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Lisbon Lions
Billy McNeill
Centre-half 1957-19756' 1" 12st. 0lbsBORN: Bellshill 2 March 1940DEBUT: versus Clyde (h) 2-0 (SLC) 23 August 1958Appearances:SL: 486 apps. 22 goalsSLC: 138 apps. 2 goalsSC: 94 apps. 7 goalsEurope: 72 apps. 3 goalsTOTAL: 790 APPS. 34 GOALS
INFORMATION: Although always a formidable force in the team since his inaugural game at the Public Trial of 1957, McNeill's emergence into one of Scotland's most respected footballers is inextricably linked with the arrival of Jock Stein to Celtic Park as manager in March of 1965. That month, as club captain, Billy lifted the Glasgow Cup for Celtic, the first time the club had won any silverware since 1957.This signified the beginning of a tremendous spell of continuing achievements for McNeill, one of the most unforgettable moments being scoring the winning goal of the Scottish Cup final against Dunfermline in 1965 with an almighty header in the 81st minute.This was a welcome habit, particularly for a defender, as he managed to continue this form scoring in two more Scottish Cup finals, those of 1969 against Rangers and 1972 against Hibernian. Goal scoring ability aside, McNeill was an extremely influential captain, his determination to succeed, strong will and capacity to effectively create one combined force from eleven players was unmatched anywhere else in the country.Billy McNeill won every available honour in Scottish football during his time as player with Celtic, this tremendous success including nine Scottish Football League championship medals, and from 1967, a European Cup final medal which he won as the first British captain to lift the prestigious trophy. His success on the field was honoured with the award of MBE in 1974; nine years after being voted the first ever Player of the Year in 1965.Second only to Alec McNair in terms of highest number of appearances, McNeill played a remarkable 831 competitive games for the club appearing in 12 Scottish Cup finals, nine League Cup finals and turning out 29 times for Scotland at international level. Having forged an almost telepathic understanding with Stein, the Big Man described him as 'my voice on the park'. Caesar, as the nickname became determined, is undoubtedly an appropriate alter ego for a footballer that achieved the greatest honour thus far in the Scottish game.The name Caesar as it originated, however, was actually far removed from the Roman Empire. It materialises that some of the 1960s Celtic squad identified with the 'rat-pack' influences of the film Ocean's Eleven and copied the idiosyncrasies of the group. One of the stars was Cesar Romero and McNeill took on his name due to, as he describes it, being 'the only one with a car at the time'. The transgression into the role of Caesar is perhaps now more appropriate!
BOBBY MURDOCH
Right-half 1959-735'11" 12st 11lbsBORN: Bothwell, 17 August 1944DEBUT: versus Hearts (h) 3-1 (SLC) 11 August 1962 (scored 1 goal)APPEARANCES:SL: 291 APPS: 62 GOALSSLC: 83 APPS: 19 GOALSSC: 53 APPS: 13 GOALSEUROPE: 57 APPS: 11 GOALSTOTAL: 484 APPS: 105 GOALS
INFORMATION: The appraisal Bobby Murdoch received from some of the biggest names in football was undoubtedly deserved. The Big Man, Jock Stein, said of him, 'his greatest quality is consistency. He turns in one great performance after another and he never failed to give one hundred percent effort.A mere 15 years old when he came to Celtic from Motherwell, Murdoch eventually burst into the first team scene in August of 1962 in a match against Hearts, scoring on his debut. Reputedly, in a 3-2 defeat over Rangers in the Glasgow Cup 3 months later, his performance was so magnificent he was given credit for single-handedly winning the match for Celtic. Scoring twice in this match he continued to excel, his passing and ingenious reading of the game earning him the title of the 'indispensable element in Stein's team.' The day before Stein's announcement that he was returning to the club as manager Murdoch thundered a shot past the Aberdeen keeper on the 30 January 1965, one of 8 scored, five of which were bagged by John Hughes and the remaining two netted by Auld and Lennox. Murdoch's place in the team that was to take on the European giants was secured. Stein took Murdoch from an attacking froward position and brought him up to midfield where his precision passing could be used to the best possible advantage. Murdoch proved Stein's instincts were correct.His period with Celtic was reaped with reward in the form of eight League Championship medals, five Scottish Cup medals, six League Cup medals, and a European Cup medal as one of the infamous Lisbon Lions. In addition admiration for his talent was such that he was given the honour of Scottish Player of the Year in 1969. Unfortunately, Stein appeared to lose favour with Murdoch, instead angling towards utilising a running halfback in his team formation, despite the respect he had earlier bestowed on such a worthy player. Murdoch, however, had tired of Scottish football and having reaped so much success looked to pastures new to expand upon and renew challenges.On 17 September 1973, Murdoch left Paradise for Middlesborough, much to the delight of boss Jack Charlton. An extremely talented player with so much to offer he continued to gain the respect he had gathered in Scotland with his new team mates and supporters in England. He went onto become coach and thereafter manager until 1982. A remarkable player, he will go down in history as a 'Celtic Great.
