Your Memories of Hearts 3 Hibs 2 Sat 03 Sep 1983 Required

[Hearts Heritage]

Can you believe it will be 25 years on September 3rd since one 'John Grant Robertson', at the age of 18yrs 11 months and 1 day, started his record breaking exploits versus Hibernian? That game is one of my 3 favourite Derbies (ones I was actually at) along with the 4-1 from 1973 and THAT game on 2nd April 2006.

Little did we know what impact he would have on the history of the fixture. Eclipsing the goal scoring records of

Bobby Walker

Jimmy Wardhaugh

Tommy Walker

Willie Bauld

Alfie Conn Snr

Here's some pictures from the game

 

 

 

More Here

 

We're going to be putting together a 'font-page' feature on that game. So if you were at the game can you add your reminiscences here and I'll collate them onto the page we are creating.

[jambonian]

Yes, I was at that match and if memory serves me right, we lost 3-0 to Rangers the Wed night after it in the League Cup group sections then beat Rangers at Tynie 3-1 on the Saturday. The Hibs game was the start of a 17 game unbeaten run against them (83-87) this was before the run of 22 in a row that everyone remembers from 89-94. Bit of info for everyone - between 1983 and 1994, Hibs only beat us 3 times out of 46 games with Hearts winning 22 of them with 21 draws.

[The Wicker Man]

Was that the game where Mike Mcdonald - Hibs Goalie - did a somersault when Hibs scored?

 

It's difficult to remember each game in that unbeaten run

[Guest JamboRobbo]

I was just a wee boy. Can just about remember the match, remember Robbos winner, but the biggest thing that sticks in my mind was the mass of people walking along gorgie road towards haymarket after the match. It was just a sea of people singing and celebrating. I'd never seen anything like it in my life. :107years:

[Coco]

If I can just piggyback on this thread.

 

How come (as far as I am aware) there isn't a John Robertson autobiography?

[Walter Kidd]

It was the day before my 14th birthday. It was also the first time my old fellah had let me go to a derby "on my own". (Although I met up with him in our usual spot behind the goal).

 

I'd never known Tynecastle to errupt like that when Robbo scored in all my life. My old man had been going on and on about a special kid who was supposed to be coming through for months. That day will live with me forever, not just for Robbo's goal, but for seeing the joy on my old man's face.

 

A very special memory.

[Paris 84]

Was that the game where Mike Mcdonald - Hibs Goalie - did a somersault when Hibs scored?

 

It's difficult to remember each game in that unbeaten run

 

I'm pretty certain their goalie that day was Alan Rough!!

[Goldenboy]

That was my first derby game (wasn't allowed to go before that) and I haven't missed one since.

 

I remember walking in via the Wheatfield turnstiles and making my way to the turn of the shed with the hairs on the back of my neck standing on end. As soon as I took my place I started singing my heart out. The place was rocking. to be honest the game itself is a bit of a blur but I clearly remember Robbo's second and of course when big JB scored that header I was going mental along with everyone else.

 

Great memories.

[Forza Cuore]

Long time ago and the memory isn't great, but this was my first ever Derby match.

 

Travelled into Roseburn on the bus from Livingston with my older brother and his mate from school, Owen.

 

Walking round to Tynecastle was a real eye opener we'd never experienced at close hand hatred like that before. Hibs fans walking along one side of Russell Road and Jambos on the other....hurling abuse and the odd punch.

 

The match itself is a bit of a haze...a lot of bouncing and swaying as we stood just beside the shed...not quite brave enough at that stage to join in with the Gorgie Aggro chants. My only real clear recollection of the match is Jimmy Bone's winning goal and the absolute pandemonium that erupted.

 

Sure we probably gave the Top Deck of the SMT number 17 to Bathgate a splendid rendition of all the songs we'd picked up on the way home too.

 

As they say...Happy Days!

[Forza Cuore]

That was my first derby game (wasn't allowed to go before that) and I haven't missed one since.

 

I remember walking in via the Wheatfield turnstiles and making my way to the turn of the shed with the hairs on the back of my neck standing on end. As soon as I took my place I started singing my heart out. The place was rocking. to be honest the game itself is a bit of a blur but I clearly remember Robbo's second and of course when big JB scored that header I was going mental along with everyone else.

 

Great memories.

 

Wow...sounds just like me...you're not Owen are you?

[CJGJ]

toe poke/ scalffed shot that seemed to take ages to roll into the net

 

cut inside from right to left and then bent left foot shot into top corner

 

cross and diving header from JB

 

ALL THE BETTER AS WE HAD BEEN BEHIND -- AT THAT TIME WE KNEW A STAR WAS BORN -- IN THE FIRST DIVISION WE'D HOPED A STAR WAS BORN.

