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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MWD
So the SPFL arny corrupt then :-)
HH
Petec:
E-mail me lennybhoycfc@gmail.com and I will pass on MWD’s moby to you…
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!
TET
Aye. But our home games = our dish. I’m not paying into their LC or SFA corrupt competitions.
MWD
MOONBEAMS, a lovely gesture for Pete, his son and his dad!
KTF
Danny,
Dad is up North on a trip bird watching – it is his passion.
He will get back Saturday.
Is there singing in the section?
If there isnae singing in the section, perhaps an olde School Family Man is just what is required to get the Party started in there?
Thinking about it, I think Dad is best going to the last row……. There are some chanters still left there. ;)
Dad is fitter than me, it’s just his knee is fecked – funnily enough cycling, and he does it often, is not a problemo.
If I get him to go, and his GrandSon, I’ll drop by the Corner for sure.
Thank You Danny.
Petec
Wed 5th of April Celtic V Partick.
or
sat 8th of April Celtic v Killie.
MWD
Danny Tommy Gemmell.
MWD
I did have the :-)
But at the end of the day, we are all guilty of buying into their scam, our suits are involved up to their pretty little necks, the whole game in scotland is as bent as nine bob notes, the sooner a brit league is on the cards the better imo, sadly I will never see it but my young fella will so.
HH
Celtic is a special thing, a gift. Most of us who spend our time on here understand and appreciate that. Yes, we’ll fall out and disagree but apart from the obvious media trolls it’s the love of Celtic that binds us.
I sometimes read the words of other posters on here and think to myself that I have absolutely nothing in common with that person. I may find their politics repugnant or their attitude antagonistic and cantankerous. I may have had crossed swords with them previously and that puts me off. However, age is slowly (probably too slowly!) bringing with it reflection and wisdom. I often find myself appreciating the common bond more quickly than before. I realise that I’m conversing with fellow Tims. Frequently, it means I take myself offline.
Over time I’ve come to understand that there are many reasons why people are drawn to Celtic. For many, many it is a simple appreciation of the football. For others it’s more deep rooted in the ethos of the Club. I’m sure for some youngsters it’s because they like green or their wee pal supports Celtic.
I’ve never hidden my admiration for Brother Walfrid and what he achieved through his vision. To feed a starving, immigrant, Irish, Catholic population in 4 east end parishes he created a football team. Nowhere, in football, nowhere in sport will you find a more incredible, inspiring, wonderful story. Nowhere will you discover a collective body who followed in such numbers in support of such a simple, yet decent act. Well not since the first century AD! :-)
Currently, Walfrid’s creation sit atop of Scottish football. Rarely in the history of Celtic have we seen such success. Expectantly, but realistically, this could be our most successful period. Come on be honest, the future really is green and white. And yes, their grandchildren will be Celtic supporters.
It takes my breath away at times where we are on the park right now and the thoughts of where we’re going. Like many on here I watched and experienced the hurt and anger of Rangers 9 in a row. Like many we supported faithfully and asked why our club couldn’t match the spending of the Ibrox club. We weren’t to know. We do now.
The financial cheating and criminality on the south side has made many in the Celtic support extremely angry. I do understand that. Like you I spent fortunes buying into a corrupt sport. We were cheated.
My soother is this. Their greed killed them.
Think about that, because they did die.
Yes, I’m angry but ye know what? It was worth it.
So what has this nonsense got to do with today’s terrible news?
Well today, Walfrid and his creation have conquered our detractors and their descendants. Today, they no longer are ‘the people’. Today the ancestors of that starving, immigrant, Irish, Catholic population have won.
Tommy Gemmell, his team mates and a working class Protestant manager have allowed that to happen.
Quite simply Tommy, thank you.
Ps Winning Captain, thank you too.
Petec
Singing in the main stand. You can barely stand up without being moaned at.
Still. It’s a fantastic view of the game.
I’m happy to help you your Bhoy and his Granda watch the hoops together at no extra cost. Your 2 tix for my 3.
Obviously I’m a stubborn git though. Wish I could have helped fir Sunday.
Stupid me!
MWD
Been wonderful reading the blog today and enjoying the various links provided.
Sad day.another Lion departs,at a relatively young age,
But what a fantastic life
One of the comments on the guardian site attributes this quote to Tommy….its worth repeating
“I really missed being a Celtic player. That meant more than money.” – Tommy Gemmell.
