Charlie Christie

Born: 30th March 1966, Inverness

Charlie Christie was one of the most skillful players ever to play in the Highland League and could play in either midfield or attack. Charlie started out as a youth player with local rivals Inverness Caledonian but joined Inverness Thistle to increase his chances of regular first team football, becoming an instant success. In what was his first senior season at the club he played his part in the club’s successful Scottish Cup run that ended at Celtic Park. He also scored his first goal for the club in April 1985 in the 6-1 home league win over Deveronvale only a few days before he picked up his first senior medal in the North of Scotland Cup victory over Inverness Caledonian. He was a vital member, as well as top scorer for the great young Inverness Thistle team that ran away with the league championship in season 1986-87 and in 1987 he joined Glasgow Celtic.

During his time at Celtic Park he was top goal scorer (with 25 goals) for the reserves during Celtic’s double winning centenary campaign in 1988-89 but instead of waiting for his chance at Parkhead returned north to join Inverness Caledonian in 1989. Charlie continued to play for Caley, winning several more highland trophies, until Inverness Thistle and Inverness Caledonian were merged in 1994 to form Caledonian Thistle (later Inverness Caledonian Thistle). Charlie played for Inverness Caledonian Thistle (ICT) for 10 years in all three leagues as the club climbed from the 3rd Division to the 1st Division, played in the 1999 Bell’s Cup Final and contested a Scottish Cup semi-final as the club went from success to success culminating in the 1st Division championship in 2004.

Season 2003-04 was Charlie’s last season at ICT, in a playing capacity, with his retirement at the age of 38 he took up a full-time off-field roll at the club. In January 2006 he was appointed manager of Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC.

Played For: Inverness Thistle, Glasgow Celtic, Inverness Caledonian, Inverness Caledonian Thistle

Inverness Thistle Honours: North of Scotland Cup (1984-85), Highland League Championship (1986-87), Sunday Post's Young Players' Player of the Year Trophy (1986-87)