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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Hate is horrible.
You, By the Grace of God, yer still here. Thank the Lord so much for that.
Me, I’d share the Billions in Scotland as well…….Theresa May is wanting to unify because Manufacturing is Always the Ki.
That EU thing was hurtful, IMO – And I know Nothing.
Get a British League going.
The SNP are not a nice Unit, their Dictatorship is Sneaky.
They are useless really.
The Club should ask the SPFL for permission for the whole team to wear No 3 on Sunday.
RIP Tommy
Love you big man
As good as any you will ever see.
Legend.
HH
never seen this one before, now is it peter o’toole ?
its a belter, you wouldnt mess with him.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BZD8dQHCAAALFD_.jpg
Petec
Just enjoy Celtic tonight. A legend and a man amongst men has passed.
Who cares about politics today.
Read and enjoy all the tales & vids.
I wasn’t lucky enough to see the lions as not even a tadpole was I. But I was there. I’ve seen it and been told about it so many times it’s etched in my memory like a memory if mine.
Hail! Hail! buddy
MWD
http://www.midlandsmemorabilia.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/tommy_gemmell_celtic_signed_photo.jpg
At Stivs
Big Tam as worzil gummage :@-)))
MWD
MoonbeamsWD,
Funny you say that.
My Auld Dad, he is being bussed around up North, Bird Watching right there right now.
I Don’t think he will know that one of his GREATEST heroes has passed away.
He phones Mumski every night. I did say to Gertrude to say to Arthur, that Tam had passed away. Mum forgets so much now in the Instant moment, she still has a cracking memory Howevaaah.
RIP Tommy Gemmell.
Thank you for being a true hero and providing so many fantastic memories for me.
One of my earliest was when you played for Scotland and kicked the big German sky high and got sent off.
Next day our school had a pitched battle with the nearby proddie school.
The morning after our headmaster lined the entire school in the playground and tore into us for about a half hour all the while blaming Tommy Gemmell for setting a bad example.
All the time i kept i kept wishing i had shown the same ability as Tommy and launched a hun skywards with a kick.
take 10 minutes, great read.
http://www.thecelticwiki.com/page/Gemmell,+Tommy
Being too young for the time of the Lions, I’m always amazed and delighted by the stories that supporters posting here bring to enrich the our history of such a unique and exciting era.
I’ve always thought that many of these tales, anecdotes and memories ought to be recorded that they may be passed on to those who would equally appreciate them as much as I.
Perhaps a book idea for the CQN high heids?
Petec
You should see my short term memory! And I’m only 22 ;@-)))
Take care of your Mum and keep her memories strong. Yet Dad will have heard about his hero. No doubt about that.
MWD
My friends in Celtic,
Through CQN I felt I knew Tommy.
RIP.
Saint Stivs
Good read that.
Tommy….Best Left-back in the WORLD:)
What a man.
HH
At Stivs
I’m sure Celticwiki won’t mind
=======
Tommy Gemmell is a Celtic great and a member of the Lisbon Lions, immortalised by scoring the equalising goal in the ultimate final as Celtic lifted the European Cup in 1967.
Tommy Gemmell was born on 16 October 1943 in his Granny’s house in Cumbrae Drive, Motherwell – the family subsequently moved to nearby Craigneuk in Wishaw when Tommy was five years old. He played on the right wing for his school team and only moved to left back when his amateur team Meadow Thistle were short of a full back. He joined Celtic from junior club Coltness United in 1961, although he had already been training with the club two evenings per week. He signed provisional forms on the same night as Jimmy Johnstone.
In his youth he actually was a big Motherwell fan, growing up in tough conditions. The environment is likely what developed the hard edged spirit in his game. An aggressive attacking full back he lacked nothing and took no prisoners. He exuded confidence and enabled the Lisbon Lions to begin their attacks as much from the back as from the front. He was known most famously for his powerful shot, making him the prime penalty kick taker. The big factor that changed his life was the arrival of Jock Stein at Celtic, and things were to change forever. Prior to this, he was going nowhere in particular.
