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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WITS
ok.
deal!
Hamilton Tim
Thank you for your post earlier around 9.45.
Celtic
HH
———————————
Thank you fpr posting the diaries of Bobby Sands.
I had reason to go back to Donegal.While there I found out my friend Paddy joe had a mild stroke.He is originally from Belfast and his sister was piper when Bobby was laid to rest.I hope and pray all turns out well and I see you over soon.
Thank you for being here today Celts.Tommy memories triggesr the same history of Quinn, Thompson, Delaney, McGrory which we inherit.
Its so valuable no money cant buy it
HH
One thing I noticed today is very sad and that is Tommy Gemmell’s latter day circumstances.
So far Ronnie, Bobby Murdoch, Tommy Gemmell and jinky are dead. How difficult would it be for Celtic PLC to go search out the remaining Lisbon Lions and do a Winning Captains on those legends that are left and make sure they are given the respect legends deserve.
Now I may be wrong and all are living comfortably like John Clark, King Billy and the rest. But My god can we find out?
Where are the Mods at 11.21pm
If ever there was a time for Policing!
..
LymmBhoy..
My thoughts are with You and the Family at this time..
KTF
01
COSY CORNER BHOY on 2ND MARCH 2017 8:03 PM
RIP Tommy Gemmell.Have to agree with Tontime Tim on TG being best left back that anyone who is old enough to have seen him would concur . TT and I saw a lot of backs before TG’s arrival so we know what we are talking about :) :).
================================================================
Sean Fallon was no mug.
:-)
Big Tam
http://www.bbc.com/sport/scotland/39146073
A busy man , thon Pedro.
=================================================
Pedro Caixinha wants to be in charge of Rangers for next week’s derby clash with Celtic.
Record Sport understands the Portuguese coach hopes to have the terms of his move from Qatar thrashed out over the weekend, leaving him free to fly to Glasgow as soon as Monday to get to work at the club’s Auchenhowie training complex.
Caixinha was still in position at Al-Gharafa last night – and going down to a 3-2 injury time defeat to rivals Al-Sailiya.
http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/other-soccer/strachan-leads-tributes-for-legendary-lisbon-lion-gemmell-35498296.html
Love wee Gordon.
Jason who ?
Mmmmm Cundy.
http://www.footballinsider247.com/jason-cundy-makes-big-claim-celtic-fans-wont-happy/
I did not expect to have to delete anything on this thread…turkeybhoy various posts deleted. Hamiltontim and Moonbeams couple of posts deleted for reposting Turkeybhoy’s posts in your replies.
Good miorning friends and a Big Happy Friday from a dry, predominantly clear skied, calm and frosty East Kilbride.
Good morning CQN from a dull, dreich and very wet East Devon. Wee Hamish didnae want to venture out to do his business.
Macjay
Thanks ( I think ! ) for that ` article`. I don`t know much about Footballinsider but he/they included links to Celtic`s worst three players V ICT and one on Svietchenco being the first to leave the training sessions !
Did he write the one TD67 posted yesterday `proving ` that Moussa is way behind some stellar striker from Elgin ? !!
Off to the golf,
Cheerio for now.
JJ
Jason Cundy? A**ehole.
Anybody remember Big Tam scoring with a diving header. It was at the Celtic end and think it might have been against the Huns.
Jason Cundy
Had to wiki him. Such an illustrious football career.
MWD
anybody see no pistols pete on yesterday. “i was up the rangers end that night”
THEY ARE DEAD PETER .no more rangers.
HOT SMOKED on 3RD MARCH 2017 6:59 AM
Et al.
I enjoy sharing some of the nonsense written about Celtic.
Gives me , and hopefully you all , a laugh.
From an Inter site –
” Today is a truly sad day for Scottish and European football . Tommy Gemmell has died -a great wide defender for Celtic.. A legend who gave the world unforgettable memories even for those who view the world with Nerazzuri eyes…
Italian football papers have marked Tommy’s death with respect and praise .
It is very sad to hear of the passing of my close friend TG.
I was fortunate enough to speak to him two weeks ago whilst in the UK and to spend a little time with him.
He will be sadly missed not only by myself and family as we have many many fond memories of our friendship with Tommy and his family.
It has not been a great month for the Lisbon Lions with the news of health problems with some of the Lion’s family.
Sincere condolences to Mary and Tommy’s from myself, Olive and all our family here in Australia.
