0

Yellow Cards

0

Points

Average Points

Wins

Draws

Losses

Total Pitch Time

11190 mins