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Fullname: Stephen Hancock
aka: Steve Hancock
Born: 10 September 1953
Birthplace: Sheffield
Signed: 25 September 1970
Left:
Position: Forward
Debut: Sliema Wanderers 2-1 away 3 November 1971 European cup (only game)
Internationals: None

Biog

A highly-rated prospect Steve Hancock was a 1968 Celtic ‘S’ form signing who made a huge impression in junior football when farmed out to Newtongrange Star in 1970.

He signed senior terms with the Bhoys in September that year while continuing to impress at Newtongrange. But despite obvious talent and stand-out performances at junior level Hancock failed to make the considerable step up to top flight football.

He made just one competitive appearance for the Hoops when he came on as sub in a 2-1 European Cup victory at Sliema Wanderers in October 1971. His stubborn reluctance to move from Edinburgh to Glasgow didn’t help endear him to Jock Stein and Hancock’s Bhoys career ended when he was released by the club in 1974 – by which time he was even out of the reserve team picture.

He had a trial with Hibernian after release in 1974 before heading south to play for Sheffield Wednesday. He returned to Scotland playing for Hearts and scored in the Jambos' 2-0 win against Celtic in the League Cup on August 13th 1975. He later moved on to Meadowbank Thistle before joining Stenhousmuir in 1979, scoring 50 goals in 2 seasons. He signed for Forfar for £12,000 in 1981, taking them to the Scottish Cup semi-finals in 1982 before abruptly resigning in November 1982 to retire as a professional and move into insurance.

In a newspaper interview in 1982 he was asked what had happened to his career, responding: "I thought I knew better than Jock Stein. He wanted me to move to digs in Glasgow from my home in Edinburgh. I didn't think this was necessary. Now I know was wrong." (3.11.82) In this sense, his career is a warning to other youngsters to make the necessary sacrifices. We can only guess how it may have been different if Steve had done as Jock wanted.

Playing Career

Honours with Celtic

none

Pictures

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