Tommy Gemmell

Lisbon Lion who scored in two European Cup finals

Thomas Gemmell (16 October 1943 – 2 March 2017) was a Scottish football player and manager. Although right-footed, he excelled as a left-sided fullback and had powerful shooting ability. Gemmell is best known as one of the Celtic side who won the 1966–67 European Cup; he scored the first Celtic goal in the final. Gemmell played 18 times for Scotland, and also played for Nottingham Forest, Miami Toros and Dundee. After retiring as a player in 1977, Gemmell managed Dundee and Albion Rovers.

Quick Facts

Born: 16 October 1943
Birthplace: Craigneuk, Scotland
Died: 2 March 2017
Height: 1.88 m / 6 ft 2 in
Position: Left back
Total caps: 380
Total goals: 51

Lore & Background

Gemmell joined Celtic from Coltness United in October 1961, signing youth terms on the same day as Jimmy Johnstone. He was one of the 'Lisbon Lions' who won the 1967 European Cup final against Inter Milan, scoring an equalising goal with a shot from outside the penalty area. He ignored team orders for one full-back to stay in defence; right back Jim Craig played the square ball for Gemmell to shoot. Gemmell was one of just two Lisbon Lions to appear in all 59 matches in major competitions, the other being John Clark.

He also scored in the 1970 European Cup final in a defeat to Feyenoord, making him one of only three British footballers to score in two different European Cup finals (the others being Phil Neal and Gareth Bale). Gemmell made 418 appearances for Celtic and scored 63 goals. He placed sixth for the Ballon d'Or in 1967 and 24th in 1968. In his book Lion Heart, Gemmell revealed he was on the receiving end of sectarian abuse from certain teammates who wanted an all-Catholic team, and also received verbal abuse from some Rangers supporters due to his perceived status as a 'turncoat' (a Protestant who played for Celtic).

Reader's Guide

Gemmell transferred to Nottingham Forest in December 1971. At the end of that season Forest were relegated from the top flight. In 1973 he had a short stint with the Miami Toros, then returned to Scotland signing for Dundee in July 1973, winning the 1973 Scottish League Cup final against former team Celtic. He retired from playing in 1977. After retiring, Gemmell managed Dundee from 1 June 1977 to 15 April 1980, signing Jimmy Johnstone for Dundee. He later managed Albion Rovers from 1986 to 1987 and again from 1993 to 1994. In 1994, Gemmell sold his collection of Celtic medals at auction for £32,000; they were purchased by Glasgow businessman Willie Haughey and loaned back to Celtic. He was inducted to the Scottish Football Hall of Fame in 2006. Gemmell died on 2 March 2017, aged 73, after a long illness. His funeral was held on 10 March with a procession starting from Celtic Park.

Did You Know?

Gemmell was right-footed but played as a left-back under Jock Stein.
He scored one goal for Scotland, from a penalty spot against Cyprus in an 8–0 win in a 1970 World Cup qualifier.