HIBS Hall of Fame hero Alex Edwards has died aged 78.
The Easter Road club announced the former winger’s passing this morning, calling him a “true Hibs legend.”
SNSAlex Edwards in action for Hibs[/caption]
Instagram / hibernianfootballclubEdwards being inducted into the Hibs Hall of Fame earlier this year[/caption]
Scottish News and SportEdwards at Dunfermline in 1966/67[/caption]
Edwards started off at the Pars in 1961, being handed his debut by the legendary manager Jock Stein.
His first game came just after he turned 16, which made him the second-youngest player at the time to have played in the Scottish Football League.
He played for Dunfermline for ten years, playing in the Scottish Cup final in both 1965 and 1968, lifting the trophy in the latter.
In 1971, Hibs manager Eddie Turnbull signed Edwards for a reported £13,000 fee and they made the Scottish Cup final the following year.
The year after that, the team who would go down as “Turnbull’s Tornadoes” beat Celtic 2-1 in front of a crowd of over 70,000 at Hampden to lift the club’s first League Cup.
Edwards was inducted into the Hibs Hall of Fame just a few months ago alongside fellow modern and classic Leith heroes.
When he left the capital club in ’78 he saw out the last two years of his career with Arbroath.
A Hibs statement read: “Hibernian FC is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of a true Hibs legend, Alex Edwards.
“The thoughts and prayers of everyone at the club are with Alex’s family and loved ones.
“Rest in peace, Mickey.”
Dunfermline Athletic have also paid tribute, saying: “Everyone at Dunfermline Athletic is hugely saddened to hear of the passing of Pars legend, Alex Edwards.
“A star in our 6-2 win over Valencia in December 1962, Alex mesmerised defences helping the club to their highest ever league position. European success and two Scottish Cup Finals, the second of which Dunfermline won in 1968, were followed by further glory with Hibernian, before finishing his career at Arbroath.
“Our thoughts are with Alex’s family, friends and team mates at this difficult time.
“A full tribute to Alex will follow in due course.”
Fans of his past clubs have offered their tributes online.
One Hibs supporter said: “A favourite of my dad and my uncles who all grew up watching the Tornadoes. He will be sadly missed.”
A Pars fan added: “Very sad news. A legend and Hall of Fame member for both Hibs and Dunfermline.
“Before my time but my dad thought he was the greatest ever Dunfermline player in what was a golden period for the club.”
SNSEdwards in action for Hibs in 75/76[/caption]
SNSEdwards sits third from the right in the front row with his 75/76 Hibs teammates[/caption]
Michael Schofield – The Sun GlasgowEdwards (R) joined on the pitch by fellow Dunfermline alumni (L-R) Bert Paton, Callum Morris, and Roy Barry as they launched a beer partnership in 2017[/caption]
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