The latest football book from the ever expanding CQN publishing stable is a long awaited blast from one of the many world class players who were part of the Lisbon Lions of 1967. Celtic’s best ever left back has collaborated with Alex Gordon, a vastly experienced sports writer, to produce a rollicking tale from a football life that was full of adventure, just like Tommy’s own playing style and that of the team that made him famous.
Entitled “All The Best”, the title reflects the fact that Tommy offers these wishes to all his readers, that he is giving of his best in the writing of the book just as he did on the field, with candid comment and surprising views, but, mostly, because Tommy has taken the stable diet of the football memoir- “Who were the best players that you played with and against?”, and taken this to another level
He has listed nine “Best Of” teams in the course of the book: the Lions (of course), Tommy’s best Scotland teammates, the best Celtic players apart from the Lions, a World Football 11 Tommy’s played against, his best teammates from both Nottingham Forest and Dundee, as well as two generations of great Celtic players Tommy has watched as a spectator. There’s even a nod to his time as Albion Rovers’ manager.
Now, those of you used to the lazy format of a football book where not much thought, insight or honesty goes into the exercise, will be very surprised at the level of honesty, brutal in some cases, that goes into the pen pictures of those selected and some who just missed out. Tommy turns an honest spotlight on himself, you find yourself nodding your head in agreement, once you’ve recovered your breath, that is.
For this is a breathless read of a football life lived to the full. The forthright opinions on managers, even those he admired, are very revealing about the amount of dishonesty involved in football. You will be astounded at how these world class football players conducted themselves. If you are expecting to find tales of clean living, utmost professionalism on and off the field, and modern collegiate management, you will be very disappointed in this book. However, if you are looking for searing honesty, interspersed with several hilarious tales, then this is the book for you
It is not the polite memoir of a senior citizen glossing over the bad behaviour of his younger days, it is the “warts and all” tales of a more innocent time, when despite the absence of modern techniques, Scotland managed to rule the world and produce a Golden generation, for a brief period of time. Some of the opinions expressed are candid to the point of scurrilous-ness but the humour that is present in every chapter and every pen picture takes the edge of some of the more boorish behaviour which is recounted. There is no hiding place in sport. Everyone has an opinion and is keen to share it. Add booze to the picture and bad behaviour will inevitably follow,
It is fair to say that, even though I thought I was well acquainted with the details of Tommy’s life and career, there were many incidents that I was hearing about for the first time. Tommy’s description of one of his early team mates at Celtic who made life difficult for him will, first of all, shock you and then have you biting the carpet with laughter. His tale of transfer negotiations with the legendary Jim McLean and with a Ranger’s Director will also have you smiling broadly as Tommy does not miss and hit the wall.
From the Foreword by fellow Lisbon Lion, Bertie Auld, through to the final section, where Tommy fields some cheeky questions from the posters on the Celtic Quick News site, genuine laugh out loud humour is not far from the surface. This is a very funny book and captures the banter that still flows between these football legends.
It is a difficult task to combine such humour with frank honesty and then to maintain readability. In the 12 chapters of the book, you will find details which surprise, shock and amuse you. If you are a Celtic fan of a certain age, you will smile in reminiscence as long forgotten events are re-lived from an insider’s perspective. If you are a football fan at all, you will get an insight into the world of football from the 50s to the 80s from a practitioner and into modern football of the past 3 decades from an informed observer. If you just like to read a good book, this one will make you laugh out loud at many points.
Tommy Gemmell gave all his best for Celtic and Scotland while he played there. He continues to give us all his best in this publication. This is the best football memoir I’ve read in a long time. I am still remembering pieces and chuckling as I type this.
For a short period only you can add to the bundle Tommy is dedicating and signing (below) from the button at the bottom of the page.
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Again from the last thread re the drinking culture in the workplace in Scotland. There was once an employer in the Vale of Leven called Burroughs, they had 3 plants, manufacturing, assembly and R&D and nearly every family in the Vale, Renton and Dumbarton had a member that had been employed with them.
