[Player Pics]

Position
Midfielder

Nicknames
Pointer, Pope

Date of Birth
Monday, 30th August 1965

Place of birth
Bellshill, Scotland

Debut
Saturday, 21st April 1984 in a 1-0 defeat at Rangers (Aged: 18)


Overview

Peter Grant was a die-hard Celtic fan who displayed his pride in the club like a badge of honour.

The Bellshill-born Bhoy was a schoolboy signing for the Hoops and turned professional with the club in July 1982. The blonde midfielder made his first team debut as an 18-year-old in a 1-0 defeat at Ibrox in a league clash on April 21st 1984. A tenacious ball winner, if limited when in possession, it took Grant a couple of seasons to really establish himself as a regular first team starter, being in competition with the likes of Paul McStay and Murdo MacLeod for a central midfield slot.

His greatest season in the Hoops came in the club’s memorable Centenary season (1987-88). With MacLeod now moved on to Germany, Grant slotted into the central midfield beside the outstanding McStay and the pair formed a formidable partnership. Grant revelled in his role as ball winner, with McStay using his superb vision and peerless passing ability to destroy defences.

But Peter was also showing glimpses that there was more to his game than being a midfield work-horse. He looked much more comfortable and confident on the ball and his play was neat and effective. He also scored one of the most memorable goals of that ‘Double’ winning campaign with a 30-yard howitzer past a stunned Andy Goram as Celtic beat Hibs 2-0 at Easter Road.

A broken foot a month before the end of the season couldn't ruin what had been a great campaign for the player. Scotland caps and a Scottish Cup winners medal followed during the next term but those waiting for Grant to continue his progress would be disappointed. Grant’s form and confidence dipped as Celtic seemed to stagger from one crisis to another.

Despite transfer talk his passion and commitment remained although those attributes could not disguise the failings in his game. A string of trophyless seasons Celtic under Liam Brady and Lou Macari hurt Grant as much as it did any Celtic fan so it was a sweet moment for both player and supporters when the Hoops ended their barren run by lifting the Scottish Cup of 1995.

The 1-0 final victory was no classic but Peter Grant was outstanding. Despite carrying an injury he played through the pain barrier and was at his tigerish best. The shock League Cup final defeat to Raith Rovers was fresh in the memory and Grant more than anyone ensured their would be no repeat of that debacle. That magnificent performance would be his last significant contribution to the Hoops cause.

He would depart during season 1997-98 for Norwich but he was back at Parkhead for the last game of the season when the Bhoys would clinch the title and end Rangers’ bid for 10-in-a-row. Grant would later become a coach at Bournemouth and West Ham and had an unsuccessful spell as manager of his old club Norwich.


History
1984 - 1997 Celtic
1994 - 1997 Norwich

Celtic Record
338 League apps (+26 as sub), 15 goals
1982-1983 Played 0 Scored 0 goals (Scottish Premier)
1983-1984 Played 3 Scored 0 goals (Scottish Premier)
1984-1985 Played 20 Scored 4 goals (Scottish Premier)
1985-1986 Played 30 Scored 1 goal (Scottish Premier)
1986-1987 Played 37 Scored 1 goal (Scottish Premier)
1987-1988 Played 37 Scored 2 goals (Scottish Premier)
1988-1989 Played 21 Scored 0 goals (Scottish Premier)
1989-1990 Played 26 Scored 0 goals (Scottish Premier)
1990-1991 Played 27 Scored 0 goals (Scottish Premier)
1991-1992 Played 22 Scored 0 goals (Scottish Premier)
1992-1993 Played 31 Scored 2 goals (Scottish Premier)
1993-1994 Played 28 Scored 0 goals (Scottish Premier)
1994-1995 Played 28 Scored 2 goals (Scottish Premier)
1995-1996 Played 30 Scored 3 goals (Scottish Premier)
1996-1997 Played 23 Scored 0 goals (Scottish Premier)

Link
Keep the Faith review on Peter Grant

Quote
I remember Paul McStay saying to Krankl, in very clear English, ' You're a cheat'. The bottle had landed 20 yards away from their player.'
Peter Grant, 2003, on the Rapid Vienna fiasco. Krankl was Vienna's captain.