Book description
James Edward McGrory (1904-82) is a Celtic legend, remembered today
as the greatest goal-scorer in the history of Scottish football. His
record of 550 goals in his 15-year career at Parkhead from 1922 to
1937 is unlikely to be surpassed and will stand forever as a memorial
to a player who was a typical product of the period between the two
world wars. At a depressing time when wages were low and work was
scarce, his feats on the field provided a welcome and much-needed
escape for the thousands of ordinary, cloth-capped Scottish working
men who packed the dirt terracing to cheer on every move he made.
Heroes are Forever tells the full story of McGrory's life and
career, and is set against the vividly drawn background of the
inter-war period. It is a portrait of a loyal, modest and
inspirational man who lifted the hearts of his countrymen and raised
the spirits of a nation. It was he, after all, who by scoring twice
for Scotland in 1933 provoked the original 'Hampden Roar'.
John Cairney was born in Glasgow, where he trained as an actor. He
subsequently enjoyed a long career in films, television and radio, and
is the author of more than a dozen books, including two volumes of
autobiography. He now lives in New Zealand with his wife.