RIP
HT
Well said mi amigo.
HH
Paul67 et al
Serendipity is;
When Jimmy Johnstone and Tommy Gemmell sign for Celtic on the same day…
TET
Correct. But I will never pay towards it directly!
I’ve missed loads of games due to being pissed off with regards how our club has dealt with our 4 Bhoys and Res12. Games I had already paid for, but I ain’t paying directly to SPFL or SFA via their two trophies. Not in my life again until something changes. I’ve missed a fair few games of our revolution albeit I’ve watch free via DC Sports. But I have my limits. Ok illness has made my decision easier as I’ve not been up to going in last 7 weeks. But I’m still a stubborn Tim at the end of the day and wouldn’t have attended anyway. I did go last Sat due to child pressure. But had to sleep for a full 24 hours afterwards.
Petec. My apologies again. I is stupid sometimes.
MWD
MoonbeamsWD on 2nd March 2017 9:49 pm
Petec
Singing in the main stand. You can barely stand up without being moaned at.
Still. It’s a fantastic view of the game.
I’m happy to help you your Bhoy and his Granda watch the hoops together at no extra cost. Your 2 tix for my 3.
Obviously I’m a stubborn git though. Wish I could have helped fir Sunday.
Stupid me!
MWD
………………………………………………………………………
You are a bit like me. You are so passionate.
Me and Aidan bought Prime positioned tickets for the cl Qualifier game, I think Beer Sheva…. We both didnae like the criticism. Poor Support.
Anyway, Aidan always buys his Ticket…. Last Row. He is Proud of his Seat.
I could not be prouder of him.
If Dad makes wan last visit, I’d love it to be where Aidan is Loving watching Celtic, right next to me.
PETEC on 2ND MARCH 2017 9:45 PM
E-mail me at Lennybhoycfc@gmail.com
Keep the Faith!
Hail Hail!
VFR800 IS NOW A MONSTER 821 on 2ND MARCH 2017 9:42 PM
MOONBEAMS, a lovely gesture for Pete, his son and his dad!
KTF
=========================================================
I agree.
HT
Capped doffed. Even though the Huns are still alive and in full flow with future attempts to cheat us again. Their team is dead. I agree but their new team is the same team to them. I hope that team eventually completely and totally is obliterated from this world. Otherwise we will always pay towards their existence from now and forever. Please please please please just die totally and be gone with you!
Never likely to happen while wee bleed their blue pound at £49 a pop and an extra £30 for our kids.
MWD
RIP BIG TAM
You were a true hero to our generation, I watched the 67 cup final with my Mum and Dad I was 11. My Dad was the pessimist when they scored the penalty he said that’s it, but my Mum the optimist said no we would come back and win and she was right thanks to Tommy, my mum passed away 8 weeks later and that game is my last happy memory of her.
Winning Captain
As others have more eloquently said our thanks are due to you and yours for helping one of our heroes in his time time of need.
OG Rafferty
Agree with you re this site ,fantastic to be able to pay great tributes to our legends.
I was fortunate to be invited to hospitality at Hamilton Game with my 75 year older brother by a good family friend, when we returned into the lounge at half time I spotted John Hughes , next thing my brother is over talking to him and calls me over to take a picture of them both, last time they met was a 25 th anniversary celebration of us winning the big cup, he and one of his pals had a marathon session with John and Bobby Murdoch in The Queens Hotel in Perth. We reminisced about Bobby and talked of some of the others Jinky and some of the other lions not being well. My brother was like an 8 year old meeting his hero for the first time, what a difference a week makes . GOD BLESS YOU TOMMY. HH
MWD
Aye Ok then :-)
IMO, at the end of the day we pay into scottish football we fund the scam, if you can tell me I am wrong with that assertion……
I am not judging one way or another, we all have our crosses to bear, we all see things in a different way, scottish football is as bent as it gets, and paying into it in any way funds the bentness, I don’t have a problem with that, my problem arises when folks who fund the corruption then bitch and moan about it, that is not directed at you btw.
Thanks CQN, ofski now, golf with the Carnoustie golfer in the morning.
HH
Petec
Fair play but offer always open.
