B
JOE BAKER (1940 - 2003)
Joseph Henry Baker — quite simply one of the most exciting footballers ever to pull on a Hibernian shirt. The first man from outwith the English League to be capped by England, Baker was undeniably sensational. He scored a remarkable 113 league goals for Hibs in only 139 starts.
Born in Liverpool in 1940 his family moved to Wishaw when he was a youngster and he joined Hibernian when just 15 years old. As a young teenager he had accompanied his elder brother Gerry to Chelsea but nothing came of his brief visits to Stamford Bridge. Hibs quickly ‘farmed’ him out to East of Scotland junior side Armadale in order to gain experience. From time to time he would feature in the Hibernian reserve side and in the very week that Hibs made their European Cup bow young Joe was scoring four for the reserves in a 10-1 win … he was only 15½.
When he broke into the first team as a 17-year old he was astonishingly quickly amongst the goals. Joe made his senior Hibs debut against Airdrie in August 1957 at Broomfield in a League Cup tie and went on to score a scarcely credible 31 goals in his first senior season. He wouldn’t stop scoring in throughout his Hibs career.
Selecting his greatest feat is no mean task. He would earn national fame when scoring all four Hibs goals in a 4-3 Scottish Cup triumph over Hearts at Tynecastle. There was possibly greater fame still when scoring nine goals in a single Scottish Cup tie and perhaps yet more in bagging 41 league goals (from just 33 matches) in season 1959-60.
He was capped by England at Under-23 then full international level whilst a Hibee, scoring on his full debut against Northern Ireland in 1959. He had been a Hibernian player for little over two years. Given that he was a contemporary of the likes of Brian Clough, Jimmy Greaves and Bobby Charlton his achievements should never be under-stated. In short Joe was a real ‘Roy of the Rovers’ figure, a sensation in the truest sense of the word and a player for whom the superlatives were quickly exhausted.
The inevitable came, when having been top Hibs goalscorer for four consecutive seasons, he was sold to Italian giants Torino in July 1961 for £73,000. It appears that the transfer was actually negotiated in May of that year with Baker himself probably earning in the region of £8,000. Although paired with Denis Law in Turin he did not settle and in 1962 returned to Britain with Arsenal for the then incredible sum of £67,000. He later played for Nottingham Forest and Sunderland.
In January 1971 he returned to Hibernian, nine years and eight months on from his initial departure, and made an impressive second debut, scoring with a classical header in a 2-1 win over Aberdeen … a match that ended the Dons remarkable run of 15 straight wins.
Injury however had caught up with Joe and he retired soon afterwards, although there was time for a brief sortie to Raith Rovers and an incredible 25 league goals from only 24 matches in season 1972/73.
After his playing career was over Joe dabbled in football management, firstly in the junior ranks with Fauldhouse United then in the senior game with Albion Rovers in two short spells in 1981 and 1984.
Finally more detailed mention must be made of the nine-goal haul Joe had in 1961 against Peebles Rovers in the Scottish Cup. Twelve months earlier his brother Gerry had bagged 10 for St. Mirren against Glasgow University. Thus a pair of brothers bagged 19 Scottish Cup goals between them in two Scottish Cup ties. The chances of that being repeated are slim to say the least!
Sadly Joe died in October 2003 whilst competing in a charity golf event. His death was greatly mourned at Easter Road and indeed all of his former clubs.
Born in Liverpool in 1940 his family moved to Wishaw when he was a youngster and he joined Hibernian when just 15 years old. As a young teenager he had accompanied his elder brother Gerry to Chelsea but nothing came of his brief visits to Stamford Bridge. Hibs quickly ‘farmed’ him out to East of Scotland junior side Armadale in order to gain experience. From time to time he would feature in the Hibernian reserve side and in the very week that Hibs made their European Cup bow young Joe was scoring four for the reserves in a 10-1 win … he was only 15½.
When he broke into the first team as a 17-year old he was astonishingly quickly amongst the goals. Joe made his senior Hibs debut against Airdrie in August 1957 at Broomfield in a League Cup tie and went on to score a scarcely credible 31 goals in his first senior season. He wouldn’t stop scoring in throughout his Hibs career.
Selecting his greatest feat is no mean task. He would earn national fame when scoring all four Hibs goals in a 4-3 Scottish Cup triumph over Hearts at Tynecastle. There was possibly greater fame still when scoring nine goals in a single Scottish Cup tie and perhaps yet more in bagging 41 league goals (from just 33 matches) in season 1959-60.
He was capped by England at Under-23 then full international level whilst a Hibee, scoring on his full debut against Northern Ireland in 1959. He had been a Hibernian player for little over two years. Given that he was a contemporary of the likes of Brian Clough, Jimmy Greaves and Bobby Charlton his achievements should never be under-stated. In short Joe was a real ‘Roy of the Rovers’ figure, a sensation in the truest sense of the word and a player for whom the superlatives were quickly exhausted.
The inevitable came, when having been top Hibs goalscorer for four consecutive seasons, he was sold to Italian giants Torino in July 1961 for £73,000. It appears that the transfer was actually negotiated in May of that year with Baker himself probably earning in the region of £8,000. Although paired with Denis Law in Turin he did not settle and in 1962 returned to Britain with Arsenal for the then incredible sum of £67,000. He later played for Nottingham Forest and Sunderland.
In January 1971 he returned to Hibernian, nine years and eight months on from his initial departure, and made an impressive second debut, scoring with a classical header in a 2-1 win over Aberdeen … a match that ended the Dons remarkable run of 15 straight wins.
Injury however had caught up with Joe and he retired soon afterwards, although there was time for a brief sortie to Raith Rovers and an incredible 25 league goals from only 24 matches in season 1972/73.
After his playing career was over Joe dabbled in football management, firstly in the junior ranks with Fauldhouse United then in the senior game with Albion Rovers in two short spells in 1981 and 1984.
Finally more detailed mention must be made of the nine-goal haul Joe had in 1961 against Peebles Rovers in the Scottish Cup. Twelve months earlier his brother Gerry had bagged 10 for St. Mirren against Glasgow University. Thus a pair of brothers bagged 19 Scottish Cup goals between them in two Scottish Cup ties. The chances of that being repeated are slim to say the least!
Sadly Joe died in October 2003 whilst competing in a charity golf event. His death was greatly mourned at Easter Road and indeed all of his former clubs.
