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Patrick Gordon Stanton (born 13 September 1944) is a Scottish former football player and manager.

Key Information

Stanton played for Hibernian for most of his career, making nearly 400 league appearances. Late in his career, he had a short and successful spell with Celtic. Stanton also made 16 appearances for Scotland. After retiring as a player, he assisted Alex Ferguson at Aberdeen and managed Cowdenbeath, Dunfermline Athletic and Hibernian.

Club career

[edit]

Stanton is the great-great nephew of Michael Whelahan (a founder of Hibernian and its first captain) and the great-nephew of Hibernian centre forward James Hendren.[2][3][4][5] He signed for the club in 1963 and made his professional debut later that year.[6] He established himself in the Hibs first team, playing either in defence or midfield.

He won the 1969–70 SFWA Footballer of the Year award after an outstanding season,[7][8] an achievement made more notable by the fact that Hibs did not win any trophies that season, finishing in third place in the league, thirteen points behind winners Celtic (who had also reached the 1970 European Cup final). Stanton captained the Hibs side which won the 1972 Scottish League Cup Final.[6][9][10]

In 1976, Stanton signed for Celtic in a swap deal for Jackie McNamara, Sr.[6] Jock Stein, who had briefly managed Stanton at Hibs in the 1960s and was a long time admirer, identified him as a player who could stop Celtic conceding soft goals. The move proved highly successful, with the experienced Stanton excelling in defence and playing a total of 44 league and cup games for Celtic, losing only 4.[6][11][12]

Stanton was deployed by Stein as a sweeper, and had a successful season as Celtic won both the Scottish Cup and the Scottish league championship in 1976–77, clinching the title in a 1-0 victory against Hibs at Easter Road through a goal by Joe Craig.[6][11][13]

Stanton played in Celtic's 1977 tour of Singapore and Australia, with Celtic winning the World of Soccer Cup tournament after victories against Red Star Belgrade at Olympic Park Stadium (2-0), a 3-2 win against Arsenal at Sydney Cricket Ground, and victories against the Singapore and Australia national teams.[14][15] At the start of the 1977-78 season however, he suffered a knee injury in a 0-0 draw against Dundee United on 14 August 1977, which eventually forced his retirement from playing.[6]

Hibs and Celtic played a testimonial match for Stanton on 30 April 1978, which was attended by over 40,000 supporters.[16][17]

International career

[edit]

Stanton was selected three times by the Scotland under-23 team early in his career.[18] He won 16 caps for Scotland between 1966 and 1974,[1][19] captaining the side three times.[6] He also played for the Scotland under-21 team as an over-age player and represented the Scottish League.[20][21][22]

Coaching and management

[edit]

Stanton got a start in coaching when Alex Ferguson made him his assistant at Aberdeen, a position he held for one season,[23] that resulted in winning the Premier Division title together.[24] He then managed Cowdenbeath, then Dunfermline Athletic. He returned to Hibs in 1982, but his spell in the manager's chair at Easter Road was unsuccessful and he resigned in 1984.[25] Stanton was also manager of the Scotland semi pro team for the Four nations tournament in 1981 and 1982.[26][27]

Legacy

[edit]

"I can pay no higher tribute than to suggest that any aspiring youth would do well to copy Pat's code of conduct both on and off the field."

—Hibernian Manager Eddie Turnbull.[28]

"My admiration for Pat Stanton goes back a long time - to his junior days, to be exact. I tried to sign him for Dunfermline and found that his preference was for Hibs. It was their good fortune to have him for so long."

—Celtic manager Jock Stein.[28]

A composed midfielder who could also operate in a defensive role, Stanton was noted for his reading of the game, tackling, and passing ability. He is regarded as one of Hibernian's greatest ever players, and widely considered to be one of the finest Scottish players in the history of the game, with notable football figures including Jock Stein, Eddie Turnbull, and Alex Ferguson having praised him for his ability and sportsmanship.[29][30]

Scotland manager Tommy Docherty was a keen admirer of Stanton, selecting him for a number of international matches, and claiming that he considered Stanton to be a better player than the legendary England captain Bobby Moore.[30][31]

In July 2025, Hibs renamed one of the stands at Easter Road as the "Pat Stanton Stand" in his honour.[32]

Honours

[edit]
Hibernian
Celtic
Scotland
Individual

Other activities

[edit]

Stanton had a minor acting role in the 1998 film adaptation of The Acid House, in which he played a barman in the segment titled 'The Granton Star cause'.[36]

