Derek Currie


Derek Currie was one of the first of three professionals to play in Asia when Hong Kong introduced professional football in 1970. Currie arrived in September 1970 along with fellow Scottsmen, Walter Gerrard and Jackie Trainer. Currie was also the first overseas professional to win the top goalscoring award in 1972 in Hong Kong. In 1978, he became the first professional to play for the Hong Kong National side and was followed by fellow professional, David Anderson and both competed for Hong Kong in the Asian Cup qualifying in Bangkok in 1979. By scoring against Sri Lanka, Currie was the first overseas professional to score in an International for the Hong Kong National side. During a three-month spell in San Antonio for the San Antonio Thunder in the NASL, Currie scored the official first goal in the Bicentennial League against St. Louis All-Stars, He scored both goals in their 2-1 win at the Alamo Stadium. Currie retired in 1982, playing his final farewell game against German side, VfB Stuttgart in Hong Kong.