Albert Kidd
The man who denied Hearts the title
Albert Kidd (born 16 October 1957) is a Scottish former football player who now lives in Australia. He is best known in Scottish football for scoring two goals for Dundee against Hearts on the final day of the 1985–86 season to deny Hearts the championship.
- Role
- Forward
- Affiliation
- None (Never played for Rangers FC)
- National Team
- Not mentioned in source
- Era
- Late 20th Century (1976–1987)
- Status
- Retired / Lives in Australia
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Kidd began his senior career in 1976 at Scottish Second Division side Brechin City. He later played for Arbroath, Motherwell, and Dundee. On 3 May 1986, he came on as a substitute for Dundee and scored two late goals to give Dundee a 2–0 win over Hearts, which allowed Celtic to win the league on goal difference. Kidd had not scored all season before that match. He later played for Falkirk and Australian NSL side West Adelaide SC.
In Their Own Story
Midway through the second half at Dens Park, the score remained locked at 0–0. With Hearts on course to win the title, the tension was palpable. In the 83rd minute, less than ten minutes from full-time, Albert Kidd scored the opening goal with a close-range finish from a corner kick. Remarkably, this was his first goal of the entire season. Just six minutes later, Kidd struck again, scoring a second goal to seal a 2–0 victory for Dundee. This result effectively ended Hearts' championship hopes. As Celtic went on to win their match 5–0 against St Mirren, they overtook Hearts on goal difference by three goals to claim the title. The outcome meant that while Hearts lost the league, Rangers missed out on European qualification because a win for Dundee allowed the Dens Park side to leap-frog them in fifth place.
Reader's Guide
Kidd is remembered by Celtic fans and Hibs fans for his goals against Hearts, despite never playing for either club. He now lives in Australia.
Did You Know?
- Kidd scored his only two goals of the 1985–86 season in the final 10 minutes of the last match.
- He was a substitute in seven of his 11 league appearances that season.
- Billy Connolly was star-struck when he met Kidd in an Adelaide hotel.
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