[Jambo1874]

Like many others, this was my first derby match. My dad actually wouldn't let me go as he thought it was too dangerous, but I went anyway (a pattern that would be repeated throughout the season until he just gave up ).

 

I went with a guy from school and we sat on the benches next to the shed. we probably spent as much time watching the shed as watching the match, the noise and colour was amazing. we made a vow to be in there for the next 'big' game.

 

I'll never forget the celebrations for hearts 3rd goal. I'd quite literally never been involved in anything like it. It was so difficult to pretend to my dad I hadn't been at the game when he was telling me about it that night!

 

I had only been going to games since January of that year and this was the first time I realised just how good it could be.

 

I've still got the Gilzean cartoon somewhere.

[HillmanHearts]

Stood in the old enclosure with my mates as usual. Sun was shining. Robbo's two equalisers and it's 2 - 2. Then Robbo gets the ball sends a great pass out to the wing to wee Parky who looks up and delivers a great cross. Jimmy Bone rises like a salmon - and time stands still as he hangs in the air and we hold our breath before he heads the ball majestically into the back of the net and the place goes ballistic. My other memory from that day was that UB40's Red Red Wine was played over the PA and I went on my first foreign holiday with my mates that night (to Majorca). Great Day !

[Boof]

My first and favouritest (that I've been to in person) derby.

The stunned disbelief when we went 2-1 down.

Robbo's second equaliser...the stuff of (wet) dreams.

And Jimmy Bone. Jimmy Bone. Jimmy effin' Bone!! Definitely a time stand still moment.

The Shed was the place to be - not far from where that colour photo was taken.

 

And what a night in Bentley's afterwards...truly marvellous.

[boabster]

Absolute belter of a day.

 

Out in the Grassmarket from 11.

 

Taxi to the game.

 

Gutted when they scored first ( big gordon Rae if I remember ).

 

Robbo's first goal.

 

Gutted again when they scored.

 

Robbo's classic curling shot past the glakit fat jakey.

 

Auld Jimmy's headed winner.

 

Bedlam.

 

Feeling like half the shed was collapsing on top of me.

 

The look on their faces on the way out and all along Gorgie Road as we ripped them.

 

Little did they know it was the start of almost 2 decades of utter reamings for them at the hands of the big team.

 

Brilliant memories of a fantastic day.

[leginten]

Absolute belter of a day.

 

Out in the Grassmarket from 11.

 

Taxi to the game.

 

Gutted when they scored first ( big gordon Rae if I remember ).

 

Robbo's first goal.

 

Gutted again when they scored.

 

Robbo's classic curling shot past the glakit fat jakey.

 

Auld Jimmy's headed winner.

 

Bedlam.

 

Feeling like half the shed was collapsing on top of me.

 

The look on their faces on the way out and all along Gorgie Road as we ripped them.

 

Little did they know it was the start of almost 2 decades of utter reamings for them at the hands of the big team.

 

Brilliant memories of a fantastic day.

 

 

I'm obviously getting old. I've got Robbo's goals the other way round in my memory - curled shot first.

[japanjambo]

Was behind the goals in the school end. Packed in like sardines. Had a super view of wee Robbo's peach of a second goal, with Roughie clawing at thin air. Then everybody going *tonto* when big Jimmy stuck the winner in with that header! Absolutely brilliant! I remember going out that night and rubbing it into this Hibby I knew. He definately couldn't take it! Hee.

 

Lynn

[Shaggy2]

I remember at 2-2 suggesting to my cousin that if Hearts scored again the old stand (where we were) would probably fall down. We did, it never and I remember dancing with my cousin before being bear hugged by my old man and just as vigorously by Alan Owenson (who is about half my old man's size!)

 

I also spoke with Bert Renton at the tail end of last year. He was Hearts official photographer in the 80's and he told me that, in one shot, he caught a policeman cheering the third goal which was printed in the programme, presumably v Rangers the next week. Bert was apparently told the cop got a wee ticking off for this from the match chief.

 

Anyway a few weeks later he got a tap on the shoulder and this copper says "Are you the guy who takes the photos for the programme?"

 

Thinking he was in serious bother he said he was but stressed he had no input over which pics they chose to publish. A big grin then appeared on the cop's face and he told Bert not to worry and asked for 5 copies of the pic for family in Australia!!!

 

I have some of Bert's negatives from those days and I look forward to coming across this if it is in the box (which is seriously mixed up by the way).

[stevie]

I was stood just behind the goals half way up the terrace,it was my first derby match.

