15 Facts About Derek Johnstone

Derek Joseph Johnstone was born on 4 November 1953 and is a Scottish former football player and manager.

Derek Johnstone had a spell at Chelsea and a brief stint in management with Partick Thistle.

Derek Johnstone mainly played as a striker but could perform in central defence, and in midfield.

Derek Johnstone turned professional in 1970 and made his debut on 19 September 1970, aged 16 years and 319 days.

Derek Johnstone was still 16 at the time, but the faith shown in his ability by manager Willie Waddell paid off handsomely, as Rangers claimed their first major trophy for just over four years.

Derek Johnstone compensated for his lack of frontline action by often playing as a centre-back when either Ronnie McKinnon or Colin Jackson was injured, and when the duo were ruled out of the 1972 European Cup Winners' Cup Final, Johnstone deputised in the match against Dynamo Moscow.

Derek Johnstone played a huge role in the winning goal, rising above the Celtic defence to head a Tommy McLean free-kick towards goal, and when his header struck both posts, Tam Forsyth was on hand to nudge the rebound over the line.

The McLean-Derek Johnstone combination that created this famous goal was a hallmark of Rangers' play in the 1970s.

Derek Johnstone scored his first, a typical header, after just 42 seconds and thus earned himself a unique place in the annals of Scottish football: the referee had actually kicked off the match early, so Johnstone had actually hit the net before the allotted 3pm kick-off time had been reached.

Derek Johnstone was the outstanding performer in what was an exceptional Rangers side, scoring thirty-eight goals over the course of the campaign and picking up the Scottish Football Writers' Player of the Year accolade.

Derek Johnstone was seeking a new challenge in his career, but the intervention of new Rangers manager John Greig persuaded Johnstone to stay in Glasgow.

Derek Johnstone failed to dislodge the established forward duo of Kerry Dixon and David Speedie.

Derek Johnstone returned to a Rangers side that was in the midst of a doleful period in their history, and it was hoped that the return of a former favourite could galvanise an ailing team.

However, it failed to work out and Derek Johnstone was handed a free transfer when Graeme Souness took over the reins at Ibrox in the summer of 1986.

Derek Johnstone made his debut in a British Home Championship match against Wales.