Bio:
Despite attending rugby union-playing for Stirling High School, Jimmy Bone developed a keen interest in football. He began his professional career with Partick Thistle. He joined The Jags from junior side Airth Castle Rovers in 1968. He Spent four seasons at Firhil Park. During this time they suffered their first relegation from the First Division since season 1900-01. Finishing bottom of the table in 1969–70. The next season Jimmy Bone was an integral part of the side that won the Second Division title and instant promotion back to the top flight. He earned another, unexpected, medal in 1971–72 when Partick won the Scottish League Cup by beating the overwhelming favourites Celtic. Celtic were the reigning League champions and had been European Cup finalists only two years earlier, but Bone’s 37th-minute goal helped Partick to a 4–0 halftime lead, eventually winning 4–1.
Jimmy Bone moved south of the border in February 1972, joining Norwich City in a £30,000 deal. He helped Norwich secure the 1971-72 second division championship. He scored the club’s first ever goal in Division One at the start of the following campaign.
In March 1973, he joined Sheffield United for £30,000. Bone made further moves to Celtic (£25,000) and Arbroath (£12,000) in 1974 and 1975 respectively. In January 1978 Bone became one of Alex Ferguson’s last signings as St Mirren manager. He helped the side to victory in the Anglo-Scottish Cup and qualification for the UEFA Cup in the 1979–80 season. He then moved to Hong Kong Rangers in 1981 and returned to Britain with Hearts in August 1983.
Jimmy Bone was one of several veterans in the “Hearts” team. As a result, the side was known as Dad’s Army. However, the recently promoted side performed above expectations, finishing fifth in the League and qualifying for European competition. Bone scored several important goals. Notably, he scored the winner as Hearts defeated derby rivals Hibernian at Tynecastle. This victory was their first in ten years. The following year he notched the side’s 6,000th League goal. He left to take up the role of player-manager at Arbroath in February 1985.
Factfile:
- Full Name: James Bone
- Position: Forward
- Date of Birth: 22.09.1949
- Birthplace: Stirling
- Nation: Skottland
- Caps: 2
- Goals: 1
- Club Career: Norwich
- Period: 1972-73
- League Games, 39
- League Goals, 9
- Previous Club: Partick Thistle
- Transfer Fee: £30.000
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