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Full name: Marc Jensen Rieper
aka: Marc Reiper
Height: 6.04 ft
Weight: 13.10 st
Born: 5 June 1968
Birthplace: Rodovre, Denmark
Signed: 12 September 1997
Left: 1 August 2000
Position: Defender, centre-half
Debut: […]
Internationals: Denmark
International Caps: 61 caps
International Goals: 2 goals
Biog ![[Untitled]](https://wikifoundryimages.s3.amazonaws.com/5db6260c4fd92193fa2d4441a94a69a6 "[Untitled]")
Danish international defender Marc Rieper enjoyed a brief but hugely successful Celtic career before being forced out of the game through injury.
Signed by Wim Jansen in September 1997 from West Ham the centre-half instantly settled at Celtic Park and quickly became a firm favourite with the Cetic faithful. Excellent in the air and with superb positional sense Rieper was a commanding and experienced figure at the heart of the Celtic defence.
The tough tackling Dane forged an excellent defensive partnership with Alan Stubbs, with the Englishman’s more mainstream game benefiting hugely from the reassuring presence of Rieper, whom some would say was more cultured. In truth, both were very capable defenders who could handle the ball well. In the Jansen season, Celtic had a quality defence with Stubbs, Rieper and Boyd being the mainstays, and were ably backed by Mahe or Annoni to help support Gould in goal.
Rieper was unquestionably a key man in the Hoops team which won the CIS Cup (League Cup) and, much more importantly, wrestled the league championship away from Rangers and prevented the Ibrox side from bettering Celtic’s record nine-in-a-row league title run.
He was a stalwart of the defence, but seldom in attack. However, one of his rare goals was the single goal in a 1-0 victory over Hibs in a season that saw the title go to the wire. So he more than played his part in the first team, and each point counted as if it were gold-dust.
Sadly, after just one full season at Parkhead, Rieper suffered a toe injury in October 1998. A long lay off followed and despite surgery and intensive treatment Rieper was eventually forced to retire from football in July 2000 at the age of 32. We never got to see if he’d have gone on to be a greater player for Celtic, and possibly the first team would have done better with him in that nadir season under Barnes/Dalglish.
While that cruel injury meant Rieper effectively played at Celtic for little more than a season, his efforts during the crucial 1997/98 campaign mean that he will forever be very fondly remembered by the Celtic support. The saddest aspect is that he may have found a place in the Celtic side under Martin O’Neill and played a part in the treble winning season. He deserved a chance. Always convinced as a player; honest and hard working.
We all respected him and hoped him the best.
After retiring he returned to Denmark and coached at Aarhus, where he was instrumental in taking Mick Doyle and Liam Miller on loan. However following a change in management at the club he parted company with them. After a period setting up and running his own soccer school in Denmark he now runs his own hotel in Aarhus.
Playing Career
| APPEARANCES (sub) |
LEAGUE | SCOTTISH CUP | LEAGUE CUP | EUROPE | TOTAL |
| 1997-2000 | 37 (0) | 5 (0) | 4 (0) | 5 (0) | 51 (0) |
| Goals | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
Honours with Celtic
Scottish Premier League
Scottish League Cup
Pictures
Articles
Articles
Grim Rieper forced to retire
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/860522.stm
Monday, 31 July, 2000, 20:59 GMT 21:59 UK
Marc Rieper has announced his retirement
Rieper had not played for Celtic since 1998
Celtic defender Marc Rieper has announced his retirement from football after accepting that there was no way back from a toe injury.
“Following considerable discussion between myself, my surgeon and the Celtic medical team in relation to my long-term toe injury, it is with great regret I announce that I am unable to continue my playing career,” admitted a disappointed Rieper.
The 32-year-old Danish international has struggled with the injury since October 1998 and will now focus on the coaching role which he has adopted at the club.
New manager Martin O’Neill has already stated that he would not be changing the staff so Rieper’s position at the club looks safe.
It has been a great pleasure and honour to have played for Celtic
Marc Rieper
“It has been a great pleasure and honour to have played for Celtic and to have worked with the other players and management since I joined the club in September 1997,” said Rieper.
“I would have been delighted to have continued my playing career with Celtic had events turned out differently.
“I am very pleased however that during my one full year with Celtic I played a part in winning a League Cup and Championship double in 1998 – something which is definitely one of the highlights of my career.
“I would sincerely like to thank everyone at the club, especially the medical team for all the support I have received during a difficult time and I would also like to offer my thanks to the many supporters who have contacted me with messages of support and best wishes.”