I will never forget robbos second goal as the ball trundled painfully towards the goal and eventually over the line,the look on alan roughs and ally brazils faces was brilliant.

Jimmy bones bullet header to seal the points.Remains one of my favourite all time derby matches.

[Jimmy McNulty]

I can still see, in slow motion, JB rising to bullet the header into the net.

 

Henry made some cracking saves that day too.

 

Posisbly my best memory of Hearts (I emigrated 1993).

[flecktimus]

I was at the game but all I can remember is Robbos 2and goal.

 

I can remember tynie going ballistic. I think that it may have had something to do with not winning very often in the 70s:sad:In fact I am going to the London web site as it may have been the first time we had beat them since the 4 - 1 game.(I was there to )

[bighalders]

I was a ball boy at this game, one of our first having got back in to premier league. I got pelters from the green brigade including pies, coins, spit and threats of violence (I was only 13) but took great delight in telling them all in no uncertain terms to get it right up them at full time, absolute magic

[Jocam2325]

My memory suggests it was a ally sunny day. It was one of my first derby games. Went with my dad and we stood on the terrace behind the goal under the floodlight.

I remember being so ecstatic when Robbo scored that I could barely stop the tears. (I was only 12). I had to blame the tears on hayfever to hide my own embarresment.

Thinking back to those times, that was where my love of Hearts came from. Despite the best efforts of Romanov that will never leave me.

 

Robbo, Legend.

[Peter Olivers Army]

I remember the anticipation of that game was immense.

 

We had just won our opener at Muirton, they had lost at home to the 'tic.

 

For once, in a derby, we felt real confidence surging through us but for us to be down a goal at half-time wasn't in the script. It was strange though because I still felt a confidence that was to continue to the present day.

 

Bone's goal was amazing, it really was like the world had gone into slow motion and Roughy's sick as hell face was a picture. Jimmy was given a great ovation when he was subbed by Willie Johnston who proceeded to take the pish out of old 'auto-eyes' Alan Sneddon.

 

Wee postscript. Both Hibs' goals were scored by players who have played for us. Willie Irvine & Ralph Callachan.

[davieholt]

I was at the game but all I can remember is Robbos 2and goal.

 

I can remember tynie going ballistic. I think that it may have had something to do with not winning very often in the 70s:sad:In fact I am going to the London web site as it may have been the first time we had beat them since the 4 - 1 game.(I was there to )

 

I can go one better.

 

I was at the game but can't remember a bloody thing apart from the reaction and singing afterwards.

[boabster]

I'm obviously getting old. I've got Robbo's goals the other way round in my memory - curled shot first.

 

Aye - I think you're right.

 

A combination of it being 25 years ago together with me having been a bit " unsteady on the feet " that day has blurred the memory.

[boabster]

I was a ball boy at this game, one of our first having got back in to premier league. I got pelters from the green brigade including pies, coins, spit and threats of violence (I was only 13) but took great delight in telling them all in no uncertain terms to get it right up them at full time, absolute magic

 

Yes , the " class " they never tire of banging on about comes to the fore in games like these.

 

Nice to see they are still as bitter now as they were back then.

 

They're like an old punch drunk boxer who has taken too many to the head.

[jambonian]

It's amazing how it was a lot of Hearts fans' first derby match cos it was mine too! Same as a lot of Jambos on here, I wasn't allowed to go. My Dad said it was far too dangerous. I told him I wasn't going to go and was going to St James' Centre to meet up with a load of my punk mates, I actually did go there but there was afew going along to the game so I couldn't resist, glad i went though, would've hated to miss out on that game and that atmosphere!!

[Imeantasong]

My last derby as a teenybopper.

 

Possibly the first at Tynie with segregation?

 

Remember all our goals and bedlam. Don't remember anything about their goals.

 

Hadn't had much to celebrate against them in the previous decade (was at 4-1 1973 though).

 

I think we realised things were finally on the up after many years in the doldrums.

 

I can imagine we would be peshed after it, because it was a Saturday and we'd be peshed anyway, just not as loud with it

[Colonel Kurtz]

Unfortunately I was stuck in the Hibs end,it was a bit taught

I have The Scotsman photo from the Monday after the match of the aftermath of Robbos goal taken from the Gorgie Road end.

You can actually recognise some faces

[scots civil war]

i had left school a couple of months before and began working in a print finishers at thorntree industrial estate,bottom of easter road.....i knew all about the derby coming up,because i took the pages of all the programmes for the match,off the big guillotine page cropper machine thing for weeks beforehand.......