HONOURS
England (5)
Scottish Cup finalist 1958
England (5)
Scottish Cup finalist 1958
GERRY BAKER (1938 -
Born in New York, Gerry was with Chelsea when only 15 before returning to Scotland homesick. Joining Motherwell he was extremely unlucky not to be a member of the famously flambouyant ‘Ancell Babes’ side.
Unable to oust the likes of Ian St John and Pat Quinn from the Fir Park side he moved to St. Mirren in November 1958 for £2,000 and promptly proved himself a most accomplished striker. His Saints debut was a particularly memorable occasion as it was against Hibernian and his elder brother Joe was in the Hibs eleven. St. Mirren won 2-1 that day and Gerry scored the winner.
In 1959 he won a Scottish Cup winners badge; scoring in every round including the final where the Paisley club beat Aberdeen 3-1. He followed that up with 10 goals in a 15-0 Scottish Cup win over Glasgow University the very next season. He was top Saints scorer in both 1959 and 1960.
In November 1960 he moved to Manchester City for £17,000 but he failed to settle and in November 1961 Hibs paid £18,000 for his services.
Following his famous brother Joe into the team cannot have been easy but Gerry was an able marksman and soon rattled in the goals. He topped the Hibernian scoring charts in the 1962/63 season playing a key role as the club battled against relegation. After a 13 match run without a league win Hibs were grateful for his hat-trick against Dundee and a few weeks later he scored a crucial winner in a 1-0 victory over Motherwell. Without his input it is doubtful if Hibs would have avoided relegation.
Gerry was an exciting player and one who always provoked interest. Tricky, incisive and possessing the goal-grabbers single-tracked desire he was unfortunately perhaps just a little too aware of his own worth and this fuelled his desire for frequent transfers. At each of his clubs he seemed to become disgruntled rather too quickly and never established himself at any location.
He seldom stayed anywhere for too long and so it proved at Hibernian. Anxious to exploit his worth he asked for a move and in early December 1963 was sold to Ipswich Town for £17,000. This was the start of a spell that saw him serve Coventry City and non-league Margate and Nuneaton before going to work for Jaguar in Coventry.
There was a sporting enthusiasm running through his family and his daughters, Karen and Lorraine, were both notable athletes, Lorraine finishing 5th in the Los Angeles 800m Olympics race. Gerry won 16 caps for the USA over the course of his career.
Unable to oust the likes of Ian St John and Pat Quinn from the Fir Park side he moved to St. Mirren in November 1958 for £2,000 and promptly proved himself a most accomplished striker. His Saints debut was a particularly memorable occasion as it was against Hibernian and his elder brother Joe was in the Hibs eleven. St. Mirren won 2-1 that day and Gerry scored the winner.
In 1959 he won a Scottish Cup winners badge; scoring in every round including the final where the Paisley club beat Aberdeen 3-1. He followed that up with 10 goals in a 15-0 Scottish Cup win over Glasgow University the very next season. He was top Saints scorer in both 1959 and 1960.
In November 1960 he moved to Manchester City for £17,000 but he failed to settle and in November 1961 Hibs paid £18,000 for his services.
Following his famous brother Joe into the team cannot have been easy but Gerry was an able marksman and soon rattled in the goals. He topped the Hibernian scoring charts in the 1962/63 season playing a key role as the club battled against relegation. After a 13 match run without a league win Hibs were grateful for his hat-trick against Dundee and a few weeks later he scored a crucial winner in a 1-0 victory over Motherwell. Without his input it is doubtful if Hibs would have avoided relegation.
Gerry was an exciting player and one who always provoked interest. Tricky, incisive and possessing the goal-grabbers single-tracked desire he was unfortunately perhaps just a little too aware of his own worth and this fuelled his desire for frequent transfers. At each of his clubs he seemed to become disgruntled rather too quickly and never established himself at any location.
He seldom stayed anywhere for too long and so it proved at Hibernian. Anxious to exploit his worth he asked for a move and in early December 1963 was sold to Ipswich Town for £17,000. This was the start of a spell that saw him serve Coventry City and non-league Margate and Nuneaton before going to work for Jaguar in Coventry.
There was a sporting enthusiasm running through his family and his daughters, Karen and Lorraine, were both notable athletes, Lorraine finishing 5th in the Los Angeles 800m Olympics race. Gerry won 16 caps for the USA over the course of his career.
JOHN BAXTER (1937 -
At 5’11” and 12 stones John was a powerful half-back who joined Hibernian from Benburb in 1955. He could defend with vigour but liked to get forward too and netted some memorable goals including one against Rangers in the late 1950s.
John played 209 league matches for Hibs, spanned between 1957 and 1966. He was capped by Scotland at Under-23 level against Wales in 1958 and was considered by many to be unlucky not to build on that international experience.
Although signed in 1955 he had to wait two years – courtesy of National Service - to make his Hibs debut. He proved a popular figure in the dressing room at Easter Road and as Lawrie Reilly recalled “He was a dependable laddie, with great strength. He had a real physical presence, in some ways he had an almost ‘Desperate Dan’ look about him. John was always good for morale and whilst not spectacular or flashy as a player he was very consistent.”
It was his reliability and longevity that convinced Falkirk, who were amongst a group of smaller clubs clamouring at the door, to sign him at the tail end of his career in 1966. He teamed up with Doug Baillie there in what must have been one of the most fearsome defences in the Scottish game. From Falkirk it was on to Clydebank before retiring.
John played 209 league matches for Hibs, spanned between 1957 and 1966. He was capped by Scotland at Under-23 level against Wales in 1958 and was considered by many to be unlucky not to build on that international experience.
Although signed in 1955 he had to wait two years – courtesy of National Service - to make his Hibs debut. He proved a popular figure in the dressing room at Easter Road and as Lawrie Reilly recalled “He was a dependable laddie, with great strength. He had a real physical presence, in some ways he had an almost ‘Desperate Dan’ look about him. John was always good for morale and whilst not spectacular or flashy as a player he was very consistent.”
It was his reliability and longevity that convinced Falkirk, who were amongst a group of smaller clubs clamouring at the door, to sign him at the tail end of his career in 1966. He teamed up with Doug Baillie there in what must have been one of the most fearsome defences in the Scottish game. From Falkirk it was on to Clydebank before retiring.
HONOURS
Scottish Cup final 1958
Scottish Cup final 1958
ABDESSALAM BENJELLOUN (1985 -
Hibernian’s first Moroccan signing (from Maghreb Fez in April 2006), ‘Benji’ carved his own niche in the club’s history by scoring twice in the 5-1 2007 CIS League Cup final victory over Kilmarnock. Indeed his haul of goals in that season enabled Hibs to offset the damaging loss of Chris Killen to injury.
