M
PETER MARINELLO (1950 -
Long-haired, good-looking, and a dashing winger in the late 1960s. The image immediately conjured up from the above description is of the magnificent George Best. Peter Marinello’s fate was to come along just as Best’s light was fading and the media were looking for a new icon. Peter was thus labeled with the impossible title of ‘the new George Best’.
Signed from Salveson Boys Club he broke into the Hibs first team in the 1967/68 campaign. He played in eleven matches that season and showed enough promise with his bravery and mazy dribbling to suggest he would make the grade. The following season he helped Hibs reach the League Cup final (where they were shredded 6-2 by a rampant Celtic side) but in 1969/70 he was beginning to come of age and famously scored twice in a 3-1 win at Ibrox. No feat could have earned him more column inches in the Scottish footballing press. He was only 19 but clearly destined for a big-money move.
In January 1970 it was Arsenal who took the plunge and made Hibernian an offer they couldn’t refuse. It cost £100,000 to lure him south but although he scored a sensational solo-goal on his debut against Manchester United he failed to ignite Highbury as the first six-figure Gunner. Sadly he had reached his peak and a long, and at times painful, descent lay in store.
His career rather fizzled out with spells at Portsmouth, Motherwell, Fulham, Phoenix Infernoes and Hearts proving equally unproductive. Although having said that he was a regular marksman for Motherwell against Hibs and netted for the Lanarkshire club in the 1976 Scottish Cup quarter final win over Hibs. Financial hardship, personal problems and ill-luck beset the former golden boy. He revealed all the trials and tribulations of his meteoric rise and fall in his lengthily titled book Fallen Idle: Fighting Back from the Booze, Swindles and Drugs That Ripped My Life Apart which was published in March 2007.
Signed from Salveson Boys Club he broke into the Hibs first team in the 1967/68 campaign. He played in eleven matches that season and showed enough promise with his bravery and mazy dribbling to suggest he would make the grade. The following season he helped Hibs reach the League Cup final (where they were shredded 6-2 by a rampant Celtic side) but in 1969/70 he was beginning to come of age and famously scored twice in a 3-1 win at Ibrox. No feat could have earned him more column inches in the Scottish footballing press. He was only 19 but clearly destined for a big-money move.
In January 1970 it was Arsenal who took the plunge and made Hibernian an offer they couldn’t refuse. It cost £100,000 to lure him south but although he scored a sensational solo-goal on his debut against Manchester United he failed to ignite Highbury as the first six-figure Gunner. Sadly he had reached his peak and a long, and at times painful, descent lay in store.
His career rather fizzled out with spells at Portsmouth, Motherwell, Fulham, Phoenix Infernoes and Hearts proving equally unproductive. Although having said that he was a regular marksman for Motherwell against Hibs and netted for the Lanarkshire club in the 1976 Scottish Cup quarter final win over Hibs. Financial hardship, personal problems and ill-luck beset the former golden boy. He revealed all the trials and tribulations of his meteoric rise and fall in his lengthily titled book Fallen Idle: Fighting Back from the Booze, Swindles and Drugs That Ripped My Life Apart which was published in March 2007.
HONOURS
League Cup final 1969
League Cup final 1969
JIM McARTHUR (1952 -
A goalkeeper of considerable talent, Jim joined Hibs in 1972 from Cowdenbeath for £8,000. Born in June 1952 he was only 16 when he moved from Jubilee Athletic to Cowdenbeath. He played a few games in the late 1960s and by season 1971/72 was the Fife club’s regular number one.
Hibernian noted his progress and for less than £10,000 acquired the services of a keeper was both brave and smart. He made his debut against Dumbarton a few months after signing but had to be patient and spent some time on the sidelines watching Mike McDonald put together an impressive run of outings.
Patience is, they say, a virtue and Jim proved the theory. When he finally won the first team jersey he held it for the most part until 1983 (excepting that in season 1976/77 and 1977/78 he failed to make a single league outing). That allowed him to clock up over 200 appearances as a Hibee and such loyalty was rewarded by a testimonial against Hearts.
A modest player he attributed much of his success to good defences in front of him – Brownlie, Blackley, Black and Schaedler then Bremner, McNamara and Stewart – but the truth is he was a very capable performer.
Away from football he was a Physical Education instructor but he later became a noted football agent in Scotland and was often seen at Easter Road in a professional capacity.
Hibernian noted his progress and for less than £10,000 acquired the services of a keeper was both brave and smart. He made his debut against Dumbarton a few months after signing but had to be patient and spent some time on the sidelines watching Mike McDonald put together an impressive run of outings.
Patience is, they say, a virtue and Jim proved the theory. When he finally won the first team jersey he held it for the most part until 1983 (excepting that in season 1976/77 and 1977/78 he failed to make a single league outing). That allowed him to clock up over 200 appearances as a Hibee and such loyalty was rewarded by a testimonial against Hearts.
