Former St Johnstone star Jim Townsend has died, aged 75.
Signed by Bobby Brown in 1962, the midfielder came to the fore as a teenager at Muirton Park, playing a key role as Saints won the old Second Division in 1963.
Townsend continued to shine in the top flight, prompting Middlesbrough to agree a £20,000 deal to take him south in 1964.
After two years at Ayresome Park, Townsend returned to Saints in 1966, where he remained until Hearts swooped the following year, early in the reign of legendary Perth manager Willie Ormond.
The Club is deeply saddened to hear about the passing of former Saints player, Jim Townsend.
The thoughts of everyone at St Johnstone FC are with Jim’s family and friends at this sad time.
➡️ https://t.co/cG76ZDDQX7 pic.twitter.com/rxxGLVt818
— St. Johnstone FC (@StJohnstone) October 22, 2020
Townsend stayed at Tynecastle for five years – during which time he continued living in Perth, opting to commute to Edinburgh by train – before finishing his career with hometown club Greenock Morton.
After his playing days in Scotland ended, Townsend relocated to Canada in 1977, living latterly in Windsor, Ontario, where he passed away peacefully on Monday.
He is survived by his wife, Rose, son, Bryan and grandchildren, Bryanna and Liam.