He did well to turn on the style at Hampden, for his debut as a Hibs player had also come in that stadium, during the disastrous 4-0 Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to Hearts. Benjelloun, who cut an athletic figure at 6’1” had played in the Under-21 World Cup and the Arabic Cup before joining Hibernian. A lithe, tricky centre-forward he was initially used as a substitute such was his damaging pace. As matches progressed to their latter stages he was often brought on to exploit tired legs amongst the opposition.
Signed by Tony Mowbray he flourished under John Collins and was able to say in the spring of 2007 that he had “… come to terms with the weather and acclimatized to the game here. I am Scottish now and feel much more at home. Perhaps I should be called MacBenji!” Apart from his two goals in the victorious League Cup final he chipped in with another dozen in a season that had seem him mature considerably.
His settling in period was greatly assisted by the arrival of 22-year old fellow Moroccan Merouane Zemmama from Raja Casablanca in August 2006. Interestingly that transfer was subject of an investigation by the Moroccan Football Federation.
He did well to turn on the style at Hampden, for his debut as a Hibs player had also come in that stadium, during the disastrous 4-0 Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to Hearts. Benjelloun, who cut an athletic figure at 6’1” had played in the Under-21 World Cup and the Arabic Cup before joining Hibernian. A lithe, tricky centre-forward he was initially used as a substitute such was his damaging pace. As matches progressed to their latter stages he was often brought on to exploit tired legs amongst the opposition.
Signed by Tony Mowbray he flourished under John Collins and was able to say in the spring of 2007 that he had “… come to terms with the weather and acclimatized to the game here. I am Scottish now and feel much more at home. Perhaps I should be called MacBenji!” Apart from his two goals in the victorious League Cup final he chipped in with another dozen in a season that had seem him mature considerably.
His settling in period was greatly assisted by the arrival of 22-year old fellow Moroccan Merouane Zemmama from Raja Casablanca in August 2006. Interestingly that transfer was subject of an investigation by the Moroccan Football Federation.
HONOURS
Scottish League Cup 2007
GEORGE BEST (1946 - 2005)
There have probably been more column inches devoted to George Best than any other British footballer. He joined Manchester United in 1961 and by 1968 was celebrating not only a European Cup medal but was basking in being named European Footballer of the Year. Here was a flying winger with the world at his feet. Tragically he was beset by personal problems and for all he achieved there is a feeling that he squandered his career in the end, walking out on Manchester United when only 27.
He made a number of abortive attempts to resurrect his career but alcoholism and a fondness for the good life barred any progress. It was against this complex and tragic backdrop that one of the world’s truly great players was enticed to pull on a Hibernian jersey.
Hibs chairman Tom Hart was the driving force behind a deal, which brought huge publicity to Easter Road and a handful of memorable matches. However, it should be stressed that Hibernian were relegated whilst Best enjoyed his brief stint in Edinburgh and his wayward behaviour placed huge strain on manager Eddie Turnbull.
Best failed to make a satisfactory number of training sessions and was ultimately proving the patience of manager Eddie Turnbull in a way that his previous boss Matt Busby would have sympathized with. The man nicknamed ‘The Fifth Beatle’ gave journalists juicy headlines with his bizarre excursions to various pubs and clubs and it was clear his very presence was destabilizing an already vulnerable team.
He signed for Hibs in November 1979 (Fulham held his registration and were paid £50,000) and made his debut at St.Mirren’s Love Street. Hibs lost 2-1 but Best scored and when he made his home debut the following Saturday against Partick Thistle there were over 23,000 there to greet him. This was probably 15,000 or so up on the expected crowd. Hibs won that game 2-1 and briefly there were hopes that relegation (already looming on the horizon) could be avoided.
Alas it wasn’t to be. There was a memorable match against Rangers at Easter Road which Hibs won 2-1 and Best was magnificent in (even finding time to pretend to take a drink from a beer can which had rather unsportingly been lobbed at him). However, on February 17th Tom Hart told the assembled press that “Manager Eddie Turnbull and myself have agree that George Best is available for transfer. He was told to pack his bags and get out of Edinburgh”. Best in typically laid back fashion responded by saying “Hibs had no option but to get rid of me. I’ve let everyone down. I need to beat my alcohol problem.”
But Hibs were not inundated with offers and Best was allowed to go to America and Fort Lauderdale at the end of the relegation season. He then moved to San Jose Earthquakes but returned to Hibernian and played four game in the First Division (the last against Falkirk) before heading out of Easter Road for good.
He died in November 2005 aged just 59 and was mourned across the football world. Supremely talented his was a talent that ultimately fizzled out far too early.
He made a number of abortive attempts to resurrect his career but alcoholism and a fondness for the good life barred any progress. It was against this complex and tragic backdrop that one of the world’s truly great players was enticed to pull on a Hibernian jersey.
Hibs chairman Tom Hart was the driving force behind a deal, which brought huge publicity to Easter Road and a handful of memorable matches. However, it should be stressed that Hibernian were relegated whilst Best enjoyed his brief stint in Edinburgh and his wayward behaviour placed huge strain on manager Eddie Turnbull.
Best failed to make a satisfactory number of training sessions and was ultimately proving the patience of manager Eddie Turnbull in a way that his previous boss Matt Busby would have sympathized with. The man nicknamed ‘The Fifth Beatle’ gave journalists juicy headlines with his bizarre excursions to various pubs and clubs and it was clear his very presence was destabilizing an already vulnerable team.
He signed for Hibs in November 1979 (Fulham held his registration and were paid £50,000) and made his debut at St.Mirren’s Love Street. Hibs lost 2-1 but Best scored and when he made his home debut the following Saturday against Partick Thistle there were over 23,000 there to greet him. This was probably 15,000 or so up on the expected crowd. Hibs won that game 2-1 and briefly there were hopes that relegation (already looming on the horizon) could be avoided.
Alas it wasn’t to be. There was a memorable match against Rangers at Easter Road which Hibs won 2-1 and Best was magnificent in (even finding time to pretend to take a drink from a beer can which had rather unsportingly been lobbed at him). However, on February 17th Tom Hart told the assembled press that “Manager Eddie Turnbull and myself have agree that George Best is available for transfer. He was told to pack his bags and get out of Edinburgh”. Best in typically laid back fashion responded by saying “Hibs had no option but to get rid of me. I’ve let everyone down. I need to beat my alcohol problem.”
