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Jinky,
God bless you and thanks for the memories.
Rest In Peace wee man...
Discybhoy
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God bless Jinky
Gone but never forgotten
Hail! Hail!
Curly
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Hail hail jinky and to his family, you'll never walk alone
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JIMMY JOHSTONE
Outside-right 1961-755'4" 9st 8lbsBORN: Viewpark 30 September 1944DEBUT: versus Kilmarnock (a) 0-6 (SL) 27 March 1963APPEARANCES:SL: 308 APPS. 82 GOALSSLC: 92 APPS. 21 GOALSSC: 48 APPS. 10 GOALSEUROPE: 67 APPS. 16 GOALSTOTAL: 515 APPS. 129 GOALS
INFORMATION: By the time Jimmy Johnstone played his first team debut against Kilmarnock in March of 1963 he had been involved with the club from 1958 as a ball boy and subsequently in the reserve side since 1961. A fear of flying did not detract from his fearlessness whilst on the ball and his persistent dribbling skill and physical 'running of rings' around opposing players was a permanent feature throughout his playing career.An influential part of the side to defeat Raith Rovers 8-1 in the League Cup quarterfinal, Stein soon eased him into a regular slot. He was a fiery character, however, and often reacted badly to the continual hacking and bad tackling he suffered as a result of his opponent's inability to counter his attacks. Nonetheless, on the whole Johnstone was not deterred and he persistently pulled off spectacular performances such as the two goals he scored at Ibrox to secure the Championship just prior to the European Cup final and a much acclaimed performance in the 5-1 home victory against Red Star Belgrade. Stein did, however, wave a carrot in front of Jimmy, promising him that if he played well he would not have to travel by plane to the away leg. He scored two of the goals in an outstanding performance!Jimmy was a character both on and off the field and his off the Park antics led to Stein's assertion that "no player has caused me more headaches since I went to Celtic and on no one has more time been spent to sort out his troubles". On the field he received many headaches, however, the majority of players answering to his absolute expertise in the form of constant tackling and bombardment. He frequently lost his temper and retaliated to the persistent tackling from players who were left "feeling as if their brains were in a cocktail shaker".He was an excellent Internationalist and was capped on 23 occasions for Scotland and on 4 occasions for the Scottish League. His international honours were further glorified with his domestic achievements, which amount to 9 Championship, 4 Scottish Cup, 5 League Cup and the ultimate, his European Cup final medal won in Lisbon in 1967. Jimmy participated in every round of the European campaign adding his own contribution of two goals to the overall Celtic tally of 18 scored.Bothered by injury as a result of constant tackling and a growing lack of tolerance from Jock Stein, Jimmy Johnstone was given a free transfer by the Big Man in June of 1975. After spells in America, England, Ireland and Scotland he had a brief spell as coach at Celtic Park under the leadership of manager Davie Hay. He is undoubtedly an absolute Celtic Great who merits prime position in not just a Celtic roll of honour but in a world football league. In recognition of his genius he was nominated No.3 in Europe in a France-Football poll of sports writers in 1967 and selected for the 1967 'Earth team to play for the Universe".
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Well said Paul.
Thanks Jimmy,memories of you will never leave us.
You were the one we all wanted to be when we were kids
RIP wee man.
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Any time i watch Jinky on video, he always makes me laugh. Seeing big defenders trying to clug him,he just skipped past them,and made them look ridiculous. I only ever met him once, but i will be able to tell my children i met the greatest ever Celt.
Thank you Mr.Johnstone.
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Isn't it very appropriate that the article that Paul posts to pay tribute to Jinky has as its first post, not a self congratulatory one on being 1st but a genuine post about The Greatest Celt Ever.
Well done DiscyBhoy.
P.S. Remember to put pressure onn the authorities to have a minutes applause at the Cup Final for The Wee Man.
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very sad news..
I was privileged to watch this magician.....
God rest him.....
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Very fitting words Paul.
Also The Bald Ego .
Please re post your tribute from the last thread the feet link is superb.
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God look after you wee man and thanks for the memories that will never die. Very sad day :-((((((
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Jinky, thanks for the memories, you will never be forgotten and will live on as a true legend.
A great loss to the Celtis family.
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Its a sad sad day, not just for Celtic Fans but for football. It has lost one of its true heros.
Rest in peace wee man you truly were magnificant!
I've put togethet a small piece on the MEMORIES thread in memory of this great footballer and great man.
TBE.
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"Jimmy O Jimmy Johnstone,
O Jimmy Johnstone down the wing"
Seven in Heaven
Lest We Forget
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Jinky - God Bless!
He truelly embodied what Celtic stand for, it's not only a sad day for Celtic but for football worldwide.
RIP wee man
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Great post Paul.
Let's have silence at Hampden and applause at Celtic Park - a fitting two stage tribute.
Training Ground should be named after him, complete with statue - what an inspiration that would be.
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God Bless You Jinky
What about having a placard display at this Sunday's Cup Final of a giant Number '7' as a fitting tribute.
Does anyone have an email address that i can contact the club with?
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Great player, great guy.
God bless.
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My mum died last July from Motor Neurone Disease and all I can say is that it is such a horrible, horrible disease.
The sad death of Jinky today has brought back such sad memories for me, but also great memories of courage, heart and such strong desire to beat this illness.
My mum fought so hard and showed so much heart, just the way wee Jinky did. Jinky has shown so much bravery and heart but unfortunately this horrible disease keeps winning the battles.
If any good can come from this, please may it be that such a sad death of such a hero as our Jinky is that it will raise the profile of Motor Neurone Disease so that a cure can be found. It is such a waste of life, and so, so much the wrong way to die.
Jinky has lost his bravely fought battle for life, but maybe, hopefully Jinky has helped in the war to beat MND for good.
My thoughts and prayers are with Jinky's family today. I am sure they are a very sad, but an extremely proud family today.
What a Man, what a player.
Jimmy Johnstone
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“to play football the Glasgow Celtic way”
Whenever I hear the fans sing this I think Jinky.
Hail Hail and RIP Jimmy Johnstone.
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Simpson,Murdoch and now Johnstone.
While memories of the Bhoys of Summer are inviolate our great heroes are only flesh and blood and mortal like the rest of us.
One of the less repeated aspects of the Red Star story is how keen the Jugoslavians were to see him in Belgrade.In a country where football skill and flair were highly prized they were very disappointed that his fear of flying prevented him displaying his talents in the away leg as well.
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Players come & Players go...but legends go on forever....
Jimmy Johnstone was THE legend.
RIP wee man you brought great joy to millions.
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Great post Paul.
God bless Jimmy Johnstone!
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RIP wee man
God bless you Jimmy.
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http://www.justgiving.com/jimmyjohnstone
Sorry to post this again but it is more appropriate on this thread.
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Fine post, Paul.
Jimmy Johmstone was quite simply the finest player I have ever seen. And I've seen a few. As you say, he defined how we see our selves.
I had the pleasure of this great man's company on a few occassions, and he truly was a great man.
Dearly loved. Dearly missed.
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Quite agree with you thismancraig, it would be a fitting tribute to Jimmy to name the new training ground after him.
In view of his prodigious talent, I can imagine no other name which would be as appropriate for teaching future generations of Celtic players the skills of the game.
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From the Real Madrid fans who gave him a standing ovation in 1967 to a KGB man I met in Kiev in 1986 whose eyes lit up when he said his name, wee Jinky epitomised to the world everything that is great about football and, especially, his beloved Celtic.
It says much for his true greatness that even Rangers fans are genuinely saddened by his passing. It was simply impossible not to love the wee man.
I don't agree about the minute's silence: it would take only one drunken clown to ruin the moment. I'm looking forward to thunderous applause from both teams and a fitting display in the stands at Hampden, to be seen on TV and beamed worldwide.
It's time for Celtic FC to contact the Jungle Bhoys and tell them no expense is to be spared in coming up with something suitable and unforgettable.
The wee man's worth it.
