Former Hibernian and Scotland Midfielder Alex Cropley Dies at 75
Former Hibernian and Scotland midfielder Alex Cropley has died. He was 75.
Hibernian FC confirmed his passing and paid tribute to his influence on their 1970s side. The club highlighted his long service and iconic moments.
Early life and Hibs breakthrough
Cropley was born in the garrison town of Aldershot. He carried the nickname “Sodjer” from a family myth about his father Jack.
Bob Shankly signed him from Edina Hibs. Under Eddie Turnbull he won recognition for tenacity and ferocious tackling.
Club achievements and memorable games
He made 199 appearances for Hibernian between 1968 and 1974. In that spell he scored 49 goals for the club.
He was a key member of the “Turnbull’s Tornadoes” side. Hibs won the League Cup in 1972 and the Drybrough Cup in 1973 and 1974.
Cropley scored the fourth goal in a 7-0 victory over Hearts on New Year’s Day 1973. A year later he netted a brace in a 3-1 victory over the same rivals at Easter Road.
He also found the net in European competition. Opponents he scored against included Juventus, Rosenborg and Besa Kavaje.
Later clubs and honours
His form at Easter Road led to moves to Arsenal and then Aston Villa. He won the English League Cup while with Villa.
He also played on loan at Newcastle United. Later stops included Toronto Blizzard in the NASL and Portsmouth.
Injuries and retirement
Cropley endured serious injuries during his career. He suffered a broken ankle at Hibs after a challenge in a Falkirk match at Brockville by Alex Ferguson.
He also broke his leg three times, twice at Arsenal and once at Villa. Those injuries forced him to retire at 31.
International career
He was capped twice by Scotland. Both appearances came in late 1971 in European qualifiers against Portugal and Belgium.
Cropley also represented Scotland at under-23 level three times. One of those matches was against Wales alongside John Brownlie.
Later life and legacy
After his playing days he drove taxis in Edinburgh. Hibs inducted him into their Hall of Fame in 2017.
In 2020 it was announced he was living with dementia. The club offered its condolences and remembered his contribution to the team.
Hibernian noted his 199 appearances and 49 goals while paying tribute to his role in the 1972 League Cup win. Filmogaz.com extends condolences to his family, friends and supporters.