But Hibs were not inundated with offers and Best was allowed to go to America and Fort Lauderdale at the end of the relegation season. He then moved to San Jose Earthquakes but returned to Hibernian and played four game in the First Division (the last against Falkirk) before heading out of Easter Road for good.
He died in November 2005 aged just 59 and was mourned across the football world. Supremely talented his was a talent that ultimately fizzled out far too early.
JIM BLACK (1943 -
A bulwark in defence, Black was the centre-half in Eddie Turnbull’s successful side of the early 1970s. Hardly spectacular he was nevertheless dependable and the quartet of Brownlie, Black, Blackley and Schaedler allowed Hibernian supporters to believe, with some justification, that they had one of the most dependable defences in Scotland.
Tall and dark-haired he had joined Airdrie from Lochend Hearts in 1962. His steady displays and strength in the air where the most obvious parts of his repertoire. In 1968 he scored an own-goal in an Airdrie-Hibs fixture, but an immaculate showing for the Diamonds when they beat Hibs 1-0 in a Third Round Scottish Cup tie was probably more influential. A year on from his own goal gaffe he joined Hibs for a modest £30,000 having played 144 league matches for the Diamonds.
Black made his Easter Road debut against Newcastle United in August 1969. He proved a good buy for Hibernian and won a League Cup winners badge in 1972 as well as being a key performer in the two Dryburgh Cup wins over Celtic. For a Hibernian player such cup riches are rare indeed.
Remarkably injury-free he enjoyed a run of well over 100 consecutive matches and was a truly contented footballer. Offered the chance to go to England he turned it down saying he liked living in Airdrie. This was clearly true because he returned to Airdrieonians in 1974 when his Hibs career ended after five years. He rattled up another 148 league outings for the Lanarkshire club before finishing his career at nearby Stenhousemuir.
Tall and dark-haired he had joined Airdrie from Lochend Hearts in 1962. His steady displays and strength in the air where the most obvious parts of his repertoire. In 1968 he scored an own-goal in an Airdrie-Hibs fixture, but an immaculate showing for the Diamonds when they beat Hibs 1-0 in a Third Round Scottish Cup tie was probably more influential. A year on from his own goal gaffe he joined Hibs for a modest £30,000 having played 144 league matches for the Diamonds.
Black made his Easter Road debut against Newcastle United in August 1969. He proved a good buy for Hibernian and won a League Cup winners badge in 1972 as well as being a key performer in the two Dryburgh Cup wins over Celtic. For a Hibernian player such cup riches are rare indeed.
Remarkably injury-free he enjoyed a run of well over 100 consecutive matches and was a truly contented footballer. Offered the chance to go to England he turned it down saying he liked living in Airdrie. This was clearly true because he returned to Airdrieonians in 1974 when his Hibs career ended after five years. He rattled up another 148 league outings for the Lanarkshire club before finishing his career at nearby Stenhousemuir.
HONOURS
League Cup 1972
Scottish Cup final 1972
JOHN BLACKLEY (1948 -
A wonderfully composed defender, ‘Sloop’ joined Hibs in 1964 from Gairdoch United and went on to have a great Hibs career. His debut came in the 1967/68 season and he was earning the first of his four Scotland Under-23 caps within two seasons. He was part of the super Turnbull’s Tornadoes side and marshalled his defensive colleagues with assurance and no little style.
He played in some memorable Hibernian matches including the 7-0 rout of Hearts at Tynecastle and the 6-1 European hammering of Sporting Lisbon. By the early seventies he was easily one of Scotland’s finest central defenders and he graduated from league internationals to full internationals very quickly. Indeed he played for Scotland in the 1974 World Cup finals in Germany.
By the time it was clear he would be moving on he had turned out in 263 league games. Sold to Newcastle United for £100,000 in October 1977 he was highly appreciated at St. James’ Park before moving on to Preston and Hamilton (as player/manager eventually) then returning to Hibs in 1983 and ultimately managing the club.
Appointed Hibs boss in September 1984, Blackley stayed until his resignation in the winter of 1986, arguably having expected to achieve too much too soon. It says much for his football know-how that he actually played 16 times in the league for Hibs during his second spell when he doubled up on and off the field.
John’s love of football remained undiminished and he worked as a coach at Dundee United and St Johnstone after leaving Easter Road. The unusual nickname ‘Sloop’ was a reference to the popular Beach Boys hit ‘Sloop John B’.
He played in some memorable Hibernian matches including the 7-0 rout of Hearts at Tynecastle and the 6-1 European hammering of Sporting Lisbon. By the early seventies he was easily one of Scotland’s finest central defenders and he graduated from league internationals to full internationals very quickly. Indeed he played for Scotland in the 1974 World Cup finals in Germany.
By the time it was clear he would be moving on he had turned out in 263 league games. Sold to Newcastle United for £100,000 in October 1977 he was highly appreciated at St. James’ Park before moving on to Preston and Hamilton (as player/manager eventually) then returning to Hibs in 1983 and ultimately managing the club.
Appointed Hibs boss in September 1984, Blackley stayed until his resignation in the winter of 1986, arguably having expected to achieve too much too soon. It says much for his football know-how that he actually played 16 times in the league for Hibs during his second spell when he doubled up on and off the field.
John’s love of football remained undiminished and he worked as a coach at Dundee United and St Johnstone after leaving Easter Road. The unusual nickname ‘Sloop’ was a reference to the popular Beach Boys hit ‘Sloop John B’.
HONOURS
Scotland (7), Scottish League (1)
League Cup 1972, League Cup finalist 1969, 1974
Scottish Cup finalist 1972
TOMMY BOGAN (1920 – 1993)
Born in Glasgow this tricky winger began his career with Strathclyde Juniors but really caught they eye with Blantyre Celtic and Renfrew Juniors. In 1943 he moved from Renfrew to Edinburgh when Willie McCartney offered him terms at Hibernian.
Bogan settled well at Easter Road but in 1945 he caught national sports headlines when his international career became the shortest on record. In the April 11th meeting between Scotland and England at Hampden Park he was injured in the very first minute when he clashed with Frank Swift in the English goal. Some say he was never the same player again but Celtic disagreed and in February 1946 he moved from Hibs to Parkhead.
A broken leg in October of that year badly disrupted his Celtic career before he moved to Preston North End for £3,500 in September 1948. This seemed to unleash a nomadic element in Tommy for thereafter he served clubs as diverse as Manchester United, Aberdeen and Southampton.
Bogan gave Hibernian fans one of their favourite quotes of the era when a few months into his Celtic career he declared “I can’t understand why I left the Hibs”.