A modest player he attributed much of his success to good defences in front of him – Brownlie, Blackley, Black and Schaedler then Bremner, McNamara and Stewart – but the truth is he was a very capable performer.
Away from football he was a Physical Education instructor but he later became a noted football agent in Scotland and was often seen at Easter Road in a professional capacity.
HONOURS
League Cup final 1974
Scottish Cup final 1979
League Cup final 1974
Scottish Cup final 1979
WILLIAM McCARTNEY
Willie’s father, John, was a football manager of some repute. He had managed St. Mirren and Hearts, and Willie followed in his footsteps; managing the Maroons for an incredible 16 years from 1919 before leaving Tynecastle in 1935. If his tenure at Hearts had been remarkable then his ‘defection’ to Hibs was even more so! He gradually improved Hibernian and was responsible for recruiting players of the calibre of Arthur Milne, Jimmy Kerr, Matt Busy, Gordon Smith and Eddie Turnbull.
A ‘dapper’ man he was always dressed in his bowler hat, liked a flower in his button-hole and was recognised as a superb administrator. He had made Hearts one of the most attractive sides in Scotland taking men like Massie and Walker to Tynecastle. There was an air of the sensational when he resigned and for 10 long months he was out of football. Even more stunning however was his return to senior football at, of all places, Hibernian. With the staunch support of Hibs chairman Harry Swan he sought to revolutionise the way Hibs operated.
Of course his ability to recruit top quality players continued, even in the war years. Indeed so successful was he in bringing the best to Easter Road that Hibernian were able to hand Rangers a record 8-1 thumping at Easter Road before seizing the 1944 Southern League Cup. The good work continued after the war as Hibs improved year on year, contesting the Scottish Cup final in 1947 before finally landing the league title in 1948.
Alas Willie McCartney died in January 1948, just months before the title was won, thus he died having failed to see Hibernian winning the biggest domestic prize of them all. He had collapsed whilst Hibs were winning a Scottish Cup tie at Albion Rovers and never regained consciousness.
A ‘dapper’ man he was always dressed in his bowler hat, liked a flower in his button-hole and was recognised as a superb administrator. He had made Hearts one of the most attractive sides in Scotland taking men like Massie and Walker to Tynecastle. There was an air of the sensational when he resigned and for 10 long months he was out of football. Even more stunning however was his return to senior football at, of all places, Hibernian. With the staunch support of Hibs chairman Harry Swan he sought to revolutionise the way Hibs operated.
Of course his ability to recruit top quality players continued, even in the war years. Indeed so successful was he in bringing the best to Easter Road that Hibernian were able to hand Rangers a record 8-1 thumping at Easter Road before seizing the 1944 Southern League Cup. The good work continued after the war as Hibs improved year on year, contesting the Scottish Cup final in 1947 before finally landing the league title in 1948.
Alas Willie McCartney died in January 1948, just months before the title was won, thus he died having failed to see Hibernian winning the biggest domestic prize of them all. He had collapsed whilst Hibs were winning a Scottish Cup tie at Albion Rovers and never regained consciousness.
HONOURS
Scotland (1)
Scotland (1)
WILLIE MACFARLANE
One of that select band of Hibernian players who returned to manage the club. His father had played for Leith and St Bernards so Willie was of good footballing stock.
A full back himself, he was signed in 1949 by Hugh Shaw and learned his trade with Hutcheson Vale and Tranent before making his debut in a friendly against Tottenham Hotspur. He went on to play in the great European nights that saw Hibs reach the European Cup semi-final.
Willie moved to Raith Rovers in October 1958 and in October 1960 he moved to his final senior playing club – Morton. This was a sound move for it brought him into close contact with Hal Stewart the ebullient, innovative and charismatic manager of Morton. From there it was into management; a career that began in the humble surrounds of Galashiels then carried him to Hawick and Stirling Albion.
He was a part-time manager at Stirling, working during the days as a plant-transport manager and concentrating on Albion in the evenings. However, when Bob Shankly left Hibs Willie was invited to concentrate solely on football as Easter Road boss. One of his first acts was to bring young Stirling defender Erich Schaedler to Hibernian.
Willie made a good start at Hibs, including a win at Tynecastle but he was to last just over a year and was sacked in quite remarkable circumstances. In December 1970 Hibs were just 24 hours away from a Fairs Cup tie with the mighty Liverpool when the Hibernian board intervened in team matters in the most stunning way. Chairman Tom Hart told Macfarlane that both Joe McBride and Johnny Graham should be withdrawn from his squad to face the Merseyside giants.
Initially Macfarlane consented but then on reflection decided that he would decide who was, and who wasn’t, in his squad. In an emotional statement to the press he stated “Thinking things over I have decided to restore the two players and also Hamilton to my party. It is the only logical thing I can do to keep my self respect. At the moment I will be picking the team for tomorrow night. I am not in the slightest bit interested in the political situation at Hibs.”