After leaving the club as player and manager, Stanton helps Hibernian with their matchday hospitality.[11] Following complications and surgery after the birth in 2012 of his twin grandsons, Stanton has been devoting his time to support of brain-damaged children.[37]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Pat Stanton

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Patrick Gordon Stanton (born 13 September 1944) is a Scottish former professional footballer best known for his distinguished 13-year career as a versatile and defender with , where he made 617 appearances and scored 78 goals, captaining the club to victory in the 1972 final against Celtic. A boyhood Hibernian supporter from , Stanton joined the club in 1963 after playing for youth sides like Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic, making his senior debut at age 19 against and quickly establishing himself as a key player in Eddie Turnbull's innovative "Turnbull's Tornadoes" side during the 1960s and 1970s. Over his time at , he contributed to several trophies, including the 1964 Summer Cup, the 1972 and 1973 Drybrough Cups, and the memorable 7-0 win over rivals Hearts at Tynecastle on 1973, while earning recognition as the Scottish Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year in 1970 for his composed reading of the game, strong tackling, and precise passing. Internationally, Stanton represented 16 times between 1966 and 1974, captaining the side on three occasions, and he transitioned to a sweeper role later in his career before transferring to Celtic in a swap deal in September 1976, where he helped secure the Scottish league title and in his debut 1976–77 season under manager . Forced to retire prematurely in 1978 at age 33 due to after just 21 league appearances for Celtic, Stanton's legacy endures as one of Hibernian's greatest servants, with his induction into the in 2012 and the renaming of Easter Road's East Stand as the Pat Stanton Stand in July 2025 ahead of the club's 150th anniversary celebrations.

Early life

Family background

Patrick Gordon Stanton was born on 13 September 1944 at 01:20 a.m. in Peffer Bank, Craigmillar, Edinburgh, Scotland. Stanton's family has deep roots in Scottish football history, particularly with Hibernian F.C. He is the great-great-nephew of Michael Whelahan, who was born in 1854 in Ireland, emigrated to Scotland as a child, and served as the club's founding captain in 1875. This connection traces back through Whelahan's sister Mary, who married Andrew Stanton in 1867, linking the families across generations. Stanton grew up in the Niddrie area of , a working-class housing scheme south of the city center, during the post-World War II period. The neighborhood was characterized by a strong community spirit among brewery workers and their families, where football permeated daily life as an accessible and popular activity for boys. Local culture emphasized participation in the sport, with Stanton recalling that nearly every boy in the area played, influenced by nearby juvenile teams and a sense of it being an essential part of growing up. This environment, combined with his familial ties to Hibernian, fostered an early passion for the game that shaped his future involvement.

Youth career

Pat Stanton began his youth football career with Salvesen Boys Club in Edinburgh, where he played at the juvenile level during his early teenage years. As a descendant of Hibernian co-founder Michael Whelahan, Stanton had a familial tie to the club that influenced his early aspirations in the sport. In his mid-teens, Stanton signed his first professional contract with Hibernian, but the club's management deemed him in need of further development and loaned him to Bonnyrigg Rose Athletic. At Bonnyrigg, a junior club in Midlothian, he progressed significantly, refining his abilities as a versatile midfielder known for his tactical awareness and passing range. This period at Bonnyrigg proved formative, providing competitive experience that prepared him for senior football. Stanton's youth phase concluded in 1963 when, at the age of 18, he officially joined Hibernian from Rose, transitioning to the professional ranks.

Club career

Hibernian

Pat Stanton made his professional debut for Hibernian on 5 October 1963, in a Scottish League match away to at Fir Park, where he scored the opening goal in a 3–4 defeat. Over the course of his 13-year tenure with the club from 1963 to 1976, he went on to make 617 appearances and score 78 goals across all competitions. Stanton assumed the captaincy during this period and demonstrated strong leadership, guiding Hibernian to several notable finals at , including the 1969 final and the 1972 and finals. As captain, he led the team to victory in the 1972 Final, scoring the opening goal in a 2–1 win over Celtic on 9 December at Hampden, securing Hibs' first major trophy in 25 years. In recognition of his outstanding performances during the 1969–70 season, Stanton was named the , a notable accolade given that Hibernian did not secure any major honours that year. Known for his tactical versatility, he primarily operated as a but could also fill defensive roles effectively under manager , contributing to the dynamic style of the "Turnbull's Tornadoes" side and victories in the 1964 Summer Cup and the 1972 and 1973 Drybrough Cups.

