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WALTER GALBRAITH (1918 -
Walter Galbraith, who was born in Glasgow in 1918, had managed extensively, albeit unspectacularly, in England before coming to Hibernian in 1961. He would stay until 1964. His list of previous employers read like a who’s who of traditional small northern English clubs listing as it did Accrington Stanley, Bradford Park Avenue, New Brighton and Tranmere Rovers. Rather ominously only the latter of those clubs was to survive without mishap in the modern era!
As a player Walter had played in Scotland with Queen’s Park and Clyde before sampling life in England from 1948 onwards with New Brighton, Grimsby Town and finally Accrington Stanley. It was with Accrington that he learned his managerial trade. Appointed their boss in 1953 he relied heavily on Scots in his team (indeed in April 1955 he famously fielded an entire Scottish team against York City).
There are those who say Hibs really wanted Dunfermline’s Jock Stein as boss, but that would come later. Galbraith moved quickly to strengthen the squad and added Johnny Byrne from Tranmere within days or arriving. As the months rolled by Galbraith revealed himself to be an astute judge of players and spent wisely to bring Neil Martin, Pat Quinn, John Parke and Willie Hamilton to the club. Alas the results that such foresight deserved did not arrive and Galbraith resigned having failed to lift the club above mid-table mediocrity.
As a player Walter had played in Scotland with Queen’s Park and Clyde before sampling life in England from 1948 onwards with New Brighton, Grimsby Town and finally Accrington Stanley. It was with Accrington that he learned his managerial trade. Appointed their boss in 1953 he relied heavily on Scots in his team (indeed in April 1955 he famously fielded an entire Scottish team against York City).
There are those who say Hibs really wanted Dunfermline’s Jock Stein as boss, but that would come later. Galbraith moved quickly to strengthen the squad and added Johnny Byrne from Tranmere within days or arriving. As the months rolled by Galbraith revealed himself to be an astute judge of players and spent wisely to bring Neil Martin, Pat Quinn, John Parke and Willie Hamilton to the club. Alas the results that such foresight deserved did not arrive and Galbraith resigned having failed to lift the club above mid-table mediocrity.
MICHAEL GALLACHER
Although born in Donegal, Michael joined Hibernian in 1946 from Alloa Athletic. A combative wing-half he had to show considerable patience before making his Hibernian debut, but what an occasion it proved to be! The third league match of the 1948/49 campaign saw Hibs at home to Hearts and an Easter Road crowd was thrilled by a 3-1 triumph. He played four times in the 1948/49 season (and Hibs didn’t lose any of those matches) and by the 1951/52 season, when Hibs won the title, had upped his participation to 19 matches. Yet for all his efforts he was essentially a squad player.
Having played 49 league matches for Hibs he went to Ayr United in October 1954 along with Jock Govan. Ironically this switch came not long after being capped by Ireland against Luxembourg.
Gallacher made a great success of his move to Ayrshire. He played in 76 league matches for United including all of those required for Ayr to win promotion in 1955/56. Unfortunately he was injured the following season and in the summer of 1957 was granted a free transfer and moved to Weymouth. His senior career in Scotland had brought over 150 senior outings.
After retiring from playing he emigrated to America and ran a bar in Chicago until his death on January 3rd, 1984.
Having played 49 league matches for Hibs he went to Ayr United in October 1954 along with Jock Govan. Ironically this switch came not long after being capped by Ireland against Luxembourg.
Gallacher made a great success of his move to Ayrshire. He played in 76 league matches for United including all of those required for Ayr to win promotion in 1955/56. Unfortunately he was injured the following season and in the summer of 1957 was granted a free transfer and moved to Weymouth. His senior career in Scotland had brought over 150 senior outings.
After retiring from playing he emigrated to America and ran a bar in Chicago until his death on January 3rd, 1984.
HONOURS
Republic of Ireland (1)
GLASGOW CHARITY CUP
The Glasgow Merchants’ Charity Cup, to give the tournament its full name, was founded in 1876 with the intention of raising funds for worthy causes in the West of Scotland and in particular Glasgow. In its early years it occasionally attracted entrants from outwith Glasgow and Hibernian not only took part in 1901/02 but won the trophy. In thumping Celtic 6-2 they gave warning of the quality in the Easter Road ranks, and this was confirmed by the League Championship success in 1903.