The key wording with in that phrase was ‘at the moment’. Within hours Tom Hart had sacked Macfarlane and even the Hibs public relations officer – former player Tommy Younger – steered clear of the controversy by telling waiting pressmen that he wouldn’t comment because he “… didn’t want to become involved”.
Thus Hibernian were seeking their fifth manager in nine years on the eve of one of their most prestigious matches. Of course, Hart had in the eyes of many been waiting to rid the club of Macfarlane for some weeks, indeed he had recruited a ready made replacement in Dave Ewing just a month earlier.
The press were generally supportive of Macfarlane’s plight and few disagreed that he was placed in an intolerable position by having his team selections dictated to him from the boardroom. In all his dismissal must rank as one of the more shoddy episodes in Hibs rich history.
A full back himself, he was signed in 1949 by Hugh Shaw and learned his trade with Hutcheson Vale and Tranent before making his debut in a friendly against Tottenham Hotspur. He went on to play in the great European nights that saw Hibs reach the European Cup semi-final.
Willie moved to Raith Rovers in October 1958 and in October 1960 he moved to his final senior playing club – Morton. This was a sound move for it brought him into close contact with Hal Stewart the ebullient, innovative and charismatic manager of Morton. From there it was into management; a career that began in the humble surrounds of Galashiels then carried him to Hawick and Stirling Albion.
He was a part-time manager at Stirling, working during the days as a plant-transport manager and concentrating on Albion in the evenings. However, when Bob Shankly left Hibs Willie was invited to concentrate solely on football as Easter Road boss. One of his first acts was to bring young Stirling defender Erich Schaedler to Hibernian.
Willie made a good start at Hibs, including a win at Tynecastle but he was to last just over a year and was sacked in quite remarkable circumstances. In December 1970 Hibs were just 24 hours away from a Fairs Cup tie with the mighty Liverpool when the Hibernian board intervened in team matters in the most stunning way. Chairman Tom Hart told Macfarlane that both Joe McBride and Johnny Graham should be withdrawn from his squad to face the Merseyside giants.
Initially Macfarlane consented but then on reflection decided that he would decide who was, and who wasn’t, in his squad. In an emotional statement to the press he stated “Thinking things over I have decided to restore the two players and also Hamilton to my party. It is the only logical thing I can do to keep my self respect. At the moment I will be picking the team for tomorrow night. I am not in the slightest bit interested in the political situation at Hibs.”
The key wording with in that phrase was ‘at the moment’. Within hours Tom Hart had sacked Macfarlane and even the Hibs public relations officer – former player Tommy Younger – steered clear of the controversy by telling waiting pressmen that he wouldn’t comment because he “… didn’t want to become involved”.
Thus Hibernian were seeking their fifth manager in nine years on the eve of one of their most prestigious matches. Of course, Hart had in the eyes of many been waiting to rid the club of Macfarlane for some weeks, indeed he had recruited a ready made replacement in Dave Ewing just a month earlier.
The press were generally supportive of Macfarlane’s plight and few disagreed that he was placed in an intolerable position by having his team selections dictated to him from the boardroom. In all his dismissal must rank as one of the more shoddy episodes in Hibs rich history.
JIMMY McCOLL (1892 – 1978)
In the period immediately after World War One, Jimmy McColl was one of Scotland’s most prominent footballers. Between 1913 and 1920 he was a Celtic stalwart, grabbing 117 league goals from a mere 165 outings. Little wonder that Stoke City were so keen to sign him in May 1920.
His move to the Potteries was not a match made in heaven, and neither was a switch to Partick Thistle. But in September 1922 he was signed by Alex Maley, the then Hibernian boss, and things quickly got back on track for the effervescent McColl.
That he was accepted by Hibs supporters was indication of his quality, for the fans were still not predisposed to Celtic players given that the pain of the Glasgow clubs foundation was still fresh in many Leith minds. Moreover, McColl had netted twice against Hibernian in the 1914 Scottish Cup final.
McColl proved extremely popular in Edinburgh. As a quick centre-forward he was often amongst the goals and noted for his shooting prowess. Between 1922 and 1930 he gave Hibs sterling service. In the summer of 1931 he made the short move to Leith Athletic but this was simply a stop-gap before he joined Belfast Celtic as manager in 1932. He was back on the staff at Easter Road in 1934 and stayed until retiring some 20 years later.
McColl was promoted from assistant trainer to first team coach in January 1948 when the previous trainer Hugh Shaw stepped up to boss in the wake of Willie McCartney’s tragic death. Jimmy flourished in this key role and in 1971 Hibernian made an official presentation to him at Easter Road before a game and paraded the Famous Five in his honour. Jimmy died in March 1978.
His move to the Potteries was not a match made in heaven, and neither was a switch to Partick Thistle. But in September 1922 he was signed by Alex Maley, the then Hibernian boss, and things quickly got back on track for the effervescent McColl.
