Every generation of football supporters have 'their' team and will argue long and hard over the relative merits of how they compare. This is difficult as football changes all the time but enjoyable none the less. Hibs have two teams that are still talked of reverential tones; the Famous Five and Turnbull's Tornadoes. The forward line of Gordon Smith, Bobby Johnstone, Lawrie Reilly, Eddie Turnbull and Willie Ormond was feared around the country in the late forties and early fifties. Sadly only Riley is still alive (and very much kicking) to remind us of the fearsome strike force. He was at Easter Road last night to attend the launch of Ted Brack's new book, 'The Game On New Year's Day', which celebrated the team that turned in one of the most comprehensive results over their city rivals. Hibs and Hearts share the same city and the same passion for football. The cumulative honours regarding results are held by Hearts at the moment but that was conveniently ignored last night as Hibs fans gathered to be in the same room as those of the Turnbull Tornadoes that could make it. Sadly, manager Eddie Turnbull, striker Alan Gordon and Erich Schaelder have all passed away. The speediest winger of his day Arthur Duncan and fellow winger Alex 'Micky' Edwards could not get to Easter Road in time to join their colleagues.
John Blackley, John Brownlie, coach John Fraser, Pat Stanton, Ted Brack, Jim Herriot, Alex Cropley, Jim Black and Jimmy O'Rourke (c) ger Harley | StockPix.org,uk You may think that a whole book about just 90 minutes would be a slim volume. However, the book looks at much more than one game, no matter how great for Hibs fans to recall. Hibs had a fine team in the seventies under the guidance of one of the most revered coaches in the game, Eddie Turnbull. The book looks at the lead up to 1 January 1973 and the aftermath. It does not shy away from the poor results such as the 6-1 defeat at the hands of Celtic in the Scottish Cup final in the preceding May. Reading the book with many fascinating quotes from those involved in the team brought some fresh insight into how a team that played at their peak also played together off the field. Striker Keith Wright was also there and it was obvious in his demeanour that he was loving every minute. He had a grin as wide as could be lapping up the stories. He was called forward for a few words and could hardly say anything as he was so much in awe of his heroes. The hair may be greying and the fans attending of a certain vintage but the mood of night was summed up by Paul Kane as 'a good Hibs night'. 'The Game On New Year's Day Hearts 0 Hibs 7' by Ted Brack. Published by Black and White publishing price £15.99.Source: FOOTYMAD