Hibs route to winning the Glasgow Merchant’s Cup began on May 17th at Cathkin Park, Glasgow where they faced Rangers. It was a tight game and Hibs edged home 1-0. Next up were St Mirren and this time the match was played at Tynecastle Park (despite this being a Glasgow competition). In the final Hibs were irrepressible and the following side took the cup away from Hampden Park: Rennie, Gray, Glen; Breslin, Hogg, Robertson; Stewart, McGeechan, Callaghan, Atherton and Buchan.
The trophy was last contested in the 1960/61 season, and Hibs win in 1902 was the only time the cup left the West of Scotland.
Hibs route to winning the Glasgow Merchant’s Cup began on May 17th at Cathkin Park, Glasgow where they faced Rangers. It was a tight game and Hibs edged home 1-0. Next up were St Mirren and this time the match was played at Tynecastle Park (despite this being a Glasgow competition). In the final Hibs were irrepressible and the following side took the cup away from Hampden Park: Rennie, Gray, Glen; Breslin, Hogg, Robertson; Stewart, McGeechan, Callaghan, Atherton and Buchan.
The trophy was last contested in the 1960/61 season, and Hibs win in 1902 was the only time the cup left the West of Scotland.
GLASGOW EAST END ROMAN CATHOLIC CHARITY CUP
The rather cumbersome name above does at least encapsulate the reason for Hibernian’s meeting with Renton on May 26, 1887. The following Hibernian eleven eked out a 1-1 draw: Tobin, Lundy, Fagan; McLaren, McGinn, Gallagher; Cox, Groves, McGhee, Dunbar, Smith. Of course the foundation of Glasgow Celtic one year later ensured that Hibernian’s services in the East End of Glasgow would be less frequently required.
GLASGOW EXHIBITION TROPHY (1901)
This competition was played between the leading eight teams in Scotland. All the matches were played in Glasgow University’s Recreation Grounds. On August 21st, 1901 Hibs were up against Celtic and despite the heroics of Harry Rennie were beaten 1-0. Rangers won the tournament by beating Celtic 3-1 in the Old Firm final.
GLASGOW POLICE TESTIMONIAL FUND (1952)
On September 1952 Hibernian met Motherwell in a benefit match at Partick Thistle’s Firhill Stadium. The match was in aid of the widow of a Glasgow policeman murdered whilst on duty. Motherwell were Scottish Cup holders and Hibs League champions. The following Hibernian side was beaten 5-1 by the Lanarkshire club:
McCracken, Govan, Howie, Gallagher, McKenzie, Buchanan; MacDonald, Johnstone, Souness, Turnbull and Smith
McCracken, Govan, Howie, Gallagher, McKenzie, Buchanan; MacDonald, Johnstone, Souness, Turnbull and Smith
GOALKEEPERS
Hibernian have long been associated with fine quality goalkeepers.
Harry Rennie, Andy Goram, Jim Leighton and Alan Rough are perhaps the best known. Equally impressive during his short stay at Easter Road was Ronnie Simpson.
Simpson’s was a most unusual career. He made his debut for Queen’s Park as a 14 year old, his actual league debut being against Hibs, yet he was 36 when he won his first Scotland cap! Whilst with Newcastle United he played against Hibs in the Coronation Cup and won two FA Cup winners medals. He was with Hibs for four years before moving to Celtic and becoming the father figure in the famous Lisbon Lions side in 1967. His own father had played centre forward for Rangers.
At the other end of the scale the club’s goalkeepers in the 2006/07 season endured a wretched run of bad luck. Polish net-minder Zibi Malkowski made, frankly, several ‘howlers’ which opened the way for both Simon Brown and Andy McNeil. Whilst the latter won a League Cup badge he too made a couple of classic goalkeeping gaffes in routine situations. Brown then compounded a miserable goalkeeping season by deciding to ridicule manager John Collins from a position that hardly suggested strength.