 

the final result was the turnover of a hobo dominance of many seasons standing.....league,east of scotland shield etc....in these days hearts were def the underdog,and i felt it keenly living in east ednboro.

 

im sure there was 32000 quoted at the game that day,and it was a top day rammed,with great weather. i was right behind 2 of the goals,and believe when i say there AINT anything that can beat these days at tynie and easter road on the terracing......

 

that game and when we started having them regularly,home and away,it was a few beers and total chaos on the terrace.

 

guarenteed

[Romfordjt]

Was in the school end that day as the shed was pascked by the time we got there,it was looking dodgy in the first half if I remember correctly then we brought on a couple of subs who totally turned the game,I remeber it was the first major hangover I ever had that sunday morning but boy was it worth it.Just a pity they wont bring back terraces those were the days indeed

[Paris 84]

im sure there was 32000 quoted at the game that day,and it was a top day rammed,with great weather.

 

I think your memory is playing tricks on you.....no way 32,000!!!

[Hilary Briss]

My main memory was being behind the goal and getting crushed when the winner went in. I was just 12 at the time and that game has always stuck with me for sheer excitement........defo one of my favourites.

[Paris 84]

Just checked on London Hearts. Crowd that day was just over 19,000.

[Debut 4]

I think your memory is playing tricks on you.....no way 32,000!!!

 

20,002 was printed in the Gritty Gallant and Glorious book. Those were the days though when clubs, allegedly, pockled a few bob by not declaring the Main stand in it`s takings.

[132goals1958]

I was involved in meetings with an American business associate that week, and my employer at that time had assigned me to look after him that weekend. Fortunately I managed to get him a seat next to mine in the old stand. He was totally captivated by the atmosphere, and the game itself, but could not understand the tribalism as we made our way along Gorgie Road.

 

Incidentally the reason the game was not covered by the cameras, was due to the Edinburgh Marathon the next day, a decision described as scandalous by the late great journalist John Fairgrieve.

[Hearts Heritage]

....

 

Incidentally the reason the game was not covered by the cameras, was due to the Edinburgh Marathon the next day, a decision described as scandalous by the late great journalist John Fairgrieve.

 

Was it not due to a strike by cameramen. There is no early season footage from that season?

 

I'm not certain though.

[MacDonald Jardine]

I can still see, in slow motion, JB rising to bullet the header into the net.

Henry made some cracking saves that day too.

 

Posisbly my best memory of Hearts (I emigrated 1993).

 

Me too. He seemed to hang in the air.

 

It's hard for youngsters to imagine now but our derby record in the 10 or so years before that was woeful.

[132goals1958]

You may be correct but the cameras definitely covered the Edinburgh Marathon that day, as I watched the finish at Medowbank.

[ginger jambo98]

I remember the anticipation of that game was immense.

 

We had just won our opener at Muirton, they had lost at home to the 'tic.

 

For once, in a derby, we felt real confidence surging through us but for us to be down a goal at half-time wasn't in the script. It was strange though because I still felt a confidence that was to continue to the present day.

 

Bone's goal was amazing, it really was like the world had gone into slow motion and Roughy's sick as hell face was a picture. Jimmy was given a great ovation when he was subbed by Willie Johnston who proceeded to take the pish out of old 'auto-eyes' Alan Sneddon.

 

Wee postscript. Both Hibs' goals were scored by players who have played for us. Willie Irvine & Ralph Callachan.

 

That's about all I remember about the game along with a dry throat after shouting myself hoarse.

 

I remember one headline in one of the rags next day, photo of Robbo as he hit his second and the title read "He's a Capital Whizz Kid" - great reporting in those days !!

[primrose]

This was the subject I used in "my favourite Hearts goal" a few years back on an online fanzine, and of course I had to consult London Hearts to confirm my facts. I wonder if this Zine is still online, but the name escapes me.

[ssh1998]

No strike,just that beeb/stv didnt sent cameras ??

strike was 85/85 - first game back sportscene 3-0 Tannadice - great joy

crowd 20k sept 83 about right , 4th year school then,history teacher was John Frame,who worked with club at time - on the monday - whilst discussing 2 day old history ! - officially only 5,211 hobbits in Gorgie rd end

[jack hmfc]

I'm obviously getting old. I've got Robbo's goals the other way round in my memory - curled shot first.

 

Robbo's curler was his first goal just after half time.

 

I was 18 and out early doors,what a game, back to Dumbiedykes to get it right right up all the hobo mates who had given me grief for years.

[leginten]

Unfortunately I was stuck in the Hibs end

 

Due to unforeseen circumstances, so was I. I wonder how many of us were there in the Gorgie end biting our lips in that second half.

