Famous Five among first to enter Easter Road hall of fame

EVERY member of Hibernian's revered Famous Five forward line are among the first batch of nominees for the club's new hall of fame, and will be inducted at a ceremony in October along with eight other celebrated players.

Gordon Smith, Bobby Johnstone, Lawrie Reilly, Eddie Turnbull and Willie Ormond were all obvious choices to be honoured as Hibs prepare to open the hall of fame to mark the club's 135th birthday.

The quintet, who helped Hibs to three league titles, will be inducted alongside Arthur Duncan, Pat Stanton, Jackie McNamara, Joe Baker, Hibs' first Scottish Cup-winning captain James McGhee and the club's first-ever skipper Michael Whelahan. Harry Rennie - one of a select few players to win international honours as both an outfield player and a goalkeeper - has also been included, along with Hugh Shaw, who played for the club in the 1920s then served with distinction as manager between 1948 and 1961.

As well as those 13, Harry Swan and Sir Tom Farmer will enter the Hall of Fame for services to Hibernian FC.

Explaining the nomination of the club owners past and present, a statement on the Hibs website said: "Described as the architect of the modern Hibernian, Swan first became chairman in 1934, and under his stewardship over the next 30 years was at the forefront of many of football's innovations as well as the most successful period. Hibernian have ever experienced on the pitch."

Of Farmer, the club added: "Hailed as the saviour of Hibernian FC, Sir Tom rescued the club from extinction in 1990, just as his grandfather had saved the club from bankruptcy a hundred years earlier. He has overseen a period of growth and stability over the past 20 years, including the building of a state-of-the-art training facility, the formation of one of the game's most respected football academies and the complete redevelopment of Easter Road Stadium."

The inaugural nominees will be inducted into the hall of fame - and will later be commemorated in a permanent exhibition - at a gala dinner at Easter Road on 15 October.