Derek Parlane

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Derek Parlane, born in Helensburgh in Scotland on 5th May, 1953 was a legendary striker with Rangers F.C., with whom he stayed for 10 years from 1970 until 1980.

He won 2 championships, 3 Scottish Cups and 2 Scottish League Cups during his time at Ibrox and was capped by Scotland 12 times with one under 21 cap.

He went to Leeds United in March 1980 but this wasn't a very successful stay. He scored 10 goals in 53 appearances for Leeds before going to Hong Kong on loan. On 14th July, 1983, new Manchester City manager Billy McNeill brought him to Maine Road. Derek linked up with another newcomer, fellow Scot Jim Tolmie and on their debut for the Blues on Saturday 27th August, 1983, City beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at Selhurst Park in the Second Division. Derek and Jim each scored one which set a precedent for the rest of the season. In all, Derek scored 20 goals in 48 appearances for City, a healthy return.

City just missed out on gaining promotion at the end of 1983-84, too many dropped points away from Maine Road against the teams challenging them for promotion was the problem, although they did beat Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge in December 1983. This wasn't enough as Chelsea, Sheffield Wednesday and Newcastle United, with Kevin Keegan in the side, pipped City to promotion.

1984-85 was quite bad for Derek as City signed David Phillips from Coventry City and Tony Cunningham from Newcastle United to bolster their attack. Derek got injured in September, 1984 and was sold to Swansea City in January, 1985.

Derek now works for Reebok, supplying kit to Manchester City and Liverpool F.C. He lives in Lancashire and has two sons and a daughter.