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Fullname: Andrew Paul Payton
aka: Andy Payton
Born: 23 Oct 1967
Birthplace: Padiham (Burnley), England
Signed: 14 Aug 1992
Left: 25 Nov 1993
Position: Striker
Debut: Celtic 2-0 Dundee Utd, League, 15 Aug 1992
Internationals: none

Biog

Striker Andy Payton came to Celtic from Middlesbrough in a swap deal in August 1992 which saw Irish international full back Chris Morris head to Ayresome Park. He was brought to Celtic on the same day as two other signing, Stuart Slater and Rudi Vata, and hailed by then manager as to be the solutions to the then Celtic side. Nothing of the sort at the end!

The ex-Hull forward had endured a miserable time on Teesside due to injury and the signing of the stocky frontman did little to inspire a Celtic support that had become increasingly concerned at the gulf between the Bhoys and big spending champions Rangers. He'd done well previously with Hull and the move to Middlesborough was not working out, so Celtic was an easy escape route for him.

It took Payton a little while to settle in Glasgow but after the return of Frank McAvennie to Parkhead the Burnley-born forward began to find his stride and even scored in a 2-1 defeat of Rangers at Celtic Park in March 1993, a good headed goal from a corner.

After a poor start to the next campaign boss Liam Brady was gone and replaced by Lou Macari, and Payton was never given a real chance to build on the goals of his debut season and he was transferred Barnsley in November. This was also strongly due to Andy Payton wanting to move back south. It was publicly known that his wife had not settled in Glasgow and he had actually missed a game through going awol down south for family reasons on one occasion.

That deal was a straight swap with Payton’s place in the Celtic squad taken by the older, slower and altogether inferior Wayne Biggins (a really poor deal by Lou Macari).

Payton netted a more than respectable 20 goals in 46 appearances and while it was clear he lacked the finer qualities of many past Celtic strikers the support still appreciated Andy’s robust efforts for the cause.

Playing Career

Honours with Celtic

none

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