Every team in the 1970s needed their hard men. Or so the truism goes. But was that all there was to the imposing six feet three inches of Derrick McDicken; being ‘tough’? In short: no. But, as Paul Clarke, central defensive partner of over 300 games, attests, there is no doubt that ‘Big D’ was a hard player on the park!

In a twelve year first team career at Kilmarnock Football Club, Derrick McDicken wore every shirt on his back apart from the goalkeeper’s. His versatility did not - as is often the case - cloud judgement of him as a player. There was no doubt that centre half was his best position. That said, even when asked to play on the wing, Derrick did so, without hesitation.

The interest from West Ham United in the menacing big stopper is well-documented, as is his role in the famous Scottish Cup shock of 1978, his winner and goal-saving clearance contributing to a fondly-remembered victory against Celtic. In this episode of Killie Histories, Derrick McDicken reflects on those moments, gives an insight into the dressing room characters and the renowned defence he starred in, and he talks about why joining Kilmarnock meant so much to him.

A Hall of Famer and a fans’ favourite: Big D.

www.killiehistories.com/derrickmcdicken