Jimmy O'Rourke statement

Jimmy made his name with Hibernian where he achieved legendary status over a period of 12 years, having made his debut for them ate the age of just 16 in 1962. He scored crucial goals domestically, in cup finals and in European competition. In 2012 he was inducted into the Hibernian FC Hall of Fame.

He was an iconic figure by the time he left Easter Road in 1974 when a substantial fee took him to Muirton Park and he was every bit as productive for Saints as he had been for his beloved Hibs.

In season 1974/75 his 15 goals in 34 league games were pivotal in propelling us into the inaugural Premier League and although that 1975/76 Premier League debut campaign proved to be little short of disastrous for the club he still managed to net 8 of the paltry total of 29 league goals we scored during that campaign.

Following our relegation in the summer of 1976 and the decision made by the club to return to part-time football, Jim moved to Motherwell in exchange for Ian Taylor where he spent a further two seasons.

Jimmy’s stay with Saints may have been relatively short but it was highly productive and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.