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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The goals I remember the most from Big Tam,apart from the finals,were the ones against Benfica,free kick,nearly uprooted the nets,and the one against,I think Zurich,where he seemed to hit the ball from just beside the dug outs.
The kick up the jacksy to the Racing Club player,and a great pic of him pulling some Monkey by the shoulders and tripping him when they invaded our lap of honour,will live in my memory.
RIP legend.
Rest in peace Tommy and may perpetual light shine on you, and thank you for all you did and were for the Celtic family.
And well done Paul, a very moving, heartfelt tribute.
Like so many, I am saddened deeply by TG’s passing. Overused these days I know , but he really was a legend, and so level headed, a real joy.
My abiding memory of Tommy was in the late 60’s after we had played Hibs in Edinburgh, my mate and I were invited to a party in the south of the city somewhere. Guess who arrived later on, yeah big Tommy G. He was brilliant and I recall him attempting to play a piano, not quite Liberace, but a great night. Even hardened Hibs fans were in awe of his down to earth attitude.
What a guy.
KINGLuBO
A sad day. May God rest Tommy Gemmel’s soul and may God be with his family and friends in their bereavement.
My first live standout memory of Tommy Gemmel was the sensational 3-0 game against Benfica at Celtic Park where Tommy scored an absolute screamer. As a wee boy attending his first European game I was utterly enthralled by the Lions amazing trouncing of Benfica and by Tommy’s goal in particular.
My second standout memory was actually getting to meet the great man and shake his hand. A group of my family went for a nice meal at Celtic Park and Tommy just happened to be sitting with his guests at another table. Shyly and a little nervously at the thought of interrupting him at his meal, and not knowing what to expect, I took one of my nephews over to politely ask if he could please sign both our Celtic tops. I needn’t have worried. Tommy couldn’t have been nicer and took a great interest in who we were and where we were from etc. and of course he didn’t just sign my top, but dedicated it as ‘Best wishes Jim, Tommy Gemmel’.
My prized and cherished possession to this day is this top which amazingly on the same day I also managed to get signed by none other than Henrik Larsson. So, I have a Celtic top which is signed by the only 2 Celtic Players to have scored 2 goals in European Finals! :-) Priceless.
Tommy Gemmel is and always will be remembered as a CELTIC LEGEND ON AND OFF THE PARK!
Yours in Celtic,
TB&F.
Devastating.
RIP Tommy
God rest big Tam. Always one of our hero’s
Philbhoy
I will never forget that roar. It was the roar to end all roars – a real ringing in the ears.
However, my memory is playing tricks on me as I see the goal is one where Bertie cut the ball back from the free kick.
All I remember is Big Tam running up and giving it such a mighty belt (remember this is the same heavy ball we have been talking about recently) that it set off like a torpedo.
Reading the Guardian tribute and the subsequent comments it is amazing to see the number of English people who either totally got Celtic in those days or who completely failed to see what Celtic were about at all.
Here is a twitter comment from Alastair Campbell — a Scot with a passion for Burnley FC.
——————————————————————————————————————————————————–
Alastair CampbellVerified account @campbellclaret 1m1 minute ago
Too many greats dying. Tommy Gemmill’s goal v Inter Milan made my tenth birthday one of the best ever RIP
So sad to hear of Tommy’s passing.
Paul67, that is a very moving and wonderful tribute.
I was lucky enough to meet the big man a couple of times, the last being outside the Parken Stadium in Dec 2006, after Copenhagen had played us off the park. But Tommy stood and had plenty photos taken with us and talked and joked with us for about 10 mins or so. An absolute Gent.
RIP Tommy Gemmell. Gone but NEVER forgotten.
HAIL! HAIL!
Token
CelticTV tribute to Tommy
https://www.celticfc.tv/tv/video/vod/4371
BRTH and WC……check out the tops from about 45 seconds in.
HH
Fitting tribute Paul67
RIP Tommy
RIP Tommy Gemmell
Childhood hero and superstar
Have been posting the various CQN Magazine articles for the past few hours on Tommy. It’s hasn’t been easy.
Tommy loved getting into CQN. He never quite grasped that he could come on anytime he like and his eyes lit up when he was given the chance.
The last day he was able to come on was one afternoon last year. It was 25th May.
We got to know Tommy over the past few years and he was the bravest man you could hope to meet. He was brighter, more alive, more vibrant when we talked about Celtic.
I’d given him some leading questions, to get him telling me stories I already knew. But it was something he revelled in.
Tommy was a gentleman. His manners were perfect. He never asked for anything. He was very grateful for help when it was given.
Tommy fought a great fight over the time myself, wife and boys knew him. He really did have the heart of a Lion.
The Tommy Gemmell CSC was in Inverness last night and got back around 1.30am, just as we lost Tommy.
He would have been pleased at that performance and that result. He’d have loved hearing that the Old Bhoys in the support prevailed over the young uns to get a song for Billy McNeill sung.
He nearly came on the bus with us last May for the game at St Johnstone, he was excited about that and all arrangements were put in place. At the last minute he had to pull out, he just wasn’t able after all.
I went in the next day to tell him about it – Tommy wasn’t happy with the players after that Scottish Cup semi final so wasn’t surprised that we got beat. He reckoned we had non triers that day and that made him mad.