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Can't believe it, I've just been downloading some pics of JJ in his Scotland playing days and then we get this news, a coincidence I can do without. Jimmy really was the Greatest Celt, full of humility and humour, with that infectious and cheeky, naughty schoolboy grin of his! Reading Celticlover comments about the treatment he endured on the pitch, I remember the pic of his legs after the infamous Athletico semi-final, totally black and blue from ankles to knees, but you can't keep a great man down.
God bless you Jimmy and thanks for being in our lives.
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Jimmy will be in our lives forever.
Every time celtic fans meet stories will be told of Jinky - tormenting big Greig, Lisbon and the Di Stefano picture.
I think that this last is the greatest tribute ever paid to a Celtic player. At the time, Di Stefano was commonly acknowledged as the greatest player ( some say still is ) who had ever played the game and leader of the greatest side of all time. But after witnessing the display of our own Jinky against a still very good Madrid side Di Stefano thought him worthy to appear in a commemorative photograph with himself, the great Hungarian Puskas and Gento.
That is the sort of company Jimmy kept and some of us were blessed to see this man grace the hoops.
God bless you Jimmy Johnstone and thanks for the mories.
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In my opinion, 'The Wee Man' as Tommy Gemmell referred to him defines the word Legend when it comes to Celtic.
You will live forever in the hearts of every Celtic fan.
God bless you and keep you!
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I saw Jinky play many times, when I was a wee boy.
He had a style, and a skill, that was absolutely unique. We may never see his likes again, but I for one am grateful that when we saw his genius, It was in the Hoops.
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Paul,
your finest article.
Jinky The Great, we will all miss him, but he will remain forever in our hearts.
Ternar
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Being too young to have seen the wee man playing, the most fitting tribute I can pay him is that from a club that has seen so many great forward players, if there was just one player I could choose to go back in time and watch playing for Celtic it would be Jimmy Johnstone.
Rest In Peace wee man.
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Very nice tribute paid on Sky Sports News by Sandy Jardine, former Rangers full back and now a commercial manager at Ibrox.
Called Jinky "a gem of a person" who would be mourned by Rangers fans, too, on a sad day for Scottish football.
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Excellent article Paul. I dont have the skill with words to adequately pay tribute to Jinky.
Celtic have had many great players, a few legends but only one Jimmy Johnstone.
My Jinky T-shirt will be worn with heart-bursting pride on Sunday.
God bless you, Jinky.
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A very sad day for all the Celtic family, RIP Jimmy, you will never be forgotten.
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The one great shame with Jinky's passing is the lack of footage covering his best moments ( and there were many). Yes there's his video and the '67 EC final but there were many other great moments which seem to have slipped the net and would have shown how magnificent a legend he was .Pity.
RIP Jimmy.
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Red Star Belgrade, Dundee Utd, Lisbon, Real Madrid ... so many great memories. But what I'll remember Jinky best for is how he bridged the language and generation gaps.
I used to hitchhike around Europe in the late 60s/early 70s and whenever I had a problem with making myself understood or struggling for conversation I used to say "Celtic" and the inevitable reply would be "Ah, Jimmee Johnstone". This was invariable accompanied by a beaming smile, glistening eyes and a comradely pat on the shoulder.
Yugoslavia, Spain, Italy, Morocco ... you name it. He was famous!
A wee Uddingston boy loved throughout Europe for the way he played the game, and he played for my team!
Thanks Jimmy for getting me out of some scraps and also often putting some food into an empty belly abroad.
God bless.
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Sadly Missed - will never be forgotten.
A true Celtic legend.
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God Bless Jimmy Johnstone
A great player and a great man
Our thoughts are with the Johnstone family
You'll Never Walk Alone
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Let it resound around Hampden.
Sing celtic Supporters Sing:
Jimmy, Oh Jimmy Johnstone
Oh Jimmy Johnstone on the wing.
Jimmy, Oh Jimmy Johnstone
Oh Jimmy Johnstone on the wing.
Paul67 I managed to bottle it up until I read your eulogy.
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It's not often these days that I'm glad I'm the age but I am privileged to have been a week-in, week-out supporter throughout wee Jimmy's career.
Words cannot explain how good he was.
We are lucky to have a few film/video clips to remind us but you can only see a few of his talents on film. His spirit, attitude and determination are difficult to capture.
Also the electric buzz which went through the ground when he took delivery of the ball wide right and headed for the opposition is impossible to describe.
Rangers had a really great outside right at the same time in Willie Henderson who probably restricted the number of caps Jimmy got because he arrived on the scene earlier, but everyone now knows that the wee man was peerless.
In a world where the word "legend" is greatly over-used Jimmy Johnstone really is a legend.
Thanks for the memories wee man.
I'll never forget you
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Just seen a wonderful video tribute on the www.kerrydalestreet.co.uk site.
Hopefully you can get it here:
JinkyTribute
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Dear all
Some time ago I posted my own memory of Jimmy.
I hoped that I would be long gone and would never have the need to post it again.
Today, having heard the news, I went up to Celtic park and there already tied to the railings outside the main entrance was a Rangers shirt, a Scotland scarf, and the beginnings of a multicoloured monument of epic memories!
The queue for the Cup final tickets stood in almost a reverant silence as they slowly filed forward to collect their briefs for the game and as they did so the name Jimmy, Jinky, JJ, or simply the wee man would drift in the air to be followed by a burst of laughter.
Even today the magician extraordinaire continued to entertain us.
So Jimmy, I know where you are now as you have sent St Peter the wrong way and nipped by him as he has fallen on his backside outside that more ethereal Paradise!
Say hello to Ronnie and Bobby and Big Jock for me!
To everyone else I make no apologies for reposting just what Jimmy meant to me!
To the man who could thread a needle with his feet
(or how the f*** did he do that)
The nearest I have ever physically come to Jimmy Johnstone was, for every home match, standing in the ‘Jungle’ just to the right of the halfway line, and about twenty terracing steps back from the low grey stone wall which separated us from that fiery headed green and white clad magician.
This was however much closer than the opposition ever got to him.
Everyone knows at least by word of mouth about Jimmy’s slightness of stature but abundance of heart. Everyone knows about his extraordinary skills, artfulness, resourcefulness, and reputation. But what no one has really said is that Jinky would have made a world class fisherman.
Like an expert angler, Jimmy would regularly bait, hook, reel, land, and then throw us back in to be teased again, almost as much as he ever did to the opposition. But we loved it because he was doing it for us, because he was one of us, and he represented us on those hallowed sods of Celtic Park.
“Gie it tae Jimmy” the Jungle would call and with a thousand moves orchestrated as one, the man of a million moments of blinding extravagance and brilliance would instantaneously have the ball under control, spun to face the oppositions goal, and be jinking across the half-way line, going left then right, then back, then forwards, leaving a trail of exhausted opponents, their tongues covered in grass burns as the vainly tried to work out why the Newton’s natural laws of motion did not seem to apply to the wee man.
As he instantly hypnotised both the opposing fullback, and us, and transmitted by ESP the message that he was going down the outside, the defenders muscles made that imperceptible, involuntary and sadly (for him) irreversible commitment to covering the route that Jinky had somehow convinced him he was going.
Imperceptible to most of us that is, but like the thrashing of a distressed fish to a shark, the wee man picked up both the heat of fear and the consequential disturbance in the air pattern. In an instant, he had whipped the ball eight inches in the air, pulled it with his right instep inside and over the vain and forlorn swish of the opponent’s right-foot which had continued on its own trajectory. This resulted in three things happening with uncanny regularity.
Firstly Jimmy immediately and seamlessly, transferred the responsibility for the continued advance and control of the ball to his left peg, and defied the laws of body mechanics to go inside and home in on the goal at the Celtic End of Paradise.
Secondly, the defender seemed to be heading off to buy a pint of milk and three pounds of potatoes.
And thirdly, everyone in the ground pished themselves laughing at him!
The centre-half seeing the thrust of the red-haired whiz-bang, made to push forward from the safety of the defensive numbers to cut-off JJ’s path (or more usually to cut off his legs usually somewhere up around Jimmy’s neck). The full back, recovering as quickly as was possible when your legs were as dignified as a couple of twisted pipe-cleaners, but desperate to rid himself of the memory of urine soaked ridicule, rushed to support his advancing comrade in arms by forming that impenetrable pincer of muscle, tackity boots, liniment, brute force and destructive football ignorance!
