When a 90th birthday party was being planned for lifelong Hearts fan Jimmy Mitchell where else but the club’s Gorgie Suite?
Few have such depth of recall concerning Hearts fortunes over the decades and Jimmy was happy to share his memories with The Edinburgh Reporter in recalling highlights and heroes.
“The best match I’ve ever attended was the 1956 Scottish Cup final (when Hearts beat Celtic 3-1) and over the years I have seen some great players.
“Best of all for me is Willie Hamilton.”
That might surprise some as inside forward Hamilton also crossed the capital rubicon and played for Hibernian.
Nevertheless, Jimmy, who attends every Hearts fixture, home and away, either in the company of Gary Locke, the former star player and manager, or with fellow members of the Orwell Supporters Club, insists:
“Hamilton was a genius and that isn’t only my opinion. I knew Stan Vincent, who played with Willie at Hibs, and it was his view too.
“It was such a pity Willie kind of went off the rails.”
In fact, Hamilton died tragically young, aged 38. He also achieved a mere one Scottish cap (v Finland, 1965) despite the great manager, Jock Stein, comparing his footballing talent favourably with Kenny Dalglish’s.
Recalling other individuals he has seen at Tynecastle and beyond, Jimmy says: “Among the goalkeepers Craig Gordon is right up there but I also had a lot of time for Jim Cruickshank and before him, Jimmy Brown.
“Best defenders I’ve seen include Jonn Cumming and Davie Laing while up front (Alfie) Conn, (Willie) Bauld and (Jimmy) Wardhaugh were part of a goal machine.
“Sadly. though, I don’t think any of these (outfield) players could make a mark in today’s game” said the ex-railway worker, adding:
“Nowadays the manager tells players what to do. They didn’t back in the day when the likes of Tommy Walker (legendary Hearts boss) would tell the players to go out and enjoy themselves.
“Also, in today’s game the ball is too light which is why we see so many shots go over the bar and boots are like slippers.
“II don’t know if the players of the past could have come to terms with that.” Hearts fans: do you agree with Jimmy that Willie Hamilton was the best ever player to grace the maroon jersey? Let the Edinburgh Reporter know by contacting us here.