If you wanted a drink you just crossed the Estate Bridge into Renton where there were 4 pubs available. Sundays were different as the pubs were closed. The nearest hotel was the Dillichip in old Bonhill, Sundays at lunchtime were known as the Dilli Grand Prix as cars streamed out toward it. Some of the older and wiser employees went the local bowling clubs and even the T.A.
I worked there for a spell on my first return from the colonies, one Saturday morning trying to pick winners from the night before’s Times when the phone went, it was a colleague fae work, would I pick up a Kerry oot fae the Coop on the way in, I commented that the Store didnae open until 08:00, “aye it’s awe right” he said “yer already clocked in”.
After we quaffed the bevvy I was instructed tae head back for more, this was time and a half BTW. At 12:00 as we left for the day I realised that the only time I had taken my coat aff was tae go tae the lavvie, this included going doon tae the canteen for the rolls and squerr.
I’ve been very fortunate in my work life and had a couple of good careers, even been on the “Sunshine List” but Burroughs in the early 70’s was the best place I ever worked…money for ould rope.
Big Nan, Greenock had the highest wine drinking population by head count in the country, Renton was 2nd.
Good afternoon all
connaire 12
Best wishes, prayer will be said. :-))
Weefra HH praying to Wee Oscar.
weet weet weet -not just the ole mercury risin’, then.
What is a postcard protest ? How does it work ? And who in gods name comes up with these wacky things.
Maybe they need another march like the one they done at Hampden that certainly showed the SFA :-)
9pm on a Tuesday night would be a great time to march on ibrokes the spivs would shit themselves and sell to king !!!! HH great being a Glasgow Celtic supporter isint it :-)
Brian Laudrup – No even the best player in his oan Hoose………….
LUNCHTIME QUIZ
3 Celtic players have been sent off a total of 5 times, name them.
“The rules of the game are always the same;
No search engines please, you’re only cheating yourself.” – IGC
Now that is what I call journalism…..
http://www.philmacgiollabhain.ie/deloitte-explains-the-ground-rules-to-rifc-directors/
Leftclick @ 1353
Cheers for that. Brings a lump to the throat.
winning captains
13:56 on20 May, 2014
First class.
Click on the link folks
Well worth it.
HH
Igc,
Auld and jinky??
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS ………Praying for our WEE HERO!
I couldn’t agree more. I have found myself questioning the world we live in. Petty squabbles and bickering, while fellow human beings suffer. When a five year old has to suffer 2 years with a cancer that in the end takes him from us. When he shows us the most beautiful side of humanity. When a 19 year old loses his battle with bowel cancer. When he also shows us how to live as better human beings. When 200 girls are taken from their classroom. When children are exploited every minute of everyday. We need to start protecting our children. We need to start fighting for our children.
IGC
Roy Aitken
Bertie Auld
Jimmy Johnstone
Bobo Balde
Struggling for no 5 get back to you.
Tontine
In Albion motors you wanted a spanner you went to the gaffer for a requisition slip
3/4 af spanner … He said … Might as well just get a set . He wrote the line out bad signed it
I asked ” why two sets ”
Wan fur you wan fur me .. Was the reply
Went to the store .. Handed the guy at the window the line .. He changed it to three sets … Went away and came back with two sets .. Have me back the top copy which was now 4 sets
Still can’t figure out wtf happened to close these factories down ;)
Again fae the last thread:
martybhoy59
23:31 on
19 May, 2014
Watching this programme about the regeneration of the east end, dalmarnock in particular. They are doing a piece on Celtic and them highlighting the sectarian element. One of the the guys who owns a few shops in the area takes them to a close where there is a red hand and a butchers apron flag draped on the railings.
*we had a wee Pastor doon in Balloch who officiated at my da’s funeral. He was originally fae Duntocher. When he was transferred tae dalmarnock, in the interest of safety..his own, he was instructed not tae wear his dog collar or any like priest like clothes in public.
