Hibernian - from Joe Baker to Turnbull's Tornadoes

11 November 2011 02:24
Hibs' historian Tom Wright has focused his eyes on some golden times for his team for his latest book

Another night of nostalgia for Hibs fans was enjoyed at the Hibernian Supporter Association down Sunnyside as club historian Tom Wright launched his latest opus 'Hibernian - from Joe Baker to Turnbull's Tornadoes'. The rush towards December has been a busy time for publishers and authors as they strive to get the books out for the Christmas shopping spree. A number of well known players and fans joined Wright with the backdrop of videos of famous Hibs games, some in black and white and some in early colour broadcasts. Of course, the 7-0 win over Hearts on New Year's Day was included in the package and it was great to see the likes of Alex Cropley, John Brownlee, Jimmy O'Rourke still disappointed when a shot went over the bar or was deflected for a corner. John Fraser, Neil Martin, Stan Vincent, Willie Hunter, Tommy Preston and of course Pat Stanton made time for all and sundry as they looked back at better times for Hibs. The current crop of players at Easter Road were left without a name pretty much as stars of old bemoaned the lack of commitment to the club and apparent lack of support and guidance from the old heads in the team to the rising talent.

          

   

Born in Glasgow, Wright moved with his family to Edinburgh when he was five months and has been in love with the Hibees since watching his first game in 1957.  He said: "My first game against Leicester City in February and I often wondered why would we have a friendly against an English team in February. But we had been knocked out of the Scottish Cup in the first round again. Leicester City had three ex-Hibs players in the side that day; John Ogilvie, Tommy MacDonald and Pat  Ward. That was my first game. I didn't realise it was going to ruin my life. The Tornadoes are legendary (among Hibs fans) but for me I thought the team in the mid-sixties were very, very special. Maybe as good as the Tornadoes and I know that is a ridiculous thing to say because you can't judge teams from different eras against each other.  But they were special. In the one season they beat the Hearts 4-0 within the first ten minutes, they beat Alloa 11-2 and they beat Hamilton 11-1. They were great goal-scoring side you know. My favourite team really is the team that wins the Scottish Cup."

 

 

Source: FOOTYMAD