Jock Stein pushed Tommy Gemmell, and quickly he became known not only for his stalwart defending but also for his charges forward and his thunderbolt strikes at goal. Even before the European Cup final, Gemmell was known for his long-range shots at goal. On September 28th 1966, he became the first Celtic player to score in the European Cup when he netted against FC Zurich at Parkhead. A remarkable fact is that he was an ever-present that glorious season, with only John Clark in a similar position.
He will forever be immortalised for one special moment in Lisbon for scoring the goal that helped us to win the European Cup in 1967. The strange thing is that he was not a prolific goal scorer, many of his goals actually came from the penalty spot (64 goals in 418 appearances for Celtic, 31 of those from the penalty spot). A fearless no nonsense player, he was the most adept to take the penalties, and probably his vanity meant he had the over-confidence to fearlessly take them. It worked, he only missed three out of 34.
He also scored in the 1970 European Cup final, making him one of an elite of footballers to score in two finals. However, some have retorted that his performance was below what should have been expected in the final and some have admonished him as a reason for losing that game, but it’s all history now and the critics are being overly harsh.
Importantly, it wasn’t just in Scotland where his ability was recognised. In their Xmas poll of 1967, France Football magazine ranked Tommy as the sixth best player in Europe. In 1970, a poll of sports journalists in Hungary & Brazil (both renowned attacking sides at the time) voted him as the best right-back in the world. Tommy will have definitely loved that.
He made his debut for Scotland in April 1966, losing 4-3 to England at Hampden. He won 18 international caps (scoring once) but perhaps gained more notoriety for his sending off (the first of his career) in October 1969 against West Germany in a crucial qualifying match which the Scots lost 3-2, where he chased an opposing player to give him a boot up the backside. The incident was later famously sent up and recreated in a football sketch in the 1990’s “Fantasy Football League” TV program on BBC in which Gemmell kicked comedian Frank Skinner so hard that the man injured himself in the fall.
He had his differences with manager Jock Stein, but when Jock called him the greatest left back in the world he was being genuine. In retrospect, Tommy Gemmill’s biggest asset was his ability to stand up to anyone anywhere. He was probably the only one player at Celtic willing to front up to Stein over any quibbles over matters like pay. This wasn’t necessarily greed and it must be noted just how little players back then were paid in comparison to those playing now. However, money was a major element to Tommy, reflected heavily in his biography sometimes too much. Nevertheless, he was still well loved by the players and the manager, and money concerns hardly single him out alone.
A genuine character, he was one of the more frank members of the Lisbon Lions players which endeared the fans to him. Tommy Gemmell is only exceeded by Jimmy Johnstone in the high jinx stakes. In fact, most of Jimmy Johnstone’s tales seem to have Tommy involved in some way or being present at least. Both were close friends and joined Celtic at the same time and worked together.
Tommy was a bit of a show-off and egotist both on the pitch and off, and had limited respect for responsibility many a time which created problems for himself. One of his first situations with Jock Stein was a row over his showing off. Gemmell liked to play it close to the edge, always enjoying the high life, drinking to the last moment (or beyond it if he could get away with it) and then getting himself and others into bother with the manager. Jim Craig penned in one of books that he had many tales to recount about Tommy but most would be libellous. Jock Stein didn’t often take well to his behaviour, and a later episode recalled by Jim Craig was that prior to the League Cup final in 1969, Tommy Gemmell was swanning about with the fans outside only to arrive in the changing rooms late to hear that Jock Stein had by then got frustrated with him and had decided to drop him.
Repeating fallouts with Jock Stein’s coaching team sealed his premature departure, but Jock himself had put up with Tommy for much too long, especially after high jinx during a tour of North America in 1970 forced Gemmell to be be sent home early. Jim Brogan’s entry into the side meant that we’d found a capable replacement for Gemmell. To be fair, Jock Stein himself was not always an easy character to work with either.
