D
JOE DAVIS (1941 -
Signed from Third Lanark in November 1964 it is doubtful if Hibs have ever had a more prolific goalscorer in defence. He netted his first goal for Hibs in a League Cup tie against Alloa in September 1965 and by August 1967 had 31 goals to his name!
Joe turned senior with Third Lanark whom he joined from Shettleston Juniors in February 1961. Third’s historian Bert Bell points out that “Joe was part of the famous Hi-Hi side that won the Glasgow Cup in 1964; an occasion notable for the fact that it was the last ever trophy triumph for Thirds”.
An energetic player he was well capable of both snuffing out and generating attacking moves. It was however as a goal scoring full back that he earned real fame. The bulk of his goals came from the penalty mark, indeed at one stage he converted 29 out of 34 spot kicks (sadly of his infrequent misses two came in derbies against Hearts; one of which was saved by Jim Cruickshank – along with two rebounds from the same spot kick!). In short Davis was remarkably consistent and he is credited with an astonishing run of 273 consecutive games for Hibernian.
It was only the arrival of manager Willie Macfarlane that signalled an end to ‘the Davis period’. Willie came from Stirling Albion and quickly returned to that club to sign left-back Erich Schaedler. Given that Hibs also had Chris Shevlane, Mervyn Jones and Willie McEwan on the books the openings for Joe were decreasing. He stayed at Easter Road until December 1969 when the opportunity to move to England arose.
It was Carlisle United who offered him the chance to sample the English League and he was with the Cumbrians for two seasons in which time he played in 79 league games. He did not score for United, however, which rather suggests they had another penalty taker!
Joe turned senior with Third Lanark whom he joined from Shettleston Juniors in February 1961. Third’s historian Bert Bell points out that “Joe was part of the famous Hi-Hi side that won the Glasgow Cup in 1964; an occasion notable for the fact that it was the last ever trophy triumph for Thirds”.
An energetic player he was well capable of both snuffing out and generating attacking moves. It was however as a goal scoring full back that he earned real fame. The bulk of his goals came from the penalty mark, indeed at one stage he converted 29 out of 34 spot kicks (sadly of his infrequent misses two came in derbies against Hearts; one of which was saved by Jim Cruickshank – along with two rebounds from the same spot kick!). In short Davis was remarkably consistent and he is credited with an astonishing run of 273 consecutive games for Hibernian.
It was only the arrival of manager Willie Macfarlane that signalled an end to ‘the Davis period’. Willie came from Stirling Albion and quickly returned to that club to sign left-back Erich Schaedler. Given that Hibs also had Chris Shevlane, Mervyn Jones and Willie McEwan on the books the openings for Joe were decreasing. He stayed at Easter Road until December 1969 when the opportunity to move to England arose.
It was Carlisle United who offered him the chance to sample the English League and he was with the Cumbrians for two seasons in which time he played in 79 league games. He did not score for United, however, which rather suggests they had another penalty taker!
HONOURS
League Cup final 1969
League Cup final 1969
JIM DUFFY (1959 -
A centre-half, Jim had played at Celtic, Morton, Dundee, Falkirk and Partick Thistle before entering management. He did quite well with Falkirk and Dundee so Hibernian saw him as a young up and coming manager who would serve the club well. In December 1996 he made his arrival in a helicopter laid on by Tom Farmer, which was rather dramatic on two fronts for unbeknown to the Hibs support overtures to Motherwell for the services of their boss Alex McLeish had proved unsuccessful.
For all the glitz of his arrival Jim struggled, requiring the play-offs at one stage to keep Hibernian in the top flight. His first game in charge saw Hibs crushed 4-0 by Hearts at Easter Road on New Years Day 1997. Sadly it wasn’t until March that Duffy was able to celebrate a league win (1-0) over Dunfermline and the club slipped into the dreaded nerve-jangling play-offs. With a slice of good fortune they were able to see off Airdrie in the play-offs but the close shave didn’t spark off a revival in fortunes; rather it was merely a stay of execution.
Duffy took over from caretaker manager Jocky Scott and in two years at the club he dabbled heavily in the transfer market, not always with great success, and the Hibernian squad at one stage assumed mammoth proportions. He was dismissed when the club hit a horrendous run which culminated in a 2-6 defeat at Motherwell; this despite leading 2-0 after less than 10 minutes.
Sacked in 1998 he subsequently joined Chelsea as a youth team coach, then moved to Portsmouth as assistant manager to Graham Rix. When he came back to manage Dundee he was a huge success taking over the foundations laid by the excitable Ivano Bonetti. Latterly he worked as a knowledgeable and amiable football ‘pundit’ on Radio Scotland.
