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Celtic Diary Thursday March 2: Tommy Gemmell. Goodnight and God Bless

The official club website announced…

CELTIC legend Tommy Gemmell has passed away at the age of 73, and his death will be mourned by Celtic supporters and also the wider football world.

A member of the legendary Lisbon Lions, Tommy scored Celtic’s equaliser that famous day, on May 25, 1967, as Jock Stein’s side went on to beat Inter Milan 2-1 and lift the European Cup, the first British team to do so.

And Tommy was also one of the few players to have scored in more than one European Cup final, scoring again three years later in the 1970 final against Feyenoord in Milan’s San Siro Stadium.

He spent 10 years at Paradise, between 1961 and ’71, making 418 appearances and scoring 63 goals. And as well as his two European Cup final goals, there were also 31 penalties. Indeed, he only missed three spot-kicks from the 34 he took in his career, a remarkable conversion rate.

Tommy’s first-team debut came on January 5, 1963 when he played in a 5-1 league win against Aberdeen at Pittodrie, while his first goal came at Rugby Park in October 1964. The Hoops lost 5-2 that day, although Celtic’s other scorer was the man who joined Tommy on the scoresheet in Lisbon just under three years later – Stevie Chalmers.

Although renowned as a left-back, Tommy had actually started the historic 1966/67 season in the right-back role, but he switched flanks at the turn of the year, with Jim Craig coming in at right-back. And the two full-backs were outstanding in the European Cup final, with Jim Craig setting up Tommy to blast home Celtic’s equaliser.

During his 10 years with the Hoops, Tommy won six league titles, three Scottish Cups, four League Cups and, of course, the European Cup. He was also capped 18 times for Scotland.

He made his 418th and final appearance for Celtic on November 3, 1971 in a European Cup tie away to Sliema Wanderers. The Hoops had won the first leg 5-0, with Tommy scoring one of the goals, and they also won the return leg 2-1. Two months later, he joined Nottingham Forest where he spent two years, playing alongside future Celtic manager, Martin O’Neill, and coach, John Robertson.

After a short and unsuccessful spell at Miami Toros, he then joined Dundee for three years, and ironically captained them to League Cup glory, beating Celtic 1-0 in the 1973 final. He hung his boots up in 1977 and went straight into management at Dundee, staying there for three seasons. It was there he signed Jimmy Johnstone. He would then go on and manage Albion Rovers for two individual seasons, six years apart.

Tommy Gemmell is a true Celtic legend, part of the greatest side in the club’s history and a man who played a pivotal role in our greatest ever triumph when, in Lisbon’s Estadio Nacional, 11 men all born within a 30-mile radius of Celtic Park, beat Inter Milan to win the European Cup.

The legend of the Lisbon Lions was created that night, and Tommy and his team-mates were assured their place in the pantheon of Celtic greats.

And, like the rest of the Lions, Tommy remained humble about his incredible football achievements.

The whole Celtic Family is mourning his passing, and everyone associated with the club sends their thoughts and prayers to his family, his fellow Lions and his many friends at this desperately sad time.

Our thoughts are with Mary and Tommy’s family and friends at this very difficult time.

Funeral details will be announced in due course.

‘They never die who live in the hearts they leave behind.’ 

Image result for tommy gemmell

The original attacking full back, whose powerful shot was feared all over Europe in the late sixties and early seventies has passed away.

The thoughts and prayers of all of us are with his family.

It’s a sad day for all of us, though a few beers and you tube may well be on the cards this evening.

Gemmell knew how to put a smile on our faces, and thats how he will be remembered.

Tommy Gemmell and Helmut Haller

Up in Inverness last night, Celtic recorded a 4-0 win with a performance described as ..

 “… a really complete performance tonight. When I came in here in the summer, I thought we were a long way away from a performance that reflected on how we wanted to work and play. That there tonight was a demonstration of how we want to work.

