We’re joined by Kevin Harper—a true trailblazer at Hibernian FC and in Scottish football. Kevin opens up about what it was like growing up in Glasgow, racism in football and signing his first contract. SUBSCRIBE: @PLZSoccer Born in Oldham and raised in Glasgow’s Possilpark, Kevin started his playing career at youth club Hutchison Vale in Edinburgh. He made his professional debut for Hibernian at just 17, breaking new ground as one of the few black players in Scottish football and facing the challenges of racial abuse without adequate action from the SFA. Kevin’s career took him to England, where he played for Derby County (scoring memorable goals against Liverpool and Swansea City), was a key figure in Portsmouth’s First Division title-winning campaign in 2002–03 under Paul Merson. Returning to Scotland, Kevin signed with Dunfermline Athletic, where he experienced both European action and domestic success, including scoring a hat-trick in a rearranged fixture. Transitioning into coaching, he took on the role of Under 20s coach at Airdrieonians in 2015 and set up his own football academy in Stepps. In November 2015, former Hibernian teammate Andy Frame persuaded him to come out of retirement in a player-coach role at Thorniewood United. Making history in November 2018, Kevin was appointed manager of Albion Rovers—becoming the first black, Asian, or minority ethnic manager of a Scottish club since 2003. Despite a rough start, he helped the struggling side avoid relegation and extended his contract through the 2019–20 season. Although he left Albion Rovers in May 2020 after being offered reduced terms, Kevin’s ambition and vision for the club shone through. More recently, he was appointed manager of Lochee United in November 2022, and on 4 June 2023, he joined Thorniewood United as a player-coach, continuing his commitment to developing young talent and shaping Scottish football. Watch this video for an in-depth look at Kevin Harper’s inspiring journey—from overcoming adversity on the pitch to becoming a professional football player and football manager. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more exclusive insights from PLZ Soccer! The Footballer’s Football Show Kevin Harper 00:00 Kevin Harper – Hibernian, Derby County, Portsmouth, Norwich City 00:50 Growing up in Glasgow – “My mum couldn’t afford football boots” 06:40 Football Heroes – “John Barnes and Ally McCoist” 07:09 Racist Abuse in Football – “As 11 years-old I got racist abuse for 90 minutes” 10:31 Signing for Hibernian – “I signed a contract while someone stole his radio” 12:40 Playing for Hibernian – “Best moment was my debut” 19:48 Best Moments Playing for Hibs – “Scoring the winner in the derby against Hearts” 22:45 Alan Rough Joining Hibs – “I didn’t get on well with Alex Miller” 24:09 Transfer to Derby County – “Even their training ground was different” 29:35 Playing in the Premier League Against Liverpool – “David James, Robbie Fowler” 31:33 Graham Souness Story – “The Italians only wanted ice-cream and cigarettes” 32:23 Transfer to Portsmouth – “I’m a footballer who wants to play football” 38:28 Footballers Who Smoke – “Brazil’s Sócrates smoking during his drug test” 40:50 Paul Merson Portsmouth – “Merson dragged us into the Premier League” 43:30 Andy Goram Hibs – “He got on the wrong plane with Oldham” 44:14 Paul Merson – “He could have done anything he wanted” 46:01 Playing Football is Great Fun – “Supporters don’t realise how much fun it is” 47:31 Retiring as a Football Player – “A knee injury ended my career” 50:58 Being Stirling Albion Manager – “I would love to get back into football” 53:58 Callum McGregor Celtic – “He’s head and shoulders above everyone” More to Watch: Best football club team of all time:
Trending Now