In they both came; one from forward slightly left, and one from backwards to the right. Nostrils flaring, eyes popping, veins, throbbing, evil was in their mind and harm was their intent.
Shoulders dipping, waist and hips shimmying, eyes on the ball and its two yard circumference, Jimmy took the move to that point where no-one could draw out and everyone could see what was going to happen.
We all had a premonition of the pain that Jinky was going to feel!
In instinctive harmony we closed our eyes and drew a sharp breath as the three torsos, six arms, six legs, and one ball, fuelled by the unsophisticated assault and battery of the not-so-beautiful game’s answer to the nuclear threat – 1960’s Scottish defenders - were subjected to the cataclysmic amalgam of ‘immovable objects’ and ‘unstoppable forces’.
Except, when we opened our eyes, there was Jimmy, still with the ball.
Somehow he had not only whipped it back with the outside of his left foot in the opposite direction - in defiance of his muscles and bone structure and dragged it away from his potential assailants, but he had also managed to manoeuvre himself down the outside right channel where we had all thought he was originally going,….. then decided he wasn’t and ………then finally decided he was after all. (In fact we only really knew where he was going once he got there, although even then I was never completely sure that he was where he appeared to be.)
‘Now’, with absolutely no apologies to Paul Daniels, ‘ that is magic’.
And there he was now on the bye-line, all on his own. He was ready to chip it, drive it, float it, or possibly come up with a new variation of a cross for Stevie Chalmers, or Bertie Auld, or Wullie Wallace or Joe McBride. As the other members of the unstoppable green machine flooded the box to finish the move, Jinky caught them all out too by changing his mind and going back, finding another couple of overconfident gullible victims and take them through another of the infinite variations on the ‘you’ll-end-up-sitting-on-your-arse’ routines..
I can still see the cast of famous but failed assailants pushing and shoving each other, trying to get to their feet, almost arguing over whose leg was whose as they unravelled the spaghetti of the aftermath of their unsuccessful mugging.
But funniest of all was there embarrassed search around the grass for the dignity that they seemed to lose so suddenly, predictably, and justifiably.
Jinky was if nothing else, scrupulously fair in his treatment of defenders. They all copped it in equally contemptuous measures!!
In an ever resounding echo of the Celtic Song (They come from Bonnie Scotland, they come from County Cork ….) they came from Madrid, from Prague, from St Etienne, from Nantes, from Buenos Aires, from England, and on a humiliatingly regular basis, from the Govan area of this dear green place. And the great thing is that while most left eventually with a smile on their faces, most certainly ALL left with a memory of a footballer extraordinaire!
And as for that ‘lost dignity’, well feeling magnanimous as he usually did after games Jimmy would probably return it to them in the dressing room, or more likely in whatever bar they ended up in that night.
For one other thing about Jimmy was that he lived his life the way he played his football, and let’s be honest, would we have wanted it any other way.
James Johnstone……….Thank you
Requiescant in pace Jinky, for one day we will meet again!
Hail hail
Estadio
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Shattering news about Jinky, the wee man was,is and always will be a legend in the eyes of all Celtic fans. I had the honour of watching him in his prime as part of that wonderful team, may God bless and keep him and also his family.
Thanks for all those wonderful memories
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Can't concentrate on work today, so have gone onto a few forums to post my respects.
Jinky, never saw you play, but I soaked up every story, article and book written about you I could lay my hands on. Jinky you represented all that is great about Celtic: success through skill and determination (and a little eccentricity!).
RIP
(By the way, it was very heartwarming to see the kind words from the supporters of the other bunch on many other forums out there. Also kind words from lots of Jambos and Arabs. Proof that Jinky's skill transcended all divisions)
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RIP
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Well said Paul. Many people in Madrid have told me of how they remember the night el pelirojo Johnstone (redhead)put on a show at Di Stefano's testimonial. A generation of football fans in Spain remember the name, they will never forget it.
As you say he was very proud of that night, not only for his own performance but because he felt that it was the greatest game the Celtic Football Club had ever played in. That was the measure of the man, thinking of the collective, rather than just himself.
I was impressed by how Jimmy spoke in later life, his belief in God was important for him as was his life with his family, his ain folk, his brotherly love. He found peace in himself and we are all better people having known him.
I saw him play and I can still see the blurr in front of my eyes.
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Estadio
Wonderful, truly wonderful, thank you.
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Well done Paul, you captured the whole essence of Jimmy with your thought provoking eulogy.
God bless you Jimmy, you were an inspiration to many, many people.
I feel priveleged to have seen you over many years, terrorising defences all over the world.
'Jimmy, Oh! Jimmy Johnstone, Oh! Jimmy Johnstone on the wing'
My thoughts go to the Johnstone family at this sad time.
Remembered with a smile.
Ayrtim.
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Jinky: Thank you and R.I.P.
Could I suggest that ALL the Celtic team wear the Famous Number 7 shorts in the Cup Final. I'm sure the S.F.A. wouldn't have any problem with this and the players could still have their own names and numbers on their tops.
So many memories of the Wee Man.....
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Sad sad day hearing this news.
You'll live on for ever in our hearts and minds.
God Bless you Jinky.
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Bill Shankley once told Jock Stein he was immortal, and he was right, but what he did not tell Mr Stein was that he would not be alone on this trip through immortality. Jimmy 'Jinky' Jonhstone will be there with him, standing shoulder to shoulder, as the greatest 2 men in the history of Celtic Football Club.
I only saw Jinky play once, a 15 minute cameo appearance at the goodbye to the jungle game. He came on and scored an absolutely fantastic goal, and i left that night feeling 10 foot tall, because i could say i saw Jinky play, even for only a little while.
There never was another Jinky, and there never will be.
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Paul
Thank you for an interesting article and some humbling and yet uplifting sentiments re Jinky.
I was so privileged to see Jinky in my formative years as a Celtic supporter but alas never met the man so all I have are the football memories rather than personal ones - you are very lucky indeed to have those.
I don't really know about other clubs and their view of their own history so I cannot really comment too well but OUR HISTORY as a club is absolutely integral to what we are as an instituition and sporting entity.
Indeed our history is such that Celtic has become something so much more than just a football team.
Jinky joins the pantheon of the Celtic greats who have created in our football club what the peerless Hugh McIllvenny calls "a worldwide phenomenon"
James Kelly, Jimmy Quinn, Jimmy McMenemy, Patsy Gallagher, Jimmy McGrory, John Thomson, Charlie Tully, Jock Stein and the incomparable Jinky.
Their brilliance shone so bright that they became legends in their own lifetimes and every one of them knew instinctively how special and important Celtic was.
Perhaps because they were all humble men what they didn't realise was how much they were each responsible for creating the football giant in Glasgow's east end.
The word legend is so often de-valued these days but every now and again when the truly brilliant and unique pass on then we can with some authority use the word.
If ever a player and a man deserved that legendary status then Jimmy Johnstone was it.
What small comfort there may be to his family today is to know that millions of the "extended" family across the world share their grief and sadness at his passing.
As you rightly say "let Perpetual Light shine on him"
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The inevitable doesn't make it any easier.
RIP JJ
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There was many a row in our house growing up with the Lisbon Lions.
One brother was all for Bobby Murdoch another for Bertie Auld myself for Jinky. Two of these greats have now left us I think I just shaded it by putting forward the wee mans case, nonetheless all great men. Its ironic that in the light of all the recent debates re songs bigotry etc Estadio says Rangers tops tops are evident outside Celtic park.
The passing of the wee man will hopefully draw closer attention to his illness and indeed help to aid in the healing between communities in Scotland and Ireland. After all its only a game eh.
Jimmy Johnstone small in physicall stature a GIANT amongst men.
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RIP Jinky.
Jimmy Johnstone film
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RIP Jimmy
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a very sad day.
reading everyones posts brings wells of tears to my eyes.
gifted doesnt come close to what wee jimmy was.
the videos and stories will be going ten to the dozen over the next few days.
