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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Starry, Celtic is your birthright, regardless of Courts, SFA, EUEFA, Celtic Board or Huns, why would you ever consider walking away from Celtic.
On the same theme it’s great to see so many old posters back today, I know how frustrating this place can be and I’ve taken long sabbaticals myself but I do hope that ghuys tempted out of retirement today will stick around.
I hope Iki’s suggestion is acted upon and there is a 63 minute & 67th minute show of solidarity & support for Tommy. Billy & The Lions next Sunday.
Starry and TD I agree.
How far does the complicity go?
PHILBHOY on 2ND MARCH 2017 11:59 AM
BRTH I was at that game too, although I am a wee bit older than you!
I have a very vivid memory of the roof over the Celtic end positively bouncing with the roar that followed Big Tommy’s goal.
*I was in the Celtic end that night and thought the old stand was going tae fall down with all the dancing going on.
It was only my second visit to Parkheid after returning fae the colonies with a pregnant wife and almost 2 year old so money had been a bit of a premium as I searched for a house. I had been tae hampden for the LC semis and final but a loss against the jambos 4 days before was my first visit back.
That jambo game was Tam’s first in the side after he had been left out for dispatching his toe up Helmut Haller’s chorus and verse, he truly returned in style a couple of days later and wasn’t left out again that season which culminated in his goal in Milan but his relationship with Jock was now strained.
I flew intae Prestwick on a Monday morning, we had also lost tae a very good hibbee side on the Saturday, and took the shuttle intae Queen Street where I got the Balloch train doon the road. At Yoker Station the good looking weans fae the people’s republic of Whitecrook got on heading for St Pats and Notre Dame, all the wee bhoys were laughing about big Tam getting his erse felt by Peter Marinello on the Saturday, laughing jestingly, not mocking him.
Couple of wee anecdotes about Tam here that may have not been mentioned, sorry for being a wee bit pedantic Paul but Tam was signed as a centre half and played there for the Combined Reserve side.
When Bob Kelly, at a board meeting, in the aftermath of a severe hiding in the SC Final replay was accused of trying tae play a Catholic only side his response was along the lines of the Glasgow Catholic Schools had produced a good amount of high quality of players which we had signed but we had several young players on our books not of that persuasion that we had faith in, and one of those was Tommy Gemmell.
He often played right back both in our team and the national one, in the former tae replace Jim Craig who was a poor starter to the season with Willie O’Neil taking over the left back berth and also tae accommodate Eddie McCreadie, a bit like Danny with the puppet on a string.
As a result of a mauling in Paddy Crerand’s final game he was brought intae the side for the next game retained his place for the cup tie at the end of the month and that was that. This was the year of the big freeze so that may have curtailed his progress
In a 0-0 tie against Barca in an old Fair Cities Cup tie one frigid December night he witnessed an astonishing attacking full back display from a Uruguayan player, which had the jungle enthralled and cheering, and decided tae try tae emulate him. And not only did he do that he surpassed the player who sadly would lose his life to food poising just over 3 years later.
He was our captain replacing an injured Billy that fateful day of the ibrox disaster.
He was so” loved” by the huns, and his wee paper boy in Kirki, that they chanted his name with vigour, even during international games, questioning his parents marital status. Like a lot of Celts not of “Celtic persuasion” he soon grew intae the role and looked as if he was born to play with us.
I met Tam on more than a few occasions over here and like wee ten thirty was never in awe as they were just one of us, loved his port and brandy BTW.
Tommy Gemmell we’ll NEVER see your likes again. Best left back in our non corrupt and honest history and I don’t say that lightly either.
TD67 There was an equally ridiculous but funny piece in it yesterday trying to somehow make out, (on league form alone) Dembele is not the most lethal striker in the country. Straws an clutching came to mind.
The Telly above the Jock Stein stand was broke at the weekend there? Doubt if it would make a difference though, they be some SFA/SPFL law saying you can’t do it probably?
VMHAN – YNWA WEE OSCAR on 2ND MARCH 2017 3:55 PM
HOMTHETHIM FOR OSCAR OK on 2ND MARCH 2017 3:17 PM
Think you may be talking of Tommy’s free kick against Benfica in the quarters en route to the final V Feyenoord.
