'Jimmy's goal wrote him into Norwich City folklore'

Jimmy Bone was one of the best forwards to wear the City shirt, said author Ed Couzens-Lake

A "priceless" striker for Norwich City has been remembered for his legacy to the club - and what might have been had he stayed for more than just one year.

Jimmy Bone signed for the promotion-chasing Canaries in 1972, helped them into the top flight and scored the club's first ever goal in Division One in their opening game.

The Scot, who died on Monday, aged 75, instilled confidence in the fans and manager Ron Saunders that he would get goals, said Ed Couzens-Lake, an author on Norwich City.

"He was precious to us, and he left very quickly, but my goodness, we appreciated him then and still do today," he added.

Bone joined Norwich for £30,000 in February 1972 and on the crest of a wave, having helped his first club, Partick Thistle, gain promotion and win the Scottish League Cup.

City had had their eye on him to replace injured striker Peter Silvester and rekindle hopes of reaching Division One for the 1972-73 season.

"Ron Saunders bought Jimmy, who scored a few goals to help us get promoted, and on the very first day of our top flight history he scored against Everton and wrote his name into Norwich City folklore."

He said it was "without question" Bone would have been under a lot of pressure to score at Carrow Road on 12 August 1972, as it was such an important occasion.

Ron Saunders (left) putting City players through their paces in February 1973

After nine goals in 39 appearances, he left the club for Sheffield United the following March and went on to play for various teams in Scotland.

He also played in Toronto and Hong Kong and eventually became a successful coach.

"You knew what you were getting with him - we had it with Jordan Rhodes a few years ago, that striker that never stays anywhere for very long but everywhere he goes he gets goals," said Mr Couzens-Lake.

"Jimmy did that, enough to help us stay up there the first year."

The author said Bone would be remembered by those who saw him play as a footballer with bags of energy.

Jimmy Bone lifts the Anglo-Scottish Cup with St Mirren in 1980

"He was invaluable; one of the best players we've had in that role.

"When he went out onto the pitch he switched on and he didn't stop until the final whistle," he said.

"He was everywhere, trying to win every ball, shouting, tackling hard, running back to cover his defence.

"He wasn't the most technically adept player but he was so committed to the cause and that's what we will remember him for.

"You can compare him in some ways to Grant Holt - same kind of player, makes goals, scores them, is a big nuisance.

"I wonder what he would have achieved if he had stayed with us for two to three years.

"It's a tantalising thought."