Since 1946 the following goalkeepers have served Hibernian: Jimmy Kerr, John Brown, George Farm, Tommy Younger, Willie Bruce, D Hamilton, Miller, Jackie Wren, Lawrie Leslie, Ronnie Simpson, Willie Wilson, Thomson Allen, Gordon Marshall, Roy Baines, Jim Herriot, Jim McArthur, Roddy McKenzie, Hugh Whyte, Mike MacDonald, Dave Huggins, Colin Kelly, Robin Rae, Alan Rough, Tom Carson, Andy Goram, Chris Reid, John Burridge, Jim Leighton, Ole Gottskalksson, Nick Colgan, Mike Franks, Tony Caig, Daniel Andersson, Ziebi Malkowski, Andy McNeill, Simon Brown and Yves Ma-Kalambay.
Goalkeeping Oddities:
Andy Goram was unusual in that he scored a goal from outfield play. A long clearance in May 1988 against Morton eluded David Wylie in the Greenock goal. Hibs won the match 3-1.
Willie Harper was a heavyweight boxing champion in the Scots Guards.
Hibernian Icelandic goalkeeper Oli Gottskalksson represented his country at basketball.
The famous vet and author Alf Wight wrote under the pseudonym of Hibernian goalkeeper - Jim Herriot, having spotted the name in a newspaper match report. James Herriot went on to become a household name through the t.v. success of the series based on his books … 'All Creatures Great and Small'.
Harry Rennie, Andy Goram, Jim Leighton and Alan Rough are perhaps the best known. Equally impressive during his short stay at Easter Road was Ronnie Simpson.
Simpson’s was a most unusual career. He made his debut for Queen’s Park as a 14 year old, his actual league debut being against Hibs, yet he was 36 when he won his first Scotland cap! Whilst with Newcastle United he played against Hibs in the Coronation Cup and won two FA Cup winners medals. He was with Hibs for four years before moving to Celtic and becoming the father figure in the famous Lisbon Lions side in 1967. His own father had played centre forward for Rangers.
At the other end of the scale the club’s goalkeepers in the 2006/07 season endured a wretched run of bad luck. Polish net-minder Zibi Malkowski made, frankly, several ‘howlers’ which opened the way for both Simon Brown and Andy McNeil. Whilst the latter won a League Cup badge he too made a couple of classic goalkeeping gaffes in routine situations. Brown then compounded a miserable goalkeeping season by deciding to ridicule manager John Collins from a position that hardly suggested strength.
Since 1946 the following goalkeepers have served Hibernian: Jimmy Kerr, John Brown, George Farm, Tommy Younger, Willie Bruce, D Hamilton, Miller, Jackie Wren, Lawrie Leslie, Ronnie Simpson, Willie Wilson, Thomson Allen, Gordon Marshall, Roy Baines, Jim Herriot, Jim McArthur, Roddy McKenzie, Hugh Whyte, Mike MacDonald, Dave Huggins, Colin Kelly, Robin Rae, Alan Rough, Tom Carson, Andy Goram, Chris Reid, John Burridge, Jim Leighton, Ole Gottskalksson, Nick Colgan, Mike Franks, Tony Caig, Daniel Andersson, Ziebi Malkowski, Andy McNeill, Simon Brown and Yves Ma-Kalambay.
Goalkeeping Oddities:
Andy Goram was unusual in that he scored a goal from outfield play. A long clearance in May 1988 against Morton eluded David Wylie in the Greenock goal. Hibs won the match 3-1.
Willie Harper was a heavyweight boxing champion in the Scots Guards.
Hibernian Icelandic goalkeeper Oli Gottskalksson represented his country at basketball.
The famous vet and author Alf Wight wrote under the pseudonym of Hibernian goalkeeper - Jim Herriot, having spotted the name in a newspaper match report. James Herriot went on to become a household name through the t.v. success of the series based on his books … 'All Creatures Great and Small'.
GOALSCORERS
The leading goalscorers for Hibernian in all competitions are as follows:
League: Lawrie Reilly, centre-forward (ultimately) in the ‘Famous Five’ side scored 187 goals for Hibernian in twelve seasons at the club. Given that he retired when aged just 29 it is reasonable to assume that he would have broken the 200 goal barrier had injury not intervened.
However, the most goals scored in a single season by a Hibernian player was Joe Baker, who bagged 42 in season 1959/60.