“Firstly, defensively, being strong and aggressive and working their socks off together, denying them space to play, and when you have the ball, playing with that charisma, quality, rotation, mobility, and with penetration in the team and looking a real threat going forward.

“I take my hat off to the players. It was a brilliant performance on the back of Inverness having played well in the last couple of games as well.

“This is a team playing at a really good level and what they are showing is an incredible appetite to improve and be better and that is driving them on to get results. It’s a phenomenal performance from them from the beginning of the season but we are never satisfied and that’s why we will always improve.”

On the day we find that we have lost one of the members who contributed to the greatest team performance of all, thats a fitting tribute to the true spirit of Celtic.

Rest in Peace, Tommy Gemmell.

And say hello to your wee pal for me…

Image result for tommy gemmell helmut haller

 

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Corktim
7 years ago

R.I.P Tommy a true legend,If only we were still in Europe another Seville could have been on.

portpower
7 years ago

Very sad and upsetting news about Tommy.
Sincere condolences to his Family,Friends and The Celtic Family.

R.I.P. Tommy.

BondiBrian
7 years ago
Reply to  portpower

Vale Tommy. One of the best. Thanks for the memories. I’ll raise a glass or two in Lisbon for you.

HAIL HAIL THE CELTS ARE HERE!!!!!!!

Jerseybhoy
7 years ago

RIP big Tam . You will be sorely missed. YNWA.

PeteCon
7 years ago

Sad news. R.I.P. A true giant of the game.

jimmybee
7 years ago

Tommy Gemmell RIP another now gone as the Lions take over Gods 11 in Heaven.
May you rest in peace big man.
To be honest Corktim,I’m glad we are out it,the Champions league is where we want to be, the Eurooe league would have been a distraction, and a possibility of more injuries,and I think the players will want a full tilt at Champions league next season.
If Brendan is allowed to build the squad the way he wants,then we can qualify out the group,given a decent draw,though the way it is all geared up now to help the big leagues it will be difficult. But Europa league next season will be achievable,with a stronger squad.
HH

Corktim
7 years ago
Reply to  jimmybee

Hi jimmy it could be a distraction but every game you play in Europe ,you learn something what did we learn from the Inverness game last nite,also park head European games cl or el is rocking.

jimmybee
7 years ago
Reply to  Corktim

Patience my friend, our time is coming again. Agreed you learn in Europe, but I do believe that taster in the champions league,will make the players hungrier for more. We need another two or three in to compete in Europe even the Europa league. So be patient and enjoy. Next season we will be there after Xmas in one of them. HH

Monti
7 years ago
Reply to  Corktim

Corktim,
We learned that GMS needs a boot in the bawz!
He needs to produce a lot more than what he gave last night.
He needs games but i would like to have seen him go out on loan in January, like Christie.

john young
7 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Monti “silk purse from sows ears” the bhoy never ever “had it”,he was and is a small tricky winger,he has neither strength/ability to be anything other than a run of the mill SPL player.

Monti
7 years ago
Reply to  john young

I completely disagree with you, but i am running out of patience with GMS.
you need to play games and he isn’t going to get that at Celtic.

BondiBrian
7 years ago
Reply to  john young

So, its GMS the new whipping boy. Didny take long.

Monti
7 years ago
Reply to  john young

Bondi,
That you talking of whipping boys again?
Oh dear

mike
7 years ago

Tommy Gemmell, “Lion Heart” 16th oct 1947— 2nd march 2017.

You don’t remember me,
but I will always remember you,
you were Celtic, through and through,
Tears on our pillows,
Love in our hearts,
our love for you will never depart.
The tears are never ending for our “Lions” reaching journies end
Its so hard to take.!!

mike
7 years ago

1943 to 2017, its hard to see through tears.

Monti
7 years ago
Reply to  mike

It’s been a sore few days my friend!

