Colin Anderson Stein, born Linlithgow, Scotland , May 10, 1947. A creative and prolific forward, Colin Stein´s professional playing career was marked by notable achievements and dramatic moments.
Colin Stein’s journey began at Armadale Thistle, a local club where he showcased his budding talent. His performance caught the eye of scouts, and he soon found himself playing for Hibernian. At Hibernian, Stein began to make a name for himself with his exceptional goal-scoring ability and sharp instincts on the pitch. His time at Hibernian was marked by a series of impressive displays, which would set the stage for his move to a larger stage. In 1968, Stein made headlines when he joined Rangers for a Scottish record fee of £100,000. This transfer was a significant moment not just for Stein but for Scottish football, signaling the increasing value and recognition of Scottish talent on a broader scale. At Rangers, Stein quickly adapted to the pressures of playing for one of Scotland’s most prestigious clubs.
The 1970s were a period of high drama and triumph for Stein at Rangers. His impact was immediate, and he became an integral part of the team. One of the most memorable moments of his career came on January 2, 1971, during an Old Firm match at Ibrox. In a dramatic turn of events, Stein scored an equaliser in stoppage time, rescuing a draw for Rangers after Celtic had taken the lead in the 89th minute. The excitement of Stein’s equaliser was overshadowed by a tragic event that would forever be etched in the memories of football fans. Minutes after Stein’s goal, the barriers on Stairway 13 at Ibrox gave way, resulting in a catastrophic chain-reaction pileup of spectators. This disaster led to the tragic loss of 66 lives and injured over 200. The initial reports speculated that the roar of the crowd following Stein’s goal had caused Rangers supporters to turn back, contributing to the disaster. However, the official inquiry clarified that all spectators were moving in the same direction at the time of the collapse.
Despite this tragedy, Stein’s contributions to Rangers continued to be significant. He played a crucial role in Rangers’ triumph in the 1972 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup Final. Stein scored the opening goal in the final, which saw Rangers overcome formidable opponents including Stade Rennais, Sporting CP, Torino, Bayern Munich, and Dinamo Moscow. This victory was a crowning achievement in Stein’s career and solidified his place in Rangers’ history. In 1972, Stein made a move to Coventry City, seeking new challenges and experiences. However, his time at Coventry was relatively brief, and he returned to Rangers three years later. His return to Ibrox was marked by continued dedication and a drive to contribute to the team’s success. Despite his return, Stein’s career was entering a phase where changes were on the horizon. During the 1977-78 season, Stein was loaned out to Kilmarnock. This period provided him with valuable experience and allowed him to demonstrate his versatility and skill in different competitive environments. Following his loan spell, Stein signed a permanent contract with Elgin City, a club then competing in the Highland League. His time at Elgin City was a testament to his enduring commitment to the sport, even as he played for a club outside the top tiers of Scottish football. Stein’s retirement was prompted by a back injury resulting from a near-fatal blood clot, which necessitated spinal fusion surgery. This injury was partly attributed to the cortisone injections he received during his early career.
In addition to his club career, Stein made significant contributions to the Scottish national team. He earned 21 caps for Scotland and scored nine goals, including a memorable hat-trick in a 1969 match against Cyprus. This hat-trick stood out not only for its sheer brilliance but also for its historical significance; Stein was the last player to score a hat-trick for Scotland until Steven Fletcher achieved the same feat in 2015. After retiring from professional football, Stein briefly worked as a salesman before transitioning to a role as a borough council training officer in Solihull, where he remained for over 14 years. Colin Stein Playing Career: Hibernian, Rangers, Coventry City, Rangers, Kilmarnock.