Former Hibernian and Raith Rovers defender Shaun Dennis has died at the age of 55.
Raith Rovers announced his death “with great sadness” and said he “had passed away peacefully” on Friday morning.
Signed by Jim Duffy from Raith Rovers in an effort to strengthen the Hibs defence he made his debut against Motherwell in January 1997.
He retained his place under Alex McLeish and helped the club win the First Division. Dennis was also at the heart of the defence in the famous Millennium derby victory at Tynecastle.
After 74-games and four goals he returned to Raith Rovers initially on loan. He subsequently was inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame.
In total he played more than 400 games for the Kirkcaldy club and was capped once by Scotland Under-21s in 1991.
He twice helped Raith secure promotion to the top flight, and contributed to a promotion to the second tier .
He was also part of Jimmy Nicholl’s 1994 Scottish League Cup-winning side that beat Celtic on penalties in the final at Ibrox.
In a statement, Hibernian FC wrote:”Hibernian FC are saddened to learn of the passing of former Hibee Shaun Dennis.
“Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this difficult time.
“Rest in peace Shaun.”
Raith Rovers FC said: “Everyone at Raith Rovers Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Rover Shaun Dennis.
“Shaun played 453 games for us and has won more winners’ medals than any player in Rovers’ history.
“Our thoughts are with Shaun’s loved ones at this sad time.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
