Hird arrived at Elland Road as the most expensive full-back in Britain when Leeds paid Blackburn Rovers £357,000 for him.  But, for manager Jimmy Adamson he operated predominantly in midfield supporting the attack with forays down the right wing.  A tricky player, who had neat ball skills, he frustrated supporters at times.  One moment he’d waltz down the wing before putting in a dangerous cross, then in the next attack he’d misjudge the simplest of passes.  Nevertheless, Hird was a wholehearted player who gave everything during a match.  Affectionately nicknamed “Jasper” due to his resemblance to the Brummie comedian Jasper Carrott, Hird was penalty taker for three seasons.

Strange but true: Hird top-scored with eight goals in 1979/80, the lowest ever total in the club’s history, and matched just once since (1996/97) by Rod Wallace.