Celtic

Pat Stanton joined Celtic from Hibernian on 1 September 1976 in a shock swap deal that saw Sr. move to . The transfer, orchestrated by manager —who had briefly managed Stanton at Hibs in the 1960s and admired his commanding defensive displays there—surprised many observers given Stanton's status as a Hibs legend and captain. Deployed primarily as a sweeper to provide composure and leadership to Celtic's youthful squad, Stanton made 37 league appearances without scoring goals during his tenure from 1976 to 1978. His experience helped stabilize the defense, contributing significantly to the team's success in his debut season. Celtic secured both the Scottish Premier Division title and the in 1976–77, with Stanton playing a key role in the double triumph, including appearances in the cup run that culminated in a 1–0 final win over Rangers. Stanton's time at Celtic was cut short by a recurring knee injury sustained in a 0–0 league match against Dundee United on 13 August 1977. Despite undergoing surgery, complications arose, forcing his retirement on 5 August 1978 at age 33 and limiting his overall impact despite the high expectations surrounding his arrival. Across 44 total appearances for the club, Celtic lost only four games with him in the lineup, underscoring his positive influence before the injury ended his playing career prematurely.

International career

Scotland national team

Pat Stanton earned 16 caps for the national team between 1966 and 1974, during which he captained the side on three occasions. He made his senior international debut on 11 May 1966 in a friendly match against the at , which lost 3–0. After an initial gap in selection, Stanton became a regular in the squad from 1969 onward, featuring in qualifying campaigns for both the and the 1972 European Championship, as well as fixtures. His appearances during the early 1970s, including matches in the 1972 and 1973 , coincided with 's successful qualification for the , though he did not feature in 's qualifying matches against and Denmark. Stanton's final cap came on 27 March 1974 in a friendly against at , a 2–1 defeat that served as a warm-up ahead of the World Cup finals in which participated. As a versatile midfielder capable of playing in defensive or central roles, Stanton provided stability and distribution in Scotland's engine room, often alongside contemporaries such as and during his later caps. He captained in the 1–0 friendly defeat to the on 14 June 1971 in , as well as in the 1–0 and 2–0 victories over in the British Championships on 24 May 1972 and 12 May 1973, respectively. Despite his defensive-oriented position, Stanton made no goals during his international career but contributed to the team's build-up play and tactical organization from midfield. His club form at Hibernian was a key factor in his national team selections, where he was valued for his composure and leadership qualities.

Other representative teams

Stanton earned six caps for the Scottish League XI between 1966 and 1973, showcasing his versatility and leadership in exhibition matches against representative sides from other leagues. These appearances highlighted his status as one of 's premier midfielders during a period when such inter-league fixtures served as important tests for top domestic talent. Early in his career, Stanton was selected for the Scotland under-23 team on three occasions, all in friendly internationals. His debut came on 30 November 1966, when secured a 6–0 away victory over at in . He next featured on 1 1967 in a 3–1 away win against at , . Stanton's final under-23 outing was on 7 1968, a 1–2 home defeat to at . In addition to these youth-level honors, Stanton appeared for the under-21 team as an over-age player, allowing him to contribute his experience to emerging talents in developmental fixtures. These representative roles underscored his enduring value to Scottish football beyond senior internationals and club duties.

Coaching and management

Assistant coaching roles

Following his retirement from playing due to a sustained early in the 1977–78 season at Celtic, Pat Stanton transitioned directly into . Stanton's initial coaching role came in 1978 when he joined as assistant manager to the newly appointed . In this position, he provided key tactical input and supported player development, helping to instill discipline and strategic depth in the squad during a transformative period for the club. Ferguson later described Stanton as a "brilliant right-hand man," crediting his contributions to the team's cohesion and success. Under Stanton's assistance, secured their first Scottish Premier Division title in 1980, ending a nine-year dominance by Celtic and Rangers. This achievement marked a pivotal early milestone in Stanton's coaching career, highlighting his ability to contribute effectively in a supportive role at a major club. He remained in the position for two seasons before pursuing independent opportunities.

