Paul Hegarty facts for kids

Paul Anthony Hegarty was born on July 25, 1954. He is a Scottish football player and manager. He was the captain of Dundee United during their most successful time. This was in the 1970s and 1980s. He helped them win the Scottish league championship in 1983. They also won the Scottish League Cup twice. Paul Hegarty played eight times for the Scotland national team. He has also managed several football clubs. These include Forfar Athletic, Aberdeen, Dundee United, Livingston, and Montrose.

Playing Career

Starting at Hamilton Academical

Paul Hegarty started his senior football career in 1972. He played as a striker for Hamilton Accies.

Success with Dundee United

In November 1974, Dundee United manager Jim McLean signed Paul. He paid £27,500 for him. Two years later, McLean changed Hegarty's playing position. He moved him to central defence. There, he played alongside Dave Narey. This partnership was very important for United's success. Hegarty became a top defender.

As club captain, Hegarty led United to their first big trophy. They won the Scottish League Cup in 1979. They won it again the next year. In the 1982–83 season, Hegarty played in every game. United won the Scottish League title that year. During one match, he even played as a goalkeeper. This happened when their regular goalkeeper was injured. He also played in many important European matches. An injury stopped him from playing in the 1987 UEFA Cup Final. Dundee United let him leave for free in 1990. This was to thank him for his great work.

Time at St Johnstone

After leaving Dundee United, he played briefly for St. Johnstone. He helped them get promoted to a higher league.

Playing for Scotland

Paul Hegarty played for his country between 1979 and 1983. He was captain of the team in his last game. This was against Northern Ireland. Many people think he was one of the best central defenders. He also played for the under-21 team. He also represented the Scottish League XI.

Coaching Career

First Steps in Management

Paul Hegarty's first coaching job was with Forfar Athletic. He was a player and manager there. The team was moved down a league in 1992. Hegarty left the club soon after.

Coaching at Other Clubs

He then had coaching jobs at other clubs. These included Dundee United, Hearts, and Aberdeen. In 1999, he became the temporary manager of Aberdeen. He helped the club avoid being moved down a league. But Aberdeen decided not to keep him as manager long-term.

Dundee United offered Hegarty another coaching role. He became their manager in October 2002. This was after the club could not get their first choice manager. Hegarty was first a temporary manager. His role was extended, but he was sacked in January 2003.

Hegarty continued to work in coaching. He was on the staff at Livingston and then Dunfermline. He later became assistant manager at Motherwell in 2006.

Later Managerial Roles

In March 2008, Hegarty became a scout for the Scotland national team. In December 2008, he became the manager of Livingston. The club had money problems, and Hegarty left a few months later. He also left his role with the Scotland team in 2009.

Hegarty went back to Dundee United in February 2010. He was named temporary manager in January 2013. This was after the manager resigned. He left the club soon after.

Hegarty returned to management in February 2015. He became manager of Montrose. The team was last in their league. He helped them avoid being moved down a league. They won a special play-off game. He was then made permanent manager. However, he was sacked by Montrose in November 2016. This was after a series of bad results.

Personal Life

Paul Hegarty's older brother, Kevin, also played football. He played for Dunfermline Athletic. Kevin's son, Ryan, also played for Dunfermline. Paul's son, Chris, played football for 13 years. He played for teams like Peterhead and Forfar Athletic. Chris ended his career playing for Montrose, where his father was the manager.

Honours

Player Achievements

Dundee United

• Scottish Premier Division Champion: 1982–83
• Scottish League Cup Winner: 1978–79, 1979–80
  • Runner-up: 1980–81, 1984–85
• UEFA Cup Runner-up: 1986–87
• Scottish Cup Runner-up: 1980–81, 1984–85, 1986–87, 1987–88

St Johnstone

• Scottish First Division (second tier) Champion: 1989–90

Individual Awards

• PFA Scotland Players' Player of the Year: 1979

See also

• List of footballers in Scotland by number of league appearances (500+)
• List of Scottish football families
• List of Scotland national football team captains