SCOTS tennis legend Judy Murray has shared an incredible heirloom consisting of autographs from the entire Hibs squad – from over 75 years ago.
The 63-year-old mum to tennis pros Andy and Jamie Murray came from a sporting background, with her father Roy Erskine turning out as a professional footballer in the 50s – beginning his career at Hibs.
Turning out as a fullback, Erskine never made a senior league appearance for the Hibees, instead going on to represent Stirling Albion and Cowdenbeath.
Now Murray – a lifelong Hibs fan herself – has shared the piece of Scottish footballing history with images of an autograph book signed by the Leith side’s men’s team of 1947.
An image shows the small, square autograph book, with a message on one side reading “A merry xmas Jack, from Mary & Sammy” whilst the other side contains 14 signatures from then-Hibs first XI players.
Names visible on the paper include those of ‘The Famous Five’ – Hibs’ legendary forward line of that period – including Willie Ormond, Eddie Turnbull and Gordon Smith.
Ormond, Turnbull and Smith were joined by Lawrie Reilly and Bobby Johnstone to make up ‘The Famous Five’ – four of whom still occupy the top four places in Hibs’ all-time goalscorers list.
Other names in the autograph book include David Shaw, Peter Aird and Jock Govan.
Murray took to social media yesterday to share the fascinating memorabilia, writing: “1947 autographs of the Hibs men’s team.”
The post has since received over 550 likes and dozens of comments from users left in awe at the signatures of some of Scottish football’s most well-known names.
Marion Watterston wrote: “My dad was Peter Aird. It gave me a real surprise. Brought tears to my eyes. He passed away in 2000.
“His ashes are scattered behind the goal line in front of the Famous Five Stand. Thank you.”
Judy Murray replied: “Amazing. My dad played for Hibs in the early 50s. I love how well they all wrote. Nowadays illegible scrawls for autographs.”
Andrew Downie commented: “Beautiful. Look at Gordon Smith’s signature. Even his writing was elegant.”
Angela Deschner wrote: “My mum will be so jealous when I tell her. She’s been a lifelong Hibs fan.”
Scott Lothian said: “Wow. Lots of the Famous Five in there.”
Ricky Mullen wrote: “Can’t begin to imagine how much these guys would be valued today. Be scary.”
Hibs enjoyed their most successful period in their 147-year history following the end of the Second World War, winning three league Championships in 1948, 1951 and 1952.
In 1955/56 Hibs even participated in the inaugural European Cup, managing a run all the way to the semi-final before being eliminated by French side Stade Reims.
The Hibs side of today have endured a turbulent season under manager Lee Johnson though, currently sitting in fifth.
Their last piece of silverware came in 2016 when the Edinburgh club won the Scottish Cup, whilst the aforementioned 1952 title was the last time the Hibees won the league.
