As promised for those of you who will support my effort to have Jimmy recognised as a worthy contender of the SFA Hall of Fame, I detail below some pertinent statistics on Mason.
It has been consistently recognised that the penalty inflicted on Jimmy Mason for choosing the Scarlet of Thirds as opposed to the almost obligatory Glasgow alternatives, was his lack of international recognition, in the forties until 1948, when he so deservedly rceieved his first Cap, which was followed in a space of four years by another 8 Full Caps, and 8 of the SFL variety.
Surely now there is an opportunity to recognise a player who was widely accepted in his day, as being the finest inside forward in Scotland.
16 Years service with one Club, and an immaculate discipline record of once only being booked.
Included in the many approaches for his services were top Clubs,Rangers, Hearts & Aberdeen, with Charlton Athletic & Portsmouth both twice failing to attract him south.
The biggest trannsfer speculation arrived in 1952, when it was reported that Thirds' & Italian Club Lazio had agreed terms with Mason being offered a £4,000 signing on fee, and bonusses of £20/£10 in addition to wages of £20 per week being offered. - IN 1952. !!!! The fee itself offered to Thirds was £17,500. Staggering terms for that time He refused their offer, and remained a Hi Hi man. until his final appearance at Cathkin on 18th October, 1952, when he ran out against Motherwell. Following this game he was forced to retire due to a persistent groin injury.
His testimonial match on 30th September, brought out over 14,000 fans, when a Scotlasnd select, faced Sunderland, with Mason " kicking off".
Tragically Mason died on Saturday 4th December, 1971, at the relatively very young age of 52.
I hope this provides enough detail for all who intend to write to the SFA.
No question but Mason meets every single criteria listed by the SFA for considering Entrants.
