Paul Hegarty

Last updated : 13 April 2024 By Editor

Paul Hegarty (born 25 July 1954) 

Paul Anthony "Heggie" Hegarty was captain of Dundee United during their most successful era in the 1970s and 1980s and won eight international caps for Scotland. He has since managed Forfar AthleticAberdeenDundee United and Livingston.

Hegarty's senior career began as a striker with Hamilton Accies in 1972. In November 1974, Dundee United manager Jim McLean signed him for a fee of £27,500. Two years later, McLean transformed Hegarty's career when he experimented by pairing him with Dave Narey in United's central defence. The partnership they forged would be integral to United's successes for over a decade, and Hegarty, would develop into a top class central defender. As club captain, Hegarty led United to their first ever major trophy, the Scottish League Cup in 1979, which they retained the following year.

In 1982/83, Hegarty was an ever-present as United captured the Scottish League title. He also featured in many notable victories in European competition, albeit injury restricted his participation in United's run to the 1987 UEFA Cup Final. In recognition of his contribution to Dundee United, the club allowed him to leave on a free transfer in January 1990.

(Wikipedia)