That he was accepted by Hibs supporters was indication of his quality, for the fans were still not predisposed to Celtic players given that the pain of the Glasgow clubs foundation was still fresh in many Leith minds. Moreover, McColl had netted twice against Hibernian in the 1914 Scottish Cup final.
McColl proved extremely popular in Edinburgh. As a quick centre-forward he was often amongst the goals and noted for his shooting prowess. Between 1922 and 1930 he gave Hibs sterling service. In the summer of 1931 he made the short move to Leith Athletic but this was simply a stop-gap before he joined Belfast Celtic as manager in 1932. He was back on the staff at Easter Road in 1934 and stayed until retiring some 20 years later.
McColl was promoted from assistant trainer to first team coach in January 1948 when the previous trainer Hugh Shaw stepped up to boss in the wake of Willie McCartney’s tragic death. Jimmy flourished in this key role and in 1971 Hibernian made an official presentation to him at Easter Road before a game and paraded the Famous Five in his honour. Jimmy died in March 1978.
HONOURS
Scottish Cup final 1923, 1924
Scottish Cup final 1923, 1924
ALEX McLEISH (1959 -
Alex was known as ‘Big Eck’ in a playing career that scaled the heights with Aberdeen. He joined the Dons in 1976 and went on to win 77 Scotland caps (a record only Kenny Dalglish could better) as well as a European Cup Winners badge and a host of domestic honours.
A tall red-headed centre-half he formed a marvellous partnership with Willie Miller at Pittodrie and they were the spine on which Alex Ferguson built his successful Aberdeen side.
In 1994 he was appointed Motherwell manager and he did sufficiently well there to pick up the Hibs job in 1998. Unable to prevent relegation he nevertheless steered the club back to the top flight at the first attempt. His recruitment of quality overseas players such as Russell Latapy, Franck Sauzee and David Zitelli took the club to new heights and in 2001 they contested the Scottish Cup final. Back in Europe Hibs were clearly on the verge of bigger and better things when Rangers came calling.
In 2001 McLeish was off to Rangers where he enjoyed some success but by 2007 he was Scotland manager. Given his Scottish playing record this seemed like an ideal appointment, and the swashbuckling European Championship qualifying campaign of 2007 merely confirmed this. Late in 2007 after Scotland had narrowly failed to reach Austria/Switzerland he moved to manage English Premiership club Birmingham City.
A tall red-headed centre-half he formed a marvellous partnership with Willie Miller at Pittodrie and they were the spine on which Alex Ferguson built his successful Aberdeen side.
In 1994 he was appointed Motherwell manager and he did sufficiently well there to pick up the Hibs job in 1998. Unable to prevent relegation he nevertheless steered the club back to the top flight at the first attempt. His recruitment of quality overseas players such as Russell Latapy, Franck Sauzee and David Zitelli took the club to new heights and in 2001 they contested the Scottish Cup final. Back in Europe Hibs were clearly on the verge of bigger and better things when Rangers came calling.
In 2001 McLeish was off to Rangers where he enjoyed some success but by 2007 he was Scotland manager. Given his Scottish playing record this seemed like an ideal appointment, and the swashbuckling European Championship qualifying campaign of 2007 merely confirmed this. Late in 2007 after Scotland had narrowly failed to reach Austria/Switzerland he moved to manage English Premiership club Birmingham City.
ALEXANDER H. M. MacLEOD (1951 -
Although known throughout his career as Ally MacLeod, he should not to be confused with the Ally MacLeod of Scotland, Argentina and Ayr United fame. For although they shared a name, and a connection with Hibs, they were indeed very different footballers, representing very different eras. The MacLeod in question here was Alexander Hector McMillan MacLeod.
A fairly sensational young striker with St. Mirren he served notice of his ability by scoring all four Saints goals in a 4-1 win at Rangers n 1971. That earned him a move to Southampton but he failed to settle on the South coast.
In December 1974 Hibs signed him and in so doing completed one of their sharpest pieces of business. He went on to play over 300 games as a Hibee and was a prolific marksman in the modern ‘defensively coached’ era. His debut came in a goalless draw at Airdrie in December 1974.
In the season that Hearts were relegated for the first time in their history, MacLeod scored a vital derby winner and his glut of goals late in the season ensured Hibs did not go down. He was also on target in the 1979 Scottish Cup final when Hibs lost to Rangers, but only after two replays. He played 208 league games and netted 72 goals.
In a strange ending to his career he signed for Jim McLean’s Dundee United, only to pick up an injury in training that ended his career. He never actually played a game for United.
A fairly sensational young striker with St. Mirren he served notice of his ability by scoring all four Saints goals in a 4-1 win at Rangers n 1971. That earned him a move to Southampton but he failed to settle on the South coast.
In December 1974 Hibs signed him and in so doing completed one of their sharpest pieces of business. He went on to play over 300 games as a Hibee and was a prolific marksman in the modern ‘defensively coached’ era. His debut came in a goalless draw at Airdrie in December 1974.