BERTIE AULD
Outside-left1965-715'8"10st 10lbsBORN: Maryhill, 23 February 1938DEBUT: versus Rangers (a) 0-1 (CC) 1 May 1957APPEARANCES:SL: 176 APPS. 53 GOALSSLC: 47 APPS. 20 GOALSSC: 31 APPS. 11 GOALSEUROPE: 25 APPS. 1 GOAL TOTAL: 279 APPS. 85 GOALS
INFORMATION: Bertie Auld was a 17 year old teenager when he joined Celtic for his first spell. He was sent out on loan to Dumbarton in October of 1956 before returning and playing against Rangers at Ibrox in the Charity Cup on Mayday, 1957. Auld was an ingenious player but his hot temper unnerved Kelly and he was sold to Birmingham City on Mayday four years later. Under pressure from Sean Fallon, Kelly finally relented and paved the way for Jimmy McGrory to make his last signing as Celtic manager on the 14 January 1965. Sold for £15,000 a deal was sealed that brought Auld back to Celtic Park for £12,000. Crucially the rewards that were reaped by the club and the support by his return were much more than merely financial.Bertie returned to Celtic a man of a much gentler disposition on the field, with the retention of his wonderful skills. He immediately proved his worth by scoring five goals against Airdrie in Jock Stein's first game in charge. Celtic won the match 6-0. When Jock Stein came back as manager Bertie was playing in the left wing and like he did with so many of the other 'lions' Jock repositioned him placing him in midfield, reference the nickname 'midfield general'. He scored to equalise twice against Dunfermline in a 3-2 victory to lift the Scottish Cup, the club's first success in the competition since the double year of 1954.Auld failed to score in the 1966-67 European campaign but was still a formidable force in the side, playing in eight of the matches, missing out of the Vojvodina home leg due to injury. His speed, skill and passing ability was admired throughout the world of football. Auld's last match as a Celtic player was played on the day he made his debut, Mayday, of 1971. Five days later, much to the shock of the support, Stein gave him a free transfer and he was expended to Hibernian where he became coach in 1973 and manager in 1983 after a spell as manager at Thistle.
BOBBY LENNOX
MBEOutside-right 1961-78, 1978-805' 8"11st 7lbsBORN: Saltcoats, 30 August 1943DEBUT: versus DUNDEE (h) 2-1 (SL) 3 March 1962APPEARANCES:SL: 353 APPS; 167 GOALSSLC: 119 APPS; 62 GOALSSC: 51 APPS; 31 GOALSEUROPE: 66 APPS; 13 GOALSTOTAL: 571 APPS; 273 GOALS
JIM CRAIG
Right-back 1965-726' 2"11st 5lbsBORN: Glasgow 7 May 1943DEBUT: versus Go Ahead Deventer (h) 1-0 (ECWC) 7 October 1965APPEARANCES:SL: 147 APPS. 1 GOALSLC: 30 APPS. 4 GOALSSC: 23 APPS. 0 GOALSEUROPE: 31 APPS. 1 GOALTOTAL: 231 APPS. 6 GOALS
INFORMATION: Jim Craig will probably go down as the most versatile dentist in history. Coming in and out of the team to replace the injured Ian Young, getting sent of against Kiev in the Cup Winners Cup and then taking time out to sit his Finals at University, Jim Craig finally settled into a regular slot beside Tommy Gemmell at right back after forming the ideal partnership in a match against Dundee on 7 January 1967.It was this excellent partnership understanding that engineered the Jim Craig pass to Tommy Gemmell at Lisbon, which resulted in the equalising goal against Inter Milan in the final on 25 May 1967. Jim Craig was an intelligent player who drove himself with a technical ingenuity and philosophy. In a period of great success for Celtic, Craig won an array of honours, his European Cup winner's medal adding to a tally of 7 Championship, 4 Scottish Cup and 3 League Cup medals.Recognised at International level he won a Scottish Cap against Wales in November of 1967, his inclusion resulting in a record number of 14 International players at Celtic, overseeing a record set by Rangers with 13 Internationalists on their books in 1932-33. Amazingly, 13 of Celtic's Internationalists were called up to Scotland, the Rangers' record amounting to 10.Jim Craig always continued to concentrate on his dentistry career whilst with Celtic and football was ultimately his part-time occupation. His passion for his primary work led to his early retirement from Celtic and he played his last game in the 6-1 dubbing of Hibernian in the Scottish Cup Final in 1972. He settled briefly in South Africa concentrating on his dentistry before returning to Britain and a two-year spell with Sheffield Wednesday. After a brief period as manager of Waterford, Jim orchestrated a very successful career as journalist and broadcaster culminating in the publication of his own history of Celtic, A Lion Looks Back in 1999.