RIP wee man.
Jimmy Johnstone - "LEGEND"
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Have put off posting this as it makes it real.
RIP wee man.YNWA
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Well said Paul..Estadio never ceasing to amaze with your eloquence and powers of recall.
RIP Jinky.
Dignity. The REAL meaning of the word.
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Rest In Peace Jimmy
Unfortunately I am too young to have ever see Jinky play in the flesh, however my dad has spent the 26 years of my life telling me how great a player he was.
Having read the books and seen all the dvds for myself, my dad wasn't wrong. The half hour of footage from the Celtic v Real Madrid game last week on Celtic TV reinforced quite simply that Jimmy Johnstone was THE GREATEST EVER CELT.
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Thanks to everyone for sharing their memories
I only saw Jinky play once.
I felt in the presence of greatness
RIP
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Does anyone have the rest of this song? Jinky
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Sleep tight Jinky
God bless wee man and give our love to Big Jock when you see him. Avoid the rowing boats, but!!
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Accept the words of sympathy from your polish friends Bhoys.
Rest In Peace Big Man.
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zbyszek,
Jinky was always the WEE man (small) but he did have a big heart.
Your compatriot Maciej is VERY privileged to wear the Celtic number 7 jersey.
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RIP Jinky
God Bless You
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I'm too young to have seen Jimmy play, but as Paul said something of our identity seems bound up in what he represented.
He loved the game and he loved our club. He was a great player, and seemed to be an even greater man - there are few who have been both
When I think of him I don't see him dribbling past defenders or scoring goals. I see him smiling, he was even better at doing that!
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Jimmy,the Greatest Celtic Player in our history and one of the few World Legends.
I had the honour and privilege of seeing him play many times and never saw the likes of him again.
We must now honour him in all things good for Celtic and we can all take a leaf out of his book in how to be better human beings on this planet.
God bless you Jinky.
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Maybe zbyszek is accidentally closer in his description than any of us.
Its a sobering thought to see our finest XI begin to re-assemble themselves elsewhere.
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A True legend.Someone i never had the plesure of meeting but feel that i knew him.
Im too young to have seen him play in his prime but i was in the Jungle one night to see him score a delightful chip.A class act.
RIP Jinky
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Goodnight and God Bless Wee Man.
Thanks for the memories, you were the best.
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A true legend in every sense of the word.
RIP Jinky.
What about Celtic bringing out a new DVD of the great man, with ALL proceeds going to MND research?
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Jimmy Johnstone, LEGEND.
Rest In Peace Jinky
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Polar Bear,
You can buy merchandise and make donations on Jinky's website.
I just got myself a limited edition Jinky Scarf.
The profits there go to MND charities I believe.
Hail Hail
Martybhoy
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My mother, now very elderly, is one of the calmest, most peaceable people I have ever known. Imagine my shock, then, as a ten year old, to witness her going ballistic at games every time the wee man got hacked. And I still remember my first game, Cup Final v Aberdeen 1967, and my father roaring, "Come on wee man, you've got the world at your feet". And so he did.
God bless Jimmy Johnstone
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Thanks martybhoy - do you have a link?
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PS- it would still be nice to see CFC doing something official.
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Very sad day indeed - as you say Paul - he embodied everything we stand for.
God bless
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I can say after a great polish priest and a poet who died one month ago: "Let's be hurry to love people, they leave us so quick"
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Try www.jimmyjohnstone.com
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This is a very difficult day for me and I'm finding it difficult to compose myself whilst writing this entry but here goes. The first 15 years of my life were defined by the Wee Big Man, I wanted to be Him more than anything else in my life. The strangest thing ever is that I did get to live my life by his credo. I couldn't kick a ball for monkeynuts but I did have talents in other areas. Over the years I lived a life where I had to keep picking myself up off the ground and getting on with it, many times I put myself there and I had to fight my own demons. But as I sit here at 45 years old I look back at the defining moment when I worked out how I was going to live my life(whatever was slung my way)and that was on a chilly night at park when the Big Wee Man was put on his arse many times and picked his self up many times and worked harder each time. I sit here now because of Jinky. If He hadn't existed then I would have not survived the many dark places I found myself in and I would not have seen the many bright lights I had (my daughter Niamh). I owe you wee man and I hope one day to pay you back.
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may67,
A lovely tribute to a lovely man.
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http://www.jimmyjohnstone.com/
Enjoy Polar Bear.
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THE KING IS DEAD
JIMMY JOHNSTONE - THE GREATEST CELTIC PLAYER EVER
R.I.P
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thanks martybhoy and dbbia.
dvd on the way!
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The Greatest. A true Gentleman.
Rest in Peace.
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The Dubai Hoops CSC has been privileged to have had many Celtic greats over to see us on numerous occasions; Bertie Auld, Billy McNeill, Tommy Gemmell, Joe McBride, Dixie Deans et al. Whilst regaling us with their memories and stories; one thing that always shone through was the absolute love and admiration that each had for Jinky, the man and the player.
God bless you and keep you Jinky.
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I never thought that this event would bring about my 1st post to CQN.
I never Jinky him but a few of family did and my father always spoke in great terms about him, especially the game against Red Star where he was told to go out and play well to avoid a flight! I'm certain all the stories I've heard are true and therefore I'm sure he will be gracing those in Heaven with his skills and laughter.
Thr Nbr 7 placard display, the statue outside the new training ground and renaming the new training ground are all excellent ideas and will allow his legend to continue with the young celtic stars of the future and instill in them 'The Celtic Way'.
I was also thinking that the powers that be within Celtic should ask Real Madrid to play against Celtic at Parkhead in a friendly in the near future with all Profits going Jinky's charity fund. I'm sure the greaat Di Stefano would embrace this idea as a tribute to his friend.
Eternal rest grant unto him oh Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him.
Lord, Remember his faith and the happy memories he created for others, Amen
M_I
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THE GREATEST PLAYER FROM
THE GREATEST TEAM FROM
THE GREATEST CLUB.
need a minutes silence at hampden not noise.
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Paul,
I was heartened that BBC Scotland paid such a proper tribute to the peerless Jimmy Johnstone. Forbes McFall had the sense to interview the only journalist who could have done Jimmy the credit he so richly deserves: Hugh McIlvaney, in his own way, incomparable.
Long may the joy that Jimmy gave us live in our hearts. May he rest in peace.
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Conamara bhoy - what a fantastic idea , all playing in No.7 shorts on Sunday . Please Scottish League , let it happen .
I saw Jinky many times and my favourite game was a midweek mauling 7-2 of Dundee Utd . Will never see a performance like it from one player . Will always treasure my (black&white)photo of him taken in his back garden with the hoops on , and personally autographed on the back , for a wee bhoy who idolised him .
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estadio, pure genius, God has got his number 7 now, their is an old phrase that says { it is not the size of the man it is the size of the heart that is in the man } must have been written for Jimmy.
God bless and take care of Jimmy,s family at this desperate time for them.
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Very Sad news today there has been many excellent tributes, a good press conference at Celtic Park and a Henrik Tribute on the official site.
You can tell by the reaction that Jinky was the most inspirational Footballer Ever!
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A superb tribute to a superb player.
It's very sad day for us all, but it's also a time to reflect on the great moments in our club's history through its greatest ever player.
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My favourite photograph of him is after winning the league at Ibrox courtesy of a 2-2 draw.
Jimmy's second was a shot from outside the box that Tommy Gemmell would have been proud of.For a smal player he had a good shot to add to his dribbling skills.
After the game the players walked off a very muddy Ibrox in good spirits;Willie Henderson has his arm around Jimmy and the friendship between them is what makes the picture so special.
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I think it is important that the BBC, as our national broadcaster, gives appropriate coverage of Jimmy’s passing, in particular his funeral, as happened for George Best.
I have asked them to provide coverage of the funeral. London, where these decisions are made, is culturally a long way from all the British regions, and I expect they will need to hear from us before they act.