Scottish Cup: Willie Ormond has 18 Scottish Cup goals to his name. That is the same total as Joe Baker who scored nine goals against Peebles Rovers and four against Hearts in highly memorable cup ties.
League Cup: Gordon Smith scored 34 league cup goals. That was one more than both Lawrie Reilly and Eddie Turnbull. Willie Ormond, a fourth member of the Famous Five, scored 32 league cup goals.
Europe: Both Arthur Duncan and Joe McBride have eight European goals for Hibs.
Other scoring feats by Hibernian players worthy of comment include.
1. Joe Baker scored a century of goals for Hibernian (114 in all) and he repeated this feat with another club. He scored 100 for Arsenal between 1962 and 1966.
2. Baker scored 9 goals for Hibernian in a 15-1 Scottish Cup win over Peebles Rovers in February 1961.
3. Gordon Smith, playing as a winger, scored five goals against Third Lanark in November 1947.
4. All five members of the Famous Five forward line scored 100 league goals for Hibs. Their totals are Reilly (187), Turnbull (147), Ormond (132), Smith (122) and Johnstone (100).
5. Joe McBride scored in his Hibernian debut against Rangers, he followed up with a hat-trick against Locomotiv Leipzig on the Wednesday evening in a Fairs Cup match and then hit four against Morton three days later.
6. In 1966 Hibernian toured North America. On June 27th they beat the Ottowa All Stars 15-0 and the mercurial Willie Hamilton scored seven times.
7. Double hat-tricks have occurred in several Hibernian games.
In the November 1947 8-0 rout of Third Lanark not only did Gordon Smith score five, but Alex Linwood grabbed a hat-trick too
Both Lawrie Reilly and Bobby Combe scored hat-tricks in the 8-0 destruction of Stirling Albioin
When Hibernian beat Airdrie 11-1 Tommy Preston scored four times and Joe Baker grabbed a hat-trick.
Alloa were beaten 11-2 in a league cup quarter final tie and Neil Martin and Jim Scott both scored four goals.
In the November 1947 8-0 rout of Third Lanark not only did Gordon Smith score five, but Alex Linwood grabbed a hat-trick too
Both Lawrie Reilly and Bobby Combe scored hat-tricks in the 8-0 destruction of Stirling Albioin
When Hibernian beat Airdrie 11-1 Tommy Preston scored four times and Joe Baker grabbed a hat-trick.
Alloa were beaten 11-2 in a league cup quarter final tie and Neil Martin and Jim Scott both scored four goals.
8. In the opening game of the 1946/47 season Hibs entertained Queen of the South. Jock Weir scored a first half hat-trick in a 9-1 thrashing.
All time leading Hibs scorers:
Player Hibs career games goals
L Reilly 1946-58 253 187
E Turnbull 1946-59 346 147
W Ormond 1946-61 349 132
G Smith 1946-59 310 122
J Baker 1957-61;1970-72 138 (1) 113
R Johnstone 1948-55;1959-61 195 100
J O’Rourke 1962-74 202 (8) 81
P Cormack 1962-70;1979-81 197 (3) 77
A Duncan 1969-84 436 (12) 73
A MacLeod 1974-82 201 (7) 72
Goals Against:
Season 1930/31 saw Hibernian relegated. On the 15th of November in that season they lost 7-0 to Aberdeen at Pittodrie. The match was notable for Alex Merrie scoring six goals which gave him the Aberdeen scoring record.
Player Hibs career games goals
L Reilly 1946-58 253 187
E Turnbull 1946-59 346 147
W Ormond 1946-61 349 132
G Smith 1946-59 310 122
J Baker 1957-61;1970-72 138 (1) 113
R Johnstone 1948-55;1959-61 195 100
J O’Rourke 1962-74 202 (8) 81
P Cormack 1962-70;1979-81 197 (3) 77
A Duncan 1969-84 436 (12) 73
A MacLeod 1974-82 201 (7) 72
Goals Against:
Season 1930/31 saw Hibernian relegated. On the 15th of November in that season they lost 7-0 to Aberdeen at Pittodrie. The match was notable for Alex Merrie scoring six goals which gave him the Aberdeen scoring record.
