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Pat Stanton joins in the Pentlands birthday celebrations!

Members enjoyed a visit from Pat Stanton to our Pentlands club last month and it was double celebration day as it was also the club’s third birthday.   

Pat is a legendary Scottish footballer and manager, most iconic for his long association with Hibernian FC. He remains a central figure at the club, having recently been honoured with the renaming of the East Stand at Easter Road to the Pat Stanton Stand in July 2025. He is revered as one of the finest players in Scottish history, known for his composure and versatility as a midfielder or defender. But all that is public record, our members enjoyed the stories and recollections of Pat, the everyman. 

Pat (in front of window) with Pentlands Club members

Stein and Ferguson – aye, just pals 

Like so many visitors of that era he was so humble about his achievements. Just casually mentioning the likes of legends such as Jock Stein and Alex Ferguson as just mates from the pub!

Pat came from a family of Hibs fans and always wanted to play for them. It was a lifelong dream to play for Hibs let alone having a stand named after him after achieving over 600 appearances for the team. About the naming of the stand he said “I wish my dad had been there to see such a special moment” as he was a big influence on him. 

Some highlights and laughs from Pat 

As you would expect with someone that had a career playing and managing in the game which spanned over three decades, there were plenty of stories to be told during his time at our Pentlands Club; which included: 

• On Jock Stein - “you just went along with what he said as you daren’t answer back!” Jock was a big reason why Pat went to Celtic for a spell. 

• Getting sixteen caps for Scotland was something really special for Pat. 

• When his Hearts pals come round to the house, he loves to put his winners medals up on the mantlepiece for a laugh. 

• One of the biggest highlights of his playing career was the legendary Hearts 0-7 Hibs New Years Day derby in 1973. He reckoned it was something you dreamed of but never thought would happen as a Hibs player and fan.  

• He played in the same team as Kenny Dalglish at Celtic and recalled that he’d “never seen anyone like him before, he just knew how to play football better than anyone else”? 

• Alex Ferguson called one night to ask if he wanted to help him out in management with Aberdeen. (That’s what we mean about being so humble – imagine if you got a call from Sir Alex to ask for some assistance) It turned out to be a very successful move and Aberdeen won the league in his first season there. 

• His first game at Easter Road was against Dundee and Pat recalled that playing against Gordon Smith was like watching Frank Sinatra - he was just so good. 

• When asked about the best player he played against the answer was Bobby Charlton.  For more reasons than just skill though! He’ll never forget the pain. Charlton had leathered the ball against his ear leaving the print of the match ball etched across his face. Charlton said, “I bet that hurt eh?” to which he replied “Aye it did” 

Words from our members 

Plenty of our Pentlands members shared their memories and appreciation for Pat during his visit. 

Member Pete Heatly spoke about his first ever match at Easter Road - 14th October 1967 and how came away with three heroes that day - Peter Cormack, Colin Stein and Pat Stanton. Pete was our highly knowledgeable compere for the event and took us through Pat’s career and achievements. 

Bill Wood, a lifelong Hibs fan simply said: “I want to thank you for everything you did for Scottish football.” 

Jim recalled playing against Pat in the Edinburgh youth leagues and Caroline and Jeanette brought their autograph books and Pat kindly signed them. Beats waiting outside the players entrance after matches clutching autograph books – the ‘selfie’ back in the day. 

Signing some autographs for the ladies

Making member memories 

As this was such a special celebration we also took the opportunity to ask member, Pete Heatly and volunteer, Paul Murphy, their thoughts on Sporting Memories and what it means to them. 

Peter said: “I’ve enjoyed coming to Pentland Memories group for the last three years since it started. Every week it gets people out the house and sharing memories of the 50s, 60’s, usually sport, but sometimes we go off topic and talk about nightclubs, cinemas, etc.  

“Some speak a lot, some don’t, but everybody has a story at some point. It’s that little bit excitement when people that don’t say so much, say something and contribute to the “show”. 

Peter continued: “Well, we’ve had the three anniversaries now. The first anniversary our guest was Gary Mackay of Hearts, second anniversary was Dave McPherson of Hearts and Rangers, and today we’ve just had Pat Stanton. Bringing these sort of superstars of football along has been great.” 

Paul told us: “I’ve been involved since the start and Wednesday afternoons wouldn’t the same name with it. We’ve got a nice big club now, some good regulars and have a good time enjoying each other’s company. Sometimes talk about sport, sometimes not.” 

“We’ve met some famous sports people, whether it’s Gary Mackey, Scott Hastings and then Pat Stanton, who very generously give up their time. And I get a lot from it just learning so many things from some of the stories that our members tell about the past, whether it’s football related or not.” 

Thanks again 

Once again, thank you Pat for coming along.  Our members and volunteers had an excellent third anniversary celebration and you left them with their own lifelong wish to chat with a Scottish football legend achieved.