Player Articles

Jim Herriot

Jim Herriot

A reliable shot stopper, Jim Herriot may not be the most well-known name in the history of Scottish football, but his contributions to the game, both in Scotland and abroad, are worthy of recognition.

 

PART ONE

Jim Herriot started his footballing career in an unconventional manner, working as an apprentice bricklayer while playing part-time football for Junior club Douglasdale. His rise from such humble beginnings to the heights of professional football is a testament to his determination and raw talent. Moreover, his progression through the ranks symbolizes the opportunities that existed within Scottish football at the time.

Many players, like Herriot, used the Junior Leagues as a stepping stone to professional careers. In 1958, his talent was recognized by Dunfermline Athletic, who offered him a chance to join their ranks. For several years, he was a backup goalkeeper, learning the trade and waiting for his opportunity. Now, his big break finally came in 1963, when Eddie Connachan, Dunfermline’s first-choice goalkeeper, transferred to Middlesbrough. Herriot seized the opportunity with both hands and became the club´s established number one. In particular, one of his most defining moments came during the 1965 Scottish Cup Final. Dunfermline faced Celtic, one of the powerhouses of Scottish football, and although they lost the match 3-2, his performances throughout the cup run had been exceptional and he was now firmly established as one of the top goalkeepers in the land.

By 1965, Herriot’s reputation had grown to the extent that Birmingham City came calling, paying £18,000 to secure his services. This move was significant, not just because of the transfer fee, but because it marked Herriot’s first foray into English football. Birmingham was a club with a rich history and a passionate fanbase, and Herriot quickly became a regular fixture in their side. At Birmingham City, Herriot’s form remained strong, but by 1970, he began to fall out of favour at St. Andrew’s. As a result, he embarked on a couple of loan spells, first with Mansfield Town and later with Aston Villa. These moves, while temporary, showed his continued appeal to clubs in the Football League, even as his time at the Birmingham side came to an end.

Following his time in England, Herriot made a bold decision to move abroad. In 1970, he joined South African club Durban City, an unusual move for a British footballer at the time. Durban City, based in the vibrant football scene of South Africa, offered Herriot a fresh challenge. In contrast to the more rigid structures of European football, South Africa provided a different experience, but he did not stay long in the country.

By 1971, Herriot was back in Scotland, joining Hibernian under the guidance of Eddie Turnbull. His return to Scottish football saw him enjoy a particularly successful period. As a result, Herriot won his first career honors with Hibernian, capturing the 1972-73 Scottish League Cup. Additionally, Hibernian won the Drybrough Cup twice during his time with the club, solidifying Herriot’s position as a key player in a developing side. After his time with Hibernian, Herriot’s career took him to several other Scottish clubs, including St Mirren, Partick Thistle, and Morton. He rejoined Dunfermline Athletic briefly in 1976 before completing a full season with Morton during the 1976-77 campaign, after which he retired from professional football. Thus, his journey came full circle, concluding his career in Scottish football, where it had all begun nearly two decades earlier.

 

PART TWO

Jim Herriot’s international career may have been brief, but it came during a time when Scotland faced strong opposition from across Europe. On the 16th of October 1968, Herriot was handed his debut for Scotland in a 1-0 defeat to Denmark at Idraetsparken in Copenhagen, and although it wasn’t the most triumphant of starts, his debut was a testament to the hard work and consistency he had displayed throughout his career. Over the next year, Herriot would make a total of eight appearances for the national team, his final one coming in a narrow 3-2 loss to West Germany in a World Cup qualifier at Volksparkstadion in Hamburg. His final cap underscored the difficulty of maintaining a place in the national team during a competitive era, but his international appearances added to his credentials and confirmed his status as one of Scotland’s top goalkeepers.

Beyond his football career, Jim Herriot gained unexpected fame through the world of literature. Alf Wight, the Yorkshire veterinarian better known by his pen name, James Herriot, chose the name after watching Jim Herriot play for Birmingham City in a televised match against Manchester United. Wight needed a pseudonym due to professional restrictions on advertising, and thus, Jim Herriot’s name became immortalized in the world of books, television, and film. This unique connection between football and literature has cemented Jim Herriot’s name in popular culture. Compared to many other footballers, whose fame faded after retirement, Herriot’s name lived on thanks to Wight’s famous stories about life as a vet in the Yorkshire Dales.