Turnbull was Hibernian's finest - Petrie

01 May 2011 20:00

Chairman Rod Petrie has paid tribute to Hibernian legend Eddie Turnbull, who died on Saturday at the age of 88, declaring "there is no-one who has made a greater contribution to the club".

Turnbull, who spent his entire playing career with Hibs, also won nine caps for Scotland before going on to manage the Easter Road outfit for nearly a decade.

Chairman Rod Petrie told www.hibernianfc.co.uk: "We are all deeply saddened by the news of Eddie's passing."

He added: "As a player, trainer, coach and manager of the club there is no-one who has made a greater contribution to the club over many years.

"The club will wish to acknowledge more formally his contribution at the appropriate time in consultation with his family."

Turnbull won three league titles during his 13 years playing for the club and in 1955 became the first British player to score in a European club competition.

He was part of Hibs' 'Famous Five' forward line alongside Gordon Smith, Willie Ormond, Bobby Johnstone and Lawrie Reilly.

He went on to manage the club between 1971 and 1980 following spells with Queen's Park and Aberdeen.

A Hibs statement read: "It is with deep sorrow that the club announces that Hibernian Legend Eddie Turnbull passed away peacefully this afternoon (Saturday) aged 88.

"The Turnbull family asked the club, which was a major part of Eddie's life, to make this announcement and also a plea for his immediate family to have some time to mourn the passing of a husband, brother, father, grandfather."

Source: PA