For all the glitz of his arrival Jim struggled, requiring the play-offs at one stage to keep Hibernian in the top flight. His first game in charge saw Hibs crushed 4-0 by Hearts at Easter Road on New Years Day 1997. Sadly it wasn’t until March that Duffy was able to celebrate a league win (1-0) over Dunfermline and the club slipped into the dreaded nerve-jangling play-offs. With a slice of good fortune they were able to see off Airdrie in the play-offs but the close shave didn’t spark off a revival in fortunes; rather it was merely a stay of execution.
Duffy took over from caretaker manager Jocky Scott and in two years at the club he dabbled heavily in the transfer market, not always with great success, and the Hibernian squad at one stage assumed mammoth proportions. He was dismissed when the club hit a horrendous run which culminated in a 2-6 defeat at Motherwell; this despite leading 2-0 after less than 10 minutes.
Sacked in 1998 he subsequently joined Chelsea as a youth team coach, then moved to Portsmouth as assistant manager to Graham Rix. When he came back to manage Dundee he was a huge success taking over the foundations laid by the excitable Ivano Bonetti. Latterly he worked as a knowledgeable and amiable football ‘pundit’ on Radio Scotland.
ARTHUR DUNCAN (1947 -
A sprightly winger, who was signed to replace the departing Peter Marinello, Duncan eventually transformed himself into a very competent full-back. Capped six times by Scotland, Duncan played well over 400 games as a Hibee and was fittingly awarded a testimonial against an International Select in recognition of his long service.
Arthur joined Partick Thistle straight from school and made his Jags debut with a story to recall. The experienced and rather robust Alex Hamilton of Dundee was his direct opponent and handed the young Duncan a complimentary stand ticket. It came with the advice “use this son, because you will not get a kick of the ball today”.
Fortunately Arthur was not put off by such gamesmanship and by December 1969 had made sufficient progress to convince Hibs boss Willie Macfarlane to sign him. To have picked up such a talented outside left for a mere £35,000 has to be viewed as a supreme bargain.
A flying winger Arthur quickly won over the Hibs support who dubbed him ‘Nijinski’ after the super fast race-horse of that name. Duncan played in many memorable matches but had the misfortune to score the winning own goal when Hibs lost the Scottish Cup final replay to Rangers in 1979.
Something of a fitness fanatic, Arthur’s six Scotland caps were gained in a 114 day period in 1975 with Willie Ormond being the Scotland boss at the time. Ormond, like Duncan, had been a left-wing darling of the Easter Road slopes.
Arthur Duncan’s career at Hibs ended in near ‘historical’ fashion. He broke his collar bone in an East of Scotland Shield match against Meadowbank Thistle and this incident helped end the practice of first team players playing in the Shield. Thereafter it became a tournament reserved for youth and fringe players.
After leaving Hibs Arthur played with Meadowbank before concentrating on being a full-time chiropodist. This was a natural career development as throughout his time at Easter Road he had worked as a part-time chiropodist for the Central Regional Health Board and their predecessors.
The best story concerning the wonderful career of Arthur Duncan was told to me by my good friend Stuart Crowther. Stuart’s brother was serving in the Army in Germany at the time of the Hibs – Rangers 1979 Scottish Cup final replay. On patrol that night he was unable to tune into the game and relied on colleagues to keep him informed of the scoring. He could barely contain his excitement but then came the news of the final result from a colleague “… its finished 3-2”.
“Who for?” asked the near hysterical young Crowther.
“I don’t know” replied the squaddie “but some guy called Arthur Duncan scored the winner.”
Cue major celebrations amongst Clan Crowther and a night of sheer bliss as the cup hoodoo was shattered.
Imagine therefore the emotional devastation the following morning when newspapers revealed that whilst Arthur had indeed scored the decisive goal … it had been an own goal!
Arthur joined Partick Thistle straight from school and made his Jags debut with a story to recall. The experienced and rather robust Alex Hamilton of Dundee was his direct opponent and handed the young Duncan a complimentary stand ticket. It came with the advice “use this son, because you will not get a kick of the ball today”.
Fortunately Arthur was not put off by such gamesmanship and by December 1969 had made sufficient progress to convince Hibs boss Willie Macfarlane to sign him. To have picked up such a talented outside left for a mere £35,000 has to be viewed as a supreme bargain.
