HIBERNIAN - ANOTHER FIRST

Greetings Kankas. The exploits and pioneering spirit of Hibernian Football Club since 1875 have been well documented elsewhere AND on this Blog. With no Ankara footie at the moment, and with the World Cup almost decided (France will win it !!!), it is opportune to mention another `Hibernian First`. Perhaps this will provoke other `blasts from the past` from our bloggers ??!!

The year was 1972 in the era of the Hibernian Manager Eddie Turnbull who was a Hibs legend in his playing days (another story perhaps ?!). The Hibs team at this time were a sight to behold in the true Hibs style of the past, ie, attack and be damned !!

Eddie Turnbull had taken over after the sudden departure of the Great Jock Stein to Celtic and he transformed the Hibs team into his own attacking mould. He introduced a player into the Hibs team who would become a Hibs legend and prove to be `world class` in todays terminology.

The player was ALEX EDWARDS who still holds the distiction of being the 2nd youngest ever to turn out in a senior Scottish league game. Alex was only 16 when he played for Dunfermline against Valencia in the old Fairs Cup in 1962 which Dunfermline won 6-2.

Eddie Turnbull brought Alex Edwards to Hibs in 1971 and formed a right wing triangle with the captain, Pat Stanton, and John Brownlie (both Scottish Internationals).

Having beaten Rangers in the 1972 League Cup Semi Final, it was into the final to play `favourites` Celtic (Kenny Dalgleish et al).

Alex Edwards and Pat Stanton pulled all the strings and Hibs were victorious, the 2-1 scoreline actually being more comfortable than it looks. It was Alex Edwards who floated in a sublime free kick for Pat Stanton to fire home, and again the pair combined when Alex Edwards found Pat Stanton, this time on the right wing, splitting the Celtic defence in the process. Jimmy O'Rourke completing a memorable day for the Hibees by heading home Pat Stanton's cross at the near post as the Celtic defenders carefully watched the Hibs striker, Alan Gordon, at the back post.

The Hibs were at last able to board the open topped bus for a parade along Princes Street and Easter Road in Edinburgh to celebrate their first Scottish League Cup success.

The was a golden era in the history of Hibernian FC and Alex Edwards is not the only player remembered with pride. The whole 1972 squad became famously known as `TURNBULL'S TORNADOES`.

PS...... This is a true story - I was there in October 1972 at Hampden Stadium to see it !!!

All the best from `history teacher` Eski Kanka Jim