Boy oh Boy, Georgie brought Hibs a legion of new fans with sublime skills

Published on Friday 25 November 2005 12:19

WHEREVER George Best went he was the focus of attention, here are a selection of quotes from match reports compiled by the Evening News football writers of the day.

November 24, 1979: "George Best made a scoring debut for Hibs but there was no story-book finish for soccer's superstar. More than two dozen photographers stood at the tunnel waiting the appearance of Best such was the star's drawing power."

December 1: "George Best brought out the fans in their thousands for his first home appearance and there was an air of expectancy about the place. Bottom of the table or not, Hibs had pulled out a genius with crowd appeal and the public responded."

December 3: "George Best is paying his way for Hibs at a high rate of interest. He has played to 34,000 fans in two weeks."

January 12, 1980: "A scintillating show by George Best almost stunned Celtic, Hibs missed two glorious chances - one from the spot - before Best hit a super opening goal."

January 26: "It was unbelievably scrappy except when Best managed to take a hand."

March 1: "George Best returned to the Hibs team after an absence of five weeks."

March 15: "Best was besieged by young autograph hunters before the game started and it took police a little time to clear the pitch."

March 26: "What might have been termed a relegation ritual beforehand turned into a night of explosive entertainment at Easter Road where George Best paraded his bewildering skills to enable Hibs to beat Dundee 2-0."

September 10: "It seemed Best had never been away, the old flashes of magic that alone made life just tolerable for Hibs last season were there."

October 9: "George Best has rejoined San Jose Earthquakes for 30,000 but will make his farewell appearance for Hibs against Falkirk on Saturday."

October 11: "Goodbye George Best, the master showman made his final bow today in leading Hibs to a comfortable victory."