Hibs' oldest fan Sam Martinez hoping for Scottish Cup glory

HE'S the Capital's oldest Hibs fan '“ having followed the team's every twist and turn since he first arrived in Edinburgh in 1945.

106-year-old Sam Martinez has got his ticket for tomorrow's final. Picture: Greg Macvean

Now 106-year-old Sam Martinez is hoping he will finally be able to watch his beloved club lift the Scottish Cup as they take on Rangers in tomorrow’s hotly anticipated clash.

The loyal centenarian will watch from Hampden’s south stand after bagging a free ticket from big-hearted Hibs bosses.

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Family and friends said being there on the big day would “mean a lot” to Mr Martinez, who has followed Hibs ever since he came to Scotland from his native Belize to aid the war effort.

Son-in-law Jim Simpson, 59, said: “He has been a Hibs supporter since 1945. I met him when I was 18 and he used to work seven days a week, getting up at 5am.

“But every weekend he was out at the Hibs match. He always went to the away games.

“He said he would like to go to at least one more game, so it seems to be a good one that the carers arranged for him. It seems like the club is making a good effort for him.

“He would be very happy to see Hibs win the cup in his lifetime. He is some guy.”

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Pals said Mr Martinez’s carer James Lawrie, 45, had spent the last three weeks desperately trying to nail down a ticket to allow the pensioner to attend the match – with Hibs chiefs then stepping in to provide one for free.

Mr Lawrie, who works for Bluebird Care, has even managed to arrange a cab from Penicuik Taxis to take the centenarian to and from the stadium.

And – as if that’s not enough – Edinburgh company EESL are providing the great-
grandad with a special Hibs-themed hoodie to mark the occasion.

Mr Martinez, who celebrated his 106th birthday in February, previously told the Evening News that he had never lost hope his team would take home the Scottish Cup before he dies.

He said: “I hope for the best. I’ve been very disappointed in all the cups they have played, but I’m still hoping it could happen.”

Despite rarely attending matches these days, the pensioner is still an avid football follower – and makes it out to the bookies to place the odd bet when he can.

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