The most striking element of the Lisbon Lions was their common cause, no one man above another, no one left to fight their own battles. Even now, when you see them together, this camaraderie is in evidence, but on their defining day, one stood out.
On 26th May 1967, the day after Celtic’s European Cup win against Inter Milan, the Italian press raved about Tommy Gemmell. They had never seen a player like him. This was the era before Man of the Match awards, but the Italians were clear, Tommy was the stand-out performer on the day.
Defenders of his physical stature were invariably centre halves, not full backs. Full backs were defenders, not auxiliary wingers, but this was Tommy. You will read about the ascent of overlapping full back affecting the game in subsequent years, they were following Tommy Gemmell.
He was fast, could climb, had levels of stamina to allow him to get up and down the wing all game, and he was hard. Rock hard. Originally a right back, he blossomed when moved to the left back position. This allowed him to cut inside onto his strongest foot, and shoot. And he could shoot like no one else.
He scored the 60th minute equaliser in Lisbon from the inside left position, which he had taken up against team orders. Only one full back was supposed to be up field at a time, so when right back Jim Craig looked up to play a pass, the only player he should not have been able to see was Tommy Gemmell.
What Tommy did that day was overload Inter all down their right hand side. He could do this but still had the speed and engine to get back into position. This gifted Celtic a spare man in attack which Inter was unable to combat throughout the game.
And as if that wasn’t enough, he scored in his next European Cup final, against Feyenoord in 1970. A full back, scoring in two European Cup finals. In his era, he was peerless, at home or in Europe. The Continent’s very best knew this. Later decades would see the tall, fast, full back, but how many were as physically intimidating? How many possessed a fearsome ability to score from outside the box?
I got to know the great man personally in recent years. I spent time with him, he got to know my kids and they got to know him. People will tell you that the Lisbon Lions are the most ordinary people you will ever meet when you get them one to one. It’s true. Tommy, like his former team-mates, would remember details about the boys and ask about them with sincere interest.
The news of his passing today comes years after we were first prepared for this moment. He was hospitalised after a fall and given little hope of returning to his sheltered accommodation in Dunblane, but his fortitude saw him through and he was back on his feet before anyone expected.
His Dunblane flat was modest, but there was a wall of photographs, memories of when Tommy was a sporting great on the world stage. The wall prompted stories, the away tie against Dukla, what a moment they celebrated, 11 Scots on a field in the Czech capital, the first British team to qualify for a European Cup final.
Eusebio was his physical match, so Tommy enjoyed their numerous encounters. Cruyff, not so much. The Ajax player was so fast, so strong, “You didn’t know whether to get close to him, leaving space for him to exploit, or stand back and let him collect the ball before turning on you”.
I listened to as many stories as Tommy would tell and couldn’t believe that someone from the Lanarkshire streets of Craigneuk, a few miles from where I lived, had gone toe-to-toe with the game’s timeless heroes.
When he returned to his Dunblane flat from hospital a few years ago, we heard he was listening to Celtic games on the radio as he didn’t have subscription TV. CQN’ers answered the call and WinningCaptains sorted this out for him. He was incredibly touched by this gesture and remained a great friend to the blog.
His later years in particular were lit by a close friendship to CQN correspondent Alex Gordon, who with his wife, Gerda, visited Tommy more than anyone. They were there for the great man when he needed them.
His health slowly deteriorated over the last month. I knew this day was coming but feel upset nonetheless. There is no measuring what the man we lost today contributed to what we are able to enjoy in the current Celtic team. Without Tommy and his pals, none of what we have would be here.
Rest in peace, Tommy.
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Cowiebhoy on 2nd March 2017 11:10 pm
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BMCUW
Thanks :)
That’s it Thanks BMCuWP
Did your sisters figure out the players sitting with Paul Hegarty at game on Sat ( 2 rows behind us)
Hail Hail
March 1st/2nd 1981
Sunday 1st
I am standing on the threshold of another trembling world. May God have mercy on my soul.
My heart is very sore because I know that I have broken my poor mother’s heart, and my home is struck with unbearable anxiety. But I have considered all the arguments and tried every means to avoid what has become the unavoidable: it has been forced upon me and my comrades by four-and-a-half years of stark inhumanity.
I am a political prisoner. I am a political prisoner because I am a casualty of a perennial war that is being fought between the oppressed Irish people and an alien, oppressive, unwanted regime that refuses to withdraw from our land.
I believe and stand by the God-given right of the Irish nation to sovereign independence, and the right of any Irishman or woman to assert this right in armed revolution. That is why I am incarcerated, naked and tortured.