JIMMY JOHSTONE
Outside-right 1961-755'4" 9st 8lbsBORN: Viewpark 30 September 1944DEBUT: versus Kilmarnock (a) 0-6 (SL) 27 March 1963APPEARANCES:SL: 308 APPS. 82 GOALSSLC: 92 APPS. 21 GOALSSC: 48 APPS. 10 GOALSEUROPE: 67 APPS. 16 GOALSTOTAL: 515 APPS. 129 GOALS
INFORMATION: By the time Jimmy Johnstone played his first team debut against Kilmarnock in March of 1963 he had been involved with the club from 1958 as a ball boy and subsequently in the reserve side since 1961. A fear of flying did not detract from his fearlessness whilst on the ball and his persistent dribbling skill and physical 'running of rings' around opposing players was a permanent feature throughout his playing career.An influential part of the side to defeat Raith Rovers 8-1 in the League Cup quarterfinal, Stein soon eased him into a regular slot. He was a fiery character, however, and often reacted badly to the continual hacking and bad tackling he suffered as a result of his opponent's inability to counter his attacks. Nonetheless, on the whole Johnstone was not deterred and he persistently pulled off spectacular performances such as the two goals he scored at Ibrox to secure the Championship just prior to the European Cup final and a much acclaimed performance in the 5-1 home victory against Red Star Belgrade. Stein did, however, wave a carrot in front of Jimmy, promising him that if he played well he would not have to travel by plane to the away leg. He scored two of the goals in an outstanding performance!Jimmy was a character both on and off the field and his off the Park antics led to Stein's assertion that "no player has caused me more headaches since I went to Celtic and on no one has more time been spent to sort out his troubles". On the field he received many headaches, however, the majority of players answering to his absolute expertise in the form of constant tackling and bombardment. He frequently lost his temper and retaliated to the persistent tackling from players who were left "feeling as if their brains were in a cocktail shaker".He was an excellent Internationalist and was capped on 23 occasions for Scotland and on 4 occasions for the Scottish League. His international honours were further glorified with his domestic achievements, which amount to 9 Championship, 4 Scottish Cup, 5 League Cup and the ultimate, his European Cup final medal won in Lisbon in 1967. Jimmy participated in every round of the European campaign adding his own contribution of two goals to the overall Celtic tally of 18 scored.Bothered by injury as a result of constant tackling and a growing lack of tolerance from Jock Stein, Jimmy Johnstone was given a free transfer by the Big Man in June of 1975. After spells in America, England, Ireland and Scotland he had a brief spell as coach at Celtic Park under the leadership of manager Davie Hay. He is undoubtedly an absolute Celtic Great who merits prime position in not just a Celtic roll of honour but in a world football league. In recognition of his genius he was nominated No.3 in Europe in a France-Football poll of sports writers in 1967 and selected for the 1967 'Earth team to play for the Universe".
JOHN CLARK
Left-half 1958-715'8"11st 5lbsBORN: BellshillDEBUT: 13 March 1941APPEARANCES:SL: 185 APPS: 1 GOALSLC: 62 APPS: 1 GOALSC: 31 APPS: 1 GOALEUROPE: 40 APPS: 0 GOALSTOTAL: 318 APPS: 3 GOALS
INFORMATION: Fortunately for Celtic, Larkhall Thistle refused to accept an offer from Birmingham City for John Clark. After coming through a trial match on 20 September 1958 he was slotted into the reserve back line alongside Crerand and McNeill, all players that were to partake a formidable role in the subsequent development of Celtic Football Club.His debut match was played against Arbroath on 3 October 1959 in the League championship. A master in defence he scored a vital goal against Hibernian in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup in 1961, his shot coming in extra time of a replayed tie. On Stein's return to the club as manager in 1965 Clark performed brilliantly in the Scottish Cup final against Dunfermline slotting into Stein's insightful chosen role as sweeper. Despite receiving a nasty facial knock in the 50 minute, that would undoubtedly have forced him off the park in today's football, he soldiered on. Celebration pictures from the day show his jersey saturated in blood.He was a concrete, reliable and calming influence in the side that was nurtured to play in Lisbon and his skill inevitably led to a Scottish international call-up and, amongst others, a very memorable performance against the World Champions, England, in1966 at Hampden. One report said he 'played.. as expected to play - far from overawed by the big names on the field. He was calm and cool when others were losing their head.'Clark followed fellow Lisbon Lion McNeill into management and the trusting relationship they had developed on the pitch was utilised into a coaching capacity primarily at Aberdeen and ultimately back to the club where they had earned unreserved respect, Celtic. John is now resident at Celtic Park as Kit Controller.