A flying winger Arthur quickly won over the Hibs support who dubbed him ‘Nijinski’ after the super fast race-horse of that name. Duncan played in many memorable matches but had the misfortune to score the winning own goal when Hibs lost the Scottish Cup final replay to Rangers in 1979.
Something of a fitness fanatic, Arthur’s six Scotland caps were gained in a 114 day period in 1975 with Willie Ormond being the Scotland boss at the time. Ormond, like Duncan, had been a left-wing darling of the Easter Road slopes.
Arthur Duncan’s career at Hibs ended in near ‘historical’ fashion. He broke his collar bone in an East of Scotland Shield match against Meadowbank Thistle and this incident helped end the practice of first team players playing in the Shield. Thereafter it became a tournament reserved for youth and fringe players.
After leaving Hibs Arthur played with Meadowbank before concentrating on being a full-time chiropodist. This was a natural career development as throughout his time at Easter Road he had worked as a part-time chiropodist for the Central Regional Health Board and their predecessors.
The best story concerning the wonderful career of Arthur Duncan was told to me by my good friend Stuart Crowther. Stuart’s brother was serving in the Army in Germany at the time of the Hibs – Rangers 1979 Scottish Cup final replay. On patrol that night he was unable to tune into the game and relied on colleagues to keep him informed of the scoring. He could barely contain his excitement but then came the news of the final result from a colleague “… its finished 3-2”.
“Who for?” asked the near hysterical young Crowther.
“I don’t know” replied the squaddie “but some guy called Arthur Duncan scored the winner.”
Cue major celebrations amongst Clan Crowther and a night of sheer bliss as the cup hoodoo was shattered.
Imagine therefore the emotional devastation the following morning when newspapers revealed that whilst Arthur had indeed scored the decisive goal … it had been an own goal!
HONOURS
Scotland (6)
League Cup 1972, League Cup final 1974
Scottish Cup final 1972, 1979
DUNEDIN CUP
This competition was sponsored by Leith resident William Sharp in 1909 and brought together the Edinburgh clubs plus Falkirk and Raith Rovers. Hibs started their journey in this tournament by playing St. Bernards and lost after a replay.
Indeed Hibernian’s record in this competition, which ran from 1909 to 1933 was nothing short of appalling. Of the 20 competitions that were held Hibs name appeared as winners only twice.
The first win came in the 1921/22 contest and their other triumph didn’t come until 1929/30. The cup clearly seldom cheered Hibs and in April 1929 Hibs suffered a dreadful defeat to Hearts at Tynecastle. Barney Battles is a name synonymous with Hearts goals and he played a major role in steering Hearts to an astonishing 8-2 win by grabbing five goals. Hearts had six of their goals by half-time.
Indeed Hibernian’s record in this competition, which ran from 1909 to 1933 was nothing short of appalling. Of the 20 competitions that were held Hibs name appeared as winners only twice.
The first win came in the 1921/22 contest and their other triumph didn’t come until 1929/30. The cup clearly seldom cheered Hibs and in April 1929 Hibs suffered a dreadful defeat to Hearts at Tynecastle. Barney Battles is a name synonymous with Hearts goals and he played a major role in steering Hearts to an astonishing 8-2 win by grabbing five goals. Hearts had six of their goals by half-time.
DEATHS
Fortunately most footballers enjoy their careers and lengthy retirements. However, on occasion players have been cut down in their prime.
Erich Schaedler: A wonderfully fit full back, Schaedler had two spells with Hibernian and was the left back in the famous Turnbull’s Tornadoes side. He committed suicide on Christmas Eve 1985, aged only 36.
James Main: On Christmas Day 1909 against Partick Thistle James sustained internal injuries from which he died four days later. He had been capped by Scotland and the Scottish League.
Liam O’Sullivan: A 20 year old young central defender died in April 2002 in tragic circumstances in Haddington after attending a party. His death came at a time when he was battling back from injury.
DEFEATS
League:
Hibernian’s record 10-0 league defeat came against Rangers on Christmas Eve 1898. In a season in which Hibs would finish fourth in the league, and had lost narrowly to the Glasgow club 3-4 at Easter Road just six weeks earlier the reversal was a major surprise. Alex Smith of Rangers scored four in what was an embarrassing rout. Yet in their 9 away league games that season Hibs lost only 24 goals, so the spectacularly unusual nature of this defeat is clear.
Another heavy defeat was suffered in the 1918/19 season when Hibs crashed 9-2 to Morton. Hibernian finished rock bottom in the top league that season but due to league reconstruction and an additional four teams joining the league they were saved from relegation.
