Derek Whyte made a rapid rise through the Celtic youth ranks, signing his first professional contract in 1985 at the age of 16…
A year later at the age of just 17 the Glasgow born defender made his debut in the full back position against Hearts in a 1-1 draw at Celtic Park.
Derek Whyte impressed on his debut
Derek throughly impressed on his debut, and would play in another 10 league games that campaign which culminated in the dramatic last day now iconic league title win at Love Street, with Derek himself present in the starting XI.
He would then become a regular fixture in Davie Hay’s Celtic side, although season 86/87 seen him moved into a more central position, and despite it being a disappointing campaign for the club, Derek earned great plaudits for his mature and disciplined performances in such a demanding position.
Billy McNeill returned to Celtic for centenary season
That summer saw the return of Billy McNeill to the Celtic Park hot seat, and Derek formed a solid partnership with new signing, the experienced Irish International Mick McCarthy, as the side competed a dream double in the club’s fairytale centenary year.
Derek was now fully imposing himself on the big stage, performing like a player way beyond his own tender years, and it wasn’t long until he earned his first international call up to the Scottish national side.
Derek would add another Scottish Cup gong to his collection when he was part of the side that beat Rangers in the 1989 final, thanks to a Joe Miller strike, and in doing so denied the Ibrox club a treble.
Celtic’s spell in the doldrums
That would be the last honour the club would win in six long years, due to spell in the doldrums, and Derek would leave the club for Middlesbrough in 1992 after making 277 appearances, scoring eight goals and winning five major honours, which included being part of the iconic centenary double winning squad.
Derek would spend five seasons on Teeside, before heading back north with Aberdeen, and latterly Partick Thistle where he hung up his boots in 2004, before made carving a successful career as a well respected pundit in Dubai.
Derek Whyte won 12 caps for Scotland
Derek was also won 12 caps for Scotland, and represented his nation at the 1992 & 1996 European championships, as well as the 1998 World Cup finals.
He might not be a well known name to some of the younger generation of Celtic supporters, but Derek Whyte played his part in some of the club’s most iconic achievements.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
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