Foremost in my tortured mind is the thought that there can never be peace in Ireland until the foreign, oppressive British presence is removed, leaving all the Irish people as a unit to control their own affairs and determine their own destinies as a sovereign people, free in mind and body, separate and distinct physically, culturally and economically.
I believe I am but another of those wretched Irishmen born of a risen generation with a deeply rooted and unquenchable desire for freedom. I am dying not just to attempt to end the barbarity of H-Block, or to gain the rightful recognition of a political prisoner, but primarily because what is lost in here is lost for the Republic and those wretched oppressed whom I am deeply proud to know as the ‘risen people’.
There is no sensation today, no novelty that October 27th brought. (The starting date of the original seven man hunger-strike) The usual Screws were not working. The slobbers and would-be despots no doubt will be back again tomorrow, bright and early.
I wrote some more notes to the girls in Armagh today. There is so much I would like to say about them, about their courage, determination and unquenchable spirit of resistance. They are to be what Countess Markievicz, Anne Devlin, Mary Ann McCracken, Marie MacSwiney, Betsy Gray, and those other Irish heroines are to us all. And, of course, I think of Ann Parker, Laura Crawford, Rosemary Bleakeley, and I’m ashamed to say I cannot remember all their sacred names.
Mass was solemn, the lads as ever brilliant. I ate the statutory weekly bit of fruit last night. As fate had it, it was an orange, and the final irony, it was bitter. The food is being left at the door. My portions, as expected, are quite larger than usual, or those which my cell-mate Malachy is getting.
Monday 2nd
Much to the distaste of the Screws we ended the no-wash protest this morning. We moved to ‘B’ wing, which was allegedly clean.
We have shown considerable tolerance today. Men are being searched coming back from the toilet. At one point men were waiting three hours to get out to the toilet, and only four or five got washed, which typifies the eagerness (sic) of the Screws to have us off the no-wash. There is a lot of petty vindictiveness from them.
I saw the doctor and I’m 64 kgs. I’ve no problems.
The priest, Fr John Murphy, was in tonight. We had a short talk. I heard that my mother spoke at a parade in Belfast yesterday and that Marcella cried. It gave me heart. I’m not worried about the numbers of the crowds. I was very annoyed last night when I heard Bishop Daly’s statement (issued on Sunday, condemning the hunger-strike). Again he is applying his double set of moral standards. He seems to forget that the people who murdered those innocent Irishmen on Derry’s Bloody Sunday are still as ever among us; and he knows perhaps better than anyone what has and is taking place in H-Block.
He understands why men are being tortured here — the reason for criminalisation. What makes it so disgusting, I believe, is that he agrees with that underlying reason. Only once has he spoken out, of the beatings and inhumanity that are commonplace in H-Block.
I once read an editorial, in late ’78, following the then Archbishop O Fiaich’s ‘sewer pipes of Calcutta’ statement. It said it was to the everlasting shame of the Irish people that the archbishop had to, and I paraphrase, stir the moral conscience of the people on the H-Block issue. A lot of time has passed since then, a lot of torture, in fact the following year was the worst we experienced.
Now I wonder who will stir the Cardinal’s moral conscience…
Bear witness to both right and wrong, stand up and speak out. But don’t we know that what has to be said is ‘political’, and it’s not that these people don’t want to become involved in politics, it’s simply that their politics are different, that is, British.
My dear friend Tomboy’s father died today. I was terribly annoyed, and it has upset me.
I received several notes from my family and friends. I have only read the one from my mother — it was what I needed. She has regained her fighting spirit — I am happy now.
My old friend Seanna (Walsh, a fellow blanket man) has also written.
I have an idea for a poem, perhaps tomorrow I will try to put it together.
Every time I feel down I think of Armagh, and James Connolly. They can never take those thoughts away from me.
Turkey
That comment to HT was below the belt.
You don’t know the man. Your comments are troll/hun like.
HT
I read the mans tales and poetry often. Thanks to ardmacha getting book for be me an BT being the postie.
Words that will resonate for a Millikan more years.
MWD
oh dear!
forgot to install my anti-keyboard hardman software.
Turkeybhoy, on this day of all days, please give it a rest.
Thanks in advance.
re: Tommy, was born in 67 but seem to remember him as one of my Panini Celtic players at primary school. Am i wrong?
Come on fellas.
On a day like today.
No squabbling.
How ironic that even I have to say this :)
SOAL
Love!
Nice tributes to Tommy in Irish media today. Tommy was a great player and like most of the Lisbon was humble and gave you his time freely.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all his family and friends and especially Bertie who was a great friend and help to Tommy. Well done to all who were supportive of Tommy during his illness especially on CQN. RIP.Cathach
Reading back. Winning captains. thank you on behalf of us all.
