Selkirk footballing legend inducted to SFA's Hall of Fame
David Knox • Published 23 Nov 2010 09:30
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SELKIRK footballer Bobby Johnstone has been inducted into the Scottish Football Association's Hall of Fame.
Johnstone, who died in 2001 aged 71, gained fame for his part in the Hibs' Famous Five forward line - helping the Easter Road team to become Scottish champions in 1951 and 1952.
The inside forward, who began his career at Selkirk's Ettrick Park, also became the first player to score in consecutive FA Cup finals during his days at Manchester City - an achievement only equalled by Aresnal's Thierry Henry.
And on Sunday evening, his daughter Nicola Taylor along with Manchester City honorary life president, Bernard Halford, accepted the induction on Bobby's behalf.
Bernard, who has visited Selkirk twice with Manchester City in recent years and also presented a framed montage of Bobby's career to the Yarrow Park club, told the Border Telegraph: "He was one the greatest exponents of the weighted pass. He was an exceptional player for City and played in one of the great teams in the history of the club.
"I knew him from my days at Oldham. He signed for the Latics and increased the gates by six times. He transformed that club and town in the early 60s.
"I will always remember him for his wizardry with the ball at his feet. He used to take penalties and they all went in off the post as he was so accurate. My lasting memories of Bobby will be as a friend, as a footballer and the entertainment that he gave me."
Following his death, Selkirk's new pavilion at Yarrow Park was named after Bobby.
And earlier this year a street close to where he grew up was also named in his honour.
Author John Leigh, who wrote Bobby's biography The Passing of an Age, told us: "This is overdue recognition for Selkirk's greatest footballing son. He is now rightly regarded as being up there with the Laws and Dalglishs of the game."
Johnstone was included into the Hall of Fame at the dinner in Glasgow along with Paul McStay, Craig Brown, Andy Goram, David Narey and Tom Wharton.
Selkirk FC chairman Jim Moody also welcomed Bobby's inclusion. He said: "He certainly deserves the recognition - it's a great honour for everyone connected to Selkirk Football Club."
This article appeared in Border Telegraph 23 Nov 10
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