* - It is interesting to note that when Tommy was injured in his all too brief international career it was a rare occasion where a substitute was allowed, and the man who replaced him was Leslie Johnstone who would also have a Hibernian connection.
Bogan settled well at Easter Road but in 1945 he caught national sports headlines when his international career became the shortest on record. In the April 11th meeting between Scotland and England at Hampden Park he was injured in the very first minute when he clashed with Frank Swift in the English goal. Some say he was never the same player again but Celtic disagreed and in February 1946 he moved from Hibs to Parkhead.
A broken leg in October of that year badly disrupted his Celtic career before he moved to Preston North End for £3,500 in September 1948. This seemed to unleash a nomadic element in Tommy for thereafter he served clubs as diverse as Manchester United, Aberdeen and Southampton.
Bogan gave Hibernian fans one of their favourite quotes of the era when a few months into his Celtic career he declared “I can’t understand why I left the Hibs”.
* - It is interesting to note that when Tommy was injured in his all too brief international career it was a rare occasion where a substitute was allowed, and the man who replaced him was Leslie Johnstone who would also have a Hibernian connection.
BOOKS
A number of informative books covering the history and fortunes of Hibernian have been published over the years. The list below does not claim to be definitive but covers the major published works. In addition the club itself was a dedicated publisher of super handbooks in the late 1940s and 1950s. Several players have produced or featured in biographies and these are listed with the individual player’s entries.
Let’s talk about Hibernian Football Club: Author unknown, Glasgow based publication of 1947
Hibernian Through The Years : Author unknown, London based publisher 1948
Brown, Stewart: Hibernian Greats, Edinburgh 1987
Docherty, Gerry and Thomson, Phil: 100 years of Hibs, 1875-1975, Edinburgh 1975
Gilzean, Harry: Hibernian cartoons, Edinburgh 1980
Jeffrey, Jim: The Men Who Made Hibernian Since 1946, Gloucester 2005
Jeffrey, Jim: Hibernian Greats, Derby 2006
Jeffrey, Jim: 50 Classic Matches, Gloucester 2007
Lugton, Alan: Making of Hibernian 1, 1995
Lugton, Alan: Making of Hibernian. 2, 1893-1914, the brave years, 1997
Lugton, Alan: Making of Hibernian 3, 1914-1946, the romantic years, 1998
Lunney, Paul: Images of Sport, Hibernian FC 1875-1975, 2001
Mackay, John R: Hibees: The Story of Hibernian Football Club, 1986
Mackay, John R: Hibernian: the Easter Road story, 1995
Mark, Brian: Hibernian FC : the war years 1939 - 1946 : a complete record of games played by Hibernian FC during the Second World War, 1994
Pia, Simon: Sunshine on Leith,
Raginia, Rikki: Hibernian Programme Guide, 1994
Smith, Mike: Hearts and Hibs Capital Classics, 1998
Wilson, Mike: Hibernian official all-time greats, 1999
Let’s talk about Hibernian Football Club: Author unknown, Glasgow based publication of 1947
Hibernian Through The Years : Author unknown, London based publisher 1948
Brown, Stewart: Hibernian Greats, Edinburgh 1987
Docherty, Gerry and Thomson, Phil: 100 years of Hibs, 1875-1975, Edinburgh 1975
Gilzean, Harry: Hibernian cartoons, Edinburgh 1980
Jeffrey, Jim: The Men Who Made Hibernian Since 1946, Gloucester 2005
Jeffrey, Jim: Hibernian Greats, Derby 2006
Jeffrey, Jim: 50 Classic Matches, Gloucester 2007
Lugton, Alan: Making of Hibernian 1, 1995
Lugton, Alan: Making of Hibernian. 2, 1893-1914, the brave years, 1997
Lugton, Alan: Making of Hibernian 3, 1914-1946, the romantic years, 1998
Lunney, Paul: Images of Sport, Hibernian FC 1875-1975, 2001
Mackay, John R: Hibees: The Story of Hibernian Football Club, 1986
Mackay, John R: Hibernian: the Easter Road story, 1995
Mark, Brian: Hibernian FC : the war years 1939 - 1946 : a complete record of games played by Hibernian FC during the Second World War, 1994
Pia, Simon: Sunshine on Leith,
Raginia, Rikki: Hibernian Programme Guide, 1994
Smith, Mike: Hearts and Hibs Capital Classics, 1998
Wilson, Mike: Hibernian official all-time greats, 1999
BRAZIL
In 1953 Hibernian embarked upon a tour of Brazil, invited by the Brazilian FA to compete in an unofficial World Club Championship, called the Octagonal Rivadavia Correa Meyer. Given that Hibs along with Rangers had dominated post-war Scottish football their invitation was understandable.
There was huge interest in British football in Brazil and in 1949 Arsenal had toured there; a couple of years earlier Southampton had made the long trip over the equator. British names had featured heavily in the formation of several major South American clubs and in the 1930s Motherwell had raised the profile of Scottish football by making an extensive tour of Argentina.
Hibernian played three matches, all in the 200,000 capacity Maracana Stadium. The results during the Hibees trip were as follows:
There was huge interest in British football in Brazil and in 1949 Arsenal had toured there; a couple of years earlier Southampton had made the long trip over the equator. British names had featured heavily in the formation of several major South American clubs and in the 1930s Motherwell had raised the profile of Scottish football by making an extensive tour of Argentina.
Hibernian played three matches, all in the 200,000 capacity Maracana Stadium. The results during the Hibees trip were as follows:
· June 7, Vasco Da Gama, Drew 3-3, (Reilly 2, Turnbull)
· June 13, Botofogo, Lost 1-3, (Reilly)
· June 20, Fluminese, Lost 0-3
Hibernian may have flown to Brazil but it was an epic journey. Their flight took them on the following route; Edinburgh – London, London – Paris, Paris – Lisbon, Lisbon – Dakaar, Dakaar – Recife, Recife – Rio. The club flew out on Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation Day and thanks to the wonders of television saw the Coronation at every stopping point.
Throughout their stay the Hibs party were entertained by the local British Community Club and without them the club would have been left to their own devices. However, even expert help could not prevent Lawrie Reilly ending up spending two days in a Brazilian hospital. He swallowed sea water when Trying to ‘ride a wave’. Given the poor reputation of beaches at the time he was hospitalized. Two days later he left hospital at lunch time and played in the match in the evening.
On April 30, 1956 Vasco Da Gama played a return fixture at Easter Road.
