We have Tommy Gemmell on the blog from 13:00 this afternoon. He will introduce himself in the comments section and be available for a ‘chat’ and questions.
Pat Woods, one of Celtic’s finest historians, sent me this excerpt from his book, Celtic, Pride and Passion:
“Although there was no formal award at the time to mark his performance, Tommy Gemmell, memorably described by Geoffrey Green in The Times (London) as “A big blond cat set among the Italian pigeons ‘, was widely regarded as the man of the match of the 1967 European Cup Final.
The continental journalists were particularly effusive, amazed as they were by the stamina, energy, determination and shooting power he displayed as he continually surged forward into attack.
Jean Cornu of L’Equipe, the most prestigious sports paper of them all, described Tommy as ‘The executioner of Inter, the man who smashed their defensive screen’, while the correspondent of the Swiss newspaper Gazette de Lausanne singled him out as the symbol of his assertion that Celtic’s display had rehabilitated football’s image and its honour.
Noting the delight on Gemmell’s face after the final whistle as the full back, With Sandro Mazzola’s ‘swap’ shirt draped over his shoulders, celebrated on the pitch, the correspondent wrote: ‘His smile was the smile on the face of the whole of football, that of real attacking football in all that world, conquering passion and conviction which we have come to love so much’.”
Tommy was in every sense a modern footballer, capable of playing with either foot, he had the kind of engine players of the 60s just didn’t possess. This gave him range, which combined with speed and a legendary shooting ability made him one of the genuine world class footballers in Jock Stein’s armoury. At the very peak of European football, the only occasion when a collection of players from the one local area became champions of Europe, Tommy Gemmell made the stage his own.
Best wishes to Danny McGrain, another of Celtic’s legendary full backs, who is recovering from a minor heart attack. We don’t know how lucky we are to have Danny on the training ground and in the dressing room with the first team players.
Today, Tommy Gemmell releases his autobiography, ‘All the best’, a fresh work, written with his friend of 50 years, Alex Gordon, which examines his life and times, in particular during that unique period in the history of sport in this country, when Celtic cast an enormous shadow over European football. It is a fantastic read, full of inspirational recollections and anecdotes.
You can order a copy signed by the man himself below. Remember to tune in from 13:00 today with questions, comments and stories for Tommy – and if you ask him about his European Cup Final goal, remember to tell him if you’re referring to the Lisbon or Milan Final!
This is what blogs were made for. Fill your boots and wallow in some unabashed Celtic glory. The stage is yours once more, Tommy.
[calameo code=0003901717b11f6e50af4 lang=en page=40 hidelinks=1 width=100% height=500]Tommy Gemmell: All the Best:
972 Comments- Pages:
- «
- 1
- ...
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 14
- ...
- 26
- »
Many scenes in many films end up on the cutting room floor. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is no exception.
One of Walter’s daydreams (of him wearing a green and white hooped Jersey and scoring the equalising goal in the Big Cup final) was dismissed as too far fetched by the director . He told a distraught Danny Kaye
“Gee, Danny. I know it’s tough but you ain’t ever gonna pass for Tommy Gemmell.”
henry clarson
Bobby Lennox was so fast he was his own worst enemy!
Yes, I’ve seen that ‘goal’ since and I was amazed he was played onside by three Feyenoord players.
That would have put a different complexion on the outcome, I’m sure.
I wonder how many legitimate goals Wee Bobby scored that were ruled out just because of his incredible acceleration.
fieldofdrams
First and foremost, I played for Celtic and for the fans. Jock Stein was an important part, of course, but I would like to think i would have given my best no matter who was in the dug-out. But Jock’s influence was absolute.
Yes, I would imagine Henrik Larsson will be chuffed that he has scored as many goals as me in a European Final!
Tommy, Are you a Hun?
Bobby Russell
17:24 on 16 May, 2014
“Tommy, Are you a Hun?”
…you may need to explain 0;)
Thanks again, Tommy.
I wonder how many more European trophies we’d have won as well!
We’d also have been in the ECWC final at Hampden in 1966 if Bobby Lennox’s goal at Anfield hadn’t been wrongly chalked off.
frank ryan’s whiskey
A strong Rangers will always bring out the best in Celtic, but I don’t think we should necessarily look to Govan for a challenge.
As I’ve said before, Celtic would be a tremendous draw in England and I think it will happen one day.
cadizzy
17:25 on
16 May, 2014
Bobby Russell
17:24 on 16 May, 2014
“Tommy, Are you a Hun?”
…you may need to explain 0;)
======================================
Doc will do that, he had to explain me asking it to Big Yogi, just as Yogi was about to grab him by the jugular!
Right folks Tommy is knocking off at 5.30pm after a longer than expected stint on here.
Anyone wanting a personal message added to a signed copy please email your message to me and I’ll get the book to Tommy to sign tomorrow when in his neck of the woods. We’ll sort out payment in due course.
Email address is david@CQNMagazine.com
Tommy Gemmell
17:23 on
16 May, 2014
fieldofdrams
First and foremost, I played for Celtic and for the fans. Jock Stein was an important part, of course, but I would like to think i would have given my best no matter who was in the dug-out. But Jock’s influence was absolute.
Yes, I would imagine Henrik Larsson will be chuffed that he has scored as many goals as me in a European Final!
===============================================
Aye, Tommy, but it took you 2 games to do it. Henke did it in one!! :-)
hamiltontim
Footballers have to be extremely aware of being in the public eye. I definitely agree with that.