The irony of this is the same wee priest’s paternal granny was in the LOL, he mentioned that when visiting her she always seemed tae favour his non-RC cousins.
Prior to receiving Holy Orders he asked his granny if she would come to his ordination…no chance. However, she passed away before this blessed event occurred and in her bedroom closet the family found a brand new hat which she had purchased for it. I suppose wee Father L could call that “the hat my granny never wore”.
BTW I’ve been over here 39 years and my da passed away 21 year ago, this story was related to my brother and I by family and friends including a former Celtic player.
dontbrattbakkinanger
Unfortunately only blood pressure
Bugger
HH
!!Bada Bing!!
13:02 on
20 May, 2014
traditionalist88- i have seen tweets saying we are playing Spurs and St Pauli not sure of dates.
=======
Cheers – think Spurs is Aug 2nd, St Pauli ~26th July
HH
Caldwell has been sent of 300 times but I’m not sure if 5 of them were in the hoops.
IGC,
Jinky for one, possibly Peter Grant & Roy Aitken.
HH.
Boaby,
It’s 3 players sent of 5 times ya tumshy heid ;)
DOWNFORSAM
It’s heartbreaking,isn’t it?
Are we so concerned with ‘betterment’ that we not only ignore those in need,but allow their exploitation?
Dunno,but exploitation is a term which barely does justice to the existence some people are forced to endure.
Politicians can only do so much.
Getting off their arses would be a start.
leftclicktic we are all neil lennon
13:53 on 20 May, 2014
Top guy, surgeon’s and doctors like him are worth there weight in gold and there always very humble never big headed great people HH
an extract follows from the huns face book page (sons of struth) titter titter
now if i could get hold a few thousand of these postcards i wonder what we could all write on them to explain to the sevconians…..
anyway the sevconians are revolting (as if you didn’t already know that)
Due to an unusually high amount of requests for protest or demos over they last few days it would appear that there is an appetite for fans to show their displeasure over recent board statements etc I feel we owe it to the support who have taken part in last seasons protests to try and arrange something if that is what a fair number wish
Marches require 28 days notice and static peaceful protests can be moved along after 30 minutes but something that may be able to be arranged for this Saturday would be a mass petition
An idea that has been muted would be for postcards to be pre printed and each fan can put there details on it and tick a box with which demands that would need to be met before they would renew or buy a new season ticket.
These can then be handed in to the ticket office. I’m sure that if enough fans took part it would be the biggest queue at the season ticket for a while and would be a very visual example to the board of the amount of sales they are rejecting with their actions
Demands on the postcard could be assurances on Ibrox, assurances on training ground, removal of board members or anything you wish to add
I would be interested to hear what sort of numbers would be interested and what demands would satisfy fans.
Please put your views below and ask on various forums for feedback.
I will review the post in 24 hours and then take the next step in organising if enough fans wish to take part.
GEORDIE MUNRO
Oooops,not got the Gregory’s on.
In that case,remove BOBO.
igc
14:02 on 20 May, 2014
Alan Thompson will be one surely ?
Greenpinata,
In the immortal words of Jim Bowan, “Are you asking me or telling me, smashin great super”
IGC -Tommy Burns?
TAMRABAM
I don’t think that idea should be muted.
Not at all.
Shout it from the rooftops,encourage it via every form of mainstream and social media possible.
Let them eat themselves,their poison will be the end of them.
IGC,
Put it another way, I would not put money on it.
HH.
Cheers Winning Captains, much appreciated
HH
left click
i remember watching that on TV all those years ago
lump in the throat and hairs on the back of yer neck moment
superb
DONTBRATTBACKINANGER
Aye,TB was sent off on occasion.
I remember one at Pittodrie on Gordon Strachan,no malice on it because he just couldnae tackle.
But….
OUCH!