You can send your thoughts to Roger Mosey, Head of BBC Sport, here:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/front_page/3701180.stm
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Hi Paul,
May I add my own tribute to Mr Johnstone, he was a player you could admire and gasp at even as he ripped your team open, unlike many of you I have no personal memory of the man, just his unique football genius. It shows the esteem he was held in that even his opponents could admire him, not many Celtic players will get a tribute on the official Rangers site and among fans a sympathy thread is on the go in the GersForum. My thoughts go out to his family.
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This song makes me smile.(thanks Ardoch)
Jimmy R.I.P.
CLICK HERE
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Jimmy was the reason that I and many like me from that era loved and still love the game that is football , his ball control was unsurpassed and all who had the privilige of seeing Jinky at his peak knew they were watching a genius at work .He was quite simply a legend. Hail Hail
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Got within touching distance of him once when he played a benefit game at Guys Meadow in Cumbernauld.
I haven't shed a tear at someone from outside my immediate family passing since 1985 but this morning I did. Now reading the tributes from the more eloquent people on this board and also from the second best No.7 we've had I'm off again.
Hail Hail Jinky RIP
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Paul67 - Great suggestion and I for one would love to see something like this.
Remember the BBC showed Cardinal Winning's funeral live and Jinky was as much of a statesman in his own field as TJ was.
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Great tribute Paul67, well said.
Sad day indeed Bhoys, going into paradise now to add to the tributes and pay my respects to the greatest ever Celt.
HAIL HAIL JINKY & Rest in Paradise
Carlo
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The Greatest manager that our club ever had, was asked what he was most proud of during his managerial time at Celtic. Winning the "Big One", Nine in a row, 8 Scottish Cups, 6 League Cups ??????????
" Keeping Jimmy Johnstone playing as long as I did..........."
I watched him being interviewed by Jim Craig on Celtic Tv last week. Don't know when it was recorded, probably about 4-5 years ago, and the most stand-out feature of the whole programme was how often and how hard the wee man laughed. I was almost in tears myself, laughing with him..............
The first and GREATEST MAGNIFICENT SEVEN
pablophanque
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A sad day but a time to remember with great fondness and respect the Greatest Ever Celt. He lit up the grounds he plyed at and lit up the lives of anyone who was fortunate enough to meet him. It says a lot that I found out this morning by text from my pal who is a Rangers fan and was also devastated at the news. God bless Jimmy Johnstone. RIP.
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Some things are bigger than football............ Well done Rangers.
Rangers Fc. Tribute.
pablophanque
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I had a similar thought first thing this morning Paul and emailed Roger Mosey. I honeslty thought I was doing him a favour as you are right, London is a long way from Scotland in more than just miles.
The response was not encouraging so I would urge the other CQNers to send him an email so we can do wee Jinky justice.
My email and the response:
-----Original Message-----
From: kevin@..
Sent: 13 March 2006 10:22
To: Roger Mosey & PA
Subject: Head of BBC Sport - Roger Mosey
COMMENTS:
Dear Sir
I thought the BBC's tributes to George Best were professional, approproiate and extremely dignified.
Today one of the very few players in the history of the sport to be of the same ilk as George Best died, Jimmy Johnstone.
Not only was he recently voted the Greatest Celtic player ever but even very short research will demonstrate the respect he had from all corners of the world, and most definitely from even the most ardent of adversaries in our sometimes troubled city.
I hope the BBC can find time and resources for a similar tribute to wee Jinky as I feel it is merited for a city and for football fans worldwide currently in mourning for a true legend of the game and a truly loveable character we will never see the like of again.
Your sincerely
Kevin ...
From: Roger Mosey [mailto:roger.mosey@bbc.co.uk]
Sent: 13 March 2006 10:45
To: kevin@...
Subject: RE: Head of BBC Sport - Roger Mosey
Kevin:
Thanks for writing. The sad news is on our website now:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/default.stm
Best wishes
Roger
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As a kid I was awe-struck when I met the great man back in 1970's with my dad at PH.
A nicer man you'll never meet. Took the time to speak to us and sign autographs.
As a 8 year old kid I was in complete awe of the man and today as a 38 year old man I'm heartbroken to hear of his passing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Johnstone family.
May he rest in peace.
/Bishop B
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Kirsty
I would prefer a minutes noise,it only takes one idiot and people to react to ruin a tribute.
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Morning all,
A sad day for the Footballing world today, the death of a legend!! R.I.P. JJ
I was lucky to meet the little fella in Viewpark around 2 years ago at a Charity Fund Raising event for him and the MND charity in St. Columba's Chapel Hall where the little man arrived with his beautiful wife and he was an absolute legend reminiscing on the good old days about his upbringing in View Park and an in-sight to his wonderful life. JJ was obviously suffering at this time however to make such a contribution to an absolute fantastic evening summed up this guys character.. Truly Amazing.
I was introduced to him by a friend of my fathers and he sat and spoke away is if he had known me all his life and I had only met him that very evening.....
A TRUE LEGEND NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN
God Bless the Johnstone Family, our thoughts are with you..
Hail Hail
Singapore Celt
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For the generation of Celtic-supporting kids who grew up playing kerbie, headers and street soccer (using coats for goal posts), Jimmmy Johnstone was, and always will be, their true hero. More than any other player, he expressed what it means to play football the Glasgow Celtic way. Jinky was the ultimate swash-buckling footballer, always teasing the opposition defenders before running rings around them.
Sadly, perhaps because I was still a young child, my strongest memory of Jinky was from the Semi Final of the European Cup in 1974. That night he was literally kicked off the park by a disgraceful Athletico Madrid side. If he felt only half as cheated as I did, I'd be surprised if this match didn't diminish his appetite for playing football. He left Celtic the following year never to revisit the heights he'd scaled.
Whilst to play football like Jimmy Johnstone was the dream of thousands and thousands of kids, emulating his accomplishments as a human being remains an aspiration for many more adults. The wee man with the big heart was a giant of a role model - he truly deserves his special place in the history of our club and in the affections of the Celtic support.
Condolences to Jimmy's family.
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Can't believe Jinky is gone.
I'm too young to have seen him play, but his is a name I have known as long as I can remember, thanks to the stories about him my Dad has told me since before I was even able to reply.
My proudest possession as a small child was a keyring, with a Prostars-type figure of Jinky on the end.
Thanks to repeated viewings of DVD's, my two year old daughter knows the name of just one footballer - Jimmy Johnstone. She takes great delight in telling her Granda how she saw him play on the telly.
It took 118 years to put a statue of Brother Walfrid outside CP. I hope he is joined a lot sooner by Jinky, the Greatest Ever Celt.
They never die who live on in the hearts they leave behind.
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Paul67,
yours is a lovely tribute message. Better put than I ever could.
For myself, having never even seen Jimmy play in the flesh, I still have 2 abiding memories of him, one quite distant, the other more recent and clear.
I believe I saw him on the day WGS refers to as the day he drank with Jimmy. At the time Jimmy played for Dundee, with Tommy Gemmell and WGS, I lived in Dundee in the same area as WGS (Broughty Ferry). As a 5 or 6 year old, I used to play football in the street all the time and on that day, I remember our ball going down the road and me chasing after it. I remember the 3 of them outside WGS' house and one of them getting our ball and kicking it back to me - and me running back to my father to tell him I'd seen Jimmy Johnstone and Tommy Gemmell ! I don't think I even knew who WGS was at the time !
I also associate with the impact Jimmy had on people from outside of Scotland who saw him play. A few years ago, must have been 1995 or 1996, I travelled with a group of 9 or 10 Roma fans to Prague to watch their team play Sparta in the UEFA Cup. We stayed in the hotel of a friend of a friend in the middle of Prague, the owner being an ex-professional footballer. At dinner, the talk was of Roma and Sparta and how good the teams were, and would Roma catch Juve etc. In amongst this, the owner asked me how I, as a Scotsman came to be travelling to watch Roma. I told him Roma were my second team, and my team was Glasgow Celtic. He looked at me, beemed a huge, huge smile and said 2 words - JIMMY JOHNSTONE. What can you say ? 30 years after Lisbon and someone from a distant country still remembered Jimmy in such an openly joyous and exhilarating way. I think I felt about 10 feet tall. Or more.