Look at the amount of players who have been caught on mobile phones and that underlines the fact they have to behave responsibly.
That’s a fact of life.
But a lot of them are young and you have to hope they grow up quickly and accept they are often the focus of attention.
sav001
I never played in Miami. This is something that someone posted a few years ago and it’s become a hard fact.
Not guilty, your honour!
Mr Gemmell,
Just a quick note to say thanks for being a true Celt and being part of the immortals……you made ma wee da very happy and he always lit up when talking about the Lions.
Happy memories for me.
Now a couple of points –
I see Hamiltontim has asked the #1 question that divides the blog – roasted or toasted….I respect you immensely but Mr Gemmell it’s surely roasted? :-)
Your shooting prowess was known the world over….if the fancy footballs the players use nowadays were around in your era do you think you could have broke the sound barrier when you blootered it? I reckon you could have…..
Hail Hail to a true legend.
Tommy Gemmell
thank you very much for today and for all the days that you brought joy to the Celtic support.
hail hail
Tommy – your wife and yourself were on a TV programme many years ago discussing cursing and swearing and general behaviour at games – do you think it’s changes any since then?
Winning captains
Gonnae ask him my question at 15.30 and post the answer later??
Thanks for the great entertainment, Tommy.
HH!
I ask TG if he`s a Hun, and almost immediately he calls it a day………hmmmmm
Well said, Cadizzy!
beatbhoy – he’s tired but says he’s coming back tomorrow to see what you let have been saying about him!
Strangely addictive this blog is!
Thanks Tommy, have a great time in the ole Lisbon next week but I doubt the game will throw up the same spectacle that the ’67 Lions game did. I just hope that it is not spoiled by the diving and histrionics that seems to be endemic in modern continental football.
Hail! Hail! PMTYH
Tommy
Many thanks for answering my question.
Will be buying your book and will enjoy reading it.
Best wishes for the future.
HH!!
Right, folks, time to go and get fed!
It’s been a fabulous experience and I’m happy to be here tomorrow to chat with the best supporters in the universe.
And please remember I will sign personal messages if you get in touch with Winning Captains. Email address is: david@CQNmagazine.com.
So, look forward to your company again tomorrow.
All the best!
Tommy
Tommy
Why are you beggaring off just as I log in … ;(((
Thanks Tommy – it has been a great pleasure having you on CQN – you are now a CQNer and can post anytime you like. And if you like the best black pudding in the world – from Stornoway – we have contacts!
Mr Gemmell
Thank you sir.
Hail Hail
Recent Dublin tram crash, look at the ad on the side of the bus :-)
http://i58.tinypic.com/34y19aa.jpg
http://i59.tinypic.com/nbck6e.jpg
Everyone knows it’s toasted cheese.
Some obtuse Tims just choose to pretend otherwise!
HH jamesgang
Tommy plans to log in tomorrow around 12 noon to finish answering the questions he never got round to today.
Mr Gemmell ,Winning captains & Paul67
Thank you for making today possible .
LeftClick and TG on the blog blog at the same time!
FamousTimsR’UsCSC
:-)
HH jamesgang
Tommy well done!!!!!!
iveconvesredwaealegendthedayCSC.
Tommy
Thanks for the non tip. Ill just have to stick a pin in the paper for 10m scoop six tomorrow. .hail hail. .
jamesgang
:))
Hugs to the Gang from ML5
Till later all
===============
Ohhhhh a tip for a horse allegedly, Loud 7pm at Hamilton.
The fhella that told me know less than me about horses and I know Hee Haw :))))
So you have been warned But I will splash oot £2:)))
HT
Hope yer feeling better and your good Lady finds a wee bit of sympathy.:))
Leftie
Peace n love and Timishness!
HH jamesgang
Phils been busy;
Phil MacGiollaBhain @Pmacgiollabhain · 5h
These contracts-because of the retainers-represent a bleeding wound in RIFC that cannot be stopped. #HemorrhagingMoney
Replied to 0 times
Phil MacGiollaBhain @Pmacgiollabhain · 5h
I am told that even an Administrator would struggle to find any legal means to break some of these contracts. #CleverBoyCharlie
Replied to 0 times
Phil MacGiollaBhain @Pmacgiollabhain · 6h
Oh…and the contracts are with the parent clumpany-RIFC. That is an important detail. Many of these contracts are virtually unbreakable…
Replied to 0 times
Phil MacGiollaBhain @Pmacgiollabhain · 6h
Finding out just how “onerous” these contracts are. Some of them are for as long as 20 years. The retainers are a nice little earner #RIFC
Tommy,
I’ve been playing catch up all day so never got a chance to ask…Tommy, during your glorious years playing in the hoops and watching proceeding teams, do you think a certain team that died got a lot off help from officials…from top to bottom?
I know that it is an awkward question and as I haven’t read all the pages it might have been addressed already, so if you could just put a smiley, I’ll know what you mean.
Hail Hail…you were my granda joe’s hero.
tommy gemmell
Many thanks for your replies on the blog today, excellent stuff big yin!
YNWA
For everyone who has emailed re ordering Tommy’s book and getting personal messages added – thanks and I’ll sort later. Off to pub now.
Anyone who wants to get a personal message added to the delivery to Dunblane tomorrow please email me this evening with your message – we can sort out payment in due course.
Email address is david@CQNMagazine.com