Much appreciated.
Mags thx for link earlier. Watched it right thru the next coupla videos with Roughie an Joe Miller. Very respectful of the big man.
ps. I always hated the guy in St Ninians Primary school who produced a completed Panini album after about a month every year. Bassa…
BMCUWP
Pleae make next Hootenany on a weekend I do not have my Bhoy.
MWD
DELANEYS DUNKY on 2ND MARCH 2017 11:13 PM
Celtic are attracting a lot of new young supporters from unlikely places in Scotland and beyond. Their grandchildren will be Celtic supporters!
==========================================================
Now THATS what we want to hear.
Which is why we should make every effort not to put them off.
AoW
My Tommy Gemmell bubblegum card was him in a Dundee shirt in ’73.
Thankfully my da took me to the last of the Lions game v Clyde. It is the only game I can remember Tommy in the Hoops. Born in ’65, too late to appreciate the Celtic genius my elders watched. Danny and Kenny in the Hoops was a greater Celtic memory for me as a wean.
TurkeyBhoy on 2nd March 11.21pm
What was that? You caught me in that rant.
I’m out of hospital 72 hours and I don’t need the hassle of another row with MargaretMcGill. Chill, friend. We’re all Celts.
6IAR! still six to go.
Mags
You are 100% right for once even in your touch of irony. :@-)))
BMCUWP
Every second weekend from this weekend I am available to attend. Just for your info. :@-)))
Should I bring the stuffing or the basting?
MWD
Simpson Craig Gemmell Murdoch McNeill Clark Johnstone Wallace Chalmers Auld Lennox
Where there is discord may we bring harmony
St Francis CSC
Today of all days let peace reign on here
From one of the cranky grumpy argumentative feckers
WHAT IS THE STARS on 2ND MARCH 2017 11:40 PM
Simpson Craig Gemmell Murdoch McNeill Clark Johnstone Wallace Chalmers Auld Lennox
Where there is discord may we bring harmony
St Francis CSC
==================================================
Now .
Who does that remind me of ?
I`ll see if I can youtube it.
:-)
sanctimonious
acting as if morally superior to others
prick
a goad of oxen
:@-)))
MWD
To be honest I have often been in TurkeyBhoys corner but am totally shocked at the last paragraph of his last post. If I am reading it correctly It is the most sinister thing I have ever read on CQN.
Macjay
Re St Francis
Yep I know a certain person used the phrase
However 2 and 2 is 4 no matter who says it
Anyway my antipodean laissez faire friend,lets leave the arguments for another day
Today/Tonight should be celebration
Fightin can wait
Any links to wee Bertie’s interview today, it would be most appreciated.
Macjay
The young ICT ballboys last night were delighted to wear the Celtic scarves and tammies that the friendly, travelling Celtic support gifted to the delighted Highland weans.
Come on over to our place.
Hey you, we’re having a party.
All colours and creeds are welcome to our Celtic Party
Hamilton Tim @ 11.13…I understood the humour in your post…shame turkeybhoy didn’t…
Saludos to you and the minx
Apologies to CQN for getting involved today of all days,
Back to relevant matters.
Hail! Hail! All real celts.
MWD
WHAT IS THE STARS on 2ND MARCH 2017 11:46 PM
My intention was jocularity.
`Avin a laugh with you.
Today , as you say , a day for respect to the memory.
It was a typical dreich October and we are playing top of the League Hibbees at the den of iniquity. The Davy Lamps on the cooshed and main stand provide scant lighting through the misty evening.
Joe McGoals put us in front early doors but the at then top scorer in the first division Neil Martin leveled thing up shortly after and the same player put the Easter Road side in front early on in the 2nd half.
Make no mistake this was a very proficient Hibs side with Pat Stanton and John McNamee being a rock at the back while Celtic supporter wee Pat Quinn (who I once saw getting on the train at brigton with a big smile on his face after one of our European exploits) was pulling the strings in midfield.
However, this Celtic side was relentless, so on and on we pounded them with Jinky and the Bear being exceptionally vigorous on either wing.
As the minutes ticked away it looked as if we would not be returning to hampden for a tie against the same side that won there the year before in a typical contentious game, i.e. honest mistake again.
Standing in the enclosure I watched as big Tam went on one more marauding run with his shot rebounding off the goalie and falling at the feet of the Buzz Bomb, 2-2 and with no further score we would live to fight another day.
Riding high on the charts was Fontella Bass with “Rescue Me”, while our own “Gemmell is a Bass” which often resounded in that despicable stadium rescued us.
2 weeks later we returned to the same venue emphatically dispatching the Hibbees 4-0 in a game marred only by big John McNamee almost decapitating the Bear.
