Permanent tribute planned to honour Hibs legend Turnbull

Eddie Turnbull

Mr Turnbull, who died at the age of 88, was one of the club's legendary "Famous Five", who brought glory to Hibs during the post-war decade.

One of the stands at Easter Road is already named after the quintet, but both the club and fans say they are considering tributes to Mr Turnbull himself.

Club chairman Rod Petrie said: "We are all deeply saddened by the news of Eddie's passing. As a player, trainer, coach and manager of the club, there is no-one who has made a greater contribution to the club over many years.

"The club will wish to acknowledge more formally his contribution at the appropriate time in consultation with his family."

Mike Riley, chairman of the Hibs Supporters Club, said it hoped to make a permanent tribute to Mr Turnbull, but it was too early to say whether it would be in the form of a statue, plaque, or something else.

He said: "There have been a number of suggestions made by our council members of what we could do, but it will all depend on what Hibs will do. We will certainly have something to commemorate him in the club, there's absolutely no doubt. What form that will take, it's early doors.

"We'll have a meeting this week as soon as Hibs have made their announcement. We as a club will be doing something for Eddie as well, but we don't want to clash with Easter Road.

"He's held with great esteem in the Hibs club and it was a very sad afternoon. The Hibs game meant nothing after the news came through. We were a wee bit stunned."

Deputy city leader Councillor Steve Cardownie agreed that a tribute to Mr Turnbull would be appropriate, perhaps in combination with some of the city's other great players.

He said: "There are a number of players from Edinburgh that a statue would be a fitting tribute for. You would imagine that it would be situated somewhere near the stadium and it's something that we should consider to honour the players who have been so influential and brought so much pleasure to people's lives."

He also recalled a childhood encounter of his own with the star.

He said: "When I was a young boy I was playing at Victoria Park and Eddie Turnbull walked past with his newspapers and his rolls and he put them down and started playing football with us.

"It was only after he left that someone said 'Boys, do you know who you were playing football with?' So I'm one of the few people that can say they've played with Eddie Turnbull."