I know that Tommy will be remembered by Celtic Football Club and the supporters as he played a huge part in the success of the Club.
His many goals in important matches are well recorded and are up there with the great achievements of Celtic Football Club.
I will miss the “Big Man”, may he rest in peace.
Willie Wallace
These will be difficult times for all you Lions. Thoughts and prayers with you all.
MWD
Wispy
On the bus to my work, wiping a tear from my eye.
Your post is moving and heartfelt.
These Lions that you were part of have given so much joy to so many.
Thank u and God bless u all
I just wanted to leave Willie’s post there for a few minutes ….☘️
Macjay
Take of settings and post the article written.we here cant do it but you ‘foreigners’:-) can .it saves clickin their sites.
Herald today and rekkord have pull outs of our hero
HH
” I can still see his goal in 67.. It was the end of Grande Inter and that ####### Herrera. .We were well beaten , the better team won .. .What followed was worse — losing to Mantova and handing the title to the Gobbi “.
The Inter supporting old codger from down the valley — talking re the news of Tommy Gemmell’s death .
HH Willie Wallace
How impressive for WW to come on and leave a remarkable post for Tommy.
Respect and thanks Willie.
Hail Hail
Brendan talking on Talk Sport now.
HH
One thing about the English sports media,it has to be said – they are always quick to acknowledge,and to recognise the greatness of the Lisbon Lions.
Fair play to them on that score anyway.
HH.
I couldn’t get on yesterday and just wanted to add my condolences to the family and friends of the great Tommy Gemmell. A sad day and heart breaking to lose one of favourite sons.
Tommy rest in peace. A lion and a legend.
Off to meet the exiled tim for a Spanish sclaffbaw event. Looking forward to catching up with my caveman pal.
HH
AN TEARMANN on 3RD MARCH 2017 8:17 AM
I`ve tried that , mate.
Didn`t work.
I thought it was only the Record which was beyond the pale.
Just watching a repeat of the game at Inverness.
The lads seem to be unaware of the second verse to ” Only one King Billy ”
” Singin` I`m no a Billy I`m a Tim
Repeat
I`m no a Billy ,I`m no so “flaming” silly.
I`m no a Billy I`m a Tim. ”
There were multiple other verses but at the very least a second one.
Tommy Gemmell
Headed goal v Rangers
The Celtic Football Companion
Wed 20th Aug 1969
League Cup Section Game 5
Celtic 1
Tommy Gemmell 67min
Rangers 0
Celtic
Fallon,
Craig,Gemmell,
Murdoch,McNeill,Clark,
Johnstone,Hood,Wallace,
Lennox(Brogan),
Hughes.
Rangers
Neef,
Johansen,Provan,
Greig,McKinnon,Smith,
Henderson(Penman),
Jardine,Stein,Johnston,Persson.
Match Report
A blunder by goalkeeper Neef cost Rangers
this League Cup Sectional tie.
He failed to hold the ball after Murdoch
had taken a free kick from the angle
of the penalty area
and Gemmell bobbed up to head into the net .
It was a hard game in which the tackling
by several players on both sides
was less than scrupulous
but it was great entertainment for the
70,000 crowd.
Rangers lodged a protest about the
standard of the refereeing in this match
(name of referee not give in this report )
– they claimed that Celtic’s John Hughes
should have been ordered off
for downing Willie Johnston
in an off-the-ball incident.
Loves, Celtic, Glasgow, Scotland, Brendan, and the Celtic support, some of the abuse this man got wearing a Celtic jersey , even my friends used to give him it too,IMO. was way over the top, I always stood by him because he never hide and was there when called upon, and is a decent human being, but wasent allowed to make mistakes, go figure eh? Good luck big man I wish you and your family nothing but the very best, Hail, Hail.
http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/sport/15131182.The_big_interview__Efe_Ambrose_opens_up_on_being_booed_by_Celtic_fans__the_genius_of_Brendan_Rodgers_and_wanting_to_be_Scottish/
Franmarker 09:11 – are you sure about that line-up? It looks like Bobby Murdoch was on his own in midfield – though, thinking about it, he probably could run it on his own.
RIP Tommy.
Frankmarker
Many thanks for that.
Wispy, great post
16 ROADS – CELTIC ÜBER ALLES… on 3RD MARCH 2017 8:45 AM
Celtic get far more favourable coverage in the English/UK media than the Scottish media.
No idea why.