Legendary Hibs-daft DJ is calling it a day after two decades of spinning discs

TO A generation of Hibs fans he’s a match-day staple to rank alongside a half-time pie and donning a lucky green and white scarf.

But legendary Hibs fan and disc jockey Willie Murray is to spin the wheels of steel for the final time following this weekend’s match – after years of entertaining the Easter Road faithful.

Willie has been playing records to match-goers and punters in Tamson’s bar every Saturday for the last 22 years.

But Hibs’ game with ­Dundee on Saturday was his last after he decided to hang up the headphones.

Known affectionately to drinkers and supporters as Willie F****** Murray for his colourful banter between songs, the 65-year-old has generated a considerable fan-club over the years.

Willie, who is married to Trish and stays in Easter Road, said: “I’ve loved music ever since I was a boy so I’ve always enjoyed playing my records to people.

“I’ll miss playing every Saturday but to be honest I’ve just gotten a bit tired of it.

“Over the years I’ve enjoyed musically educating the guys. There’s a great bunch of regulars in here. They’re very broad-minded but I suppose you have to be when you’re a Hibs fan. Always look on the bright side and all that.”

His set has never changed.

If the Hibs win then the dad-of-two begins his set with the theme tune from the Magnificent Seven, a nod to the Easter Road side’s 7-0 win over Hearts in 1973.

He follows this with Mannfred Mann’s hit The Mighty Quinn in honour of former inside forward Pat Quinn, who scored a hat trick in 1967 when Hibs beat Hearts 4-1.

After this it’s classics and favourites from the 50s, 60s and 70s – the 80s have been touched on, but if you’re ­seeking “any modern rubbish you can head up town”.

Willie has stuck rigidly to his “no modern music” policy over the years.

He added: “If you go to see Frank Sinatra and Take That come on stage then you’re not going to be happy are you? You’d tell them where to go wouldn’t you? Well so do I.”

Fellow regular Jack Alvin, 55, said: “He’ll be sorely missed playing his records. There’s nothing better on a Saturday if the Hibs have won and everyone’s in the pub with The Magnificent Seven blaring.

“Willie’s knowledge of music is only outdone by his knowledge of Hibs.” Willie began playing music around city pubs and bars such as The Clermiston Inn and Telford Arms in the mid-70s before settling in Tamson’s in 1990.

Tamson’s assistant bar manager Jimmy O’Donnell said he’s become part of the furniture and a match day staple for fans who love to cheer along to the discs he spins.

He said: “He’s an unbelievable guy, everyone loves him.

“We haven’t decided yet who will replace him because it’s a tough gig to follow. It’s quite similar to someone stepping into Fergie’s shoes at Old Trafford.

“We’re planning on having a whip around and giving him some cash to buy a television as a thank you for his service.

“I’m sure we’ll still see plenty of him though – as he only lives three doors down.”

He added: “I’ve helped him home many a night.”