Renaming of Easter Road stand ensures Pat Stanton is immortalised

A HIBS legend and a living link to the foundation of the club, no-one better embodies the history and spirit of the Edinburgh club, and now Pat Stanton has been honoured with the renaming of the East Stand at Easter Road.

In a ceremony before Hibs took to the field in a pre-season friendly with a lot of history behind it—an anniversary match against Rott-Weiss Essen—Pat (above) was welcomed to the field as the stand was officially named in his honour.

Having first played for the club as a teenager—following a boyhood of memories watching his beloved side from the terraces—he went on to enjoy a stellar career in the capital.

With Hibs in his blood, he is the great-great-nephew of founder member of the club and its first captain, Michael Whelehan. A great-uncle, James Hendren, also pulled on the famous green and white jersey.

Following his career at Hibs, Pat ended his playing days with a short spell at Celtic under Jock Stein—where he won the hearts of the green and white faithful in Glasgow just as fully as he had done with their counterparts in Edinburgh, and in his later years he has been a figurehead for Hibs supporters and remains a familiar sight on match days.

Paying tribute to this legendary figure, Hibs Chairman Ian Gordon spoke of the gratitude the whole Hibs family feels towards Pat Stanton.

“It’s with great pride and pleasure that we are honouring Pat Stanton’s amazing contribution to Hibernian FC and Scottish football during our anniversary season,” he said. “The Pat Stanton Stand will serve as a lasting tribute to his achievements and legacy, inspiring future players and supporters for many years to come.

“On behalf of everyone associated with Hibs—the fans, the board, the staff, the players, the entire Hibernian Family—I would like to thank Pat for everything he’s done for the club.”