John Lambie did not do foreigners. As a general rule, the former Partick Thistle manager preferred battle-hardened journeymen with fire in their bellies and a Scottish burr. Quinton Jacobs, the Namibian internationalist who rolled up at Firhill in 1999, fitted none of these criteria.
Offers from Ajax and Anderlecht were reportedly spurned in favour of the Maryhill Magyars and big things were expected when he rolled up at Firhill. It wasn't long, though, until the Namibian's languid insouciance began to grate with the fire and brimstone approach of Lambie.
Though clearly very skilful, his three goals and one red card in 31 appearances suggest that he did not exactly take the second division by storm, though Jags fans will maintain that he wasn't given a fair chance. "The fans loved him and I don't think they were that pleased when I let him go, " reflected Lambie. "But my teams played for wins, not for claps."
Though he managed to settle well in Glasgow, the subtleties of dressing-room banter were sometimes lost on the young Namibian. After training one day, Gerry Collins, Lambie's assistant, began to shadow-box with Jacobs. Thinking he was actually being attacked, Jacobs planted a left hook on Collins' chin.
"Wee Jacobs just didn't know Gerry was mucking about and decided to get his retaliation in first, " recalled Lambie. "I was laughing so much it was untrue, but Gerry didn't really see the funny side. I eventually had to tell him that if he laid a hand on Jacobs I'd sack him on the spot."
Still, as an aspiring student scribe, this reporter will be forever grateful to Jacobs for granting him an interview. "It is my ambition to play for Manchester United, " Jacobs told the Glasgow University Guardian in 1999, while somehow managing to keep a straight face. "I am eager to find a Scottish girlfriend, " he then added, while eyeing up my female colleague.
That interview was conducted with Jacobs wearing slip-on shoes and a Alan Partridge-esque Pringle sweater. Topped off with his Lebanese pimp-style moustache, the young Namibian was a sight for sore eyes. The last time this reporter clapped eyes on Jacobs he was buying milk on Great Western Road wearing a leopardskin shellsuit top.
He left Firhill at the end of the 2000 season and moved to German side MSV Duisburg. South African side Black Leopards was his next port of call en route to obscurity.
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