Hibs and Newcastle United legend John McNamee has died aged 83, his former clubs have confirmed.
The Coatbridge-born defender, who was signed by Celtic hero Jock Stein whilst Hibs manager, spent three years at Easter Road between 1963 and 1966, playing in the 1963 Scottish Cup final, before moving down south to join Newcastle United – where his rugged defensive style made him an icon with supporters of the Magpies. He would be a colossus during the club’s European Fairs Cup triumphs, renowned for instilling trepidation in the opposition with just his reputation alone – a testament to his larger-than-life persona, with tributes pouring in from fans of his former clubs.
A statement from Newcastle said: “Newcastle United were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former centre-back John McNamee at the age of 83. Born in Coatbridge, Scotland, Big John joined United from Hibernian in December 1966 and went on to make 132 appearances under manager Joe Harvey, scoring eight goals in a five-year career on Tyneside.
“He was a key member of the 1969 Inter Cities Fairs Cup winning squad, John will always be remembered for swinging on the crossbar at Roker Park after netting a late equaliser against Sunderland in a 3-3 draw in December 1967. The thoughts of everyone at Newcastle United are with John’s family at this time.”
One member of the Toon Army added: “My abiding memory of big John was him swinging off the crossbar at the Fulwell End of Roker Park having scored the equaliser in a 3-3 draw in the derby. Hard as nails and a great footballer. RIP John, legend.”
Hibs also paid trinute, posting on X: “Hibernian FC is saddened to learn of the passing of former player John McNamee. Our thoughts are with John’s friends and family.”
McNamee’s no-nonsense style even got the better of some of the game’s hardest characters, with legendary Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson recalling a battle against the towering stopper whilst a St Johnstone player. Writing in his autobiography, Fergie said: “John threatened to kill me and, heartened by the proximity of so many players and the referee, I told him I would be around at the end. thought no more about it until as I was combing my hair after being in the bath one of the ground-staff told me somebody was waiting for me.
“Assuming it was a friend I stuck my head round the door. I nearly fainted when I saw McNamee standing there. Now I wasn’t a coward by any means but this was a monster and a little common sense was in order. So I went back to combing my hair and waited for the noise of the Celtic coach pulling out.”
In his latter years John was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and then Parkinson’s, but battled on bravely at a care facility in Cumbria before passing away on November 28.