99 years on from the embarrassing 10-0 reversal to Rangers Hibs contrived to lose 7-0 at Ibrox Stadium. They did, however, bounce back to beat Hearts 2-1 in their very next match.
Europe:
There is a feeling that Hibernian’s record defeat in European competition was partially of their own making. Having drawn with Roma in an Inter-Cities Fairs Cup match they forfeited the opportunity to contest the venue of any replay and instead opted to agree to play in Italy with the play-off also constituting an all-paid-for holiday. The match came at the end of Hibernian’s season and they were roundly thrashed 6-0.
League Cup:
Hibernian lost 6-1 to arch-rivals Hearts in a League Cup sectional tie in 1961. The match took place on August 11th and as the League Cup preceded the league campaign it was the opening game of the season. Imagine then the disappointment for the traveling support who saw their side shredded. Eddie Turnbull got the Hibernian goal. Jimmy Wardaugh and Bobby Kirk both scored twice for Hearts and had Kirk not missed penalty he would have had a hat-trick of spot-kicks.
Scottish Cup:
Hibernian lost 9-1 to Dumbarton on September 27, 1890. At the time Dumbarton were one of the leading clubs in Scotland and the defeat was not as big a shock as it would be today.
In February 1955 Hibs lost 0-5 to Hearts in an eagerly awaited Scottish Cup tie. The Terrible Trio of Conn, Bauld and Wardaugh had all of Hearts goals between them. In the 1980 Scottish Cup semi-final against Celtic at Hampden Park Hibs collapsed and lost 0-5; given that Hibs were relegated that season it was perhaps not a huge surprise.
Of course, in the 1972 Scottish Cup final Hibs lost by a five goal margin. Beaten 6-1 by Celtic the afternoon saw only one highlight for Hibs, in the shape of Alan Gordon’s goal.
Twice Hibernian have suffered shock cup defeats. In 1938 they were humbled by Edinburgh City 3-2 and in 1920 Armadale beat Hibs 1-0.
Hibernian lost 9-1 to Dumbarton on September 27, 1890. At the time Dumbarton were one of the leading clubs in Scotland and the defeat was not as big a shock as it would be today.
In February 1955 Hibs lost 0-5 to Hearts in an eagerly awaited Scottish Cup tie. The Terrible Trio of Conn, Bauld and Wardaugh had all of Hearts goals between them. In the 1980 Scottish Cup semi-final against Celtic at Hampden Park Hibs collapsed and lost 0-5; given that Hibs were relegated that season it was perhaps not a huge surprise.
Of course, in the 1972 Scottish Cup final Hibs lost by a five goal margin. Beaten 6-1 by Celtic the afternoon saw only one highlight for Hibs, in the shape of Alan Gordon’s goal.
Twice Hibernian have suffered shock cup defeats. In 1938 they were humbled by Edinburgh City 3-2 and in 1920 Armadale beat Hibs 1-0.
DRYBROUGH CUP
The Drybrough Cup, which ran from 1971 to 1980 was the first sponsored cup tournament exclusively for Scottish teams. Drybrough’s were a brewing firm and this competition gave them much needed publicity. It was staged in the summer months and acted as a pre-season warm-up tournament.
To compete in the tournament meant being one of the top four scoring sides in either the First Division (as the top league was then known) or Second tier.
Hibernian twice won the Drybrough Cup. Their first success came in the 1972 competition when they defeated Celtic in a thrilling eight-goal final, during which they squandered a 3-0 lead. Having said that their concentration was clearly shaken after a pitch invasion by drink-fuelled Celtic supporters. The Glasgow club’s success gorged fans were clearly enraged at seeing their team so convincingly outplayed. The goal-fest owed much to the experimental offside rule which meant that players outwith the 18 yard box could not be offside. This made for the footballing equivalent of ‘rugby sevens’.
The march to the final had begun with a 4-0 home win over Second Division Montrose. In the semi-final at Easter Road against Rangers, Hibs were irrepressible and won 3-0 through goals by Alan Gordon (2) and Pat Stanton.
Hibs retained the trophy in the summer of 1973. This time they defeated St Mirren in their opening match with Iain Munro and Arthur Duncan on target. In the semi final home advantage against Rangers proved decisive once more with Des Bremner and Tony Higgins securing an extra time victory.
The final was goal-less after ninety minutes but Alan Gordon struck in extra time to win the cup for Hibs again.