ALLY BRAZIL (1958 -
A cult hero amongst Hibernian fans, it would be fair to say that Brazil was not the most skilled footballer during his lengthy stay at Easter Road but certainly one of the most reliable and popular. His approach to the game was of the no frills variety and he lacked nothing in effort or enthusiasm.
Eddie Turnbull signed Brazil from Currie Hearts in December 1976 on the recommendation of scout John Smart; but only after two trial games. Indeed Turnbull never quite seemed ‘sold’ on ‘Benny’ until John Lambie the Hibernian assistant coach pushed his case.
Encouraged by Lambie’s faith the youngster was ‘blooded’ and by 1979 he had made sufficient progress to play in the Scottish Cup final against Rangers. His debut had come against Aberdeen at Pittodrie in 1977.
Ally built upon that debut and went on to play, largely in defence, in over 200 matches during a Hibernian career that lasted a decade. He was never a regular goalscorer but cemented his quirky reputation when he scored not once, not twice, but a hat-trick in a friendly against Celtic in the 1984/85 season.
The fact that John Lambie had championed Brazil’s cause proved profitable for Ally in the mid 1980s. As his playing career at Easter Road drew to a close he was recruited by Lambie for Hamilton Accies. Accies were newly promoted to the Premier League and Lambie rightly identified the need for an experienced defender as a priority. Ally was a member of the Hamilton side that quite sensationally knocked Rangers out of the Scottish Cup in 1987.
Despite that marvellous experience Ally never really settled at Douglas Park and he moved to Forfar Athletic. Those who thought his career would rapidly conclude were in for a pleasant surprise as Brazil made over 150 outings for Forfar before moving down into the junior ranks. His son Alan played senior with Arbroath, having earned a schoolboy contract at Aston Villa.
Eddie Turnbull signed Brazil from Currie Hearts in December 1976 on the recommendation of scout John Smart; but only after two trial games. Indeed Turnbull never quite seemed ‘sold’ on ‘Benny’ until John Lambie the Hibernian assistant coach pushed his case.
Encouraged by Lambie’s faith the youngster was ‘blooded’ and by 1979 he had made sufficient progress to play in the Scottish Cup final against Rangers. His debut had come against Aberdeen at Pittodrie in 1977.
Ally built upon that debut and went on to play, largely in defence, in over 200 matches during a Hibernian career that lasted a decade. He was never a regular goalscorer but cemented his quirky reputation when he scored not once, not twice, but a hat-trick in a friendly against Celtic in the 1984/85 season.
The fact that John Lambie had championed Brazil’s cause proved profitable for Ally in the mid 1980s. As his playing career at Easter Road drew to a close he was recruited by Lambie for Hamilton Accies. Accies were newly promoted to the Premier League and Lambie rightly identified the need for an experienced defender as a priority. Ally was a member of the Hamilton side that quite sensationally knocked Rangers out of the Scottish Cup in 1987.
Despite that marvellous experience Ally never really settled at Douglas Park and he moved to Forfar Athletic. Those who thought his career would rapidly conclude were in for a pleasant surprise as Brazil made over 150 outings for Forfar before moving down into the junior ranks. His son Alan played senior with Arbroath, having earned a schoolboy contract at Aston Villa.
HONOURS
Scotland Under-21 (1)
League Cup finalist 1985
Scottish Cup final 1979
DES BREMNER (1952 -
Enthusiastic, committed and skilful. Those are the qualities most readily associated with the career of Des Bremner at Hibs. Few midfielders combined so many attributes so well.
Born in Aberchirder, near Banff, Des joined Hibs from Highland League side Deveronvale in 1972. He went to become one of the most versatile and determined midfielders at Easter Road and enjoyed a lengthy spell with the club before moving to Aston Villa. That September 1979 transfer was a Hibernian record with the Birmingham-based club paying £275,000. With Villa Des scaled the heights winning the European Cup and the English Championship.
Des had made his Hibs debut against Dundee United in January 1973. Capped by Scotland at Youth, Under 23, league, and full international level he had boundless energy and enthusiasm. He made his Scotland bow against Switzerland in a 1-0 win, coming on for Kenny Dalglish.
It wasn’t just industry that epitomized his time at Easter Road, he was a goalscorer too. Several counters caught the eye, one of the best coming at Tynecastle Park in April 1977 when he curled a delicious 25 yarder into the postage stamp corner of Jim Cruickshank’s net in a 2-2 draw. He had another in a 2-0 win at Ibrox in August of the same year and was never shy of having a go at goal.
In total Des made 200 league appearances for Hibs. His career in England took in not only Aston Villa, but their great city rivals Birmingham. Unusually he was held in high esteem by both halves of the Birmingham divide.
After retiring from playing Des worked for the English PFA. His brother Kevin was also a notable player.
Born in Aberchirder, near Banff, Des joined Hibs from Highland League side Deveronvale in 1972. He went to become one of the most versatile and determined midfielders at Easter Road and enjoyed a lengthy spell with the club before moving to Aston Villa. That September 1979 transfer was a Hibernian record with the Birmingham-based club paying £275,000. With Villa Des scaled the heights winning the European Cup and the English Championship.
Des had made his Hibs debut against Dundee United in January 1973. Capped by Scotland at Youth, Under 23, league, and full international level he had boundless energy and enthusiasm. He made his Scotland bow against Switzerland in a 1-0 win, coming on for Kenny Dalglish.
It wasn’t just industry that epitomized his time at Easter Road, he was a goalscorer too. Several counters caught the eye, one of the best coming at Tynecastle Park in April 1977 when he curled a delicious 25 yarder into the postage stamp corner of Jim Cruickshank’s net in a 2-2 draw. He had another in a 2-0 win at Ibrox in August of the same year and was never shy of having a go at goal.
In total Des made 200 league appearances for Hibs. His career in England took in not only Aston Villa, but their great city rivals Birmingham. Unusually he was held in high esteem by both halves of the Birmingham divide.
After retiring from playing Des worked for the English PFA. His brother Kevin was also a notable player.
HONOURS
Scotland (1),
League Cup final 1974
Scottish Cup final 1979
BROTHERS
There have been a number of instances of brotherly connections concerning Hibernian.
In the Hibs v Celtic 1923 Cup final the clubs were managed by brothers. Alec managed Hibernian, and his brother Willie was in charge of Celtic. On December 14, 1946 Hibernian entertained Rangers. The occasion was made remarkable by the fact that brothers captained the sides – Jock Shaw was the visiting captain whilst Davie Shaw was the Hibernian captain.