After leaving Celtic in December 1971, Gemmell spent two years at Nottingham Forest, playing alongside future Celtic manager Martin O’Neill and future Celtic coach John Robertson. He then spent three years at Dundee from 1973 to 1976, captaining the Dens Park side to a 1-0 win over Celtic in the League Cup final of December, 1973 (which didn’t go down well with some sections of the Celtic support who retorted verbally).
On retiring in December 1976, the Celtic legend managed Dundee from 1977 until 1980 – one of his first signings was Jimmy Johnstone although that didn’t really work out. Tommy did manage Dundee to victory over Celtic in a match that helped to lose Celtic the league that season. After being sacked by Dundee, he managed Albion Rovers, and later totally abandoned all football management moving into insurance sales.
Still a regular speaker for Celtic in interviews and for dinners, he remains a popular Celtic man (in 2002 he was voted by the fans onto the club’s Greatest Ever team) and forever will be adored, as much for his on-field achievements as for his off-field antics.
Quotes
“What will remain consistent, though, is the Celtic support and with those guys behind you anything is possible.”
Tommy Gemmell
“The Gemmell all-action reel would feature prominently a kick up the bahookie of Helmut Haller and a goal in the European Cup that came from a shot so thunderous it should have been followed by a shower of rain.”
Herald journalist Hugh McDonald on Tommy’s world class shooting prowess
“I read once in a book by Lisbon Lion Tommy Gemmell, that he and I had come in for a lot of abuse from our team mates for being the only two Protestants in the team. Tommy’s recollection, however, is totally at odds with mine. It just didn’t happen as far as I’m concerned. We were the first two Protestants to play in the first team for some time, and there were moments that I thought were funny, as opposed to serious bigotry.”
Ian Young from Life with the Lions book
==========
MWD
I have been fortunate to see Tommy and the other Lions play the game the way it should be played, I have seen posters creaming themselfs about the Brazil’s of the world, but for me the Lions were the best TEAM I have ever seen bar none.
They were around when scotland had heaps of good quality and they rose to the top like the cream they were.
MoonbeamsWD,
An Olde 22.
Keep fighting Hard Dude.
Respect History.
HH.
I know you cannae wait to see the Celtic PLAY.
I know I cannae wait to see the CELTIC play.
What a Build up in Tempo, with Classical influences.
Magical.
I think we are currently @ the first 90 seconds – feel free to fast forward to then.
WOW CELTIC
Here we F’n <a href="now“>Go.
A difficult , sad and emotional week for everyone in the Celtic family . Our host and many posters have written some wonderful tributes and contributions . CQN at its best .
Tommy Gemmell . Rest in peace .
Sorry
Hello again all you young rebels.
After posting before bed at the sad news of Tommy’s passing
i lay and got to thinking about his football memories and i
remember a hardest shot in British football competition and i
think Peter Lorimer and some other people with powerful dunts
were involved if my memory is correct Tommy got to the final
With recorded shots of 90 odd mph i was so convinced nobody
could beat him and i wouldn’t talk to anyone for days when he
lost, i was convinced it was a stitch up for an English based player
to win.
Anybody else remember this and fill in my blanks?
H.H Mick
I’ve watched Tommy Thinderblasts so many times today.
His most memorable goal is obviously Lisbon.
But that strike in the 70 final is special.
Praecepta I’d loved to see that strike you talk off from a free that hit the bar so hard it almost reached the centre circle on it’s rebound.
That is power.
I met a Tommy only the once. I’ve read so much today about him being egotistical but he was such a humble man when I spoke to him and shook his hand. Maybe age mellowed him. But with a right hoof like that who worries about his ego.
Tommy and Jinky seemed to be areal pair and thorn in Big Jocks side.
Rated in the top 6 players in the world and rated the best left back by a Brazilian or two.
No words can measure that greatness.
I just wish my eyes had seen him rather than my memories of being told about him.
MWD
Danny, a very difficult week for Celtic.
The outlook could not be clearer.
I thank the Almighty for my Son, in more ways than 1.