The details of Hibernian’s two cup winning teams are as follows:
To compete in the tournament meant being one of the top four scoring sides in either the First Division (as the top league was then known) or Second tier.
Hibernian twice won the Drybrough Cup. Their first success came in the 1972 competition when they defeated Celtic in a thrilling eight-goal final, during which they squandered a 3-0 lead. Having said that their concentration was clearly shaken after a pitch invasion by drink-fuelled Celtic supporters. The Glasgow club’s success gorged fans were clearly enraged at seeing their team so convincingly outplayed. The goal-fest owed much to the experimental offside rule which meant that players outwith the 18 yard box could not be offside. This made for the footballing equivalent of ‘rugby sevens’.
The march to the final had begun with a 4-0 home win over Second Division Montrose. In the semi-final at Easter Road against Rangers, Hibs were irrepressible and won 3-0 through goals by Alan Gordon (2) and Pat Stanton.
Hibs retained the trophy in the summer of 1973. This time they defeated St Mirren in their opening match with Iain Munro and Arthur Duncan on target. In the semi final home advantage against Rangers proved decisive once more with Des Bremner and Tony Higgins securing an extra time victory.
The final was goal-less after ninety minutes but Alan Gordon struck in extra time to win the cup for Hibs again.
The details of Hibernian’s two cup winning teams are as follows:
1972 Drybrough Cup Final
Hibernian 5, Celtic 3 (Gordon 2, o.g., O’Rourke, Duncan)
Herriot, Brownlie, Schaedler; Stanton, Black, Blackley;
Hamilton (O’Rourke), Hazel, Gordon, Cropley and Duncan.
1973 Drybrough Cup Final
Celtic 0, Hibernian 1 (Gordon)
McArthur, Bremner, Schaedler, Stanton, Black, Blackley;
Edwards (Smith), Higgins, Gordon, Munro (Cropley), Duncan
Hibernian 5, Celtic 3 (Gordon 2, o.g., O’Rourke, Duncan)
Herriot, Brownlie, Schaedler; Stanton, Black, Blackley;
Hamilton (O’Rourke), Hazel, Gordon, Cropley and Duncan.
1973 Drybrough Cup Final
Celtic 0, Hibernian 1 (Gordon)
McArthur, Bremner, Schaedler, Stanton, Black, Blackley;
Edwards (Smith), Higgins, Gordon, Munro (Cropley), Duncan
JIMMY DUNN (1900 – 1963)
Immortalized as one of the Wembley Wizard, Jimmy Dunn was a superb inside-forward who eventually made a huge name for himself in English football. Nicknamed ‘Ginger’ he was a typically frail, clever inside-forward in an era when the game was more robust and to survive when slightly built required exceptional skills.
Born in Glasgow he made his footballing breakthrough with junior club St Anthony’s in Glasgow. From the confines of Govan and the shadow of Ibrox Stadium it was on to Hibs for £20 in the summer of 1920. Eight years as a Hibee would follow. He played for Hibs in the 1923 Scottish Cup final when Celtic pipped Hibs by the game’s only goal. Hibs run to the final had seen them overcome Clackmannan, Peebles, Queen’s Park, Aberdeen and Third Lanark. Undetttered he was back one year later as Hibs faced Airdrie in the national final, but again Lady Luck deserted both Jimmy and his Hibs’ team-mates. Dunn played despite carrying an injury and in an age before substitutions he spent much of the game as a virtual ‘passenger’ unable to contribute meaningfully.
On March 31st, 1928 he earned a place in Scottish football history when he was part of the side that humbled England 5-1 at Wembley and in so doing earned the enduring nickname ‘The Wembley Wizards’. But Dunn was much more than a one-game wonder and he proved this at the same venue in 1933 when he scored one of the Everton goals at the Merseysiders beat Manchester City 3-0 in the FA Cup final.
His move to Everton from Hibs came just one month after his Wembley Wizard heroics and he helped Everton win the Second and First Divisions as well as the FA Cup. His son would serve Wolverhampton in the post war period and win an FA Cup medal to create an unusual father-son connection.
Born in Glasgow he made his footballing breakthrough with junior club St Anthony’s in Glasgow. From the confines of Govan and the shadow of Ibrox Stadium it was on to Hibs for £20 in the summer of 1920. Eight years as a Hibee would follow. He played for Hibs in the 1923 Scottish Cup final when Celtic pipped Hibs by the game’s only goal. Hibs run to the final had seen them overcome Clackmannan, Peebles, Queen’s Park, Aberdeen and Third Lanark. Undetttered he was back one year later as Hibs faced Airdrie in the national final, but again Lady Luck deserted both Jimmy and his Hibs’ team-mates. Dunn played despite carrying an injury and in an age before substitutions he spent much of the game as a virtual ‘passenger’ unable to contribute meaningfully.
