Jimmy Armstrong, a Championship Winner, member of the Team of the Century, Hall of Fame inductee, and former Socceroo, has passed away. South Melbourne FC, a club he scored over 100 goals for during his illustrious career made the announcement last Monday.
“We are heartbroken. Today, we mourn the loss of a true club legend, Jimmy Armstrong. A Championship Winner, member of our Team of the Century, Hall of Fame inductee, former Socceroo and above all, a cherished friend to everyone at South Melbourne FC. Jimmy’s legacy on the pitch is unmatched having won championships and scoring over 100 goals in his time in blue and white, but it was his kindness, passion, and love for the club off the field that truly set him apart. For over five decades, he has been the heart and soul of our club, touching the lives of so many.”
“Our thoughts are with Jimmy’s family and all who knew and loved him in the football community during this incredibly difficult time. A full tribute will follow soon, as well as further details regarding his funeral.We will also be paying tribute to Jimmy this Sunday at our Australia Cup match against Olympic FC. Rest in peace, Jimmy. You will forever be a part of the South Melbourne family,” the announcement said.
South Melbourne FC will pay tribute to Armstrong on Sunday, August 25, during their Australia Cup match against Olympic FC.
Jimmy Armstrong, was born on 21 March 1943 in Scotland and played semi-professional football for Renfrew and Yoker Athletic before arriving in Australia as a 23-year-old in 1966.
Upon receiving an international clearance from Yoker Athletic, Armstrong joined Hakoah in the Victorian State League. He scored 20 goals in as many matches in 1967, then 19 goals in 1968 to claim the Golden Boot. By the time the new decade dawned, he had bagged a half-century of league goals and attracted interest from South Melbourne Hellas, who duly signed him in 1970. In seven seasons between 1970 and 1976, Armstrong played 150 league games and scored 89 goals, claiming the Victorian State League goalscoring honours twice more not to mention the Bill Fleming Medal in 1974.
More importantly, he was instrumental in steering the club to three championships in that period, cementing himself as an all-time great of the club. It was at this time that Armstrong played for Australia, scoring twice in four internationals, including the second goal in a 2-0 win against South Korea in Seoul. He played ten representative matches for Victoria, most notably against Brazilian giants Santos and Cruzeiro, Manchester United, Werder Bremen and Bristol Rovers, where he scored the clinching goal in a 2-1 win at Olympic Park.
He remained with South Melbourne until it joined the National Soccer League in 1977, then moved to Juventus, where he would score another 10 goals in two seasons. Upon his departure from Juventus in 1979, he had amassed a remarkable 152 goals in the Victorian top flight, the most in the State League era, and only bettered by Sash Becvinovski who amassed 200+ goals across three decades in the Victorian Premier League.