In the aftermath of both games the 2 clubs who had protested about the unfairness of not being allowed to play at the national stadium while the tenants of Govan were always given this privilege, that plus the poor floodlights, not all gates open and the lack of programmes on sale ensued this custom would eventually change, but NOT yet.
Oh and we won fair and square in the final where big Tam body checked an invading hun at the end of the game.
Moving on almost 3 years and we are the reigning European Champions. We have already dropped 4 points in a season when we had battled (no pun intended) with Racing Club and went out again contentiously in Europe and yet we are neck and neck with the deid team at the top of the League when we dropped another point to them at home.
After the game Jock allegedly told them that if we want to retain our title we must win every League game the rest of the season, that we did and not only win but also with a barrel load of goals in most of the games. However, deidco like a durty nappy were still hanging on.
They did drop 2 points on the run in and also similarly went out both in Europe and the SC early doors with just the League to play for.
But the strain was starting to get tae them and they eventually withdrew from the Glasgow Cup citing too many fixtures ?????, ironically they then said that if both teams finish on the same points then instead of goal difference deciding the winner it should go tae a play off.
On the night of the Glasgow Cup Final where we gubbed the Bully Wee 8-0 we left hampden singing and dancing and not just as a result of such an emphatic victory but also deidco had dropped another point doon a Cappielow, this meant with our superior goal difference wins in our last 2 games would make it 3 in a row.
At a packed Parkheid 3 days later Morton ran out tae a standing ovation, within 15 minutes Wispy put us ahead but the tail of the bankers fought back and the aptly named mason equalised just on half time.
The 2nd half was an onslaught of bottle green jerseys toward the Celtic end and the players were not just camped in their opponents’ half but actually in their penalty box, but corner after corner no goal was forthcoming.
And then once again in the last seconds of the game big Danny Kaye went marauding once more down the left wing, over the ball went and somehow the Buzz Bomb managed tae prod it home. Parkheid erupted in pure joy and even the Big Mhan left the dugout joining the players in celebration.
To make a great day even better, the huns left Rugby Park convinced we had dropped a point puting the onus back on them. Both sets of fans were singing and dancing, the cadbury’s smash never sounded as good.
2 wee stories that came tae mind the day and the focal point was big Tam and his the game lasts 90 minutes attitude.
Macjay
Despite all our tete a tetes on here I regard you as one of the good guys
Jaysus ….did I really say that !!!
DELANEYS DUNKY on 2ND MARCH 2017 11:47 PM
How bloody marvellous.
Inverness not exactly know as a hotbed of Timmism.
Wish I`d seen it in the coverage.
DD- yep that would be right for the date. Am sure i saw his sticker with the Hoops. though. I would have been 4 or 5 so could be wrong.
MACJAY1 FOR NEIL LENNON on 2ND MARCH 2017 11:51 PM
https://twitter.com/Shaunn_88/status/837051831931002880
DD
The atmosphere last night was honestly one of the best I’ve experienced, what a laugh the Celtic supporters had. Even the local constabulary appreciated some of the humour. It was very saddening to see one poster try to drag us into a song debate after such a wonderful performance on/off the pitch.
I watched the game last night,didnt notice the ball boys scarves mind you, but Celtic were sublime
Some of the football against a defensive agricultural team ( is agricultural a football adjective ?,who cares you know what I mean) was fantastic.Dembele is gettin better and better,Sinclair what a talent,Armstrong,Tierney etc etc all brilliant,
The Manager and his assistant actually providing an assist for a goal
11 players,one brain,
A team that is increasingly looking like a credit to the memory of men like Tommy Gemmell
What is the Stars on 2nd March 2017 11:50 pm
WITS and macjay
love you guys!
THETIMREAPER on 2ND MARCH 2017 11:54 PM]
Thank you so much for that.
Absolutely love it.
Now it will wing its way all over Sydney , Adelaide , Hong Kong ,Vancouver . Even Glasgow.
From where it will grow wings of its own .
Lads,
Sydney F.C. have nicked so many of the G.B.chants.
COYBIB end to end.
B is blue :-)
Tontine Tim – fantastic post. You should get all these memories down in writing, as you have done here.
They should not be lost in time.
Maybe Winning Captains can organise something or we can just have a couple of pints and I’ll tape it.
MacJay
The ballboys were pleading the Celtic players for souvenirs at full time also.
Scotland is Green and White is our goal.
I think that might happen soon.
A fitba team of heroes in Scotland today is Celtic.
Stuart Armstrong remains my favourite player. Magic
Future Celtic and Scotland Capitano fae Inverness.