Statue of Lisbon Lion bid backed by Celtic legend's family

The National

2 days ago

The family of Tommy Gemmell is part of the community project raising funds for the statue honouring the football legend.
They have a target of £80,000 for the statue, which will be placed in Craigneuk, where he grew up.
Over the past few weeks, the project has received the backing of some Celtic stars, past and present, and even TV and Film star Martin Compston.
Tommy's widow, Mary Gemmell, spoke with the Glasgow Times about the project and her memories of the 'special' man he was.
Calls for statue of Lisbon Lion backed by Celtic legends (1966 Tommy Gemmell of Celtic) (Image: SNS Images) READ MORE: Celtic and TV stars back bid for statue of Lisbon Lion
Mary, who's a "very young 73", said: "The statue is the main focus right now, but the idea behind it being a community project is that we want it to be so much more than a statue.
"Tommy was so proud of where he came from and was such a believer in helping people however he could - he went to every charity event he could.
"So to have his legacy be helping the whole community would be special for such a special man."
The initial target would see the statue made by world-famous sculptor Andy Edwards.
His work includes statues of the Beatles and football legends like Sir Alex Ferguson, Brian Clough, and Peter Taylor.
Tommy Gemmell gets to grips with the European Cup he helped the Lisbon Lions win in 1967 (Image: SNS Images/Bill Murray) READ MORE: Fans gather at Celtic Park to pay tribute to Lisbon Lion Tommy Gemmell
Further money raised would go towards helping the Craigneuk community, and Mary has been to visit the local schools alongside the rest of the team.
Mary spoke highly of the teachers and shared a funny story about the first thing the kids said they'd like if money were raised: a trampoline, followed by a monkey.
The community project, founded and led by Martin McCrum, who was a close friend of Tommy's, has already held some events.
Supporters joined a walk from Craigneuk to Celtic Park, and Mary was at the finish line to hand out medals on what she said was "the funniest day".
The project has reached over three-quarters of the target and has now had the backing of some famous faces.
Mary giving out a medal, left, and the walk's finish at Celtic Park (Image: Supplied) Scottish actor and proud Celtic fan Martin Compston has given his support to the bid for the statue, describing Tommy as "one of Scotland's greatest ever players" and also "one of our greatest characters too."
He's joined by fellow actor Tony Roper and a long list of Celtic legends, including John Hartson, James Forrest and Daizen Maeda, who've all put their name behind the cause.
Speaking about their support, Mary said: "It just blows you away.
"I keep phoning people up, expecting to bother them, but they've all been so supportive and asked what more they can do, it's humbling.
"Everyone that's involved with the project is amazing, Martin and the team especially too."
Tommy Gemmell in 1972 (Image: PA Photos)
READ MORE: WATCH: Tommy Gemmell's two European Cup final goals for Celtic
Mary shared memories which underlined the importance of having the statue in Craigneuk. She said: "When Tommy signed for Celtic at 16, he was still working hard as an apprentice electrician at Ravenscraig.
"He told me how he used to get the bus to training, fall asleep and wake up at the Barras before running back to Celtic Park to make it in time.
"He was such a hard worker, and it's important to have that legacy shown in his home town.
"We're planning on putting his ashes inside the statue too, it's important he comes home."
Mary Gemmell with some of the community project team (Image: Supplied) READ NEXT: Rap legend Snoop Dogg announces exciting new plans for Celtic Park
Tommy signed for Celtic on the same night as fellow Lisbon Lion Jimmy Johnstone. Mary shared touching anecdotes of the bond he had with the team.
Mary said: "They were a team, trust me... and they genuinely were a band of friends.
"They were all so kind when Tommy passed, Jim Craig still phones me to this day to check in."
Mary was tight-lipped about the statue's design, but did confirm it wouldn't depict Tommy's famous kicking up the 'erse' of a certain German player while playing for Scotland.
She said: "I've seen the designs, which are simply wonderful.
"Andy's really gotten his likeness and frame and how he carried himself so well."
She describes him as "bold and cavalier. Physically, he was tall, 6'2", well-proportioned, and very upright" and says that sculptor Andy has fittingly presented him and done his memory justice.
Mary also spoke of Tommy's wit and character and shared other stories, some just between us. Her passion for her late husband and his legacy is palpable.
Mary added: "His heritage is not just to Celtic fans, but also to Scottish fans.
"The pride that team must have brought to Scotland must have been amazing for all over, no matter what team they support.
"It'll be so nice to have that memory honoured with the statue."
The team project has a few events lined up, with a dinner dubbed an evening with John Hartson and special guests at Dalziel Park Hotel on August 15, and a golf day organised for September 5th.
You can find out more about the project and the events here.