*****
Jeezo, You’re right.
I was at both games and always had it my mind that TG scored that night.
Perhaps a more potent reminder of the night was that when I went back to my car, the rear window was smashed and my working bunnet stolen.
No CD players in those days.
Another pleasant aftermath was that a spent the next two weeks off work with gastro-enteritis!
No wonder I got confused re the scorers.
THE JOHNATRON on 2ND MARCH 2017 3:53 PM
IKI
Fantastic idea. Can I suggest we aim a bit higher and get Celtic to play a clip of the big mans goal on the screens at the 63rd minute, which would guarantee everyone is cheering and celebrating for Tommy at the same time?
======
I did think of that but I thought that there would be something in the rules to prevent it.
Maybe someone on here knows.
BARNEY
Did it say who was better than Dembele on league form alone?
It’s almost a certainty there will be something in the rules, but Celtic should just do it, and go for the not proven judgment, works for others right?
TD67 Try not to laugh. Shane Sutherland Elgin City. Jason Cummings Hibs . Lol
Fine words, Paul.
Rest in peace, Tam.
Thanks for all the wonderful and truly historic memories you have given to the supporters past, present and the countless generations of Celtic fans still to come.
Your immortality is assured, Lionheart. x
It was a privilege, even as a child, to enjoy Tommy Gemmell playing for Celtic. One of that rare type who’s influence over a football pitch extended well beyond the immediate vicinity of wherever he happened to be positioned. He will remain, in my memory, as Celtic’s Laughing Cavalier.
May the grace and peace of God stay with his soul, family and friends.
TommyGemmellaforeverhero. RIP
thomthetim
Hope TBB has an alibi for that night!
TD
Rat Mccann said he Dembele is not as good as Henrik, citing that Rangers were stronger, nothing about Henrik’s success with us Barca and Man U. He just has to plug the dead club at any opportunity.
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/celtic-star-moussa-dembele-worth-9935525
CORKCELT
I don’t know if I can Corky, I talk a great game but even already with their “new club”we have the same stink of corruption and cheating. The Kieran thing being the latest.
I watched the games we have played against them so far and thoroughly enjoyed trouncing them. I have no “Hun mates” left one by one they’ve all gone off radar because they know their club is a sham and I have ruthlessly terrorised them online for the last five years:))
But this month will see the culmination of those five years of waiting and I hope it goes the way of justice.
I’m no one for borrowing trouble from the future, whit if blah blah blah so I’m nabbing it till the final votes are in as they say.
And as you say walking away from a lifetime of Celtic, it’s easy when ye say it fast doing it will be a whole other ballgame!
Hail Hail Fae the Very Green Valley
Rest in Peace Tommy
Moussa scores a goal every 97 mins in the SPFL.
Well said our CEO Peter Lawwell, class, class, class, the Celtic way.
http://videocelts.com/2017/03/blogs/latest-news/peter-lawwells-tribute-to-tommy-gemmell/
Rest in Peace Tommy , thanks for the memories
Thanks to all for the great contributions today.
I am sure the CQN demographics are a little older than most sites, so it has been especially important to hear from those who lived through Tommy’s era. Younger generations learn about past players by listening to and reading stories like those shared today. We have a new and powerful medium now, but our tradition is as old as the game itself.
Hi Paul 67
A real sad week for the Lions and for all the Celtic family
I was lucky enough to see Tommy in his prime, he was assured, cocky, always played with a smile, he was the first player I ever saw, put swerve on the ball, right down the line and inside for Bertie or Bobby to run on to. Oh and he had some power in those feet, as quite a few opposing players found out to their cost., and many a goalkeeper.
Rest in peace big man, you gave many of us great pleasure and lasting memories.
I’m going to save this one for tomorrow’s article but here’s a line from Tommy:
The first time I met the man was at Celtic Park in the 90s. I commented that some recent goal was “a great goal”.
With as much feeling and depth as four words can express, Tommy replied, “They’re all great goals”.
He elaborated, but there was really no need. It was a magnificent comment on what it means to put the ball in the net, anywhere, anytime.
CELTIC MAC on 2ND MARCH 2017 4:13 PM
thomthetim
Hope TBB has an alibi for that night!
******
Mmm.
Perhaps that was the night that TBB legend was born.