Monti
7 years ago

Tommy Gemmell R.I.P.!
Being too young to see the man play in the flesh, i had to settle for listening to the older supporters speak of the Lions.
As a schoolboy i read just about every book about Celtic i could get my hands on.
It was clear this team managed by Jock stein was something special.
Tommy Gemmell got us back on level terms v Internazionale in Lisbon, before Steve Chalmers got the winner.
Tommy also scored we lost the European cup final v Feyenoord in Milan.
Tam possessed a shot like a rocket and was a massive figure in the team and at the club.

Another Lion has been taken from us and it hurts, but the man made clearly graced the Celtic shirt, through his performances, goals an commitment to the club.

Tam, you have left this place to go to a better place, you are at peace now.
Your name will always be remembered and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts, for how you performed for us and our great club.

R.I.P. TAM

HH

schoosh71
7 years ago

Hopefully he and all The Lions know they are loved by all the Celtic family. Never met the guy but felt a tear ‘welling’ on finding out the news. Sad day. Hail Hail To Tommy Gemmell a ‘REAL’ Celtic Legend. HH

BondiBrian
7 years ago
Reply to  schoosh71

Tommy & Yogi came to ma school early 70’s for our cup final. They were so approachable, warm & funny.

So sad.

jimmybee
7 years ago

To the Celtic players of today, you didn’t have a fly kick at a lion and get away with it.
https://youtu.be/Lnja51VticQ

Level 5 plant
7 years ago
Reply to  jimmybee

Brilliant. Love the guy

Cortes
7 years ago
Reply to  jimmybee

Action replay (sort of):

https://youtu.be/BsCOydsjBmg

Joe D
7 years ago

RIP Mr Gemmill. Absolute LEGEND.
Gone but never forgotten

bongo
7 years ago

Great Player, Great Guy. RIP Tommy. A left back scoring in two European Cup Finals – INCREDIBLE

Marcello Stefani
7 years ago

R.I.P Tam. God Bless

jimmybee
7 years ago

I remember going to the final appearance of the lions as a team against Clyde. The new Stand was being built at the time,and the players came out down the stairs, tears were flowing as we knew we would never see their likes again. We thrashed Clyde,but of course Jock took no chances,and Ronnie was subbed before the start to ensure no mishaps occurred.
I was blessed to have grown up with the Lions,to have one of them live in my town, John Clark,and have others from so near.
It was a privelage I hold dear.
https://youtu.be/sy4V40c0Wv8

TEX
7 years ago
Reply to  jimmybee

jimmybee,

Ronnie wasnae subbed that day ,he had been injured since October the year before ,which was his last game for the Tic.He only came out with the team on to the pitch waved to the fans then went off.

jimmybee
7 years ago
Level 5 plant
7 years ago

God bless and RIP Tommy, thanks for giving us something to be proud of all our days! Legend!

Tim Buffy
7 years ago

Sad news about someone who was a great goalscorer as well as a scorer of great goals. But Big Tam could keep them out at the other end as well. I saw him don the gloves a few times when Ronnie Simpson or John Fallon had to go off injured and don’t think he ever lost a goal. Condolences to all his family on what is turning into a dreadful week for the Lions.

henkesdreadlocks
7 years ago

7 years ago

A true legend and gentleman, another one gone – so sad

Macca
7 years ago
Reply to  Franco Baresi

Franco, remember sharing a pint with you big Tam and Dixie in Manchester. Tommy was great conversation and a true gentleman.

Honest Hoops
7 years ago

I had the pleasure of meeting Tam on a cold winter afternoon, it was a friendly between Dundee United youth team and my local amateur team, he told me he was employed by united to develop the Jock Stein philosophy of local players to develop into the first team and then to attack Europe and we can all remember how well united done in the 80’s, he did say that he his heart was always with Celtic, RIP, Hail, Hail

jimmybee
7 years ago

Tommy Gemmell quote
In 1967 when we won the European Cup I was on a basic wage of £40 per week plus £10 per point.

