Derek Johnstone

Verified Timeline

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.

In Their Own Story

The defining moment of Johnstone's career came in the 1976 Scottish Cup Final against Hearts. He scored his first goal after just 42 seconds, earning a unique place in history because the referee had kicked off early; he actually netted before the allotted 3pm kick-off time. That season, he was part of the domestic treble-winning side, scoring two goals in the final replay. The peak arrived in 1977–78 when Johnstone scored thirty-eight goals over the campaign, winning the Scottish Football Writers' Player of the Year award and leading Rangers to a second treble inside three years. Although Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur reportedly coveted him, manager John Greig persuaded him to stay. As club captain, he almost secured a second successive treble in 1978–79, scoring twice in the Scottish Cup Final replay against Hibernian and winning the League Cup against Aberdeen.

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?

• Johnstone made his Rangers debut at 16 years and 319 days, scoring two goals in a 5–0 win against Cowdenbeath.
• He is the only player selected to play in defence, midfield, and attack for Scotland.
• 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.
• During the 1972 European Cup Winners' Cup Final at age 18, he played in central defence when regular defenders were injured.
• He scored thirty-eight goals in the 1977–78 season, winning the Scottish Football Writers' Player of the Year award.