LISBON LION Tommy Gemmell will be celebrated when a statue of the Celtic legend is unveiled in his hometown of Craigneuk at 2pm on Saturday.
The club icon was the scorer of the crucial and utterly unforgettable equalising goal as Jock Stein’s side became the first British club to conquer Europe when they overcame mighty Inter Milan 2-1 in the glorious sunshine on the evening of May 25 1967 in the Portuguese capital.
CQN are marking the well-deserved honour to a genuine Celtic great with an EXCLUSIVE series in the countdown to the big day.
TOMMY GEMMELL signed for Celtic on October 25 1961 and made his debut as an unknown left-back in a First Division game against Aberdeen at Pittodrie on January 5 1963.
His first appearance kicked off a rollercoaster career that catapulted the extraordinarily-gifted 19-year-old to legendary status at the Parkhead club.
Gemmell was promoted to the top side following a 4-0 defeat from Rangers at Ibrox.
He played his part in an immediate turnaround in fortunes as Jimmy McGrory’s side recovered from their hammering in Govan to overwhelm the Dons 5-1 on their own territory with powerhouse frontman John ‘Yogi’ Hughes firing in a hat-trick.
CHEERS…Tommy Gemmell takes a swig from the 1967 Scottish Cup.
It was the start of something good for Big TG and his team-mates.
Celtic book author Alex Gordon, a lifelong friend of the iconic Celt and who co-authored Tommy’s 2014 autobiography, ‘All The Best’, looks back at the early stages of a remarkable career of a completely one-off character.
Here is an edited chapter in Tommy’s own words.
Please enjoy.
WEE Jimmy Johnstone often told me that I had been decorated more often than the Queen’s living room. I never thought to ask Jinky exactly how he knew of the specific arrangements for the makeovers at Buck House, but I got the drift.
What the Wee Man didn’t know was that there was one honour I should have won on a weekly basis – the Best Actor’s award.
No doubt my former team-mates and fans alike will be surprised by this revelation, but it’s time to come clean. I was never quite as laidback as everyone thought I was. It was all an act. I wasn’t a bag of nerves before every game, but I can tell you the butterflies were there.
I was as much subject to normal human frailties as the next man. I just did my best to disguise it while sauntering around the dressing room looking as though I didn’t have a care in the world. But, deep inside, I felt the tension. The trick was not to show it.
And once you have done it a couple of times as a cocky youngster coming into the first team to mix with the big boys, then you are stuck with it for the rest of your life. It becomes unshakeable and forms your personality.
THE BIG SHOT…Tommy Gemmell takes to the air as he demonstrates the awesome power in his fearsome right boot.
Looking back, I realise I had more front than Brighton Pier. I was never really concerned about the image. That was never a priority from someone from a housing scheme in Craigneuk, Lanarkshire. But I realised I had lumbered myself with a part to play.
I read in the newspapers that I was flamboyant, cavalier, buccaneering, flashy, swashbuckling, exciting and dashing. I don’t think any other Celtic full-back in the history of the club had ever been described in such graphic, praiseworthy terms. Again, that is not being big-headed.
In the earlier days, they were defenders first and foremost. They were never encouraged to cross the halfway line. That was a massive no-no. However, that had always been my natural instinct, to get into enemy territory and do as much damage as possible.
I knew I had a good shot in either foot, with my right being the stronger, and, with Jock Stein around, you were given every opportunity to get forward and attempt to create havoc.
WALLOP…Tommy Gemmell’s most famous goal as he thunders in the equaliser in the European Cup Final win over Inter Milan on May 25 1967 in Lisbon.
I scored my first league goal for the club on October 28 1964, but I didn’t do too much celebrating as we had just been humped 5-2 by Kilmarnock at Rugby Park. At least, I had put down my marker. It was quite awhile afterwards that Big Jock handed me the penalty-taking duties.
Before me, the players on the spot were Dunky MacKay, Bobby Murdoch, Bertie Auld, Ian Young, Charlie Gallagher, Joe McBride and John Hughes.
So, I had to wait my turn before I was given the nod when we were awarded one in our European Cup first round second leg tie against Zurich in Switzerland on October 5 1966 en route to conquering Europe. I had scored in the first game in Glasgow, a 2-0 win, and I had netted again in Zurich.
We were 2-0 up in that game – Stevie Chalmers got the other – and I was given the ball to complete a hat-trick over the two legs. I clubbed it into the net and that was me the No.1 choice.
I have to say I was never nervous before I took a penalty. Normally the adrenalin would be pumping because you don’t often get a spot-kick in the first five minutes or so unless, of course, it is an absolute stonewaller. So, I was mainly into my stride by the time we ever received an award.
I felt sorry for the goalkeeper before I took a penalty. He had no idea where I was going to place it for one very good reason – I hadn’t a clue myself.
THUMP…Tommy Gemmell thunders in an unstoppable penalty-kick against Rangers keeper Erik Sorensen at Ibrox.
My secret of a good penalty-kick was simple; hammer it as hard as you can, get it on target and see what happens after that. I had a fairly good record, even if I do say so myself. I think I missed three out of thirty-seven attempts and I believe I hit the keeper on two of those occasions. They weren’t quick enough to get out of the way!
Being a Celtic player was simply wonderful. The public might never have believed it, but Celtic and Rangers players actually got on quite well with each other.
Wee Willie Henderson was a particular friend of mine.
Although you would never have known it as went at hammer and tongs in an Old Firm encounter!
TOMORROW: DON’T MISS CELEBRATING TOMMY GEMMELL: DAY TWO
LOOKING FOR A PERFECT GIFT FOR ST.PATRICK’S DAY? Celtic Confidential is the stunning new book that brings the exclusive inside stories behind the headlines. Alex Gordon’s sixteenth Celtic book is available NOW. Order a copy and get £5 OFF the cover price of £25. All is revealed in a sensational new publication. Just click SHOP HERE and your book will be on its way. Happy St Patrick’s Day!
