Sadly, we have to record the death of one of Scotland's finest ever players, Gordon Smith, who last weekend, passed away at the age of 80.

This masterful right winger possessed the highest level of creative skill and finishing power. His fitness level was also outstanding and he was able to play on until the age of 40 and to establish a unique record of winning the League Championship with three different clubs: Heart of Midlothian, Hibernian and Dundee.

Gordon was born in Edinburgh, but was brought up as an exiled Hearts fan in Montrose where he rose to prominence with Kirriemuir Juveniles, Montrose Roselea and Dundee North End. He then signed for Hibs in 1941 and inspired the Leith club to the Championship in 1948, 1951 and 1952. The brilliant winger also earned 18 caps for Scotland and his 364 goals is a club record at Easter Road.

Gordon signed for Hearts in August 1959 at the age of 35 and those who doubted his effectiveness were soon proved wrong, as he gave the club two great years and assisted Hearts to win the League Cup Final in October 1959 and the Championship later that season. In 1960, Gordon also played for the club in the European Cup against Benfica and by now he had opened the famous Right Wing Roadhouse in Willowbrae Road.

After scoring 17 goals in 77 games, he was released by Hearts in May 1961, but astonishingly, Gordon went on to play for Dundee where he helped the Dens Park club to win the League title in 1962. The remarkable winger then finished his career with Drumcondra of Dublin in 1964.

Supporters actually came to matches just to watch the skills of Gordon Smith. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.

Gordon Smith (1924-2004)