On March 31st, 1928 he earned a place in Scottish football history when he was part of the side that humbled England 5-1 at Wembley and in so doing earned the enduring nickname ‘The Wembley Wizards’. But Dunn was much more than a one-game wonder and he proved this at the same venue in 1933 when he scored one of the Everton goals at the Merseysiders beat Manchester City 3-0 in the FA Cup final.
His move to Everton from Hibs came just one month after his Wembley Wizard heroics and he helped Everton win the Second and First Divisions as well as the FA Cup. His son would serve Wolverhampton in the post war period and win an FA Cup medal to create an unusual father-son connection.
HONOURS
Scotland (5)
Scottish Cup final 1923, 1924
GORDON DURIE (1965 -
A magnificent striker, Gordon joined Hibs from East Fife and proved to be John Blackley’s finest signing for the club. The only pity was that Gordon Durie was not a Hibernian player for nearly long enough.
Although born in Paisley he was brought up in Fife and played his early football with Hill of Beath. He graduated to senior football with East Fife in 1981 and quickly proved able to hold his own in the Second Division helping the Fifers gain promotion in 1984 with a haul of 16 goals in 32 league starts.
But for Hibernian supporters the abiding memory is of a humbling Scottish Cup exit they suffered at Bayview. The die was cast and John Blackley convinced the Hibs board to allow him to spend £70,000 in signing Durie
He settled superbly at Easter Road and his strong, forceful style quickly cemented his place in the fans affections. He scored two goals in two minutes to ensure a vital relegation win over Dumbarton and a hat-trick against Morton in February 1985 confirmed his quality. Indeed with Willie Irvine absent through injury Gordon’s prowess was absolutely vital.
As the 85/86 season unfolded it was clear it would be hard to hang onto Gordon Durie. He linked well with Stevie Cowan and helped the club reach the 1985 League Cup final by scoring in the 2-0 semi-final first leg win over Rangers. Moreover he had netted a hat-trick in the 6-1 quarter final win over Motherwell. Hibs also reached the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup that season, again falling to Aberdeen, but many reckon the fielding of Durie as a midfielder rather than a striker fatally hindered the semi-final cause.
In April 1986 Gordon joined Chelsea for around £400,000. He was a huge success at Stamford Bridge and later played with distinction for Tottenham Hotspur and then Rangers, for whom he scored a hat-trick in the 1996 Scottish Cup final rout of Hearts.
Eventually Gordon returned to Edinburgh – but in the colours of Hearts. He did manage back to Easter Road but will probably want to forget the occasion as Hibs
Although born in Paisley he was brought up in Fife and played his early football with Hill of Beath. He graduated to senior football with East Fife in 1981 and quickly proved able to hold his own in the Second Division helping the Fifers gain promotion in 1984 with a haul of 16 goals in 32 league starts.
But for Hibernian supporters the abiding memory is of a humbling Scottish Cup exit they suffered at Bayview. The die was cast and John Blackley convinced the Hibs board to allow him to spend £70,000 in signing Durie
He settled superbly at Easter Road and his strong, forceful style quickly cemented his place in the fans affections. He scored two goals in two minutes to ensure a vital relegation win over Dumbarton and a hat-trick against Morton in February 1985 confirmed his quality. Indeed with Willie Irvine absent through injury Gordon’s prowess was absolutely vital.
As the 85/86 season unfolded it was clear it would be hard to hang onto Gordon Durie. He linked well with Stevie Cowan and helped the club reach the 1985 League Cup final by scoring in the 2-0 semi-final first leg win over Rangers. Moreover he had netted a hat-trick in the 6-1 quarter final win over Motherwell. Hibs also reached the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup that season, again falling to Aberdeen, but many reckon the fielding of Durie as a midfielder rather than a striker fatally hindered the semi-final cause.
In April 1986 Gordon joined Chelsea for around £400,000. He was a huge success at Stamford Bridge and later played with distinction for Tottenham Hotspur and then Rangers, for whom he scored a hat-trick in the 1996 Scottish Cup final rout of Hearts.
Eventually Gordon returned to Edinburgh – but in the colours of Hearts. He did manage back to Easter Road but will probably want to forget the occasion as Hibs