Peter Grant - A True Celtic Legend

A tough, competitive, ball-winning midfielder, but also a skillful passer of the ball, Peter won full Scottish international honours. During his time at Celtic Park, he went through the same highs and lows as our club, with league titles in 86 and 88 and Scottish Cup wins in 85, 87, 88 and 89, although he didn't get his hands on Celtic's bogey trophy, the League Cup. The Centenary Double must have been the greatest of all to be part of. Unfortunately the second half of Peter's Celtic career coincided with the Huns 9 in a row. But when you look back on Peter's Hoops chapter, the memories are happy ones. No one will ever forget his celebration on his knees in front of the Broomloan during the infamous 2-2 draw. Imagine what he'd have been like if he'd manage to score it instead of it being an own goal! And it's hard not to think of Peter and his famous pointing without raising a smile. I personally will always remember a peach of a goal he scored against Aberdeen at Celtic Park, while the night Peter, Paul McStay and Paul McGugan came through to our Player of the Year dance in Roslin has entered the folklore of Bonnyrigg Celtic fans. Fortunately, Peter was able to play his part in returning silverware to Paradise, playing in the Scottish Cup Final defeat of Airdrie in 1995, after Fergus McCann had taken control of the club and Tommy Burns returned as manager. At the end of the match it was clear to see how much it meant to him. In 1997 Peter was granted a testimonial when Celtic played Bayern Munich. I can't recall such a busy bus for a midweek testimonial.

Peter is also a true gentleman. I know of two players who encountered him during there careers at lower levels in Scottish Cup ties. He always made sure the players from the smaller clubs enjoyed their big day, taking time to speak to them. During the game he'd constantly be saying "Well done" and offering encouragement when a player on the opposing team had made a good pass or tackle.

Peter signed for Norwich on August 22nd 1997. He made 37 appearances for Norwich in his first season and was appointed club captain. Peter's name was circulated to Scottish clubs in the spring of 1999 as Norwich looked to rebuild their squad. He was looking for a coaching position. His contract at Carrow Road was canceled in July 1999 with one year remaining.

Peter joined Reading in August 1999 making his debut on 21st against Luton in a 2-1 home defeat. He made 29 appearances for Reading scoring one league goal. In May 2000, Peter signed a three year contract with Bournemouth as their player coach effective as of the beginning of the 2000/01 season. He made 15 appearances for the Cherries in 2000/01. On 20th January 2004, Alan Pardew, the West Ham manager, parted company with his first team coach Paul Goddard and appointed Peter in his place.

We wish him all the best.