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Fullname: Francisco Javier Sánchez Broto
aka: Javier Sánchez Broto
Born: 25 Aug 1971
Birthplace: Extremadura, Spain
Signed: 24 Jan 2003
Left: 15 Aug 2003
Position: Goalkeeper
Debut:
Internationals: Spain (U21s)
International Caps: 2

Biog

Javier Sánchez Broto was a popular figure among the Celtic support during his brief Parkhead career.

The Spanish goalkeeper moved to Glasgow from Livingston on a surprise short term deal in January 2003 as cover for the injured Rab Douglas and Magnus Hedman. This was the glorious "Road to Seville" season and was the best time to jump on the bandwagon.

The former Real Zaragoza, Villareal and Airdrie man made a total of 10 appearances in his time at the club and impressed with a string of assured performances. The Celtic support - who were not used to assured displays from their keepers - were keen for the 31-year-old to sign an extended deal. However he delayed committing to the two year contract offered by Martin O'Neill and the club then decided to withdraw their interest.

Some fans thought the club had missed out by not getting Broto to stay at Parkhead. However, in retrospect it was a bad move form Broto's point. Rab Douglas was a decent keeper but poor at times. This should have given Broto opportunities. He missed out on playing in the Champions League, and missed out on the classic matches v Barcelona where a young David Marshall stepped up in goals and became a hero. That could have been Broto but he gambled and lost.

Post Celtic he went on trial and tour with Ipswich before being rejected by them. He then joined Gordon Strachan at Southampton on a 6 week trial before moving on a 1 year deal to new La Liga club Real Murcia.

He was dropped as first choice GK by them and moved at the start of 2004-05 to further La Liga newcomers, Getafe. For 2005-06 manager Bernd Schuster failed to offer him a new deal and he joined Segundo team Hercules CF of Alicante.

Due to injuries sustained whilst playing for Hercules he has retired from professional football. He now runs an a chain of football kit and equipment shops, dedicated to goalkeepers,. in Zaragoza, Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia and online called 'Solo Porteros' ('Only goalkeepers').

Playing Career

Club	From	To	Fee	League		Scottish/FA Cup		League cup		Other
Getafe	23/10/2004			21 (0)	0	0 (0)	0	0 (0)	0	0 (0)	0
Murcia	15/08/2003	23/10/2004		9 (0)	0	0 (0)	0	0 (0)	0	0 (0)	0
Celtic	24/01/2003	15/08/2003	Signed	7 (1)	0	2 (0)	0	0 (0)	0	0 (0)	0
Livingston	30/03/2001	24/01/2003	Signed	46 (1)	0	0 (0)	0	3 (0)	0	4 (0)	0
Airdrie (old)	01/08/2000	30/03/2001	Signed	23 (0)	0	1 (0)	0	2 (0)	0	5 (0)	0
Malaga	01/08/1999	01/08/2000		No appearance data available
			goals / game	0		0		0		0
				Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals

Honours with Celtic

none

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