His Olde Granda is definitely thinking of joining his Amazing grandson @ the Celtic Park, his knees are so knackered now, for one game at least… Difficult when you are last Row.
Petec
Bring your old da on Sunday.
I have a spare ticket as long as he doesn’t mind sitting with this old eejit and my bhoy. 7 rows from front of prawn sandwich stand.
Meet you at the CQN corner.
MWD
It will be amazing when the cracking wee guy Aidan and Arthur attend a game together.
Nae Sleep
I feel privileged to say i was there in the mid sixties to witness the awakening of the greatest ever Celtic team at the start of that golden age. Tommy Gemmell will forever be a huge figure in that golden age , RIP and thank you Tommy. As important a figure to me as Elvis or John Lennon is to others.
WC…forgot to say, and I always reminded Tommy when I met him…the very first time I shook his hand was in the airport in Lisbon late night/early morning after THE game when the players arrived to see off their WAGs before returning to the hotel. I approached Tommy…he looked dazed. I felt dazed. I mumbled something but it wasn’t about words that night, they weren’t necessary. It was about the magic in the air…when Tommy scored that goal a spark landed on some blue touch paper which hissed and fizzed until Stevie scored the winner (we knew it was the winner)…what followed was an explosion of joy, happiness and tears…the Lisbon air that warm evening crackled with a magical energy,..everyone could feel it, the players, the fans and even the friendly citizens of downtown Lisboa….and it began in the 63rd minute with Tommy’s goal…a beauty. A goal that pierced the heart of Inter’s team, wounding them fatally…50 years later and we are still celebrating that evening, those goals, those players, Jock and his staff, Sean, Neilly, Benny…None will walk alone……..Tommy Gemmell-Lisbon Lion.
Petec
I’ll even swap you tix.
I’ll take your two and me and my Bhoy can sit up beside Tommy.
You your Bhoy and your dad can sit together. 7 rows from front of Main Stand. No stair climbing. A memory I’d happily be a part of.
MWD
The sadness I have felt all day at the passing of one of Celtic’s greatest ever players, has been replaced by a joy on reading all the wonderful tributes here tonight.
God rest Tommy Gemmell.
They do not die, those who live in our hearts
Love
MoonbeamsWD on 2nd March 2017 9:19 pm
Petec
Bring your old da on Sunday.
I have a spare ticket as long as he doesn’t mind sitting with this old eejit and my bhoy. 7 rows from front of prawn sandwich stand.
Meet you at the CQN corner.
MWD
……………………………………………………………
A lot of things going on.
Thank You very much for the offer.
I think Dad will be up for it. Going to the Game.
If young Aidan thinks I’m embarrassing, and I know he doesn’t think that, I’m guessing that my Dad will Blow his Mind in his Support of the Celtic Team. He thinks he can Sing. LOLOLOL… he can shout though.
Thanks Danny.
Days like today are why this blog stands apart.
What generosity of spirit there is in such times of grief.
Petec
I just upped that offer to let you your Bhoy and his Granda sit together.
Do you accept :@-)))
MWD
Petec
Let me know. Lennybhoy has my number.
MWD
Oldtim
I’ll be in after 4 tomorrow
Tommy Gemmell in Phoenix from the flames, part of Fantasy Football TV programme.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6H3kleEmi8
Apologies if already posted
HH
CRC
Little cameos from the past remind me of big T.G.
When the Lions were awarded a penalty , there was a kind of routine.
No other player would dream of taking the kick.
All eyes would turn to big Tam ,usually in his left back berth who would then trot all the way up the field to take the kick .
As this was happening on the field , all around us guys would be turning to each other and laughing.
Yes. Laughing.
It was almost a ritual.
We had seen it all before.
We knew the script.
The long run up followed by the blooter .
Cheers , big man.
Petec
My apologies mate.
I forgot Sunday is an SFA comp.
I don’t buy into that crap anymore.
My offer stands for next home league game after Erzast FC game.
My sincere apologies.
But I don’t buy SFA tix to finance corruption.
MWD Sibcerest apolgies buddy. My bad.