Didier Agathe

Playing career Early career Agathe was spotted in his homeland of La Réunion began by a scout from French Ligue 1 club Montpellier HSC in 1992. Although several other clubs expressed an interest in signing Agathe, he chose to join Montpellier given their location in the south of France. His time in France was marred by illness and injury; his appendix burst shortly after arriving, and afterwards he suffered a string of injuries before medical staff found he had no cartilage in his right knee. the latter game including a solo goal where he ran from the half-way line, evaded the challenges of four Dundee players before shooting past goalkeeper Rab Douglas.

Celtic His form at Hibs caught the eye of Celtic manager Martin O'Neill, and on the expiration of his short-term contract Celtic made a move to sign him. Agathe's knee condition was noted during his medical, but O'Neill was not concerned and completed the signing of Agathe for just £27,000.

Agathe made his debut for Celtic on 14 October 2000 in a home league game against St Mirren. Fielded by O'Neill wide on the right, Agathe turned in an outstanding performance in a 2–0 win for Celtic, with his pace and skill running the St Mirren defence ragged. O'Neill enthused about Agathe's debut, "He was absolutely brilliant, fantastic even. I did not think he would last more than 60 minutes but he has so much strength and pace". He went to help Celtic win a domestic treble of League, Scottish Cup and Scottish League Cup that season.

O'Neill continued to use Agathe as either a right back or right wingback and was a regular in his side. The club won three championships and reached the 2003 UEFA Cup Final.

Agathe hardly featured during the 2005–06 season under new manager Gordon Strachan and was linked with a loan move to Leeds United, then he had a trial at Middlesbrough. In February 2006, he was released from his contract.

Aston Villa Agathe underwent a trial at Premier League side Blackburn Rovers prior to the 2006–07 season, but after manager Mark Hughes let him leave as it could not offer him guarantees regarding playing time, he finished his trial period early. He began training with Aston Villa, managed by his former Celtic boss Martin O'Neill He agreed to a short-term contract and made his Villa début at home to Tottenham Hotspur in a 1–1 draw. On 11 January 2007, however, Agathe parted company with Aston Villa, after they chose not to extend his short-term contract. Agathe made a total of six substitute appearances in his short time at Villa Park, but did not start a single game.

JS Saint-Pierroise He then signed for JS Saint-Pierroise, a club in his homeland of Réunion.

Agathe has set up an academy for young footballers on Réunion. Three players – Heeking Jerome, Mathis Yohan and Jeremy Judith – signed for Stirling Albion in August 2010.

Managerial career In April 2020, Agathe was appointed manager of English Northern Football League Division Two team Durham City. At the time the season was annulled due to the coronavirus pandemic, the club were seven point adrift at the bottom of the division, and during the summer Agathe would orchestrate a squad overhaul, including the arrival of players from Dutch footballing academies. Agathe left the club in October, having secured one point from the opening nine games of the season, though club owner Olivier Bernard said the results were not the reason he had left.

Film Agathe, who played over 100 league games for Celtic, portrayed a Rangers striker in the Robert Duvall movie, A Shot at Glory.

Career statistics Source:

Honours Celtic Scottish Premier League: 2000–01, 2001–02, 2003–04 Scottish Cup: 2000–01, 2003–04, 2004–05 Scottish League Cup: 2000–01 UEFA Cup runner-up: 2002–03