RONNIE SIMPSON
Goalkeeper 1964-705' 10 ½ " 11st. 13lbsBORN: Glasgow, 11 October 1930DEBUT: versus Barcelona (a) 1-3 in the Fair Cities' Cup on 18 November 1964Appearances:SL: 118 apps. 54 shut-outsSLC: 29 apps. 14 shut-outsSC: 17 apps. 10 shut-outs
INFORMATION: Ronnie Simpson, son of Rangers player Jimmy Simpson, was most definitely speaking the archetypal young apprentice.Incredibly, Ronnie made his debut for Queens Park at the tender age of 14 years and 304 days. Ironically, however, despite having played at Wembley in the 1948 Olympics and in the FA Cup with Newcastle in 1952 and 1955, Ronnie did not make his Scottish International debut until he was 36 years and 196 days old on May 7 1966.First requested on loan by Celtic in 1946 when Miller was on international duty, Simpson finally joined the squad on a permanent basis when Sean Fallon secured him from Jock Stein's Hibs for the bargain price of £4,000 in September of 1964. His role as the number one keeper remained evasive until a convincing performance against Aberdeen in the League, Celtic winning 7-1, on September 25 1965, secured his dominance in the position.Ronnie quickly emerged as a Celtic great and secured his first Championship winners medal in 1966 followed by his first Scottish Cup medal on 15 April 1967, Scotland's Player of the Year on 5 May 1967 and his prestigious European Cup winner's medal on 25 May 1967. Simpson's career was unfortunately hampered by a shoulder injury and a recurring dislocation finally ended his career with Celtic on 1 May 1970. Simpson did, however, make one final appearance with the Lisbon Lions (who incidentally, only appeared as a team twice) on the 1 May 1971 when a match against Clyde at Celtic Park was utilised as a final tribute to the team that had become the first British side to lift the European Cup. Simpson led the squad out onto the pitch, along a makeshift wooden plank due to the rebuilding of the South Stand, but owing to his injury failed to participate in the match. He had, however, already secured a place in history and his name was etched on the hearts of thousands of Celtic supporters due to regular spectacular performances. He was a true goalkeeping hero.
STEVIE CHALMERS
Forward 1959-715'9"10st 12lbsBORN: GlasgowDEBUT versus Airdrie (h) 1-2 (SL) 10 March 1959APPEARANCES:SL: 261 APPS. 155 GOALSSLC: 58 APPS. 31 GOALSSC: 47 APPS. 29 GOALSEUROPE: 39 APPS. 13 GOALSTOTAL: 405 APPS. 228 GOALS
INFORMATION: When Stein saw Chalmers play, one of his first actions was to move him from the midfield to forward line. He immediately rewarded Stein's intuition with a hat-trick against Rangers at the New Years fixture on 3 January 1966 when Celtic hammered their rivals 5-1, a score line that was equalled again on the 21 November 1998. To the delight of the fans he made a rather pleasant habit of contributing to defeating Rangers, again netting a spectacular goal in the Scottish Cup final in 1969 to complete a four nil victory.Chalmers' roots had been in football his father, once a target for Celtic, playing professionally for Clydebank and ironically alongside the great Jimmy McGrory who was on loan at the club. In later years the force with which Chalmers could score was likened to the thundering talent of McGrory. All Chalmers wanted to do was play football and spells with Kirkintilloch Rob Roy, Newmarket (whilst fulfilling National Service obligations) and Ashfield were rewarded with the call up to Celtic in February of 1959. He had a spell with Glentoran on loan in 1965 and on his return to Celtic stayed with the club until transferring to Morton as player-coach on 9 September 1971. Unfortunately a broken leg sustained during the League Cup final against St Johnstone in 1969 had been difficult to recover from and let to a gradual decline in his involvement with the squad. Chalmers scored 241 goals during his time with Celtic but the one everyone remembers the most is that peach, five minutes from time in Lisbon, which enabled Celtic to lift the European Cup! The number of goals scored, however, was a post-war club record that Chalmers held until Lennox overtook it in November of 1973. It was to be the away leg in Zurich when Chalmers hit his first goal in the run to the European Cup scoring the second of three just before halftime. Chalmers went on to be the club's highest scorer in Europe with 5 goals from the 18 scored during that miraculous season's European campaign.
