By David Speed, Club Historian
Everyone connected with Hearts was deeply saddened to learn that a great football man, Jimmy Bone, had passed away on Monday, at 75 years of age.
His time in a maroon jersey might have been brief, but Jimmy made a huge contribution towards re-establishing Hearts’ position in the Premier League following three relegations from the top level.
Jimmy was born at Airthrey Castle Hospital, Bridge of Allan on 22 September 1949, but the family home was at Fallin where his father worked as a coal miner. Jimmy joined his father at Polmaise Colliery after completing his apprenticeship as coal mining electrician.
On the football field, Jimmy appeared for Stirling High School; Fallin Boys Brigade; Bannockburn Amateurs and Airth Castle Rovers, before signing for Partick Thistle in April 1968. The hard-hitting striker helped Thistle to win the old Second Division title in 1970-71 and the following season, Jimmy scored in the sensational 4-1 victory over Celtic in the League Cup Final.
He then became a bit of a wanderer and played for Norwich City, Sheffield United, Celtic and Arbroath, before joining St. Mirren in February 1978. Jimmy played for the Paisley club until June 1982 and was captain of the team that won the Anglo-Scottish Cup. He also spent two summer periods in Canada on loan to Toronto Blizzard. At the top of his game, Jimmy played twice for Scotland and four times for the national U23 side.
Jimmy was with Hong Kong Rangers from June 1982 and he joined Hearts on 3 August 1983. He was the man of many clubs, but said that he was a Hearts supporter and that this was his dream move.
Jimmy went on to score 16 goals in 81 appearances for Hearts and the bustling and fearless striker enjoyed huge popularity at Tynecastle. His diving header, a winner in the 3-2 victory over Hibs in September 1983, announced that Hearts were back at the top level. Going forward, his experience and skill helped nurture several young players, in particular, John Robertson.
He helped Hearts to finish fifth in the League and earn a UEFA Cup place at the end of 1983-84 and the following season, Jimmy played in both legs against Paris St. Germain. In addition, on 15 December 1984, Jimmy Bone scored Hearts 6000th League goal. This was a fitting achievement in view of his major contribution towards establishing the club back in the Premier Division.
Jimmy went to Arbroath as player-manager on 21 February 1985 and, after moving to become assistant manager of St. Mirren in December 1986, he played his part in Saints’ Scottish Cup Final success that season. Jimmy had many more successful years in an astonishing career as manager, assistant manager, or coach with Dundee United, Airdrieonians, Power Dynamos (Zambia), Lenasia Dynamos (South Africa), St. Mirren, Dunfermline Athletic, Dundee, Wits University (South Africa), Stenhousemuir, Ross County, Partick Thistle and Chester City.
In recent years, Jimmy Bone became a genial and popular visitor to Tynecastle. He had an influential presence in the game and our sincere condolences are extended to his family and friends.