In the season that Hearts were relegated for the first time in their history, MacLeod scored a vital derby winner and his glut of goals late in the season ensured Hibs did not go down. He was also on target in the 1979 Scottish Cup final when Hibs lost to Rangers, but only after two replays. He played 208 league games and netted 72 goals.
In a strange ending to his career he signed for Jim McLean’s Dundee United, only to pick up an injury in training that ended his career. He never actually played a game for United.
HONOURS
Scotland Under-21 (3)
Scottish Cup final 1979
Scotland Under-21 (3)
Scottish Cup final 1979
JOHNNY MacLEOD (1938 -
Although Johnny was only with Hibernian from 1957 until the summer of 1961 he made a considerable impact. A tall, rangy winger he was a notable goalscorer and that allied to his speed and trickery made him a firm favourite with the fans.
He played in 85 league games for Hibs and his return of 27 goals gives a good idea of just what a dangerous forward he was. In season 1959/60 Hibs won away matches at Airdrie and Partick Thistle 11-1 and 10-2 respecively; Johnny had five goals in those two games. He also scored in the famous 4-4 draw at Barcelona in the Fairs Cities Cup. Strangely when he left Hibernian he was replaced by another MacLeod – Ally – and thus the surname remained on the Hibernian team-sheet.
MacLeod joined George Swindin’s Arsenal in 1961 when he was aged just 22 and clearly a super prospect. In September 1963 he wrote his name into the Arsenal record books by scoring the Londoner’s first ever goal in European competition. He managed over 100 matches for the Gunners but never made quite the impression in London as he had in Edinburgh. Nevertheless he was good enough to join Aston Villa in 1964 and rack up another century-plus of appearances. His career wound down firstly in Belgium with KV Mechelen and then nearer to home in Kirkcaldy with Raith Rovers.
He played in 85 league games for Hibs and his return of 27 goals gives a good idea of just what a dangerous forward he was. In season 1959/60 Hibs won away matches at Airdrie and Partick Thistle 11-1 and 10-2 respecively; Johnny had five goals in those two games. He also scored in the famous 4-4 draw at Barcelona in the Fairs Cities Cup. Strangely when he left Hibernian he was replaced by another MacLeod – Ally – and thus the surname remained on the Hibernian team-sheet.
MacLeod joined George Swindin’s Arsenal in 1961 when he was aged just 22 and clearly a super prospect. In September 1963 he wrote his name into the Arsenal record books by scoring the Londoner’s first ever goal in European competition. He managed over 100 matches for the Gunners but never made quite the impression in London as he had in Edinburgh. Nevertheless he was good enough to join Aston Villa in 1964 and rack up another century-plus of appearances. His career wound down firstly in Belgium with KV Mechelen and then nearer to home in Kirkcaldy with Raith Rovers.
HONOURS
Scotland (4)
Scotland (4)
JACKIE McNAMARA (1952 -
Jackie was suffering dreadfully with his knees at Celtic when Eddie Turnbull offered him the chance to come to Hibs in 1977. Two years earlier he had scored for Celtic against Hibs and in doing so created an impression on Turnbull. Hibs physio John McNiven suggested that 24 year old Jackie could recover and McNiven’s expertise was vital because within months of arriving McNamara had to undergo a cartilage operation and extensive recuperation.
In signing for Hibs what Jackie never knew throughout the negotiations was that the legendary Pat Stanton would be going in the other direction. So he arrived at Easter Road, to be greeted with simmering resentment as one of Hibernian’s true legends departed. However, McNamara had ten years at Hibs and received a testimonial against Newcastle United after over 200 matches. His testimonial entered Easter Road folklore when George Best returned to take part and was close to being sent off when he told the referee “Do you realize that all these people here have come to see me ….. oh, and Jackie too!”.
There were many highs in his career at Easter Road including the 1979 Scottish Cup final run that saw Hibs beat Aberdeen and Hearts en route to a twice replayed final with Rangers. The low point was being relegated in 1980.
Not noted for his goalscoring he got his first against Leicester City in a friendly in the Midlands and then went 64 games before popping up with a cracker in a cup-tie at Rangers. McNamara enjoyed both goals but always put his Hibernian career in a wider perspective saying “Hibs stood by me when I had the knee injury. They saved my career and gave me 10 wonderful years. I owe them everything.”
John Blackley freed McNamara when his knees were deemed to be pretty well ‘gone’ and John McNiven had done all he could. Allan McGraw had just been made Morton manager and convinced McNamara that he could continue at a less demanding level. Little did Jackie know that a wonderful ‘swan-song’ was about to unfold. McNamara, who had always hated playing at Greenock, joined when the ‘Ton were bottom of the First Division but helped them embark on a 17 match unbeaten run.