TOMMY GEMMELL
Full-back 1961-716'2"13st 10lbsBORN: Craigneuk, 16 October 1943DEBUT: versus Aberdeen (a) 5-1 (SL) 5 January 1963Appearances:SL: 247 apps. 37 goalsSLC: 74 apps. 10 goalsSC: 43 apps. 5goalsEurope: 54 apps. 12 goalsTOTAL: 418 APPS. 64 GOALS
INFORMATION: The signing of Gemmell from Coltness United in October of 1961 was an astute move on the part of Sean Fallon, the man responsible for the signing of 10 of the Lisbon Lions. A defender with the ability to shoot at goal with admirable force and accuracy, he became a legend in his own lifetime. Jock Stein described him as 'the best left-back in the world' and this sentiment was matched when he was voted the sixth best player in Europe in 1967 by France-Football, and a poll of sports journalists in Hungary and Brazil nominated him the best right-back in the world in 1970. The reference to him as both right and left back player indicated the versatile nature of his ability, a flamboyance that was matched by his witty personality of the field.Gemmell was a huge favourite amongst the fans, his entertaining style of play greatly admired. Indeed, entertainment was guaranteed if Gemmell was involved in set pieces, one recording of his shooting measuring an incredible 71.55 mph, perhaps an indication of how he achieved the success rate of 34 penalties scored and only 3 missed!Unfortunately, Gemmell's relationship with the manager began to deteriorate and his request for a transfer resulted in a move to Nottingham Forest in December of 1971. An injury led to his eventual return to Scotland where he donned the dark blue jersey of Dundee and ironically played in the Dundee side that defeated Celtic in the League Cup final at Hampden of 1973. A sore point for Celtic fans, it does not eradicate the fact that he was one of the most talented and entertaining players to don a Celtic jersey.
WALLACE, WILLIAM SEMPLE BROWN
Striker 1966-715'8"11st 6lbsBORN: Kirkintilloch, 23 June 1940DEBUT: versus Motherwell (h) 4-2 (SL) 10 December 1966APPEARANCES:SL: 142 APPS. 89 GOALSSLC: 36 APPS. 21 GOALSSC: 27 APPS. 12 GOALSEUROPE: 29 APPS. 13 GOALSTOTAL: 234 APPS. 135 GOALS
INFORMATION: Wispy, as he was known due to his initials, (or, as has also been suggested, his quiet voice!) was ultimately one of Celtic's most respected players. Willie replaced the injured Joe McBride in December of 1966, quickly slotting into the team and regularly scoring important goals such as the two against Dukla Prague at Celtic Park in the European Cup semi-final. His second goal was the most memorable; belting a Bertie Auld pass into the net from 20 yards before the shocked keeper even had a chance to see it. This was followed by two important strikes against Aberdeen a few weeks later to secure the Scottish Cup and another of Celtic's major triumphs of that unforgettable season. The original intention of Stein, however, had been to create a formidable striking partnership between Wallace and McBride, at the time the crippling extent of McBride's knee injury uncovered.Wallace, also a target for Rangers who he duly supported as a child, signed for Celtic under the instructions of Stein and with the enthusiastic approval of the Board on 6 December 1966. He was a record transfer buy of £30,000 and the only 'Lisbon Lion' brought to the club by Jock Stein. Wispy was to be the final piece in a very exciting jigsaw and was only just prevented from giving up on football and heading with his wife for a new life in Australia. On signing for the club a reporter asked him which position he wanted to play and he simply responded, 'whatever Mr Stein decides, I am a happy man to be a Celtic player.Wallace's fabulous performance against Dukla earned him a Scottish call-up and an international match against England. Amazingly, Wispy was Celtic's 13th international squad member, thus equalling Rangers record that they had carried from 1932-33. 12 of the international stars were Scottish, the remaining player, Charlie Gallagher capped for Ireland.His career at Celtic, however, ended somewhat mystically in 1971 when he signed for Crystal Palace on 19 October. Wallace, it transpired, believed that Stein no longer intended to include him in future plans whilst it appeared that this was not the case. Mystery aside, Wispy Willie Wallace was one of the greatest
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