[primrose]

Here was the piece I did for the Fanzine on this game.

 

My favourite Hearts goal.

 

Hearts Vs Hibs 3 September 1983

 

Back in the Premier League and a bet.

 

Remember way back in 1983 when Tynecastle was no more than the current main stand and an L shaped Roof we Jambos called ? The Shed?. The terracing behind both goals were uncovered and when it rained the Hearts fans would all try to fit in the shed, while the away fans would have to sit it out in the Gorgie road end, with it?s twin tunnels and it?s Massive Heart Of Midlothian sign. As this was pre Hillsborough the pitch was surrounded by fencing, and the Shed was partly standing room with some bench seats in maroon and white sitting under the TV Gantry. As a 16-year-old Jambo who had recently started his first job, this was one of the first Hearts games I had actually paid my own money to get in to. My boss of that time was a big Hibbee and he taunted me all week about what his mighty Hibs team were going to do to us.

As we were ?nothing but a first division team with, old men and a few youngsters?, and as we had just been promoted, ?Hibs would show us what a Premier League team should be like?. I made 2 bets with him that week, one that we would win the derby game, and two, that Hearts would finish above Hibs in the Premier league season 83 ? 84.

 

 

 

Tynecastle was packed with 20,000 people as Referee Mr Valentine blew his whistle for kick off. In the 11th minute Hearts went one down with Ralph Callachan a former Jambo and ex hero of mine getting the goal. After 57 minutes a legend was born, John Robertson scored his first goal for Hearts against Hibs, on this his 34th appearance for the Jambos. Disaster strikes again as Willie Irvine puts Hibs back in the lead after 65 minutes. After 70 minutes Robbo again was on target. I can still see him now 6 feet in front of me climbing on the fence at the corner of the shed soaking up the adulation of the Hearts fans. After 77 minutes my favourite goal was scored, Jimmy Bone was by this time a veteran, brought to Hearts to help the young Robbo learn his trade. A cross came over from the right and Bone headed it past the helpless Alan Rough in the Hibs goal, as Jimmy ran round behind the goals to celebrate Robbo followed him. It was the start of 17 games unbeaten against our greatest rivals. This time I was the one the fence at the corner flag. Twice coming from behind to beat Hibs, to win my bet, and to be there when the second King of Hearts was given his crown, make this my favourite goal. What happened during this game, that season and then the next 20 years was way beyond my wildest dreams.

 

With thanks to London Hearts for the statistical information.

[Debut 4]

It was nice to learn that Jimmy Bone is actually a born and bred Jambo even though he`s from Fallon.

 

I`m sure he enjoyed that game more than any other player that day.

[Paisley Jambo]

First Derby and emember nearly peeing myself with excitement as we drove through.

 

Main memory was watching Robbo's curling shot into the top corner to equalise.

 

Also remember the next gake a 1-1 draw at Easter Road (Robbo again) and thinking what a **** hole it was compared to the Tyncastle area.

 

Happy Days!

[JyTees]

It's amazing how it was a lot of Hearts fans' first derby match cos it was mine too! Same as a lot of Jambos on here, I wasn't allowed to go. My Dad said it was far too dangerous. I told him I wasn't going to go and was going to St James' Centre to meet up with a load of my punk mates, I actually did go there but there was afew going along to the game so I couldn't resist, glad i went though, would've hated to miss out on that game and that atmosphere!!

 

The reason it was a lot of people's first taste of the derby, including mine, was due to Edinburgh missing out on derbies for 3 or 4 years prior.

 

It's a distant blur on the horizon now but I do remember it was the first time I'd experienced anything like it. I can honestly say that every derby since then, and I've not missed many, doesn't even come close in terms of entertainment and atmosphere. That's including the semi final pumping!

 

The King had arrived!

[davemclaren]

25 years ago. Amazing.

 

Me and my mate started in Diggers where I recall talking to an old blind guy who said he was blinded by gas in WW1. Wish I knew what I knew now and I might have asked him more questions. anyway, 6 pints later and we were in the ground. I was pretty nervous as it was our first derby after coming back up and all the Hibbies I knew thought we would go straight back down.

 

When Hibs took the lead, twice, I was starting to believe that myself but Robbos goal set the place alight. It's still one of my favourite goals and I remember the euphoria when we won the game.

 

We went back to a wee bar ( now closed ) next to the Bathroom shop on Dundee Street to meet my mates girlfriend. Memories after that are vague but I can remember being refused entry to HW union in Chambers Street later on. I think we had a little too much to drink.

 

25 years in the top flight since then....things aint all bad!!