Derek Johnstone

The versatile striker who won 14 major trophies for Rangers and uniquely played every position for Scotland.

Derek Joseph Johnstone (born 4 November 1953) is a Scottish former football player and manager. He joined Rangers as a schoolboy in 1968, turning professional in 1970, and made his debut on 19 September 1970 at the age of 16 years and 319 days against Cowdenbeath, scoring two goals in a 5–0 win. A versatile talent who primarily played as a striker but also operated in central defence and midfield, he holds the unique distinction of representing Scotland in all three positions. His career at Ibrox was marked by winning 14 major trophies, including league titles in 1974–75, 1975–76, and 1977–78. After a brief spell at Chelsea in 1983 and a return to Rangers in January 1985, he left professional football in 1987 following a short managerial stint with Partick Thistle.

Quick Facts

Full name: Derek Joseph Johnstone
Born: 4 November 1953
Birthplace: Dundee, Scotland
Position: Defender; Striker
Total caps: 377
Total goals: 132

Lore & Background

Johnstone thrust himself into the limelight just five weeks after his debut when his header secured a 1–0 victory over Celtic in the 1970 Scottish League Cup Final. Despite being only 16, manager Willie Waddell's faith paid off as Rangers claimed their first major trophy in over four years. Regular first-team outings at number '9' were initially scarce due to Colin Stein, but Johnstone compensated by deputising in central defence during the 1972 European Cup Winners' Cup Final when Ronnie McKinnon and Colin Jackson were injured; he was just 18 at the time. He became a regular starter, scoring the winning goal in the 1973 Scottish Cup Final against Celtic with a header from a Tommy McLean free-kick that struck both posts before Tam Forsyth nudged it over. The McLean-Johnstone combination became a hallmark of Rangers' play throughout the 1970s.

Reader's Guide

Johnstone's versatility was his greatest asset; while mainly a striker, he filled in at centre-back and midfield with equal competence. His physical dominance allowed him to rise above defences for headers, as seen in the famous 1973 Scottish Cup goal. In 1983, following a defeat against Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup Final, he was placed on the transfer list by Greig. He joined Chelsea for £30,000 in September but made only four appearances behind Kerry Dixon and David Speedie, even spending a month on loan at Dundee United. Tempted back to Ibrox by Jock Wallace in January 1985 for £25,000, he returned during a difficult period for the club. After 23 appearances and one goal, Graeme Souness gave him a free transfer in summer 1986. Johnstone then managed Partick Thistle in 1986–87 before moving into media work with BBC Scotland and others.

Did You Know?

In the 1976 Scottish Cup Final, he scored after just 42 seconds because the referee kicked off early, meaning he netted before the scheduled 3pm start time.
He scored thirty-eight goals in the 1977–78 season, winning the Scottish Football Writers' Player of the Year award.