Marc Rieper. A shrewd signing by Wim Jansen, and one that was vital in our pursuit of stopping their ten…
Marc Rieper was signed by Wim Jansen from West Ham in September 1997 when the newly appointed Dutchman was piecing together a team that would challenge reckless spenders Rangers for a more important than ever league title.
With likes of Jonathan Gould, Darren Jackson, Craig Burley, Stephane Mahe, Regi Blinker, and Henrik Larsson already in the door, Danish centre back Rieper was seen as a the final piece of the Dutchman’s jigsaw, although we would later sign Paul Lambert and Harald Brattbakk whom both proved crucial that campaign, Rieper was arguably a more important signing, aside from Henrik.
The 6ft 4in Danish international was very much needed in a defence that wasn’t the most secure. Alan Stubbs was seen as the main man in the centre of defence but it didn’t help that he didn’t have a settled partner and it told as our backline had a bit of fragility surrounding it, something that had plagued us well before Wim Jansen’s arrival.
Rieper’s arrival would soon correct that situation. Marc was an experienced international player. He fully commanded the defence. He was an organiser and a leader who wasn’t afraid to get stuck in. Something we had been lacking in the years gone by.
He fully complemented Alan Stubbs who was more of a ball playing defender and together they forged a decent solid partnership.
Other players such as Henrik Larsson, Craig Burley, Morten Weighorst, Paul Lambert and Jackie McNamara grabbed the accolades due to their flair and goals, but the mere presence of Marc Rieper was a major factor in our title win.
Not just with his performances but he also brought the best out in Alan Stubbs who wasn’t living up to his full potential before the Dane’s arrival, but looks superb as part of that defensive partnership.
Marc unfortunately suffered a toe injury early the following season and never fully recovered before retiring in July 2000. We will however always be grateful for his contributions in that ever so important season.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
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