Tommy’s Story - Tommy Gemmell Community Page

Tommy's Story

From Craigneuk to Celtic Greatness

Tommy Gemmell was born in Motherwell on 16 October 1943 before his family moved to Craigneuk in Wishaw when he was five. He began playing as a right winger for Wishaw High School and Meadow Thistle before switching to left back—a move that would define his career.

After catching the eye of Celtic scout Edward McArdle, Tommy signed for Celtic in 1961 alongside Jimmy Johnstone. Growing up in difficult circumstances helped shape his fearless, uncompromising style of play. Renowned for his powerful shot, attacking runs from defence and commanding confidence, he became one of the game’s greatest full backs and a key member of the legendary Lisbon Lions.

A Lisbon Lion and Celtic Icon

The arrival of Jock Stein transformed Tommy Gemmell’s career, helping him develop into one of the finest attacking full backs in football. Under Stein’s guidance, Tommy became renowned not only for his uncompromising defending but also for his surging runs from defence and powerful long-range strikes. He scored Celtic’s first-ever European Cup goal against FC Zürich in 1966 and was an ever-present throughout the club’s historic 1966–67 campaign.

Tommy’s place in football history was secured when he scored Celtic’s equaliser in the 1967 European Cup Final, helping the Lisbon Lions become the first British club to lift the trophy. Although he scored 64 goals in 418 appearances for Celtic—31 from the penalty spot—his powerful shooting and remarkable composure made him one of the club’s most reliable penalty takers. He also found the net in the 1970 European Cup Final, becoming one of the few players to score in two European Cup finals.

Making his Scotland debut in 1966, Tommy earned 18 international caps and remained a larger-than-life character both on and off the pitch. His honesty, humour and close friendship with fellow Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone made him a favourite among supporters, with countless stories reflecting the personality that was every bit as memorable as his football.

Beyond Celtic

After leaving Celtic in 1971, Tommy Gemmell spent two years with Nottingham Forest before moving to Dundee, where he captained the club to a memorable 1–0 League Cup Final victory over Celtic in 1973. While the result divided opinion among Celtic supporters, it highlighted his leadership and commitment wherever he played.

Following his retirement in 1976, Tommy enjoyed a successful coaching career, managing Dundee and Albion Rovers. He remained a popular figure within the Celtic family, regularly appearing at club events and interviews, and was voted into the club’s Greatest Ever Team by supporters in 2002. His achievements were further recognised with induction into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame in 2006, cementing his legacy as one of Scottish football’s true greats.

A Lasting Legacy

Sadly, Gemmell passed away on March 2, 2017, at the age of 73. He left behind a legacy as one of the greatest players in the history of Scottish football. His contribution to Celtic’s historic European Cup triumph in 1967 will never be forgotten, and he will always be remembered as a true legend of the game.

Tommy’s funeral was held on 10th March 2017 at Daldowie Crematorium. Prior to that, the funeral cortege departed Celtic Park and proceeded along the Celtic Way to make one more visit to Celtic Park before continuing on to London Road and Daldowie Crematorium, joined by former teammates, serving Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers, and Rangers managing director Stewart Robertson.

Upon reflection, one of the greatest compliments Tommy Gemmell can receive is that he helped reinvent the game by demonstrating the future of the full-back position.