Both Jim Scott and Alex played for Hibs in the 1960s, but they missed playing together by one season. Jim would earn fame as a scorer for Newcastle United in their 1969 Fairs Cities Cup final win, whilst Alex won league championship badges with both Rangers and Everton.
Joe and Gerry Baker, as mentioned earlier, both represented Hibs as centre-forwards. Such was their prowess in front of goal that both topped the Hibernian scoring charts during their time at the club.
Duncan Lambie played for Hibernian. His brother John, later to be a noted manager with Partick Thistle and Hamilton, began his coaching career on the staff at Easter Road.
Hibernian’s Jimmy Hogg faced his brothers John and George of Hearts in the 1901 derby fixture at Tynecastle Park.
Bellshill boys Mark and Alan Dempsie both played with Hibs in the early part of the 21st century. Mark had the more significant career but had the misfortune to be at the heart of Hibernian’s defence when they lost heavily to Hearts (1-5) at Tynecastle in August 2002.
A father and son connection at Easter Road is not that uncommon either. Jock Paterson, a centre-half with the club in the immediate post-war period, was delighted to see his son hold the same position in the late 1970s. Goalkeeper Andy Goram was following in his father’s footsteps, although Lew Goram never made a competitive outing for Hibs. Much the same happened with the Kane’s, Paul being a Hibernian regular whilst his father Jimmy was unable to break into the first team.
In the Hibs v Celtic 1923 Cup final the clubs were managed by brothers. Alec managed Hibernian, and his brother Willie was in charge of Celtic. On December 14, 1946 Hibernian entertained Rangers. The occasion was made remarkable by the fact that brothers captained the sides – Jock Shaw was the visiting captain whilst Davie Shaw was the Hibernian captain.
Both Jim Scott and Alex played for Hibs in the 1960s, but they missed playing together by one season. Jim would earn fame as a scorer for Newcastle United in their 1969 Fairs Cities Cup final win, whilst Alex won league championship badges with both Rangers and Everton.
Joe and Gerry Baker, as mentioned earlier, both represented Hibs as centre-forwards. Such was their prowess in front of goal that both topped the Hibernian scoring charts during their time at the club.
Duncan Lambie played for Hibernian. His brother John, later to be a noted manager with Partick Thistle and Hamilton, began his coaching career on the staff at Easter Road.
Hibernian’s Jimmy Hogg faced his brothers John and George of Hearts in the 1901 derby fixture at Tynecastle Park.
Bellshill boys Mark and Alan Dempsie both played with Hibs in the early part of the 21st century. Mark had the more significant career but had the misfortune to be at the heart of Hibernian’s defence when they lost heavily to Hearts (1-5) at Tynecastle in August 2002.
A father and son connection at Easter Road is not that uncommon either. Jock Paterson, a centre-half with the club in the immediate post-war period, was delighted to see his son hold the same position in the late 1970s. Goalkeeper Andy Goram was following in his father’s footsteps, although Lew Goram never made a competitive outing for Hibs. Much the same happened with the Kane’s, Paul being a Hibernian regular whilst his father Jimmy was unable to break into the first team.
SCOTT BROWN (1985 -) 
A precocious, if somewhat stroppy, talent, Scott was spotted by Hibs as a schoolboy prodigy when he was only 13. By the age of 17 he had burst into the first team with such industry and drive that he often appeared to be straining at the leash. For all his youthful impetuosity it was clear he was a tremendous prospect. This was confirmed in 2007 when Celtic broke the Scottish transfer record to lure him away from Easter Road.
Born in Dunfermline he joined Hibs in 2002 and the tail end of the 2002/03 season was so much the better for his appearance. A brace in an end of season win at Livingston gave early indication of his natural talents. The following term he picked up from where he left off and his total fearlessness allied to his sheer skill won him admirers well beyond Easter Road. He cemented his reputation by scoring in three consecutive matches for Scotland in the Under-19 European Youth Championship.
By 2004 he was a Scotland Under-21 internationalist and a regular in the Hibs first team, holding his place with ease when Tony Mowbray arrived as manager. His combative style did not always endear him to opposition players and fans, and it was suggested by some experienced players that he had rather too much to say for himself on the field.
By the time Hibernian won the League Cup in 2007 he was the clubs most precious talent, especially as Kevin Thomson had moved to Rangers a couple of months earlier. Hibernian chairman Rod Petrie had turned down a bid from Charlton Athletic in the winter transfer window, and this proved an astute move as Brown went on to claim the Scottish Football Writers’ Association Young Player of the Year and his value stored. However, the inevitable came when he moved, as a 21 year-old, to Celtic in 2007 for a phenomenal £4.4m.
Brown’s move to Celtic was just one part of a frenetic spell of transfers from Easter Road to Glasgow. Kenny Miller, Ulrik Laursen, Didier Agathe, Ian Murray, Gary Caldwell, Derek Riordan, Kevin Thomson , Chris Killen and Steven Whittaker all making switches out of Edinburgh to the Old Firm.
Interestingly in his last game for Hibs Brown scored in a 2-1 win over Celtic. On his first return to Easter Road as a Celtic player he tasted defeat as Hibs recorded a 3-2 win.
Born in Dunfermline he joined Hibs in 2002 and the tail end of the 2002/03 season was so much the better for his appearance. A brace in an end of season win at Livingston gave early indication of his natural talents. The following term he picked up from where he left off and his total fearlessness allied to his sheer skill won him admirers well beyond Easter Road. He cemented his reputation by scoring in three consecutive matches for Scotland in the Under-19 European Youth Championship.
By 2004 he was a Scotland Under-21 internationalist and a regular in the Hibs first team, holding his place with ease when Tony Mowbray arrived as manager. His combative style did not always endear him to opposition players and fans, and it was suggested by some experienced players that he had rather too much to say for himself on the field.
By the time Hibernian won the League Cup in 2007 he was the clubs most precious talent, especially as Kevin Thomson had moved to Rangers a couple of months earlier. Hibernian chairman Rod Petrie had turned down a bid from Charlton Athletic in the winter transfer window, and this proved an astute move as Brown went on to claim the Scottish Football Writers’ Association Young Player of the Year and his value stored. However, the inevitable came when he moved, as a 21 year-old, to Celtic in 2007 for a phenomenal £4.4m.
Brown’s move to Celtic was just one part of a frenetic spell of transfers from Easter Road to Glasgow. Kenny Miller, Ulrik Laursen, Didier Agathe, Ian Murray, Gary Caldwell, Derek Riordan, Kevin Thomson , Chris Killen and Steven Whittaker all making switches out of Edinburgh to the Old Firm.
