Can't see it mentioned anywhere but I was sad to see that one of my old time favourite players passed away today. Jimmy Gabriel was partner to big John McGrath at the centre of Saints defence when I first started going to the Dell. It was a rock solid defensive partnership - probably one for he best ever seen at the Dell. Different game then, of course, but he was hard as nails on the pitch but by all accounts a lovely guy off the pitch. Sadly you never had the social media today to highlight the role models. As I recall I got most of my information from a girl I worked with (on a Saturday job) who briefly dated one of the players at the time. One memory I had was one of my first away games, at Elland Road. Saints always loved going there - not for the result - but for a scrap. They certainly had one that day and Jimmy went in for a really hard tackle on, I think it was Clarke. He knew he was in trouble and stayed down. Whether he was really injured or not I never really found out but a stretcher was called and the ref indicated to him that he was sent off as the stretcher was carried away. Pretty sure he was faking a serious injury though because he turned out for the next game 3 days later! Rest in peace Jimmy.
One of the Merseyside Saints of that era along with dear old Jimmy Melia from Liverpool, we picked up Jimmy Gabes from Everton and he was indeed a rock. Only played twice for his native Scotland which was a travesty. RIP Jimmy
I was sad to read this and also learn that Paul Mariner passed away yesterday too.. Jimmy Gabriel was before my time but Mariner was part of Sir Bobby Robson's exceptional Ipswich Town team of the late 1970s.
A lasting memory was the ongoing battle with Bobby Gould.. For the younger on here an Arsenal forward of limited ability, but brave and politely put very abrasive. He and J G traded hard knocks over several games culminating in Gould connecting with the wall in front of the east stand terrace following a Gabriel tackle that was initiated some 5 yards from the touchline. Happy days.
He was oñe of the signings that helped SFC stabilise in the old first división. I saw him play for the Cherries in the mid 70s.at Tranmere oñe Friday where he was soundly booed every time he was on the ball. But undeterred, he went to take a throw in, the booing commenced again, so he turned around and bowed before them.
I was a wee nipper when l first saw him play at the Dell, standing on a wooden picnic chair, so l could see over the wall on the edge of the 18 yard box. Was one of my favourite player's of that era. My late father was a huge fan of his too. Happy days! Thank your Jimmy for the wonderful childhood memories. RIP.