A PS to my gastric discomfort story became a salutary lesson for me.
The previous weekend. I sneaked in a visit to Donegal, but to cover me for the Monday, I asked a friend to phone in to work for me, citing an upset stomach.
Two weeks of misery, starting on the day of the Fiorentina game, was payback for my deceipt.
I’ll never know how I managed to endure two hours standing in the Jungle in such a delicate state.
I suppose it demonstrates the calibre of men who endure the comfort of that revered place!
StillGameQuickNews ;-)
Very true Paul well said.
I read that article in the a… wipe about Dembele not being the best striker in the SPFL , I think he comes according to them 5th? Obviously the is no name to who wrote the article, but ffs my jaw hasent came up yet , astonished to say the least.
DESSYBHOY on 2ND MARCH 2017 4:13 PM
TD
Rat Mccann said he Dembele is not as good as Henrik, citing that Rangers were stronger, nothing about Henrik’s success with us Barca and Man U. He just has to plug the dead club at any opportunity.
I wouldent expect any less from the soup taking Uncle Tom.
Dembele is young and has a way to go. Henrik became the finished article under Martin. It’s impossible to compare players from different times and the young man may yet become a better striker than the King of Kings but for me Henrik was the best striker bar none I have seen wearing the hoops.
Tommy Gemmell, a man who lived.
Only time will reveal the gift that he, and his team mates left behind in our keeping.
Paul67,
You are right. We all learned of bygone heroes from our parents, etc.and those stories were the foundation of our own love affair with the club.
For those of us who witnessed those great times, we are experiencing particularly poignant memories this week.
The bulk of the Lions squad are or would have been around the 73 mark.
I reach that on this day week.
When you are contemporary with the team on the park, one thinks, “that could be me”.
I certainly did, if only I could actually play the game well enough ; but we all dreamt.
I am so glad that Jock told his boys to go out and make their own legends.
I hope today’s young supporters have the fortune to witness their own.
RIP Tommy, A lovely man, met in Vegas a couple times. pure gentleman. God rest his soul, and bless his family at this sad time.
TD & Starry
From that Dembele`s not the best article:
“We’ve crunched the stats from league encounters only this season to discover not only the SPFL’s leading goalscorer but also the league’s most prolific goals-per-minute hitman, the sharpest shot and the most prolific dig at goal.”
OR
” We so hate Celtic having such a talent we have searched for ANY stats that we hope will undermine perception of his success.”
JJ
I highly recommend to anyone on kodi the DC sports add on. Has a full section all about Celtic. Highlights and full replays of games, songs, famous Celtic supporters, Documentaries, classic goals, the lot. If yer feeling a bit nostalgic tonight.
Just checking in ….
Sad news re: TG. I had an autographed photo of him from when I was young. I cant say that I knew him (apparently, I met him along time ago, , but I was too young at the time to recall), but the comments on here speak volumes about the sort of gentleman that he was. May he rest in peace..
Starry …. those were clearly not easy posts for you to write. I know. For the very reasons you expressed, I said that, if the club didn’t say something before the season started, I would not pay anything more into the club, and so am not watching the games at the moment. But, I continue to follow them… mostly through on CQN.
Like you, I am hopeful that something tangible will be done after the BTC, in which case I will be able to watch the bhoys again.
But, for now, I mostly follow the bhoys through CQN … Partly because I keep my toe in, in the hope that there will be a change, and also because of the excellent company on CQN …. which is reinforced when I read about some of things people (like WC) have done for TG …. there are some really tremendous people on here, and in the Celtic support generally..
And BR has put together a team that is worthy of the tremendous support they get..
I hope that, when Res. 12 stuff is done, these posters and supporters end up with a club that is similarly worthy of these great supporters, and the good work they do.
Mike Ashley is getting into knickers, good for him.
http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/15129734.Rangers_director_Mike_Ashley_poised_to_slip_into_lingerie_market/
HOT SMOKED
I don’t know how you guys get any sleep over there with the constant sound of barrels being scraped.))
Ole Moussa he’s no Joe Garner eh:)))
HOT SMOKED
That’s basically what they are saying if I’m , and they are being honest.
BARNEY
A got that DC Sports, it’s the dogs b….. brilliant it is.