May he rest in peace. Thanks for the memories, Jimmy Johnstone, a hero and example to us all.
Panama Bhoy
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This is one tough day to get through.
I'm too young to have seen the wee man play but have wathced video upon video of him dazzle and torture full backs.
Video
There have been so many excellent ideas as to how we can celebrate the life of Celtic's favourite bhoy, I've sent emails to Celticfc.net, BBC and The Scottish Football league proposing a lot of the ideas on here today. I love the idea of the number 7 shorts and really hope they consider it.
Cheers Jimmy
TBE.
TBE.
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Of all the suggestions to remember the man I was most taken by the one from mossend_irish at 13.46.
"I was also thinking that the powers that be within Celtic should ask Real Madrid to play against Celtic at Parkhead in a friendly in the near future with all Profits going Jinky's charity fund. I'm sure the greaat Di Stefano would embrace this idea as a tribute to his friend."
I know that footballers have a packed schedule now but I think someone at CP should pick up this idea and at least try to make it happen. Get's my support anyway.
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Jinky
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Celtic Tv free to all tonight.
Celtic Fc.
pablophanque
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Sean Martin:
Thanks for sharing that very personal story with us. As I said in an earlier post, I was very fortunate to team up with Jinky when we were both 14 and were ballbhoys running the Jungle and, as life does, Jimmy went on to find fame and fulfil his dreams in his beloved Hoops and I wandered off into oblivion.
I didn't meet up with him until many years later in Lisbon (not '67)and I discovered that fame had changed him not an iota.
Jinky had to fight his own personal demons and he told me that it was only the love and support of his wife which kept him away from total disaster. He also found a great comfort in his God, even though for a few years he had stopped taking the telephone calls!! and that also gave him great courage and fortitude.
I hope that you too can see only light ahead and take daily hope from Jinky (he wopuld be as pleased as at that as he was at the praise from Di Stefano)
Take care.
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I think 2 minutes silence is more appropriate on this occasion.
If someone can't keep his mouth shut for 2 minutes, it reflects badly on them not on the rest of the support.
If someone does shout during a silence, that last thing anyone should do is 'sshhh' them.
Let them shout, it will dawn on them pretty quickly what fools they have been.
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Devastated today when I heard the news. I'm way too young to have seen Jinky play, but feel like I did due to the number of stories my dad told me about him. I remember when we got the Jinky DVD, I was quite nervous before watching it as stories can get embeliished over the years and I desperately wanted him to meet my expectations. From the DVD, he far surpassed them. He was totally mesmerising throughout and a great character.
I totally agree with whoever it was earlier that proposed the new training complex should be named after him. This would be a fitting tribute and I'm sure a great motivation for all who use it.
I also agree there should be some serious attention given to this in the media. A memorial programme outlining his career and life is surely not much to ask for someone who gave so many the world over such joy.
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Its a shame in a sense the new Celtic Academy is one building.
If it were two, I like the idea of calling one of them:
"The Jimmy Johnstone Wing".
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TBE
I love the idea too of all the players wearing number 7 shorts at the Cup Final as a one off tribute. I've e-mailed the Scottish League and asked them to consider the idea. No doubt it will get bombed out as going against some rule but it would be great to see.
Failing that there's nothing to stop the players going up to collect the cup all wearing the Hoops with Johnstone and 7 on the back.
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Pggtips 3.25
By then it would be too late and the damage would be have been done.
No let us raise the rafters of Hampden.
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pggtips - has it been decided that it must be called just Celtic Academy?
I think it would be a very good and appropriate idea for the club to decide quickly and announce it will be called the 'Jimmy Johnstone Celtic Academy'.
Can't think of anyone other than Jock Stein that deserves this for-ever tribute.
TB
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should say that deserves this for-ever tribute more
TB
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travelbhoy
the name I don't think has been decided but the detailed planning consent has been all but finalised.
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Even before today's sad news I thought the training ground should have been named in his honour.
Jock Stein and the Lisbon Lions have the stand so I guess its the natural thing. I guess there is also the North Stand without a name.
Also think a minute's silence on Sunday is most appropriate. Keep the applause for Celtic's next game at Celtic Park.
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So many great ideas on here already I really love the one posted by scotcelt56 At 2:59 PM, … who followed up on mossend_irish who said
"I was also thinking that the powers that be within Celtic should ask Real Madrid to play against Celtic at Parkhead in a friendly in the near future with all Profits going Jinky's charity fund. I'm sure the greaat Di Stefano would embrace this idea as a tribute to his friend."
I would love to see the money go in part to a statue to our greatest ever Celt outside CP with the rest going to MN fund.
As for Hampden
Sing Celtic Supporters Sing:
Jimmy, Oh Jimmy Johnstone
Oh Jimmy Johnstone on the wing.
Jimmy, Oh Jimmy Johnstone
Oh Jimmy Johnstone on the wing.
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tinytim
You only need to look at the messages on cqn or on every other message board to realise that any person who shouts in the name of self-gratification is only in the minority of 1 or 2 and not an indictment of Celtic supporters generally.
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Singapore Celt
I don't know if you played in the Holyrood team that was invited, on a trial basis, after winning the Scottish Schools Cup (I know you were in the Final team)but if you were, you would have noticed him then, if not met him, as he roasted me apart and ended any thoughts I had of becoming a footballer.
Happy memories.
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There should have been a statue of Jinky outside celtic park a long long time ago, and it is sad to think he will never know should one finally be erected in his honour.
The idea of a game against Real Madrid is a fantastic one, a fitting tribute to the greatest man to ever grace the hoops.
The teenagers of today think Henrik was the man, but even he could not lace theboots of one Jimmy Johnstone. He was that good.
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Celticlover 3.25
Jinky was my idol.
I only ever met him once.
I travelled with the official team party to Lisbon in 1993 to watch us play Sporting Lisbon.
We went out that night George Cadette scoring the winner for Sporting.
I Sat next to Billy McNeil and Gerald Weisfield in the pouring rain during the match.
I stayed beside the team in a hotel in Estoril.
However the highlight of my trip was meeting Jinky at Glasgow airport on the way out.
He was asked along as a ambassadorial courier by Ingram travel.
I was 30 at the time and when he spoke to me me i couldn't respond .
I choked up and my eyes filled with tears.
I was mortified at how i had embarrased myself .
In retrospect he must have been chuffed, because it was clear how much it meant to me ,to meet him.
He had just admitted publically that he had a drink problem and that he was going on the Waggon.
Despite all around him drinking to excess,he stayed up until the wee small ours singing Celtic songs with the punters and never touched a drop.
I believe that this was one of his greatest achievements, and there were many.
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I wasn't alive when Jimmy played but that didn't stop my tears. RIP Jinky :*(
I heard a good comment on the radio from Strachan which might raise a few spirits. He went to see Jinky recently and noticed how Jinky had to use a footswitch to adjust his chair, he commented on how he hasn't lost his magnificent touch, then he said "good thing you don't have a touch like bobo or you'd be out the window" hehe
Jinky will forever be remembered, i have no doubt, even in a hundred years or more he will still be loved.
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I think the number 7 on the shorts idea would be a great tribute.
I have emailed Celtic, Dunfermline and the Scottish League to ask them to consider the idea, below is a copy of the text sent.
"Dear Sir/Madam
I'm sure you will have received numerous phone calls and emails today regarding the sad death of Jimmy Johnstone, with regards to some kind of tribute at Sunday's CIS Cup Final between Celtic and Dunfermline Athletic.
One such suggestion which has been voiced on Celtic internet message boards, is to allow the entire Celtic team to wear the number 7 on their shorts this Sunday. All the players could wear their name and numbers as normal on the jersey but a No.7 on the shorts would not, I believe, cause any problems for the match officials or players from either side.
This would be fitting tribute to the player, as of course he played at a time when Celtic did not have numbers on their shirts but only their shorts.
I hope you can consider this suggestion and we can honour the greatest player ever to wear the Celtic strip in a unique way."
