Kilmarnock

Provan began his senior career at Kilmarnock in 1974, having signed from Junior club Port Glasgow. In his four years at Rugby Park, A Winger, Provan's skill and prowess in crossing at pace saw him make 139 appearances at Kilmarnock, scoring 10 goals in total.^[3] Provan played an integral part in two of Kilmarnock's three promotion achieving seasons in the 1970s (1973/74, 1975/76), and played at the start of their third, 1978/79.^[3] His form for Kilmarnock in the mid 1970s saw him capped at Under 21 level by Scotland in an away match against Czechoslovakia in October 1976.^[4]

In 1978 Provan played for the Scottish League Select in a match against their Italian counterparts in Verona.^[1] The same year, he also shone for Killie in their shock Scottish Cup 4th round replay win over Celtic.^[3][5] This was the first time that a club from a lower division had knocked out the holders of the Scottish Cup.^[3]

Celtic

New Celtic manager, Billy McNeill signed Provan in September 1978. The transfer fee of £120,000 was at the time a record in Scottish football.^[6] He grew up supporting Rangers and his teammates would joke about this while he played for Celtic.^[7]

Provan quickly established himself in McNeill's revamped Celtic side, scoring his first goal against Hibernian at Easter Road on 18 November 1978.^[8] In May 1979 Provan won his first major winner's medal as Celtic clinched the Premier Division by defeating Rangers 4–2 in the last game of the league season.^[9] The following year Provan was voted SPFA Player of the Year by his fellow professionals.^[10] Provan was proving to be a huge success at Celtic and his distinctive long curly hair, jersey hanging over his shorts and socks down at his ankles made him - visually alone - a standout figure on the field of play in Scotland.^[11]

Provan went on to win a further three League championships with Celtic (1980–81, 1981–82 and 1985–86), along with one Scottish League Cup (1982) and two Scottish Cups (1980 and 1985). The latter Scottish Cup saw Provan write himself into football history, becoming only the third player at that time to score direct from a free kick in a Scottish Cup final.^[12] Celtic had been a goal down to Dundee United at the time, and following Provan's equaliser went on to win 2–1.^[13]

The start of season 1985–86 saw Provan in exceptional form for Celtic, resulting in intense media speculation that a recall to the Scotland international side was on the cards. However, Provan had to be substituted during a 3–0 Old Firm defeat at Ibrox in November due to illness. This turned out to be M.E. - Myalgic Encephalomyelitis - a long-term condition that leaves the sufferer extremely lethargic and unable to perform much in the way of physical activity.^[2] Provan made several attempts at rehabilitation but eventually made the decision in the summer of 1987 to retire from playing football.^[14][15] His last game was coming on as a substitute against Motherwell in January 1986.^[16] A testimonial was arranged for Provan, and in November 1987 Celtic played Nottingham Forest in front of 42,000 fans, losing 3–1. Kenny Dalglish made a guest appearance for Celtic, with Provan playing for the first eight minutes.^[17]

Scotland

Provan's success at Celtic saw him capped for Scotland 10 times. He made his debut against Belgium in November 1979,^[18] scored against Israel in a 3–1 win at Hampden in a 1982 World Cup qualifier,^[19] and was part of Jock Stein's 22-man squad for the 1982 World Cup finals in Spain^[20] although he did not actually play. John Robertson (Nottingham Forest), Davie Cooper (Rangers) and Peter Weir (Aberdeen) competed with Provan for an international place.^[21][22][23]

Club

Celt

• Scottish Premier Division: 1978-79, 1980-81, 1981-82, 1985-86
• Scottish Cup: 1980, 1985
• Scottish League Cup: 1982

Individual

• Scottish PFA Player of the Year: 1980