Tommy Gemmell, Celtic legend, my friend, rest in peace.
Well played Paul. Well played.
And to Oldtim too.
RIP Tommy. Your playing days were before my time but I get goosebumps every time I watch footage of that blistering equalizer in Lisbon which finally broke Inter and paved the way to footballing immortality for you and those other Celtic heroes. God bless you.
Words of remembrance for Tommy Gemmell on an AC Milan related website.
” One of the Lisbon Lions who wrapped up the Inter of Herrera “.
I expect there will be comment in tomorrow’s Italian fitba papers . I will post anything I see
It’s a sad day, but it’s also Caesar”s birthday. Happy birthday Billy.
RIP Timmy
You were part of the foundations of the team which was the foundation of my young life.
The Benfica game is still fixed in my mind – a great European night with my uncle and his pals from Greenock CSC.
Thanks for the memories Tommy.
lymmbhoy on 2nd March 2017 12:32 pm
Funny you should mention shirts – already started looking at shirt designs for Lisbon.
On a separate note I am going to say something again but it needs saying.
In the last few years WC and his family were very VERY good to Tommy.
Earlier this morning, I sent a private message to WC just to say how sorry I was that Tommy had passed and that I was conscious that this would be a very sad time for Tommy and his family but also for WC and his family.
I added that WC should be very very proud of the time he had spent with and given to Tommy in his later years.
The reply I received said amongst other things that WC and his family had helped get Tommy to a better place and hopefully helped him enjoy his final years more than he might have otherwise.
I never cease to be amazed at the selfless quiet acts performed by Celtic minded men and women which are completed and undertaken without publicity or fanfare, and without seeking any kind of reward.
I am not a great one for getting my photograph taken with ex-players, trophies and all that jazz and so I don’t have a wall full of mementoes and things to show kids, visitors and fellow fans etc.
I much prefer being the man at the back of the church who is alone with his thoughts – I am not keen on fuss.
I much prefer my own memories and emotions when it comes to remembering things and people privately.
Whenever I think of Tommy Gemmell in the future, I will, of course, remember the swashbuckling fullback, the goal in Lisbon and various other things ……….. But I also know that any thoughts of him will include the memory and the knowledge that WC, his family and others, were very very good to a frail old man suffering ill health ……. and who just happened to be Tommy Gemmell.
My last post was typed and posted before I saw that of WC above.
What a sad, sad day.
Rest in peace, Tommy.
Heroes live forever.
You didn’t get snide playing against big Tommy.
Archie MacPherson… ‘Oh, dear. Oh, dear’
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lnja51VticQ
LMAO
RIP Tommy G.
So sad…one of the greatest Celts ever.
A man who didn’t support us growing up but became a greater fan and Celt than almost all of us.
What a player …undoubtedly one of the Celtic players who at his peak was maybe the best player in the world at his position. He had everything energy strength, pace and goal scoring. He would be worth a fortune in today’s game.
Unbelievably, 18 caps only. How is that possible?
RIP one of my all time heroes.
Condolences to his friends and family at this sad time.
Shocked to hear about the death of Tommy Gemmell. Tommy belonged to an elite band of footballers, a quite prolific goal-scoring full back. Tommy’s magnificent goal which cracked open the iron curtain Inter Milan defence and helped make sporting history is ingrained in the memory of every sports fan who was lucky to have lived through that period. Tommy, rest in peace.
Just such sad news.
As a wee boy, then later as a grown man playing as a left back in amateur football, Big Tam was real hero of mine.
The source of so many happy childhood memories …
R.I.P. Tommy
Devastated to hear this news. RIP Tommy Gemmell.
A big thank you to Winning Captains for his kindness to the Big Shot
A fitting tribute from Paul67 and a fine one from Phil here too
http://www.philmacgiollabhain.ie/giving-history-a-dunt/#more-8917
Hard to believe that our Gods on the pitch are mortals off it, after all. But mere mortals?
Never.
Thank you Mr Gemmell for making Celtic, Celtic.
Condolences to his loved ones
RIP Craigneuk’s finest.
Tommy Gemmell RIP
Very sad news today.
Some wonderful tributes on the blog including Paul67’s lead post.
TGSC,
Sailing On….
I had the privilege of sitting beside Tommy Gemmell a number of years ago at a dinner.
For one of the few times in my life I genuinely felt I was in the presence of greatness.
For about three hours he was incessantly interrupted for autographs and photographs, every one of which was provided with self deprecating humour and humility.
A true great and a true loss.
That night v Benfica, I was in the old enclosure, a great night. A great memory. RIP Tommy Gemmell , big shot, bigger heart, even bigger man.
Good afternoon CQN
On a very sad day, it has been a joy to come onto the blog and read the tributes and stories here.
God Bless Tommy Gemmell.
HH
CRC
Happy Birthday Cesar!
Hunderbirds are Gone on 2nd March 2017 10:37 am
Ditto; same age, same memories.
KTF
R.I.P. Tommy Gemmell
My hero
have never forgotten that goal, same as oldtim67 cant remember what i was in the fridge for.
was in a londo flat black and white tv i just just about hit the ceiling when the big mhan scored.
r.i.p. tommy
RIP Tommy, The Big Shot, a hero for the ages, hope to honour you in Lisbon in May.
God Bless
AR