Stars lined up for Hibs club captain Ian’s testimonial

The main attraction of a testimonial day on Sunday, September 4 will be a match between the present-day Hibs team and a ‘Legends’ line-up, managed by ex-Hibees captain Pat Stanton and featuring a mix of memorable names and cult heroes from the past.

As part of the celebrations of Murray’s ten-year service to the club, a Hibs Fans v Hibs Heroes seven-a-side fixture is scheduled for earlier in the day, where the likes of Chic Charnley, Keith Wright, John Hughes and Mickey Weir will turn out for the latter.

Graeme Cadger, who leads a testimonial committee with the remit of organising a series of events, thinks the day of on-field action at Easter Road will evoke plenty of cherished memories for Hibs fans.

“Ian is Hibs through and through and has green blood,” said Cadger. “It’s a Hibs day with a lot of heroes who are crowd favourites. As a committee we’ve been overwhelmed by players who have agreed to come back and play.

“Some of the boys who are playing bring back great memories. Speaking to a lot of these lads on the phone, they’re enthusiastic to come back to Easter Road to see the fans and their old team mates.

“I think a successful day would be everybody coming along and enjoying themselves. We’d love to see a big crowd and make it a Hibs day.”

The five-man committee, three of whom were involved in arranging events for the club’s previous testimonial 15 years ago, for Gordon Hunter, is in discussions with a world famous player to guest for Hibs alongside Murray.

Cadger and his colleagues wished to thank Billy Lowe, a lifelong Hibs fan and owner of Edinburgh bar Le Monde and Hudson’s Bar, for his kind sponsorship of the match. Further sponsorship opportunities are available via www.ianmurraytestimonial.net .

Tickets, priced £15 for adults and £7 for concessions, will be available from the Hibs ticket office at Easter Road from tomorrow.