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Fullname: Owen Archdeacon
Born: 4 Mar 1966
Birthplace: Greenock, Scotland
Signed: 1982
Position: Defender/Midfielder
Internationals: Scotland U21 (1 cap)

Biog

A highly rated youngster Owen Archdeacon was a product of Celtic Boys Club who signed professional terms with the Bhoys in August 1982.

The Greenock-born youngster was a talented and entertaining wideman who had starred for Scotland at youth level and had been named Scotland Youth Player of the Year in 1984. Hopes were high that Owen would be able to transfer his ability to the highest level and he certainly made a good first impression when he came off the bench to score on his debut as Celtic defeated Motherwell 4-2 at Parkhead on April 10th 1984.

Owen really came into his own during the 85/86 season which culminated in winning the league on the last day of the season in a 5-0 win against St Mirren at Celtic Park. With the combination of Tommy Burns behind him ( Davie Hay's new left back) and Archdeacon as a wide man, a fast counter-attacking option became available on the left side and was one of the keys to the increasing quality and success as the season wore on. Archdeacon could also deliver a wicked corner too.

However despite his undoubted skill on the ball Archdeacon struggled to perform consistantly for the first team and despite some excellent performances he never really commanded a regular first team spot.

He departed Parkhead in June 1989 for Barnsley after 87 senior appearances for the Hoops and 8 goals.#

Whilst at Celtic he made a single appearance for the Scottish under-21 team in a 1987 game against West Germany.

In June 1989 he moved to Barnsley for £80,000 and became a fixture for the Yorkshire club in the following seasons. He left the club in 1996 to join Carlisle United and was a regular member of the team during a season and a half there. Late in 1997 former Celtic team-mate Billy Stark paid £100,000 to take him to Morton and Archdeacon played for his hometown side until his retirement in 1999.

Since retiring Archdeacon has turned out for the Celtic legends team.

Owen worked for a time as a Youth Team coach with Celtic and currently works with the U13's at the Academy.

(Owen's father - also Owen Archdeacon - was also a left-sided professional footballer who had games for St Mirren in the 50's)

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