ANDY GORAM (1964 -
Arguably the finest post-war goalkeeper to represent Scotland. He was born in Bury in April 1964 and was the son of former Hibs keeper Lew Goram (who never played a first team for Hibs but did play on loan for Leith Athletic).
From humble beginnings with Oldham Athletic (and selection for an England Under-21 squad) Andy moved to Hibs for £325,000 in October 1987. He was an instant success at Easter Road and in 1988 earned a special niche for himself by scoring from a kick out against Morton. By 1990 he was in the Scotland squad travelling to Italy for the World Cup finals but alas a year later (in June 1991) he was sold to Rangers for £1m. He was an outstanding keeper for the Glasgow club too and won many, many honours whilst there.
He represented Scotland at cricket but was occasionally attracting newspaper headlines for the wrong reasons. In 1998 he was axed by Rangers and after stints with Sheffield United and Notts County joined Motherwell as John Boyle sought to make the Lanarkshire club ‘the third force’ in Scottish football.
In 2001 he sensationally joined Manchester United when the English Champions had an injury crisis. Flamboyant, controversial and a wonderful shot stopper he was always an entertaining figure. As late as 2002 he was playing first team football, albeit his debut for Oldham ending in a 1-7 defeat! By 2003 he had joined Queen of the South.
From humble beginnings with Oldham Athletic (and selection for an England Under-21 squad) Andy moved to Hibs for £325,000 in October 1987. He was an instant success at Easter Road and in 1988 earned a special niche for himself by scoring from a kick out against Morton. By 1990 he was in the Scotland squad travelling to Italy for the World Cup finals but alas a year later (in June 1991) he was sold to Rangers for £1m. He was an outstanding keeper for the Glasgow club too and won many, many honours whilst there.
He represented Scotland at cricket but was occasionally attracting newspaper headlines for the wrong reasons. In 1998 he was axed by Rangers and after stints with Sheffield United and Notts County joined Motherwell as John Boyle sought to make the Lanarkshire club ‘the third force’ in Scottish football.
In 2001 he sensationally joined Manchester United when the English Champions had an injury crisis. Flamboyant, controversial and a wonderful shot stopper he was always an entertaining figure. As late as 2002 he was playing first team football, albeit his debut for Oldham ending in a 1-7 defeat! By 2003 he had joined Queen of the South.
HONOURS
Scotland (11)
Scotland (11)
ALAN GORDON (1964 -
It was Alan Gordon who extracted from an irritable Eddie Turnbull one of the all-time great football quotes. Annoyed at Gordon’s continual interruptions during a team-talk, Turnbull responded by shouting at the politely spoken Gordon “the trouble wi’ you son is that yir brains are all in yir heid”.
Turnbull liked his players to have their footballing brains firmly switched on to their feet, and in fairness Gordon was an astute player. With 51 league goals, a League Cup winners badge, and no fewer than five Hibs hat-tricks to his name Alan Gordon is a name many Hibernian supporters are familiar with. When you consider that Alan also managed to play with distinction for both Dundee clubs and Hearts too it is clear he is well known outwith the confines of Easter Road. After all how many players can claim to have played for both Edinburgh and Dundee clubs?
Born in 1944 Alan started his senior career with Hearts in 1961 and he soon proved himself an efficient goalscorer. He first came to Hibs attention in season 64/65 when he scored twice for Hearts in a 5-3 win at Easter Road. In that season, when Hearts narrowly failed to land the title, he scored 23 times. He went to South Africa in 1967 but was back with Hearts within a year. He joined Dundee United for £8,000 in 1969 and spent three years on Tayside until Eddie Turnbull persuaded him to join Hibs.
It cost Hibs £12,000 to secure Alan Gordon’s talents but what a bargain that was. He was a Scottish Cup runner-up in 1972 (scoring Hibs goal in the final) and a League Cup winner months later. Alan scored twice in the New Year massacre of Hearts; his second effort striking both posts before crossing the line to make it 7-0.
An elegant striker and an educated man off the field (having studied Economics at Edinburgh University and then switched to Accountancy) he was every bit the cultured footballer. His easy and controlled style was pleasing on the eye and the Edwards, O’Rourke, Gordon, Cropley and Duncan forward-line relied on him more than many appreciated.