Managerial positions

Stanton's first foray into management came in 1980 at , where he oversaw 21 matches with a record of 9 wins, 5 draws, and 7 losses during a brief stint that showcased his potential. His promising work there quickly led to an opportunity at a higher level, as he departed after just a few months to join Athletic. Appointed in December 1980 at age 36, succeeding Harry Melrose, Stanton managed until September 1982, compiling 89 games with 25 wins, 23 draws, and 41 losses. His tenure focused on consolidating the club's position in the First Division after their 1979 promotion to that level, with efforts centered on building squad depth through signings like , Rab Stewart, and Bobby Forrest, alongside heavy investments in transfers totaling over £60,000 for players such as Doug Considine and Hugh Hamill. Despite these initiatives, the team faced consistency issues, including dressing-room cliques and suboptimal transfer returns, finishing 12th in 1980–81 and 10th in 1981–82 without securing promotion to the Premier Division. Stanton's exit followed a dismal section defeat to Athletic on 1 September 1982, where an experimental lineup underscored the mounting pressures. In September 1982, Stanton returned to Hibernian—his longtime playing club—as manager, replacing , and held the position until September 1984. Over 87 matches, he recorded 25 wins, 26 draws, and 36 losses, guiding the team through mid-table finishes in the Premier Division (sixth in 1982–83 and seventh in 1983–84) amid ongoing challenges to maintain competitiveness. His approach emphasized youth development and tactical discipline, drawing from his prior assistant role under at in 1978–79, where he contributed to the Dons' first league title in 1980. Overall, Stanton's managerial style reflected Ferguson's emphasis on organization and player motivation, though adapted to resource-limited environments, it yielded mixed results across his spells without achieving major trophies or promotions.

Later life

Post-retirement activities

After retiring from management at Hibernian in 1984, Pat Stanton settled into a quiet life in his native , where he has resided ever since, enjoying local outings and reminiscing about his upbringing in areas like Niddrie and Portobello. He has maintained a low-profile existence, occasionally wandering familiar spots such as and sharing nostalgic stories from his youth in casual settings like local cafes. In 1998, Stanton made a brief foray into , portraying the role of the Barman in the segment "The Granton Star Cause" of the anthology film , directed by Paul McGuigan and adapted from Irvine Welsh's short stories. This appearance marked his only credited role in cinema, drawing on his status as a local football legend from . Stanton has periodically engaged in media to reflect on his playing and career, providing insights into his experiences at Hibernian and Celtic. In 2013, he participated in BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound "Team Talk XI" feature, selecting his all-time best players and discussing key moments from his professional life. In 2019, he was appointed as Hibernian FC's club on a full-time basis, where he assists with matchday hospitality and represents the club at events. He attended the unveiling of the bronze sculptures at in August 2024 and the renaming of the East Stand as the Pat Stanton Stand in July 2025 ahead of the club's 150th anniversary. Such roles and interviews have allowed him to actively connect with fans and maintain ties to Scottish football.

Health and charity work

In 2012, one of Pat Stanton's twin grandsons, Oliver, suffered a haemorrhage shortly after birth and required emergency surgery at two weeks old, resulting in lifelong disabilities including partial sight and the need for a . Inspired by the support his family received, Stanton launched a campaign that year for Sense Scotland, a charity that assists children with complex disabilities and had provided vital early intervention for Oliver. Since then, he has continued advocating for organizations aiding brain-damaged children, including participating in a 2019 gala event at the to raise funds for Muirfield Riding Therapy Centre in , a facility that offers therapeutic riding sessions benefiting his grandson.

Legacy and honours

Recognition and tributes

Pat Stanton is widely regarded as one of Hibernian Football Club's greatest players of all time, having been voted the club's Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in a 1995 fan poll ahead of legends such as , Gordon Smith, and . Prominent figures in Scottish football have paid to Stanton's exceptional ability and sportsmanship. , who managed Stanton briefly at Hibernian and later at Celtic, rated him as a "top, top player". , under whom Stanton served as the "kingpin" of the famous "Turnbull's Tornadoes" side, acknowledged his pivotal role in assembling what he considered the best all-round Hibernian team in history. Sir , who worked alongside Stanton as his assistant at , expressed deep admiration for him in a biography of him, describing him as a "top, top player" and attending Stanton's 75th birthday celebration in person to show his enduring affection. In recognition of his contributions, Hibernian renamed the East Stand at the "Pat Stanton Stand" on July 3, 2025, as a lasting tribute to his legacy and to inspire future generations of players and supporters. Stanton's achievements were further honored by his induction into the in 2012, where he was celebrated alongside other icons for his 397 league appearances and key role in Hibernian's successes during the and . He was also inducted into the Hibernian Hall of Fame that same year, cementing his status as a club legend.

