[Official TC Thread] 25th may 1967

The Lisbon Lions officially inducted to North Lanarkshire Council's Hall of Fame today at Ravenscraig

 

On This day in 1941 Lisbon Lion John Clark was born

 

IN just 10 weeks time, the 50th anniversary celebrations of Celtic’s European Cup triumph will kick off in earnest as we enter the week of the Lisbon final and the countdown to May 25.

And over these next few weeks, the official Celtic website will be highlighting the 11 men who defeated Inter Milan 2-1 on that sunny afternoon in the Portuguese capital to become the Kings of Europe.

The countdown began with Bobby Lennox, and this week it’s the man who wore the No.10 shorts on that momentous day, Bertie Auld...

PRELUDE TO PARADISE
Bertie Auld had just turned 17 when he joined Celtic on April 2, 1955. The Maryhill Bhoy was born on March 23, 1938, and had caught the eye of scouts while playing for Maryhill Harp. Recalling the Sunday when he had gone to Celtic Park with his dad and the Maryhill scout to sign for the club, Bertie said: “Me and my Dad were standing in the middle of the centre circle and he turned round and said to me, ‘Wait ‘til you see this place and wait ‘til you hear this support. If you’re good, they’ll applaud you and if you are fortunate enough to be a success, they’ll never forget you.’ It’s certainly true to say that the Celtic support did applaud Bertie Auld many times over the next few years, and they have never forgotten what he did for the club.


DOUBLE DEBUT
Having joined the club in 1955, Bertie had a loan spell with Dumbarton before returning to the club, and he made his debut in a Charity Cup match against Rangers on May 1, 1957. It would be just a few months later, however, that the Hoops would record their famous 7-1 victory over Rangers in the League Cup final. Bertie was with the club until 1961 when he left to join Birmingham City. He spent almost four years in England before returning to Celtic Park in January 1965, just two months before Jock Stein returned to the club as manager. Bertie Auld would be an integral part of the success Celtic enjoyed over the next few seasons.

LUCKY FOR SOME
Bertie won a total of 13 major honours during his time with Celtic – five league championships, three Scottish Cups, four League Cups and, of course, the European Cup in 1967. He was also unlucky to miss out on another honour when he was omitted for the 1957 League Cup final. Bertie had played in every round of the competition up to the final, but was left out in favour of Neilly Mochan. The 7-1 victory over Rangers in the final seemed to vindicate the team selection, and though disappointed to have missed out on the famous victory, Bertie has always been magnanimous to admit that the more experienced Mochan deserved his place in the team.

TARGET MAN
Bertie scored a total of 85 goals for the club during his two spells at Celtic. His first competitive goal came on August 28, 1957 in a League Cup sectional game against East Fife at Celtic Park. The Hoops won that match 6-1 in front of a crowd of 18,000, with Bertie scoring on 32 minutes. His last competitive goal in Celtic colours came at Dens Park in a 2-1 victory over Dundee on April 6, 1970. His two most famous goals for the Hoops came in the 1965 Scottish Cup final against Dunfermline Athletic, a game that kick-started the golden era under Jock Stein.

THE START OF A GOLDEN ERA
The 1965 Scottish Cup triumph was a pivotal moment in Celtic’s history. Bertie Auld had returned to Celtic Park in January of that year and two months later, Jock Stein left Hibernian to become Celtic manager. Within a few weeks, he was leading his team to victory in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden against Dunfermline. It was a tough game against a side who had beaten Celtic in the final four years previously, when Stein was manager of the Pars. The Fifers were twice ahead in the match but both times Bertie Auld scored to draw Celtic level. And then, with nine minutes remaining, Billy McNeill headed home a Charlie Gallagher corner to give Celtic a 3-2 victory.

TEN-THIRTY
Bertie’s nickname was ‘ten-thirty’ – some Cockney rhyming slang, mixed in with Glaswegian pronunciation. Bertie was very much a Glasgow boy, born and bred, and proud of his city. His ‘gallus’ nature was an integral part of his character on and off the field, and as well as being a player of superb quality, he could look after himself – which is probably a diplomatic way of saying that Bertie could be as hard as nails when the occasion arose. Those qualities, and an incredible determination to win, were harnessed by Jock Stein and used to help drive the team to countless triumphs.