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Does anybody know the people who released Jimmy's single with Jim Kerr ? I think it would be a great idea to re-release it and all monies raised going to Jimmy's charity. It would also need to be available to purchase on-line for all our overseas fans.
pablophanque
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Life is tough sometimes - this is like losing a family member - I can't pay a higher tribute to Jimmy than that.
I was fortunate enough to see him play and also met him later in life. He was the one we all wanted to emulate at school - he epitomized the Lisbon Lions - all heroes - but Jimmy was the special ingredient.
We will never see his like again.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
God bless you Jimmy. RIP
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Jinky was a world class footballer in the truest and purest sense of the phrase. One of only three or four Scotland has ever produced. He would have been a superstar in any team in any era. I never met him, but from all accounts he was a great human being too. Thank God for video recordings. He will be appreciated for many generations to come.
And he wisnae a bad rower either!
God bless, Jinky.
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On sky sports news just now: there is much mourning going on in Madrid for 'the red haired one'.
Get that tribute match organised!
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3.48Pggtips
I agree with what your are saying ,however that is not how the Media would report it.
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Unfortunately Jimmy Johnstone was a player before my time and I never had the pleasure of watching the wee man in person but from everything I have seen on previous footage and his contributions to the MON era, not to mention the tireless work he done for chartity in his final years - we really have lost the greatest ever celt today.
Although at this time I am filled with deep sadness, I feel we should try to celebrate the legends life and raise a smile to that, for that reason I think the idea of a minutes noise at hampden on Sunday would be the most appropriate mark of respect. Also, I think the idea of the players all wearing the number 7 on their shorts is a very fitting tribute and hope the SFA would approve such a gesture.
Thanks for all the memories Jinky, you really are the greatest ever celt!
Rest In Peace & God Bless
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Lovely words Paul.
Rest in peace Wee Man, you enriched the memories of thousands of people with your talent and humility.
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p.s - Just noticed that Celtic TV will be free to air tonight for a special Jinky tribute, 7pm onwards - very good idea by celtic there!
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Got a call from my 14 year old son who's just in from school "Did you hear about Jinky?" he says...got a lump in the throat now.
Used to always tell the kids to wait for Jinky (the wee green man) before crossing the road.
Never forgotten, RIP
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Paul 67 & fellow CQN bloggers.
Wee suggestion for Sunday. Don't know if it will be short notice but maybe Celtic outlets could get T shirts printed of the wee man for Sunday's cup final to allow everybody to show there appreciation not just at Hampden but everywhere.
If same suggestion posted earlier then sorry. I have not mangaed to look at all blogs yet.
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Paul 67 & fellow CQN bloggers.
Wee suggestion for Sunday. Don't know if it will be short notice but maybe Celtic outlets could get T shirts printed of the wee man for Sunday's cup final to allow everybody to show there appreciation not just at Hampden but everywhere.
If same suggestion posted earlier then sorry. I have not mangaed to look at all blogs yet.
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Jimmy Johnstone R.I.P.
Everything that was great about Celtic and Scottish Football.Jinky more than anybody brought us football the Celtic Way.
The Singtims
Singapore CSC.
(A few of us had the honour and privilege to see him from his first game to his last at Celtic Park.)
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tinytim @ 4.11
fair point, here is innocent me thinking the anti-celtic media may put away their prejudices for a week or so, especially so in the light of what happened last week.
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Re. Celtic TV being free tonight. Do you need Sky to access it or can it be viewed via Freeview or NTL ?
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Celticlover
Which Holyrood team was that? What year?
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Frankie NTL channel 424
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No.7 on the shorts would be a special tribute. Not unprecedented, Celtc were given leave for all players to wear No 8 when we won 8-in-a-row.
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Absolutely gutted today but bhoyed by the shared emotions expressed by everyone posting.
We all have our memories of the wee man but an example of his toughness was in a game at Celtic park in the late 60's against St Johnstone. Kenny Aird the St Johnstone full back was getting toasted by Jinky and decided to try and end his torment for the day by crunching Wee Jinky. Standing in the Jungle we heard the crack as Aird hammered wee Jimmy. Jimmy fell and we all thought, thats it the wee mans got a broken leg. After a few minutes wee Jimmy rose to his feet and jogged away while it was Kenny Aird who went off to get his leg plastered. The wee man could handle the rough stuff no problem. Unlike many skillfull players who need ideal conditions to perform, the wee man could twist and turn in all conditions and bear in mind the balls then were not the state of the art models of 2006.
Jinky was my first and greatest hero. Always a joy and never a disappointment. A true Celt, always approachable and irrepressible. I will miss you Jinky.
Goodnight, God bless, forever a champion....
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Celtic Lover/Marty bhoy
I played in the Holyrood Scottish Schools Shield winning team at Hampden v Falkirk High in 1962. We won 6-0 with Dennis Connaghan and Jim McCalliog in our team.I'm not sure if they ever won it again.
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FOR JINKY
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thanks for the memories jinky R.I.P.
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Excellent messages and sentiments.
Would expect that the match on Sunday will have a one minute silence. I would prefer the Celtic fans` tribute to Jimmy was done at Celtic Park next Wednesday in a similar way to the Old Trafford George Best display.
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Hi all
A sad day for the Celtic family throughout the globe, like any bereavement you try to prepare for it, but when it happens it is still a massive shock.
Saw Jimmy play towards the end of his career and really we were spoiled to have such greatness at our club.
God bless Jimmy, my thoughts and prayers go out to your wife family and friends RIP.
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To James Johnstone,
You know who refused to use the Diminutive,
I always refrained to do so,as well.
And so did Bob and Tam and The Big Guy and Collie and Dario abd all the fellas.
Of course, we right.
You, will always be Lord James, in our fond memories.
Lord James,we shall never see your like, again.
Requiescant In Pace.
Your,buds,
Fargo, Kelso, Noah, Kojo and Big P.
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Today L.E.G.E.N.D. has become:-
Luxuriously Eloquent, Ginger Entertainer, Now Deceased.
Jinky R.I.P.
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its a tough read today, well more than that really, a rangers fan came up to me at work, and offered his condolences on a "magnificent wee toerag" this same man who hasnt spoken to me in 4 years, it sure is a strange world.........
for me the training complex should be named in his honour.. because all celtic players should aspire to be the next great player,..... however there can only be one best ever celt..........
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The Greatest Ever Celt.
A True Hero.
The Real Legend.
May you rest in eternal peace.
The Celtic family will miss you always.
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Not least of all the reasons the training ground should bear his name is because whatever Godgiven talent he was blessed with it came accompanied with a fantastic work ethic-the famous wall and milk bottles were his training ground for hours every day,day after day in all weathers-the wonderful dribbling that got the crowd in a frenzy was the product of long practice of the basics;like all great artists Jimmy knew the value of hard work.
Big Jock used to say to young players'be the man you can be'in other words make the most of whatever gifts God has given you and fulfil your potential through hard work.
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Jimmy,
You gave me hope, pride and joy.
RIP
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A very sad day.
What a player. What a man.
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What I find truly astonishing is that a player with Jimmy's undoubted class should only have been awarded 23 Scottish Caps. To put this in perspective Stevie Crawford of Aberdeen has 24 caps, Craig Burley has double at 46, Christian Daly 61. Hard to believe.
RIP Jimmy, you will never be forgotten.
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Just in.
Heard about Jimmy early this morning.
You said it all Paul67.
Ardoch-4.49-you had me in tears there.
noel.
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I lost my daddy in the early hours of yesterday morning.
My dad (Patrick) was a great fan of JJ, although I feel like total poop at the moment, what fills my heart with happiness is the time that he badgered JJ to sign his white shirt (under his suit) at my grandfathers funeral. Willie Henderson and Jim Traynor were also there and my dad was adament that Willie Henderson was Willie Waddle. JJ tried telling my dad that Willie Waddle died about 10 years previous. JJ was brilliant that night.
I'll miss them both
I'll miss them both
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Fargo - No name could be more affectionate than Jimmy. As Billy Connolly once hilariously illustrated on record "Even the women in Glasgow are called Jimmy" The use of Jimmy illustrates his closeness to his people.