“Before I left for Nottingham Forest I was picking up £60 per week. Forest TREBLED my basic wage to £180 and there were all sorts of other perks, including £40 per point. I was better off financially, but I really missed being a Celtic player. That meant more than money.”

Leões de Lisboa
7 years ago

Still remember being lifted over the turnstile to stand in The Jungle with my dad, uncle Wullie and “sufferin” Charlie. Tommy, Jinky et al lit up my young life THEN – and their exploits and memories still do. If we got beat – I was inconsolable all the way back down on the bus to Stevenston and even my wee mammy’s home-made chicken soup couldn’t ease the pain. If we won ? Out in the cul-de-sac replecating and replaying every move from that day’s game. I feel blessed to have been a witness to their greatness. Gone but NEVER forgotten. YNWA Hail ! Hail !

Tex
7 years ago

RIP big Tam,always played as if he was having a great time on the park.never took a backward step when playing for the Celts.
God,s heaven eleven gets another legend.

Danny Bhoy
7 years ago

RIP Tommy
YNWA

john young
7 years ago
Reply to  Danny Bhoy

Big Tommy was a typical Scots player he liked the fun side of life and then some,if he had been born in England or the continent then he would have been a superstar.rip TG.

BondiBrian
7 years ago
Reply to  john young

John, he is a superstar. Make no doubt of that.

Cartvale88
7 years ago

Great player and character, met him during his glory days at Paradise, long may they continue in the other Paradise. Loved his attitude towards Racing Club, gave as good as he got.
Now we are left with the magnificent seven long may they stay with us.
Good game against ICT, but again there was a lot of nasty tackling, on and off the ball.

Monti
7 years ago
Reply to  Cartvale88

I didn’t see any nasty tackling whatsoever.
No problem at all with teams getting stuck in….legally!

charlie
7 years ago

rip big T G the net was never made he couldnae burst condolences to his family

charlie
7 years ago
Reply to  charlie

theyl be runnin for cover if big Tommy arrives in heaven wae a baw at his feet ha ha

charlie
7 years ago
charlie
7 years ago
charlie
7 years ago
desdamoaner
7 years ago

Some bastard is cutting onions. my eyes just wont stop watering this morning.
RIP Tam, and thanks for everything.

50 years on and playing the Celtic way is the best tribute

charlie
7 years ago
charlie
7 years ago
charlie
7 years ago
Reply to  charlie

big tommy kickin that cunt in the stones is a peach ha ha

Rob O'Keeffe
7 years ago

Big Tam,best left back i’ve seen.Hope one day KT can nearly reach the same heights.Thanks again for the memories.HH

Oztim67
7 years ago

RIP T Gemmell.

Gutted!!

Mikelele
7 years ago

R.I.P Tommy Gemmell

Seen him and Bertie Auld in a bar in Barcelona about 10 years ago (about 2 tables away from us, never had the balls to pester them lol). My mate said to me “we are in the same room with a guy who has scored in two European cup final” AMAZING.

HH

Monti
7 years ago
Reply to  Mikelele

Mikelele,
You should have spoken to them m8, they would have welcomed you into their company!
HH

Tourtenay
7 years ago
Reply to  Monti

I must be getting old Monti, I still find it a little strange when I hear fellow tims say they can’t remember seeing the Lions !!
When Frankie Vaughan had his campaign in Easterhouse to get gangs to put there offensive weapons in dustbins… Tommy Gemmell said on TV that they found John Greggs boots in one of the dustbins!…
That still makes me laugh.
Stein created the wing back in Craig and Gemmell and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise, wing backs are part of Jock Stein’s legacy.
HH

Monti
7 years ago
Reply to  Tourtenay

Tourt,
I’m 45 m8

Tourtenay
7 years ago
Reply to  Monti

I was doing my O’ levels when you were born.. But many long before we were born and many long after have a uniting cause, we have a love for Celtic.
HH

Monti
7 years ago
Reply to  Monti

A love that will never die!!!
HH

Mikelele
7 years ago
Reply to  Monti

Monti

I know they would have mate, its just my reserved nature lol.

