John Lambie (footballer born 1940)

47
John Lambie (footballer born 1940) bigraphy, stories - Scottish footballer and manager

John Lambie (footballer born 1940) : biography

1940 –

John Lambie (born 1940) is a retired Scottish footballer and manager. He is most famous for his three spells as manager of Partick Thistle.

Managerial career

Hamilton Academical

Having become assistant manager under Bertie Auld at Hamilton Academical, in 1984 Lambie stepped up to succeed Auld in the manager’s chair. Success quickly followed as he led them to the First Division title in 1985-86 and a shock Scottish Cup defeat of Rangers at Ibrox the following season.

Partick Thistle

In 1988, Lambie became Partick Thistle manager, in the first of three spells at the club.

Return to Hamilton Academical

Despite moulding a team that was challenging for promotion to the top flight, he was tempted by an offer to rejoin Hamilton in 1989.

Return to Partick Thistle

Subsequently deciding that this had been the wrong move, Lambie accepted the chance to return to take over at a Thistle side whose form had plummeted in the months since he had left in 1990.

Lambie’s Thistle side finally secured promotion to the Premier Division in 1992, and his motivational skills helped keep them there over the next three seasons despite meagre financial resources. This, combined with Lambie’s outspoken views and quirky personality – including a fondness for cigars and pigeon racing – made him a favourite "character" in the Scottish football media.

Falkirk

In 1995 Lambie parted company with Thistle and, looking for a fresh challenge, took over at his old club Falkirk, leaving there in March 1996.

Third Spell at Partick Thistle

After this experience Lambie stayed out of senior football for a while, and it was thought he may have retired completely. However, in March 1999 he was tempted back by yet another offer from Partick Thistle, who had plummeted spectacularly since Lambie’s departure. Having already been relegated twice, the club were in danger of relegation to the Third Division, when Lambie arrived. In arguably his greatest managerial feat, Lambie kept Thistle up, then went on to guide them to the Scottish Premier League following successive promotions. This period also saw the club reach the Scottish Cup semi-finals. Having once again kept Thistle in the top flight, he retired as manager in 2003, taking up a seat on the club’s board.

Final Stint at Partick Thistle

This wasn’t to be entirely the end of his time as Thistle manager, however, as he did make a brief return in a caretaker capacity in December 2004, which included a 2-1 win at Firhill over league leaders (and eventual winners) Falkirk.

Managerial honours

Hamilton Academical
  • Scottish First Division
    • Winners (2): 1985-86 & 1987-88
Partick Thistle
  • Scottish First Division
    • Winners (1): 2001-02
  • Scottish Second Division
    • Winners (1): 2000-01
Awards
  • SPL Manager of the Month (1): August 2002

Early life, playing and coaching career

Lambie was born and brought up in the mining town of Whitburn. He began his playing career with the local junior club, Whitburn, before turning senior with Falkirk at the age of 18. He began his playing career as an inside forward before converting to full back. His most successful playing spell was spent at St. Johnstone, whom he joined in August 1969. He helped the club to a Scottish League Cup final, a third placed finish in the League and their first venture into European football. He retired in 1974 after playing in excess of 400 competitive matches. He joined St. Johnstone’s coaching staff, before further coaching appointments with Hibernian and Hamilton Academical.

Other information

  • Lambie stood for election to West Lothian Council in 1999, representing the Scottish National Party., Edinburgh Evening News, 16 December 1998. Retrieved on 18 October 2008
  • Lambie was awarded the position of Honorary Vice President of Partick Thistle F.C. in August 2006., Partick Thistle F.C. official website, 14 August 2006. Retrieved on 21 October 2006