His impact was such that many Hibernian supporters are surprised to learn that Alan Gordon was only with Hibs for two years before moving to Dundee. He joined the Dens Park outfit in 1974 for £1,000 more than Hibs had paid and retired in 1976. His Easter Road career had yielded 51 goals in just 84 league games.
Turnbull liked his players to have their footballing brains firmly switched on to their feet, and in fairness Gordon was an astute player. With 51 league goals, a League Cup winners badge, and no fewer than five Hibs hat-tricks to his name Alan Gordon is a name many Hibernian supporters are familiar with. When you consider that Alan also managed to play with distinction for both Dundee clubs and Hearts too it is clear he is well known outwith the confines of Easter Road. After all how many players can claim to have played for both Edinburgh and Dundee clubs?
Born in 1944 Alan started his senior career with Hearts in 1961 and he soon proved himself an efficient goalscorer. He first came to Hibs attention in season 64/65 when he scored twice for Hearts in a 5-3 win at Easter Road. In that season, when Hearts narrowly failed to land the title, he scored 23 times. He went to South Africa in 1967 but was back with Hearts within a year. He joined Dundee United for £8,000 in 1969 and spent three years on Tayside until Eddie Turnbull persuaded him to join Hibs.
It cost Hibs £12,000 to secure Alan Gordon’s talents but what a bargain that was. He was a Scottish Cup runner-up in 1972 (scoring Hibs goal in the final) and a League Cup winner months later. Alan scored twice in the New Year massacre of Hearts; his second effort striking both posts before crossing the line to make it 7-0.
An elegant striker and an educated man off the field (having studied Economics at Edinburgh University and then switched to Accountancy) he was every bit the cultured footballer. His easy and controlled style was pleasing on the eye and the Edwards, O’Rourke, Gordon, Cropley and Duncan forward-line relied on him more than many appreciated.
His impact was such that many Hibernian supporters are surprised to learn that Alan Gordon was only with Hibs for two years before moving to Dundee. He joined the Dens Park outfit in 1974 for £1,000 more than Hibs had paid and retired in 1976. His Easter Road career had yielded 51 goals in just 84 league games.
HONOURS
Scottish Cup final 1972
League Cup winner 1972
Scottish Cup final 1972
League Cup winner 1972
JOCK GOVAN (1923 -
Born in Larkhall in January 1923, Jock spent 13 years at Easter Road as a robust and dynamic full-back. Spotted by legendary Hibs scout Davie Wyper he served his time as an apprentice mining engineer remaining part-time with Hibs until he achieved ‘time-served’ status. His stint with Larkhall Thistle that preceded his time as a Hibee was intended to ‘toughen’ him up.
Govan formed a solid full-back pairing with Davie Shaw and helped Hibs win the 1948 league championship, indeed he missed only one league match in what was Hibs’ first post-war trophy success. Later he formed a super partnership with Hugh Howie and both were ever-present when Hibs collected the 1952 title.
His international career coincided with a period in which Hibs were a major force in the British game. Indeed when Scotland beat Belgium at Hampden Park in April 1948 there were no fewer than five Hibees in the Scottish team – Shaw, Smith, Combe and Turnbull being the others.
Astonishingly Jock’s 163 games for Hibs failed to yield a single goal. After retiring Govan wrote briefly for The Daily Express but he soon returned to being a mining engineer before taking early retirement in 1986.
Govan formed a solid full-back pairing with Davie Shaw and helped Hibs win the 1948 league championship, indeed he missed only one league match in what was Hibs’ first post-war trophy success. Later he formed a super partnership with Hugh Howie and both were ever-present when Hibs collected the 1952 title.
His international career coincided with a period in which Hibs were a major force in the British game. Indeed when Scotland beat Belgium at Hampden Park in April 1948 there were no fewer than five Hibees in the Scottish team – Shaw, Smith, Combe and Turnbull being the others.
Astonishingly Jock’s 163 games for Hibs failed to yield a single goal. After retiring Govan wrote briefly for The Daily Express but he soon returned to being a mining engineer before taking early retirement in 1986.
HONOURS: