Chris Shevlane, former Hearts and Hibs defender, dies at 80

By Patrick McPartlin
Published 15th Mar 2023, 15:35 BST
Updated 15th Mar 2023, 15:35 BST
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Former Hearts and Hibs defender Chris Shevlane has died at the age of 80, it has been announced.

The Hibs Historical Trust confirmed the sad news on Wednesday morning, writing on social media: “Everyone at the Trust is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former Hibs player Chris Shevlane. Chris joined Hibernian in 1968; nicknamed 'The Shev', he was Player of the Year in 1970. His memory marches on.”

Shevlane also played for Celtic and Morton and was involved with Scotland Under-23s during a 12-year professional career.

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Born in Edinburgh in May 1942, right-back Shevlane began his career with Edina Hearts and Loanhead Mayflower, eventually joining Hearts and making his debut in a benefit match against Duns in April 1962, with Hearts winning 6-0, although his first competitive start came in a 7-3 victory over St Mirren at Love Street in April 1963.

Chris Shevlane, who has died at the age of 80, pictured in a Scotland jersey in February 1964Chris Shevlane, who has died at the age of 80, pictured in a Scotland jersey in February 1964
Chris Shevlane, who has died at the age of 80, pictured in a Scotland jersey in February 1964

During his time in Gorgie he was capped four times by Scotland at under-23 level playing against Wales twice, France, and England and sharing a dressing room with the likes of Billy Bremner, Peter Cormack, Jim Cruickshank, John Greig, Jimmy Johnstone, Neil Martin, and Bobby Murdoch.

Shevlane also turned out for the Scottish League XI, in a match against a League of Ireland XI, and also in a mid-season trial match between the Scottish League XI and the Scottish FA team.

He played 146 times in maroon, his last match a 2-0 defeat away to Dundee United, but was released after suffering an ankle injury that kept him out of most of the 1966/67 season. Although Shevlane was advised to hang up his boots, he took up swimming to improve his fitness and earned a surprise move to Celtic.