Flashback Bone should have kept his boots on
He scored goals for fun under Alex Ferguson and then Jim Clunie, lifted the Anglo-Scottish Cup as St Mirren captain and led the side into Europe.
But, after brushing his ‘tache and flinging the Adidas Copa Mundials to the back of the cupboard, Jimmy Bone decided it was a good idea to return to Love Street as manager.
The history of football is littered with players who went back and it didn’t end too well.
North of the border, we have had Franck Sauzee lasting only 15 games in charge at Hibs, Tony Fitzpatrick was unable to replicate his success in the Saints stripes from the touchline, and, more recently, Ally McCoist didn’t exactly set the heather alight at Ibrox.
To be fair to Bone, he originally formed part of the Alex Smith coaching staff that lifted the Scottish Manager misery
St Mirren FC is a club with a proud tradition – and a history to match.
They have been at the centre of the Scottish game since their formation in 1877.
Today, we look back at Jimmy Bone’s career and his stint as St Mirren manager in the 1990s.
Cup in 1987 before departing the club under a dark cloud following a disagreement with Frank McGarvey in 1988 — the pair brawled in the tunnel after McGarvey was subbed in a Cup Winners Cup tie with Tromso.
Stints at Dundee United, Airdrie and Zambian side Power Dynamos passed the time before he returned to Paisley as his own man in 1992.
Life in the First Division was tough and, despite ambitions of promotion, Bone couldn’t haul the side over the line before his departure in 1996, to be replaced by the returning Fitzy. He too struggled to meet promotion ambitions and left the year before Tom Hendrie finally led the club into the promised land.
In his playing days, Bone showcased a strength and prowess that made him a fans’ favourite almost everywhere he went.
He began his professional career with Partick Thistle.
His skill quickly caught the eye of English cracks Norwich City, where a successful two-year spell saw him later inducted into the Canaries’ Hall of Fame before signing for Sheffield United.
Jock Stein quickly snapped up the now Scotland international for Celtic, but he failed to make the breakthrough at Parkhead before being sent north to Arbroath.
In 1978, he became one of Alex Ferguson’s final signings as Saints boss and was appointed captain by his successor Jim Clunie.
Success and silverware followed before he travelled over land and sea to sign for Hong Kong Rangers.
He returned to the UK to sign for Hearts in 1983 and instantly helped them gain promotion back to the top flight with a number of crucial goals.
Despite ambitions of promotion, Bone couldn’t haul the side over the line before his departure in 1996