From my seats you can see Brendan 20 yards to your right.Bug listings beautiful legs. Wee KT run a mick with Sinky at close range. Have your pic taken with Hoopy. Watch as all the wee Bhoys run to the front to high 5 the subs every Tims they go for a warm up. On that point Liam Henderson needs to get a grip and entertain the 5 or six wee Bhoys that do it every game. Every other player runs towards them and high fives, from LG, Moussa on the rare occassion he’s been a sub, Izzie loves it. But LH. Looks at them and ignore the wee lads. Time he really realised what our club is about, he’s not a star yet. And he has a long way to go before he is. Stardom includes being a real propper Celt. High giving wee laddies included. Pisses me off ever week watching him obviously think he’s better than that.
MWD
MWD
We can’t control the actions of our board (for good or bad!) but we can challenge them :-)
Their action or inaction is immaterial to me. I know what liquidation means.
HT: Well said. More than just a club and great time to be a Tim. Let’s never forget where we came from.
HAMILTONTIM
Good stuff amigo, plenty of food for thought:))
HH
HAMILTONTIM on 2ND MARCH 2017 9:46 PM
Very eloquently put and bang on the money!
KTF
TET
I’m not saying you are wrong. I’m just about ok with paying into Celtic.
Some of that finance may or may not directly go to SFA/SPFL coffers. I will not pay directly to SFA cup or SPFL cup comps. And I certainly won’t pay to HUNs at their pit. 1988 was last time I payed towards their superiority complexion.
I’ll continue when healthy to go watch the Bhoys at Celtic Park as long as PLC hadn’t pissed me off. Res12 is really sticking in my goat and the way they are treating the Trust at this time.
I REFUSE TO NOW ATTEND CSA gigs since they were part of the PLC’s brutal campaign against GB in 2013. And it’s just because I like chatting with you guys that I still post here after the same campaign hit these pages in it’s leaders around the same time.
MWD
MoonbeamsWD
You are so Lucky and unlucky too.
It’s all about balancing things.
Every Time the game is on Live I go back and watch it now.
Magical feeling.
I asked Aidan if he wanted to get in with the GB, standing seats there next Season, he said Naw…. ffs… I’m ancient and I really wanted him to say Yes.
Maybe he just didnae want to go with his Da. :))
Almore
I MIGHT have some good news in a day or two but nothing certain as yet.
HT
You know and I know what it means. Supporting it is an Athena to me though. I won’t pay towards the liqua-UN-dated directly. Ever no matter the love I have of my club. Not in my lifetime. Not a penny of mine will keep them alive directly via attending their Hunnery or paying towards SPFL of SFA cups.
That is were we differ.
I’m not willing to help keep the comedy and cheating alive. One day it will come back strong enough to compete. But not on my earnings.
MWD
petec on 2nd March 2017 9:57 pm
……………………………………………………………….
Bad memory… I’m thinking it was the Astana game.
Apologies.
HT
Lovely words, I hope you share them with your pupils. The families of many non Irish immigrant families to Scotland are part of our fabric too.
HH
Really saddened by the loss of a genuine legend balanced by a belief that on the field, we are in a very good place right now.
Oíche mhaith, a chairde. Coinnígí an ceeideamh (KTF)
WeeBobbyCollins
I am going to send you an email in the morning regarding Lisbon memories. I as always value your assistance.
What a special place this is on days like today.
I’m glad that Bertie mentioned Willie Haughey today. A big shout should go to Peter Lawwell although I am sure that he’d be embarrassed at me saying this.
I know he may not be everyone’s cup of tea on here but he acted like a Celtic supporter when it was most needed. Just thought that should be on the record today.
BLANTYRETIM.
I’ll get back from Hamilton around 3.30 so timing is good for 400pm in
Blane Valley but if I’m a bit later it won’t be by much,see you tomorrow.
Almore
Delighted you got brief 3 for tribute act match. Magic :)
When do you arrive in Glasgow?
HAMILTONTIM on 2ND MARCH 2017 9:46 PM,
Sometimes, only Sometimes, I used to think WhyTF did I show you CQN.
Then, you go and prove me wrong :-))))
Well done mate CU Soon.
Almore,
Aidans Great Gran passed away as he was Born, give or take a few months in almost 100 years.
Brendan is a Celtic Supporter. That is the Beauty of it All.
Allow it
Tribute to Tommy