Hibernian FC and the Hibs Historical Trust honoured the legacy of five of the Club’s most iconic players with the unveiling of a group of stunning bronze sculptures of Gordon Smith, Bobby Johnstone, Lawrie Reilly, Eddie Turnbull and Willie Ormond.
‘The Famous Five’ - Hibernian’s legendary front line of the 1940s and 1950s - have all been remembered with the creation of five incredible bronze sculptures.
Hibs held a special event inside the Chairman’s Club, where the five bronze busts were unveiled for the first time!
Relatives, representatives, families and friends of Smith, Johnstone, Reilly, Turnbull and Ormond were in attendance to unveil the five bronze busts, designed by Lancashire sculptor Stephanie Jane-Matthews.
The event was organised in cohesion with the Hibernian Historical Trust. The creation of the busts was spearheaded by the late Stephen Dunn, a former Hibs board member who poured time and passion into the project. Sadly, Stephen passed away in September 2023 before the completion of the busts. His daughter, Lauren, carried on her father’s work, while also contributing to the working group behind the North Stand renovation.
Club Ambassador Pat Stanton was also there alongside members of the Hibernian Historical Trust, the Hearts Heritage, and several Hibernian FC Board members past and present in attendance.
The incredible sculptures will be housed in the reception of the Famous Five Stand and will be in position for supporters to view ahead of our first home game of the 2024/25 William Hill Premiership against Celtic.
If you wish to donate to the Hibs Historical Trust, then please CLICK HERE!
About The Famous Five
The Famous Five helped lead Hibernian to three league titles in five years between 1948 and 1952. Each player scored over 100 goals for the Club, and as a collective they netted 1074 goals.
The iconic front-line left a lasting legacy on both Hibernian FC and on Scottish Football as a whole – with all five players being inducted into the Hibs Hall of Fame and the Scottish Football Hall of Fame.
Gordon Smith
Position: Outside right
Games: 636
Goals: 303
Hibernian’s all-time top appearance maker and all-time top goalscorer. The Prince of Wingers.
Bobby Johnstone
Position: Inside Forward
Games: 263
Goals: 142
A Scotland international and one of the finest inside forwards the country has produced.
Lawrie Reilly
Position: Striker
Games: 355
Goals: 238
One of Hibernian and Scotland’s greatest-ever number 9s. “Gie the baw tae Reilly”.
Eddie Turnbull
Position: Inside Forward
Games: 487
Goals: 202
An incredible Hibs goalscorer who would later go on to become arguably Hibernian’s greatest ever manager; moulding the iconic ‘Turnbull’s Tornadoes’ side of the 1970s.
Willie Ormond
Position: Outside Left
Games: 506
Goals: 189
A creative, fast and skilful winger with an eye for goal, Ormond also went on to manage Scotland at the 1974 World Cup before managing Hibs.
