Steven Anderson

Early career

Anderson's senior career in football began when he stepped up from Dalkeith Boys Club to sign for Dundee United in January 2001. Anderson progressed for three years at The Tangerines, where he impressed the Dundee United's academy and eventually became captain at one point. However, Anderson failed to make a first team breakthrough at the Tangerines that led him to be released by the club in the summer of 2004. Anderson joined Rangers on trial, but the club decided against signing him. He then went on trial with St Johnstone and played in a reserve game against Forfar Athletic and in a First Division match against St Mirren on 21 August 2004. His performance convinced the Saints' manager John Conolly to sign Anderson on a contract until the end of the season. Along the way, he learned from Jim Weir and considered him as a mentor, stating: "I learned a lot from Jim. He used to have me out on the training ground on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons for extra training."

St Johnstone

Early career at St Johnstone

Seven days after signing for the Saints, Anderson made his professional football debut, starting the whole game, in a 1–0 win over Raith Rovers. Shortly after, he became a first team regular for St. Johnstone. However, Anderson received a straight red card for a foul on Hamed Sacko with 10 minutes left, as the club lose 1–0 against Raith Rovers. Upon his return from suspension, he scored his first goal for St Johnstone, in a 4–0…

Throughout his time at St. Johnstone, Anderson mostly plays in right–back, left–back and even midfield positions. Thised last until he became the club's first choice centre–back position. This earned him nicknamed as "Victor Meldrew of Scottish football", a name that Anderson agreed with because of his grumpy personality. Manager Caldwell said about him: "I think I'd describe him as old school in the way that he defends. Anderson just wants to head things and put in tackles but he's also smart enough to know when the right time is to do that which you saw a couple of times today. Anderson is someone who young centre-halves should look up to and try to learn from. He's been very successful in his career and uses his experience to command the defence which helps those around him." Anderson agreed that his playing style was old school, saying: "I heads the ball, defend right, first and foremost, and make sure people roundabout can play. Saturday was my kind of game." However, Anderson was accused by Rangers player Vladimir Weiss of being overly physical following St Johnstone's 2–1 defeat against Rangers on 28 August 2010. Responding to Weiss' criticism, he defended his actions saying that he was simply defending. Despite this, Anderson was viewed highly regards as a St Johnstone legend by managers, players and supporters. Teammate Danny Swanson felt that Anderson should be included in the Scotland squad, pointing out that Gordon Greer was called up at 33 years old.

As of match played 15 January 2022

Growing up, Anderson was a boyhood Hibernian supporter, due to being from Dalkeith. He is married to his wife, Sarah, and together, they have one child. Outside of football, Anderson works for the Fife Council as an environmental health technical officer.