His son played with Dunfermline before moving successfully to Celtic, Wolves and Aberdeen as well as earning many Scotland caps. Jackie senior for his part had a brief spell as Hibernian assistant manager under Jim Duffy in December 1996. But even upon leaving that post he attended Hibs games home and away as a genuine Hibs supporter.
In signing for Hibs what Jackie never knew throughout the negotiations was that the legendary Pat Stanton would be going in the other direction. So he arrived at Easter Road, to be greeted with simmering resentment as one of Hibernian’s true legends departed. However, McNamara had ten years at Hibs and received a testimonial against Newcastle United after over 200 matches. His testimonial entered Easter Road folklore when George Best returned to take part and was close to being sent off when he told the referee “Do you realize that all these people here have come to see me ….. oh, and Jackie too!”.
There were many highs in his career at Easter Road including the 1979 Scottish Cup final run that saw Hibs beat Aberdeen and Hearts en route to a twice replayed final with Rangers. The low point was being relegated in 1980.
Not noted for his goalscoring he got his first against Leicester City in a friendly in the Midlands and then went 64 games before popping up with a cracker in a cup-tie at Rangers. McNamara enjoyed both goals but always put his Hibernian career in a wider perspective saying “Hibs stood by me when I had the knee injury. They saved my career and gave me 10 wonderful years. I owe them everything.”
John Blackley freed McNamara when his knees were deemed to be pretty well ‘gone’ and John McNiven had done all he could. Allan McGraw had just been made Morton manager and convinced McNamara that he could continue at a less demanding level. Little did Jackie know that a wonderful ‘swan-song’ was about to unfold. McNamara, who had always hated playing at Greenock, joined when the ‘Ton were bottom of the First Division but helped them embark on a 17 match unbeaten run.
His son played with Dunfermline before moving successfully to Celtic, Wolves and Aberdeen as well as earning many Scotland caps. Jackie senior for his part had a brief spell as Hibernian assistant manager under Jim Duffy in December 1996. But even upon leaving that post he attended Hibs games home and away as a genuine Hibs supporter.
HONOURS
Scottish Cup final 1979
Scottish Cup final 1979
MANAGERS
The list below names all of those who have been appointed team manager of Hibernian over the years.
In Out
Phil Kelso 1903-1904
Dan McMichael 1904 1919
David Gordon 1919 1920
Alex Maley 1920 1925
Bobby Templeton 1925 1936
Willie McCartney 1936 1948
Hugh Shaw 1948 1961
Walter Galbraith 1961 1964
Jock Stein 1964 1965
Bob Shankly 1965 1969
Willie Macfarlane 1969 1970
Dave Ewing 1970 1971
Eddie Turnbull 1971 1980
Dan McMichael 1904 1919
David Gordon 1919 1920
Alex Maley 1920 1925
Bobby Templeton 1925 1936
Willie McCartney 1936 1948
Hugh Shaw 1948 1961
Walter Galbraith 1961 1964
Jock Stein 1964 1965
Bob Shankly 1965 1969
Willie Macfarlane 1969 1970
Dave Ewing 1970 1971
Eddie Turnbull 1971 1980
Willie Ormond 1980
Bertie Auld 1980 1982
Pat Stanton 1982 1984
John Blackley 1984 1986
Alex Miller 1986 1996
Jim Duffy 1996 1998
Alex McLeish 1998 2002
Bobby Williamson 2002 2004
Tony Mowbray 2004 2006
John Collins 2006 2007
Pat Stanton 1982 1984
John Blackley 1984 1986
Alex Miller 1986 1996
Jim Duffy 1996 1998
Alex McLeish 1998 2002
Bobby Williamson 2002 2004
Tony Mowbray 2004 2006
John Collins 2006 2007
Mixu Paatelainen 2008 -2009
John Hughes 2009-2010
Amongst those who have held temporary control of Hibs team affairs are Donald Park, Jocky Scott , Jim Clark and Mark Proctor. Park was a noted players with Hearts and Partick Thistle. A very well respected Highlander he preferred being number two but was an invaluable stop-gap particularly when Alex McLeish left for Rangers. Jocky Scott had earned great fame as an exceptional forward for Dundee and Aberdeen, his best managerial results were earned at Dunfermline. Jim Clark was something of a Kilmarnock legend and a key member of Bobby Williamson’s back room team there. He survived a major health scare whilst at Hibs but did not stay after Williamson departed for Plymouth. Mark Proctor came to Hibernian under Tony Mowbray and eventually took up the managerial reins at Livingston. A talented player he had served both Middlesbrough and Sunderland with some style before moving into coaching.
ALEX MILLER (1949 -
In 1991 Alex Miller steered Hibernian to success in the League Cup and for that alone he deserves enormous credit, but such was the cautious nature of his side that he rarely earned the praise he deserved. Indeed there were those who suspected that his Rangers background went against him with some elements within the Hibs support. Alas only when he was gone did some fans realize just how good he had been.