Career honours

During his playing career with Hibernian, Pat Stanton won the Summer Cup in 1964, the in 1972 (scoring in the 2–1 final victory over Celtic at ), and the Drybrough Cup in 1972 and 1973. Stanton's move to Celtic in 1976 proved fruitful, as he contributed to the club's domestic double the following season, winning both the Scottish Premier Division title and the . In recognition of his outstanding performances for Hibernian during the 1969–70 season, Stanton was named Scottish Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year. Later, in his coaching role as assistant manager to at , Stanton helped secure the championship, the club's first league title in 75 years.

References

  1. https://www.bbc.com/sport/articles/cy0w4ndj030o
  2. https://www.transfermarkt.us/pat-stanton/profil/spieler/290284
  3. https://www.scottishfootballmuseum.org.uk/exhibitions/hall-of-fame/pat-stanton/
  4. https://www.scottishfa.co.uk/players/?pid=113828&lid=1
  5. https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/11906929.the-day-hearts-were-broken-in-1973-pat-stanton-led-hibernian-to-a-famous-rout-of-their-city-rivals-ian-paul-listens-to-his-story/
  6. https://www.nutmegfc.co.uk/p/my-sporting-hero-pat-stanton-on-joe
  7. https://www.celticfc.com/news/2021/september/Becoming-a-Bhoy-Pat-Stanton/
  8. https://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/news-and-articles/celebrating-hibernian-fcs-anniversary
  9. https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/hibs/latest-hibs-news/interview-pat-stanton-on-growing-up-in-niddrie-how-aberdeen-succeeded-where-hibs-failed-and-fergies-extensive-collection-of-bulgarian-coat-hangers-1408337
  10. https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/sport/football/bonnyrigg-stint-was-the-making-of-hibs-legend-pat-stanton-607181
  11. https://www.roscommonherald.ie/news/former-scottish-football-star-with-roscommon-roots-has-stand-named-after-him_arid-63483.html
  12. https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/pat-stanton-bonnyrigg-rose-helped-my-hibs-career-bloom-1458061
  13. https://www.fitbastats.com/hibs/player.php?playerid=6164
  14. https://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/news/2025/july/03/unveiling-the-pat-stanton-stand/
  15. https://www.thecelticwiki.com/stanton-pat/
  16. https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/18359279.hibs-great-pat-stanton-crowned-player-year-jock-stein-celtic-life-isolation/
  17. https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/interview-hibs-icon-pat-stanton-on-a-final-flourish-at-celtic-1996718
  18. https://www.londonhearts.com/scotland/players/patrickgordonstanton.html
  19. https://www.fitbastats.com/scotland/player.php?playerid=779
  20. https://scotlandepistles.com/2015/10/03/264/
  21. https://www.national-football-teams.com/player/20307/Pat_Stanton.html
  22. https://www.heraldscotland.com/news/12297370.the-best-the-best-scottish-player-ever-pat-stanton-of-hibs/
  23. https://www.fitbastats.com/scotlandu23/player_games.php?playerid=119
  24. https://www.afc.co.uk/2022/03/04/a-letter-from-sir-alex-ferguson/
  25. https://daht.org.uk/story.php?t=Pat_Stanton_1980-1982&ID=2446
  26. https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sir-alex-ferguson-thanks-aberdeen-26389855
  27. https://www.fitbastats.com/cowdenbeath/manager_timeline.php
  28. https://www.soccerbase.com/managers/manager.sd?manager_id=1466
  29. https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/football-hall-of-fame-pat-stanton-and-gordon-mcqueen-among-five-new-inductees-1601499
  30. https://thefsa.org.uk/news/which-manager-has-proved-the-most-influential-of-all-time/
  31. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0822790/
  32. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/22621504
  33. https://theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2019/12/hibs-legend-pat-stanton-to-become-clubs-ambassador/
  34. https://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/news/2024/august/08/hibs-unveil-famous-five-bronze-sculptures/
  35. https://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/news/2023/june/08/What-Hibs-Means-To-Me-Pat-Stanton/
  36. https://www.eastlothiancourier.com/news/13557814.hibs-icon-backs-childrens-charity/
  37. https://www.scotsman.com/news/hibs-icon-pat-stanton-launches-drive-after-charity-helps-grandson-1605291
  38. https://www.hibsobserver.co.uk/opinion/23801352.pat-stanton-still-matters-hibs-supporters-today/
  39. https://www.hibernianfc.co.uk/news/2024/october/01/a-look-back-at-previous-hall-of-fame-inductees-/
  40. https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/hibs-hero-pat-stanton-how-18994276
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