Hibs mourn Baird's death

SAMMY BAIRD, a member of the Hibs side which defeated Barcelona in the 1960-61 Fairs Cup, has died at the age of 79, writes DAVID HARDIE.

Born and raised in Denny, the inside-left began his career with junior club Rutherglen Glencairn before signing for Clyde in 1949 and then earning a 12,000 move to Preston North End where Scot Symon was manager.

When Symon succeeded Bill Struth at Ibrox, he brought Baird back to Scotland and Rangers, where he scored 52 goals in 179 appearances, winning league championship medals in 1956 and 1957, the Scottish Cup in 1960 and seven international caps.

Baird joined Hibs in 1960 in a 5000 move, spending two years at Easter Road before moving on to Third Lanark and finishing his playing career at Stirling Albion, where he became manager.

Baird's death is likely to be marked at Easter Road on Sunday when Hibs meet Rangers.