NATIONAL SERVICE
Like all his Celtic contemporaries, Bertie Auld was woefully neglected by Scotland, gaining just three caps. He was, for a period a six years, part of the most successful midfield in Scotland, and one of the strongest sides in Europe, so to have been capped just three times is extraordinary. His midfield partner, Bobby Murdoch, gained just 12 caps, so one of the strongest midfield duos in world football at that time gained a combined total of 15 caps.

 

Uefa Champions League Magazine short feature on the Lisbon Lions:

https://streamable.com/ljze3

 

IN just nine weeks time, the 50th anniversary celebrations of Celtic’s European Cup triumph will kick off in earnest as we enter the week of the Lisbon final and the countdown to May 25.

And over these next few weeks, the official Celtic website will be highlighting the 11 men who defeated Inter Milan 2-1 on that sunny afternoon in the Portuguese capital to become the Kings of Europe.

This week we feature the man who wore the No.9 shorts on that momentous day, and a striker who scored the most important goal in Celtic’s history, Stevie Chalmers...

PRELUDE TO PARADISE
Like so many that had come before him, Stevie Chalmers’ pathway to Paradise came via the Garngad. As the area had produced the great Jimmy McGrory, Chalmers had a lot to live up to but soon caught the eye of Celtic after a fruitful junior career during which he turned out for the likes of Kirkintilloch Rob Roy and Ashfield. His arrival at Celtic in the February of 1959, coincided with the emergence of youngsters such as Billy McNeill and John Clark who would soon be joined by the likes of Jimmy Johnstone, John Hughes and Tommy Gemmell, a group who were given the moniker of the Kelly Kids after the then Celtic chairman Robert Kelly, and would form the spine of Celtic’s most successful ever team.

DEBUT BHOY
Stevie Chalmers’ first start would see him take to the field against Partick Thistle in the spring of 1959 where the 23-year-old’s tireless running soon lit up the Celtic support. Described as a raw talent in the first team, he had all the attributes of a world-class striker, such as the ability to set up goals as well as score them. Indeed, this attribute and understanding of the game, allowed him to bring other players into the game – a skill that would be greatly utilised following the arrival of Jock Stein.

HIGHLIGHTS
The absolute highlight for Stevie Chalmers, along with his team-mates, came on May 25, 1967, with the European Cup triumph in Lisbon. He won a total of 15 trophies with Celtic, and was in the team which lifted the Scottish Cup in 1965, the club’s first trophy under Jock Stein. He scored 231 goals for the club, and he was the last player to net a league hat-trick against Rangers, the treble coming on January 3, 1966 in a 5-1 derby demolition. He was also part of the Celtic team which swept their Glasgow rivals aside in the 1969 Scottish Cup final to secure a domestic treble. Yet, for the striker, it always comes right back to Lisbon and that goal.

http://www.celticfc.net/news/12277

 

IN just eight weeks time, the 50th anniversary celebrations of Celtic’s European Cup triumph will kick off in earnest as we enter the week of the Lisbon final and the countdown to May 25.

And over these next few weeks, the official Celtic website will be highlighting the 11 men who defeated Inter Milan 2-1 on that sunny afternoon in the Portuguese capital to become the Kings of Europe.

This week we feature the man who wore the No.8 shorts on that momentous day, and the final one of the Lions to arrive at Paradise, Willie Wallace...

There can’t be many transfers in football which were successful as Willie Wallace’s move from Hearts to Celtic towards the end of 1966.

Within six short months, ‘Wispy’ and his goals had helped fire Jock Stein’s all-conquering side to the league championship, the Scottish Cup and, most memorably, the European Cup in Lisbon. It was the most glorious season in the club’s history.

For the next five years, the striker maintained his prolific form in front of goal and collected numerous winner’s medals as the Hoops continued their dominance of domestic football and reached another European Cup final.

Prior to that, though, the striker certainly showed a bit of adventure when he signed for Celtic as he was looking for a move to Canada at the time and Stoke City and Newcastle United were also checking out the player who, unbelievably had been playing at Tynecastle without a contract for two years.

Both sides were offering around £80,000 for the striker but he moved to Celtic Park for £28,000.