Yaya Toure considering leaving Manchester City ‘because the club failed to wish him happy birthday’
Dissent in the ranks: Yaya Toure is reportedly considering leaving City despite winning the Premier League
Ivorian midfielder’s agent Dimitry Seluk says the player feels disrespected by the club, but Man City released video showing they did sing and give him a cake
Yaya Toure is considering leaving Manchester City because the club’s efforts to celebrate the player’s birthday were not up to scratch, says the Ivorian’s agent.
Toure turned 31 on May 13, two days after City regained the Premier League title with victory against West Ham United.
The club wrote a tweet to mark the occasion, which urged fans to wish the midfielder happy birthday. They also released a video showing club employees giving Toure a cake.
But Toure’s agent Dimitry Seluk says the player feels disrespected that no one personally shook his hand.
Speaking to the Sun, Seluk said: “Yaya is so upset he’s thinking of leaving City. There are a number of things that have happened that have left Yaya feeling bitterly upset. He must concentrate on the World Cup now. But City have treated him with disrespect and have really hurt him.”
He added: “They don’t know that money can’t buy relationships – no Sheikh can buy a relationship. This isn’t about money or a new contract – it’s about human relationships and City have shown they don’t respect him. I repeat, this is not about money. In fact, he would take less to return to Barcelona.
“What happened at his birthday meant the club don’t care about him. It was proof. They can say whatever they want, ‘Oh we like him but we forgot’.
“Forgot? About Yaya? The player who helped you to be two-times Premier League champions? The guy who helped you win the FA Cup and the League Cup?
“His birthday can be on a normal day and, in a normal team, his team-mates and club would at least give him good wishes.
“But when you win the title on May 11, a day later you go to Abu Dhabi and on May 13 you have a big party to celebrate the title and nobody comes to Yaya to say, ‘Happy birthday’, what more do you want?”
The day of Toure’s birthday, Manchester City posted footage online of the moment they gave the midfielder a cake and sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to him onboard the club’s plane.
Toure seemed less than impressed though and refused to even acknowledge the gesture, keeping his headphones on and staring straight ahead during the celebrations.
City also ensured they wished the Ivorian a happy birthday on Twitter:
However, Toure’s agent later told the BBC that City’s efforts were not up to scratch.
“None of them shook his hand on his birthday. It’s really sick you know,” said Seluk.
“He got a cake but when it was Roberto Carlos’s birthday, the president of Anzhi gave him a Bugatti.
“I don’t expect City to present Yaya with a Bugatti, we only asked that they shook his hand and said ‘we congratulate you’. It is the minimum they must do when it is his birthday and the squad is all together.
“It is an important human relationship to shake hands and say ‘happy birthday’ but nobody did it to Yaya. It shows they don’t care about him.
“I hear one newspaper has written that City congratulated him from Twitter but this is a joke. It is better they don’t put anything on Twitter if they are not saying anything to him.
“The club’s owners ate a 100kg cake after winning the Premier League this season but when they and the players were all together, none of them shook his hand on his birthday.”
He added: “If they don’t respect him, then easy – Yaya will leave. No problem.”
Toure was one of the club’s standout players this campaign and was named in the PFA Team of the Year after scoring 24 goals in all competitions.
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS ………Praying for our WEE HERO!
Individually and collectively we all can do more. We can ask more of ourselves and our politicians.
SFTB
Thanks for the review, which has only further whetted the delivery anticipation for my copy.
Sounded like you hated this chore of reading a book by one of your heroes :o)
Thanks to all involved.
HH
Well, gie that man a coconut.
****Today’s winner is the irresolute Greenpinata***
Awe_Naw_No_Annoni_Oan_Anaw_Noo,
Wonder when FF & D Van Dijk’s birthdays are?
HH.
I hear that Blue Pitch Holdings are a subsiduary of the Motherwell-based billion pound printing workshop, ‘Postcards-r-us’
Did ya ya want sheik mad out to jump out the cake and shake his hand while congratulating him ( very loudly as he had his headphones on ) before handing him the keys to one of his palaces