A boy from Glasgow scoring in two European Cup finals is extraordinary.

7 years ago

Used to call him Danny Kaye rip tam

SteveNaive
7 years ago

Remember reading his book Hot Shot Fire in My Boots and he was ashamed of himself both against Racing and West Germany. He was fined for both as were all the Celts against Racing. Down the front of Hampden when beaten three one by Aberdeen in the Cup Final. Celts get a throw in with minutes left and Tam runs by the ball boy to get it. Guy shounts something at him and he swears back at him without breaking stride. No tackles from the thugs like Viggurs with him on the park.

Rudebhoy
7 years ago

Always sad when a lion passes. Before my time but every one of them is in my heart so it hurts when they go. You brought so much happiness to so many people, thank you and God bless Tommy Gemmell RIP

Anthony Martin
7 years ago

Grew up watching Tommy and all the Lisbon Lions. Fantastic memories.
Rest in Peace, Tommy. You were a wonderful player and human being.

jimmybee
7 years ago

i decided to listen to Clyde tonight as I stopped a long time ago.
Glad I did wee Bertie was fantastic as usual and Jim Craig etc giving their memories of Tommy.
That’s what a football show should be all about.

Broxburnbhoy
7 years ago

What sad news. We had the pleasure of hosting Tommy and his lovely wife in Hong Kong some years ago at our South China No 1 annual dinner. I was privileged to take them for a drink in a Stanley to the Smugglers Inn. While in there he was recognized and surrounded by well wishers. All of whom he had time for. One guy said to another hey that’s Tommy Gemmell over there – the guy said I m a blue nose to which Tommy replied well come over a learn something son. Great guy and fond memories of that day.

Frank McGaaaarvey
7 years ago

Just wish to add my condolences for Tommy Gemmell to the list of heartfelt postings on here today. A legend has gone but will never be forgotten. Times like this make me realise I should fully cherish who and what I have before it’s gone. RIP Tommy.

Puggy67
7 years ago

> The Star
>
> Well it was early one Christmas morn’
> from the smiling face of my first born,
> ‘I love my Hoops and I know the crest,
> but why a star here upon my chest?’
>  
> The star first rose back in ‘67
> The league, two cups and the Bhoys in heaven.
> When in the warmth of the Lisbon sun
> The mighty Inter got thrashed 2-1.
>  
> Simpson and Gemmell, Chalmers and Auld
> McNeill and Murdoch and the Buzz Bomb,
> Clark, Craig and Murdoch – our greatest team.
> Watching out for Jinky, was big Jock Stein.
>  
> And to those Lions who have passed on,
> to a golden sky and the sweet lark’s song.
> You were our finest, your country’s best
> God grant you light and eternal rest.
>  
> So on the Hoops now we wear the star
> and follow Celtic both near and far.
> Through good and bad times; what fortune brings,
> we have our dreams and our songs to sing.

Monti
7 years ago
Reply to  Puggy67

Puggy,
Good stuff m8!

mike
7 years ago

Hurry up and put the goals over there, aye ok big mahn,

Tommy, get further down the pitch, make a run to just outside the box.
Bobby, set up to see if you can stop Tommys run,
Jinky, take a pass from Bobby and drive into the box.
Ronny, see if you can get down and save there shots.
Big Jock, takes his Lions into training.
Jock Stein, Bobby Murdoch, Tommy Gemmell, Jinky Johnstone and Ronnie Simpson. R.I.P. Good night and God Bless.

highseastim
7 years ago

RIP Tommy a true legend. As a loon fae the North East my first game was when my dad took me to Pittodrie for a league cup game in 1967 which Celtic won 5-1 with Tommy scoring with a re-taken penalty. My pop took me back to Pittodrie a couple of years later when Celtic winning 3-1 in the league, with big Tam playing then also, I was hooked from these games onwards.

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