Born in Glasgow in 1949, Miller joined Rangers in 1967 from Clydebank Juniors, and served the Ibrox club for a lengthy period of 17 years without ever being in the limelight in his 300 plus games. However, as a coach he quickly achieved success. He steered Morton to the First Division championship in his first season, then moved to St. Mirren where again he caught the eye. That was enough for the Hibernian directors who moved swiftly to bring him to Easter Road in December 1986.
There is an enigma about Alex’s career at Hibs. He was never universally accepted by the fans ... that much is true. Yet the cold facts show that he stayed for a decade and won the League Cup; Hibs first trophy in 19 years. In comparison to the higher profile Stein, Shankly, and Galbraith his spell in charge must be considered a success.
He resigned as Hibs boss in 1996 following a heavy home defeat to Hearts that had fans on his back. When Miller left Hibernian chairman Douglas Cromb was extremely upset and said “When we were close to liquidation Alex had several opportunities to go elsewhere but he chose to stay at Hibs. He stood by the club in its darkest days when we were threatened by the Hearts takeover. When I first arrived at Hibs I was a football novice and Alex was my crutch. He had been in football all his life and helped guide me through some difficult times. Alex helped us win the League Cup, took us to another final and to our best ever Premier League finish. Alex will go on to higher and better things”. How right he was.
Miller, who had spent two years as part time assistant to Scotland boss Craig Brown, quickly coached at Coventry City before becoming a highly respected number two at mighty Liverpool; at Anfield he played a key role in a range of trophy successes including a Champions League triumph, and on reflection Hibernian were rather hasty in dispensing with his services.
Born in Glasgow in 1949, Miller joined Rangers in 1967 from Clydebank Juniors, and served the Ibrox club for a lengthy period of 17 years without ever being in the limelight in his 300 plus games. However, as a coach he quickly achieved success. He steered Morton to the First Division championship in his first season, then moved to St. Mirren where again he caught the eye. That was enough for the Hibernian directors who moved swiftly to bring him to Easter Road in December 1986.
There is an enigma about Alex’s career at Hibs. He was never universally accepted by the fans ... that much is true. Yet the cold facts show that he stayed for a decade and won the League Cup; Hibs first trophy in 19 years. In comparison to the higher profile Stein, Shankly, and Galbraith his spell in charge must be considered a success.
He resigned as Hibs boss in 1996 following a heavy home defeat to Hearts that had fans on his back. When Miller left Hibernian chairman Douglas Cromb was extremely upset and said “When we were close to liquidation Alex had several opportunities to go elsewhere but he chose to stay at Hibs. He stood by the club in its darkest days when we were threatened by the Hearts takeover. When I first arrived at Hibs I was a football novice and Alex was my crutch. He had been in football all his life and helped guide me through some difficult times. Alex helped us win the League Cup, took us to another final and to our best ever Premier League finish. Alex will go on to higher and better things”. How right he was.
Miller, who had spent two years as part time assistant to Scotland boss Craig Brown, quickly coached at Coventry City before becoming a highly respected number two at mighty Liverpool; at Anfield he played a key role in a range of trophy successes including a Champions League triumph, and on reflection Hibernian were rather hasty in dispensing with his services.
WILLIE MILLER (1969 -
During Alex Miller’s time in charge there was a solid back-bone to the Hibernian side. Willie Miller (no relation to the Aberdeen player or Alex Miller himself) was a key part of that strength. A fiercely competitive full back Willie was signed from Edina Hibs in 1987, and made his debut in February 1990 against Celtic. He made swift progress thereafter and was capped seven times by Scotland at Under-21 level. He proved popular with the Hibernian support largely by dint of his physical approach to the game and whole-hearted commitment.
Between 1989 and 1998 he made an excellent 246 appearances of which seven were as a substitute. Highlight of his time at Easter Road was surely being part and parcel of the side that won the League Cup against Dunfermline in 1991. He could never be called a cultured player or a particularly creative individual but few got past him without considerable effort or guile.
From Easter Road Willie moved to Dundee where he was a regular for a few seasons until joining Keith Wright at Cowdenbeath. There were some Hibernian fans who suggested that Miller took the role of ‘man marking’ quite literally!
Between 1989 and 1998 he made an excellent 246 appearances of which seven were as a substitute. Highlight of his time at Easter Road was surely being part and parcel of the side that won the League Cup against Dunfermline in 1991. He could never be called a cultured player or a particularly creative individual but few got past him without considerable effort or guile.
From Easter Road Willie moved to Dundee where he was a regular for a few seasons until joining Keith Wright at Cowdenbeath. There were some Hibernian fans who suggested that Miller took the role of ‘man marking’ quite literally!
HONOURS
Scotland Under-21 (7)
Scotland Under-21 (7)
ARTHUR MILNE (1915-1997)
Born in Brechin in January 1915, Arthur moved from Brechin Victoria to Dundee United and thus began a most interesting career. A prolific marksman he travelled to Liverpool in March 1937 ostensibly on loan but was not returned to Dundee United. An unseemly squabble broke out and Hibernian exploited this indecision to sign Milne.
