Jimmy Bone

James Bone (22 September 1949 – 1 September 2025) was a Scottish professional footballer who played as a striker. Following his playing retirement he moved into coaching, and managed a number of Scottish League clubs.

Playing career

Early career Despite attending rugby union-playing Stirling High School, Bone developed a keen interest in football, through representative games with his local boys brigade. He began his professional career with Partick Thistle, whom he joined from junior side Airth Castle Rovers in 1968 and spent four seasons with the Jags. During this time they suffered their first relegation from the First Division since season 1900-01, finishing bottom of the table in 1969–70. However, the next season Bone was an integral part of the side that won the Second Division title and instant promotion back to the top flight. He earned another, unexpected, medal in 1971–72 when Partick won the Scottish League Cup by beating the overwhelming favourites Celtic. He stayed with the Red Lichties for three seasons but his consistent scoring was not enough to gain them promotion to the new Premier Division, following the league reconstruction of 1975–76.

In January 1978 Bone became one of Alex Ferguson's last signings as St Mirren manager, moving to the Paisley club for £25,000. However, the recently promoted side performed above expectations, finishing fifth in the League and qualifying for European competition. Bone scored several important goals, including the winner as Hearts defeated derby rivals Hibernian at Tynecastle for the first time in ten years.

Bone then returned to St Mirren as manager, but in four seasons he was unable to gain promotion with the Saints and eventually resigned in 1996. He spent one season as East Fife's manager before becoming assistant to Jocky Scott at Dundee. Dundee won the First Division under them in 1998. They also secured their first Dundee derby win at Dens Park since 1989 in May 2000.

In 2000, he coached South African Premier Division side Wits University F.C. now called Bidvest Wits. Bone was appointed Stenhousemuir manager in September 2001, but again his tenure lasted only one season. He served as Alex Smith's assistant at Ross County between 2002 and 2004, before Dick Campbell made him his assistant at Partick Thistle in 2005. When Campbell was sacked in March 2007, Bone assumed the role of caretaker manager for the last two months of the season. He left Partick after their appointment of Ian McCall as manager on 25 May 2007. The following December he moved south of the border to assist fellow Scotsman Bobby Williamson at Chester City but left the position just two months later after a poor run of form.

Death Bone died on 2 September 2025, at the age of 75.

Career statistics Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition 1 18 October 1972 Parken Stadium, Copenhagen, Denmark 1–4 Win 1974 FIFA WC qual.Correct as of 7 October 2015

Honours Player Norwich City Football League Second Division: 1971–72

Partick Thistle Scottish Second Division: 1970–71 Scottish League Cup: 1971–72

Manager Airdrieonians Scottish First Division promotion: 1990–91

Power Dynamos Zambia Premier League: 1991 African Cup Winners' Cup: 1991

St Mirren Scottish Cup: 1986–87 (as assistant)

Dundee Scottish First Division: 1997–98 (as assistant)

Individual St Mirren Goal of the Season: 1980–81 Norwich City FC Hall of Fame: 2003 Inductee St Mirren FC Hall of Fame: 2017 Inductee Arbroath FC Hall of Fame: 2019 Inductee