But you are so right to point out his full name. James. There is no greater Scottish name than that either, our Kings for many generations had this name. As Peter Lawell says so much has been said about "Jimmy" so maybe we need to remember his status as a "James". Like our other great Celt McGrory, who is known as both Jimmy and James. If the club does name a training complex or a main stand after him the name James Johnstone should be used. We need to respect him even more now that he is no longer with us. Stein was never a John so maybe this is all semantics and he will forever be Jimmy and Jinky, but he was the Lord of the wing.
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Massive sympathies for you personal loss Fritz.
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Sorry Noel!
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RIP Jimmy Johnstone - the greatest Celtic player ever.
I hope the club can find a worthy and lasting way of remembering him - perhaps the new training ground will be "Johnstone Park"...?
A very sad day indeed.
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Fritz
Sorry to hear about your father RIP.
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Very well put Paul. I like many others never saw Jimmy play. But I was very fortunate to have met Jimmy. I did some work for him in his house. I phoned him for directions it was just like talking to one of my Uncles. "No bother son see you when you get here". On getting there I had my two sons with me. he took my youngest who was about a nearly two into his living room and sat on his chair with him. My oldest who had just turned six never being one who was shy asked if he could watch cartoon network Jimmy gladly obliged, he said he liked Batman the best which was fantastic because so did my boy. "You go with Agnes and she will tell you what she wants". I also had the great pleasure of getting my Dad to do some work for Jimmy as well. My Dad spoke his language. The 60's & 70,s. Jimmy was atrue legend but even if hadn't been a footballer. If he had been a plumber or a brickie his fantastic character would have made himthe best at that too. He will be missed greatly by all but mostly by Agnes. p.s. (out of the mouths of babes), my oldest asked Jimmy if he had ever won the world cup or anything. He was quickly told by me he won the club equivillent he then asked if he could go up and see his room to see said cup. Good night Jimmy sleep well no more pain.
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Found myself giving a little wink to the green man on the traffic lights earlier.
When i was a kid my dad always told me that was supposed to be wee Jimmy, and wee Jimmy he will remain.
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Let's get out there on Sunday and show our gratitude at having the honour of seeing wee Jimmy by lifting the roof off Hampden.
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RIP to your old man Fritz. Sorry to hear of your loss.
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I was not expecting this when I logged on to CQN. I guess this really is where I get my news first. I am really quite choked. I am going to call home now I know my mum and my Uncle will be really upset - as will all those fae Viewpark. The wee man was an unpretentious walking ledged, accessible to all whom passed him on the street irregardless of age or team. He would banter with them all and always leave them with a smile.
Oh this is killing me.
I feel like leaving work right now.
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Fritz - Sorry to hear about your loss.
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A couple of years ago I overheard my then 6 year old son (who lives in Germany) have an argument with his mates about who best player was: Zidane, Ronaldo, Ballack or Beckham?
Jimmy Johnstone came the reply. It was one of those moments that makes parenthood so special.
I also remember Jinky after his testimonial against Man. Utd. going to the Jungle and chucking his strip + boots into the crowd at a time when this was unheard of.
Absolute magic!
God bless Jimmy Johnstone.
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I feel privileged to have witnessed his skill and humbled to have witnessed his bravery.
THE Celt. A Legend. My Hero.
Thanks, Jinky.
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celticlover@03:52 - Don't feel bad, think of the great Leeds and England full back, I think his name was Cooper, Jinky tore him to shreds, in his book he mentioned having nightmares of a little red head wearing hoops.
Gutted
Oregonbhoy
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Jimmy Johnstone is and was more than a great footballer and a legend - he is a true hero.
Many great suggestions have been made and I pray at least some of them come to pass. I cannot think of a more fitting name for the new training facilities when they open.
I look forward to hearing Jinky's song being sang at Hampden be it in a minutes noise or after a minutes silence.
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Thanks Paul, thanks all contributors today and thanks to Jimmy Johnstone -a magnificent life and an inspiration to millions.
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I had the pleasure of playing football against Wee Jimmy when we both played Boys Guild Football. i played full back with Holy Family Mossend and Jimmy with St. Columba Viewpark.
if you were to believe our then curate Fr. Sproule i played Jimmy out of the game one day. I think it had more to do with the rope i smuggled onto the park that day.
He often tormented Holy Family and on one occasion, he sinlehandedly beat us 9-0.
The last time Ispoke to Jimmy was one Tuesday afternoon in Bothwellpark Cemetery ten years ago. Iwas feeling very low and just standing at the graveside, unable even to say a prayer.
Standing opposite me was Jimmy, fervently reciting his rosary at the grave of a good friend.
He asked me if I was O K`and told me not to loose faith, he said that he just said his rosary and hoped it was enough, and then said he was sure it was heard and did good.
Ithought to myself, What Faith, I picked myself up and we said a decate of the rosary together, for his friend and my wife.
JIMMY JOHNSTONE, YOU WERE A GREAT MAN AND I LOVE YOU GOR WHAT YOU DID FOR ME THAT DAY.
MARTIN42
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Jimmy was my childhood hero. I was also small, red-headed and I looked up to him. Today I'm genuinely saddened. I was lucky enough to see him play in one of his last games for Celtic, that's a thought I will always treasure.
My thoughts go out to Jimmy's family and the Celtic family.
RIP Jimmy.
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Fritz, condolences on the loss of your father.
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I've just been scrolling through the condolences section on the Celtic website and the blog here and am getting very emotional re the passing of the wee man.
What has affected me most though is to note the many places the tributes are coming from. I find it very humbling to realise just how big and how widespread this family really is and to appreciate like all families we can put aside our differences to mourn one of our own.
RIP Jimmy May your God be with you.
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Celtic TV free to everyone on the sky platform tonight.
Tribute on just now - Sky Digital 436
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Fritz
Condolences on your loss.
My dad is the same age as Jinky and thanks to my brother not being able to make it on Sunday I will be standing side by side with my dad at Hampden.
We will both be belting out the Jimmy Johnstone song and I know it will be a moment I will cherish for the rest of my life.
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A scene from my chilhood c.1969. A-5-a-side pick-up game , 4 jerseys down for posts and 1 single ball. Sides are picked Celtic v. Rangers. Turn to my first mate who has been 'volunteered' goalie
"Who do you want to be?" answer comes "Ronnie Simpson"
Next up "Who do you want to be?" answer "Jimmy Johnstone"
Sh*te. OK Next Up "Who do you want to be?" answer "Jimmy Johnstone"
eh? OK Next up "Who do you want to be?" answer "Jimmy Johnstone"
"Hang on - we cannae a' be Jimmy Johnstone"
"Well its ma baw and I'm Jimmy Johnstone"
"Hawd oan. Am the best player so am Jimmy Johnstone"
"OK. You be Jimmy Johnstone for the first half and I'll be Jimmy Johnstone for the second half"
"No way. Am always Jimmy Johnstone"
And so it went on. True story.
Thanks for the memories wee man.
Condolences to you also Fritz.
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Fritz-
my sympathies to yourself and your family.
Martin-
cheers-
for that lovely uplifting memory.
noel.
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is the tribute not on NTL?!
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Fritz - my heartfelt sympathy to you and yours.
May your father rest in peace!
He will be in our prayers with Jinky.
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Ardoch this is from the Celtic site
Celtic TV will be available free to air tonight, on the Sky platform, so that the extended Celtic family can view the tributes to the Greatest Ever Celt, Jimmy Johnstone, who died this morning.
A special edition of the Daily Huddle at 7pm will include tributes from former teammates, current club officials, former players and fans.
Jinky's last full-length broadcast interview, in which he talks about his Celtic career highlights, will be shown afterwards at 7.30p.m.
Tomorrow night, the fans will get another chance to pay their respects in the Daily Huddle phone-in
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Paul,
Just like to add my Dad's comments on Jinky's passing, "IT WAS A PLEASURE TO HAVE WATCHED HIM". It most certainly was.
Can anyone tell me if the Celtic TV is free on NTL? I have been trying it and getting nothing.