 

IN just seven weeks time, the 50th anniversary celebrations of Celtic’s European Cup triumph will kick off in earnest as we enter the week of the Lisbon final and the countdown to May 25.

And in the run-up that special anniversary, the official Celtic website is highlighting the 11 men who defeated Inter Milan 2-1 on that sunny afternoon in the Portuguese capital to become the Kings of Europe.

This week we feature the man who wore the No.7 shorts on that momentous day, and the player voted by supporters as the Greatest Ever Celt, Jimmy Johnstone…

ALL great football teams, ones that have dominated eras and broken down barriers with their achievements, have based their success on a collective effort. Look at the iconic football sides from history, Real Madrid from the 1960s, Ajax from the 1970s, AC Milan in the 1980s and early 1990s and Barcelona more recently, and you will find that they all functioned as a cohesive, effective unit.

Yet, there is always room for a maverick, for a superstar who – while contributing to the team ethic – had the ability to change the entire flow of a game with a moment of individual brilliance.

The great Real Madrid side had Alfredo Di Stefano, Ajax had Johan Cruyff, while AC Milan relied heavily on the supreme striking prowess of Marco van Basten. Barcelona, in the modern age, have a collection of superstars, but Lionel Messi is first among equals. All of these world-class players had that extra spark, that inherent ability to produce something extraordinary on the biggest stage.

For the Lisbon Lions, Jimmy Johnstone was that man. He was a unique talent. Entertaining, effective and inspirational. He was also Celtic’s greatest ever player.

There was nothing simple about Jinky. His talent was unique, off the cuff. He would beat defenders time and again. Then he would go back and do it all over again. Jimmy was the ultimate free spirit. He was a man who could light up a football pitch. The supporters loved him, his team-mates loved him and Jock Stein, while facing an ongoing battle to keep his star man on the straight and narrow, adored him.

No other player in Celtic’s history has been so universally loved and it was no surprise that the club’s supporters voted him as the Greatest Ever Celt in 20002. “I’m delighted, to be part of this is brilliant,” he said afterwards. Kenny Dalglish, who played with Jinky and ran him close for the award, summed up his qualities: “The wee man had everything, unbelievable skills and the heart of a lion.”

Jimmy Johnstone won 19 major honours for Celtic. He lifted nine league championships, four Scottish Cups and five League Cups. He was at his inspirational best as Celtic beat Inter Milan in the final of the 1967 European Cup. He created countless goals during Celtic’s most productive era but he also scored his fair share and that’s what sets him apart.

Jimmy was the archetypal tanner ba’ player but when a chance arose, he rarely messed about. For a winger, his record of 130 goals in 515 games is exceptional. Not only that, he scored in big games – derbies, league deciders, cup finals and huge European ties.

For a small man, he was good in the air, while he often showed the instincts of a poacher. His long-range strike against Rangers to clinch the 1967 league title at Ibrox will go down as one of the best Celtic goals of all time.

In 2001, he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. It was the biggest battle he had ever faced and the world’s admiration for Jimmy heightened as he bravely fought the illness and did everything in his power to raise awareness of it as he helped with fundraising efforts. His health deteriorated over the next five years and he tragically passed away on March 13, 2006.

Celtic Park was turned into a shrine as fans from all over the world flocked to pay tribute to their favourite son.

As the funeral cortege passed by the stadium, the crowed offered an impromptu rendition of ‘Jimmy Johnstone on the wing’. It was a poignant, emotional moment that perfectly encapsulated the indelible mark Jinky left on Celtic and everyone associated with the club.

He is immortalised in a statue outside Celtic Park and not a day goes past without his memory being honoured. Celtic will probably never see the likes of Jimmy Johnstone again, but his legacy will live on forever.

 

The Lisbon Lions are presented with the Loving Cup at Glasgow's Lord Provost's Awards









https://www.snsgroup.co.uk/07-04-17-lisbon-lions-photocall/photo/163967.html

 

Aye it's the loving cup.

 

All you need is love.

 

The Lisbon Lions were presented with the Loving Cup at the Lord Provost Awards dinner at Glasgow City Chambers on Friday night. Members of the legendary Celtic team that lifted the European Cup on May 25, 1967, the first British football club to do so, were honoured by the city at the VIP event, hosted by Lord Provost Sadie Docherty.