Dundee United had claimed he was a Liverpool player and they were due a transfer fee. The Dundee Courier neatly, and rather bluntly, summed up the Merseyside club’s views “Liverpool did not accept the offer of his transfer, they decided they were rather afflicted with too many stocky little forwards”.
Thus he joined Willie McCartney’s Hibernian as a free agent and in June 1941 scored within 20 seconds of the start of a famous 5-2 Hibs win at Celtic (indeed he bagged a hat-trick that day). Alas his Easter Road career was nearing an end when football resumed after World War Two.
He did play in three matches in the 1946/47 season but in September of that season he moved to St. Mirren for £1,650. Interestingly the vacancy at the Paisley club had arisen due their star striker Alex Linwood moving to Middlesbrough. Linwood would in due course come to Easter Road.
Milne left Saints in the summer of 1950 and played briefly in Northern Ireland with Coleraine. He died in Edinburgh in May 1997.
Dundee United had claimed he was a Liverpool player and they were due a transfer fee. The Dundee Courier neatly, and rather bluntly, summed up the Merseyside club’s views “Liverpool did not accept the offer of his transfer, they decided they were rather afflicted with too many stocky little forwards”.
Thus he joined Willie McCartney’s Hibernian as a free agent and in June 1941 scored within 20 seconds of the start of a famous 5-2 Hibs win at Celtic (indeed he bagged a hat-trick that day). Alas his Easter Road career was nearing an end when football resumed after World War Two.
He did play in three matches in the 1946/47 season but in September of that season he moved to St. Mirren for £1,650. Interestingly the vacancy at the Paisley club had arisen due their star striker Alex Linwood moving to Middlesbrough. Linwood would in due course come to Easter Road.
Milne left Saints in the summer of 1950 and played briefly in Northern Ireland with Coleraine. He died in Edinburgh in May 1997.
GRAHAM MITCHELL (1962 -
Born in Glasgow, Graham joined Hamilton Accies from Auchengill BC in 1979. He became one of their finest defenders and stayed with them until late December 1986 when he joined Hibs. Few could have imagined that having carved out a notable career with Accies he would do likewise at Easter Road.
He soon forged a strong defensive partnership with Gordon Rae and this would continue when Gordon Hunter moved into central defence. Strong in the tackle, reliable when games became frantic he was coolness personified. This excellent temperament made him a leading member in the Hibernian team and one of the first names on the team-sheet for several years.
Against Dunfermline Athletic in 1991 he won a League Cup winners badge and he was still an automatic selection for the side that was beaten by Rangers in the final of the same tournament two years later. After a long and distinguished career with Hibs, that brought almost 300 senior outings, he was freed in May 1996 and made the short journey to Falkirk. Quiet, unassuming, a very dependable player indeed.
For a player who rarely ventured into opposition territory it is ironic that he is well remembered for one of his rare goals. The strike in question came against Videoton of Hungary in a First Round UEFA Cup tie in September 1989 and sent Hibs on the way to a memorable European triumph.
He soon forged a strong defensive partnership with Gordon Rae and this would continue when Gordon Hunter moved into central defence. Strong in the tackle, reliable when games became frantic he was coolness personified. This excellent temperament made him a leading member in the Hibernian team and one of the first names on the team-sheet for several years.
Against Dunfermline Athletic in 1991 he won a League Cup winners badge and he was still an automatic selection for the side that was beaten by Rangers in the final of the same tournament two years later. After a long and distinguished career with Hibs, that brought almost 300 senior outings, he was freed in May 1996 and made the short journey to Falkirk. Quiet, unassuming, a very dependable player indeed.
For a player who rarely ventured into opposition territory it is ironic that he is well remembered for one of his rare goals. The strike in question came against Videoton of Hungary in a First Round UEFA Cup tie in September 1989 and sent Hibs on the way to a memorable European triumph.
HONOURS
League Cup 1991
TONY MOWBRAY (1963 -
Rod Petrie, Hibernian’s managing director, caused many eyebrows to be raised when he introduced Tony Mowbray as the new Hibernian manager in succession to Bobby Williamson. Some Edinburgh football fans remarked “Tony Who??” They were very quickly to realize that Petrie had recruited a real gem.
Mowbray was a breath of fresh air at the club. His footballing philosophy was as far removed from his playing image as possible. On the field he had been a no-nonsense, rugged central defender, in the dug-out he was studious and totally committed to playing cultured football. At the outset of his time at Hibs some thought
Mowbray was a breath of fresh air at the club. His footballing philosophy was as far removed from his playing image as possible. On the field he had been a no-nonsense, rugged central defender, in the dug-out he was studious and totally committed to playing cultured football. At the outset of his time at Hibs some thought