Interestingly in his last game for Hibs Brown scored in a 2-1 win over Celtic. On his first return to Easter Road as a Celtic player he tasted defeat as Hibs recorded a 3-2 win.
HONOURS
Scotland (1), Scotland Under-21 (8)
League Cup 1972
JOHN BROWNLIE (1952-
On January 6, 1973 John Brownlie went into a tackle with East Fife’s Ian Printy. Minutes later he was being stretchered from the field with a broken leg; it is doubtful if Turnbull’s Tornadoes were ever quite the same again. Right-back Brownlie’s departure badly hindered Hibs season and when he came back manager Turnbull was already beginning to tinker with what many thought was a winning formula.
Capped by Scotland when only 19, Brownlie might well have been a Scotland regular had he not been so cruelly injured in 1973. This meant he missed the 1974 World Cup finals and when he returned the Sandy Jardine – Danny McGrain partnership was established.
Thus it is as a Hibernian right-back that Brownlie is best known. Born in Caldercruix in 1952 he joined Hibs in April 1969 from Pumpherston. By the early 1970s he was an integral part of Eddie Turnbull’s side and he won a League Cup medal in 1972 having played a huge role by scoring the only goal in the semi-final win over Rangers.
Strong and direct he was the epitome of the over-lapping full back. Indeed there are some who feel that Brownlie was a better player going forward than he was defending. He would go on to play in over 200 league fixtures and there is little doubt that when he was missing from the first team Hibs were a pale shadow of their usual self.
In August 1978 John moved to Newcastle United and thus began a stint in the north-east of England that took in spells with Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, Berwick and Blyth Spartans. When he returned to Scotland it was as a manager and he held the reigns at Cowdenbeath, East Stirling and Arbroath. Given that he had played under Jackie Charlton, Eddie Turnbull, and Tommy Docherty it seemed a natural graduation.
A superb athlete and a very tidy player.
Capped by Scotland when only 19, Brownlie might well have been a Scotland regular had he not been so cruelly injured in 1973. This meant he missed the 1974 World Cup finals and when he returned the Sandy Jardine – Danny McGrain partnership was established.
Thus it is as a Hibernian right-back that Brownlie is best known. Born in Caldercruix in 1952 he joined Hibs in April 1969 from Pumpherston. By the early 1970s he was an integral part of Eddie Turnbull’s side and he won a League Cup medal in 1972 having played a huge role by scoring the only goal in the semi-final win over Rangers.
Strong and direct he was the epitome of the over-lapping full back. Indeed there are some who feel that Brownlie was a better player going forward than he was defending. He would go on to play in over 200 league fixtures and there is little doubt that when he was missing from the first team Hibs were a pale shadow of their usual self.
In August 1978 John moved to Newcastle United and thus began a stint in the north-east of England that took in spells with Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, Berwick and Blyth Spartans. When he returned to Scotland it was as a manager and he held the reigns at Cowdenbeath, East Stirling and Arbroath. Given that he had played under Jackie Charlton, Eddie Turnbull, and Tommy Docherty it seemed a natural graduation.
A superb athlete and a very tidy player.
HONOURS
Scotland (7), Scottish League (1)
League Cup 1972, League Cup final 1974
Scottish Cup final 1972
JAMES BUCHAN (1881 – 19 ??)
A versatile half-back, James was a vital part of Hibernian’s 1902-03 championship winning team. He was also a key element of the Hibs team which won the Glasgow Charity Cup in 1902 so winning honours was something of a Buchan specialty. Such was his quality that he earned a move to Arsenal in 1904 but he was only with the Gunners for a few months before moving north to Manchester City. He settled much better there and was a City stalwart from 1904 to 1911.
James came back to Scotland in 1911 to join Motherwell and he made 17 appearances for the Steelmen including an outing in a 0-1 defeat against His at Easter Road. Half way through the campaign he switched allegiance to Kilmarnock and he turned out against Hibs in the 1912/13 season when Hibs won 1-0 at Rugby Park. At this time Kilmarnock had a unique incentive for goalscorers in their team, each goal being rewarded with a coat, but as a defender Buchan was unable to enjoy any clothing rewards.
A native of Perth, Buchan had started his senior career with St Johnstone and he returned to them when his career wound down.
HONOURS
Scottish League Championship (1902)
ARCHIE BUCHANAN (1929 - 1984)
Something of an unsung hero in the post-war side that landed three titles in five years, Buchanan was a confident and reliable half-back who was equally comfortable playing on the right as the left hand side of the field. Standing at six feet tall, and noted for his athleticism, he was seldom injured and one of the first names on the Hibs team sheet.
Signed in 1943 from Edinburgh Thistle he rather handily lived round the corner from Easter Road. He was amongst the goals in the first official season after World War Two and kept that up until the 1956/57 season when he finally retired from the Easter Road scene.
Perhaps his best season was the 1947/48 league winning campaign. He missed only one match in the league that term and was well worth his championship medal. His appearance haul is all the more noteworthy when you consider that games were less frequent than today. When Hibs won the league in 1951 he had missed the first three games of the campaign. Hibs lost two of those; when he returned in game number four Hibs won 6-2 at Motherwell and would lose only two more games in the 29 that remained. Arguably had he not suffered a bad leg break at Aberdeen in September 1954 his career, and Hibs success rate, would have been even more impressive.
Nevertheless, he played 205 games for Hibs and netted 16 goals in his time at Easter Road. Upon leaving Hibs he went on to play briefly with St Mirren before managing Cowdenbeath.
Signed in 1943 from Edinburgh Thistle he rather handily lived round the corner from Easter Road. He was amongst the goals in the first official season after World War Two and kept that up until the 1956/57 season when he finally retired from the Easter Road scene.
Perhaps his best season was the 1947/48 league winning campaign. He missed only one match in the league that term and was well worth his championship medal. His appearance haul is all the more noteworthy when you consider that games were less frequent than today. When Hibs won the league in 1951 he had missed the first three games of the campaign. Hibs lost two of those; when he returned in game number four Hibs won 6-2 at Motherwell and would lose only two more games in the 29 that remained. Arguably had he not suffered a bad leg break at Aberdeen in September 1954 his career, and Hibs success rate, would have been even more impressive.
Nevertheless, he played 205 games for Hibs and netted 16 goals in his time at Easter Road. Upon leaving Hibs he went on to play briefly with St Mirren before managing Cowdenbeath.
HONOURS
League Championship 1949, 1951, 1952
League Cup final 1950
MATT BUSBY (1909-1994)