In the year marking the 50th anniversary of their historic achievement, the Lions were recognised for their contribution to the city of Glasgow.

Lisbon Lions Bertie Auld, John Clark, Jim Craig, Charlie Gallagher, John Hughes and Bobby Lennox were joined by family and friends at the City Chambers to be given the award, one of the highest honours that can be given to citizens of Glasgow.

Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell was also at the event to pay tribute to the Lions and he said: “It’s a great honour and thoroughly deserved. It’s an exciting year for us with the 50th anniversary and a lot of celebrations but I think it is very fitting that the city themselves recognized the feat of these guys who all came from within 30 miles of Celtic Park.”

Lisbon Lion Bertie Auld was pleased to be invited to the City Chambers for the dinner. He told the official Celtic website: “This is where all the big decisions are made. Celtic Football Club and Jock Stein made the big decisions for British football, not just Scottish football. Any time I’ve been here, it’s always been tremendous hospitality and respect from the council.”

Jim Craig, who set up the equalising goal in Celtic’s 2-1 win over Inter Milan in Lisbon, said: “Since we won the Cup in ’67, we’ve won a few awards, but this is from our native city. That makes it really special.”

Bobby Lennox added: “We were fortunate to have a great group of players and a great camaraderie. We stuck together. I know I was the outsider, being from 30 miles away in Saltcoats, but it was a great team and a great bunch of guys.”

And John Clark said: “It’s a great accolade. We are used to being first and this is another one. We’re delighted to get it.”

 

Lisbon Lions interview on Celtic TV.
https://streamable.com/fqaaa

 

On This day in 1967


Wallace with 2 goals


Johnstone with 1

 

The Celtic team who played Dukla Prague on this day in 1967

 

IT was on this day 50 years ago that Celtic put themselves on the brink of making history by being the first British club to reach the final of the European Cup following their 3-1 win over Dukla Prague on April 12, 1967.

It was a magnificent display by the Celts and all that now stood between the Hoops and the final the following month in Lisbon was, possibly, 45 minutes of football the following Tuesday afternoon in the Czechoslovakian capital against the army side.

A 75,000 crowd at Paradise roared on the Celts and before half-an-hour was up, Jimmy Johnstone had put the Hoops ahead as Paradise erupted.

Then, at the worst possible moment, just before half-time, Stanislav Strunc equalised for the visitors. However, Celtic Park was engulfed in deafening noise twice more as goals from Willie Wallace in the 59th and 65th minutes gave the Celts a vital 3-1 lead to take to Prague.

Jock Stein said after the game: “We are within striking distance of a great day for Celtic – entry to the final of the European Cup, a distinction which has eluded every British club. How fine it will be if Celtic, who have created a great deal of football history, add another page to the story.

“The semi-final against Dukla at Celtic Park proved, in my opinion, two things in particular. First, Dukla clearly deserve to have reached the later stages of this important competition. The other is that Celtic, near the end of a very strenuous season, are as capable as they were months ago of winning matches and at the same time entertaining the spectators.

“I was especially pleased with the lads’ display because Dukla had had 10 days’ special preparation for the game and no match in that period, whereas Celtic had a Scottish Cup semi-final and a replay and a hard league game at Motherwell during that time. Yet it is true to say that our boys were running the Czechs into the ground at the end.”

The manager added: “There were, of course, other features to bring joy to Celtic hearts. Injury and illness have been troubling us, so how good it was to see Bobby Murdoch making a fine return to the team and Jimmy Johnstone showing such sparkle. I think we can take it that both will be in even better fettle for the return game in Prague.

“We got off to a good start with Jimmy’s goal after a strange decision had knocked off one he made for Steve Chalmers. Then after indecision in defence had let Dukla in to equalise, two great goals by Willie Wallace in the second half gave us a convincing victory. There were several ‘near misses’, and all in all, the fans had a great night.

“We shall, of course, leave nothing to chance for the return game, even though I personally feel that not only shall we win the match on aggregate, we might even win the second game too. I don’t mind telling Dukla how we shall approach our task – we shall play to a tight safe pattern for something like 20 minutes and then open up.”