Latest news with #LisbonLion
Glasgow Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Celtic and TV stars back bid for statue of Lisbon Lion
The Tommy Gemmell Community Project is raising funds for a bronze statue of the footballing icon to be placed in his hometown. Tommy scored the first goal in Celtic's victory, which secured the team affectionately known as the Lisbon Lions the 1967 Champions League trophy. The statue would be placed in Craigneuk, where he grew up and lived when he first signed for Celtic at the age of 16. His family, including his widow, Mary Gemmell, are part of the project, and she told us how "important" it is to have the "special" man honoured there. Celtic and TV stars back bid for statue of Lisbon Lion (Image: SNS Images) 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." READ MORE: Statue of Lisbon Lion bid backed by Celtic legend's family His support is joined by fellow actor Tony Roper, who shared a touching tribute to Tommy while sharing a story about him having hidden talents. Tony tells the tale of being in Barcelona with their partners and going to an Argentinian steakhouse. After eating, they're treated to entertainment from Argentinian Tango dancers who dazzle them with a complicated routine. Once they're finished, he explains that Tommy got up to dance with Tony's wife, Isabella, who had been a dancer for most of her life. Tommy then perfectly executes the technical dance routine, and Tony said, "he was sensational." Tony finishes his story with a plea, he asked: "If you don't think a world-class footballer, who could do the Argentinian tango perfectly without breaking his partner's feet and also came from Craigneuk, doesn't deserve a statue there, I don't know what you need to do?" READ MORE: READ MORE: WATCH: Tommy Gemmell's two European Cup final goals for Celtic A long list of Celtic legends, including John Hartson, James Forrest, and Daizen Maeda, have supported the cause. John Hartson spoke of the "wonderful man" and "great player" and how he was "privileged to meet him a few times." READ MORE: Fans gather at Celtic Park to pay tribute to Lisbon Lion Tommy Gemmell Forrest and Maeda were videoed in their cars with t-shirts created by the project, which read 'Lisbon 1967 Gemmell Craigneuk', and both share the message 'support the Tommy Gemmell Community Project.' We spoke with Tommy's widow, Mary Gemmell, about the project. 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." Mary Gemmell with some of the community project team (Image: Supplied) 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. Further money raised would go towards helping the Craigneuk community. 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.
The Herald Scotland
a day ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Statue of Lisbon Lion bid backed by Celtic legend's family
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.
The National
03-05-2025
- Sport
- The National
Forrest addresses Celtic streak and makes penalty admission
The veteran attacker has made 28 appearances this term and registered five assists, but has failed to bag up to this point. Forrest could sense that all of a Celtic persuasion were urging him to find the back of the net last weekend at Tannadice as time evaporates on the season. Read more: He said [Official Celtic FC podcast]: "I could even feel it was coming from the players on the park as well. "With the scoreline and the way it was going, I could definitely feel that everyone was egging me on to try and score. "Hopefully, going into the end of the season, I can try and do that [score]. "I think a few folk have joked when we get a penalty for me to hit it, but I'd hope to score in normal time." Forrest became the most decorated player in Celtic's history with last Saturday's title triumph, overtaking Lisbon Lion and fellow Ayrshire-native, Bobby Lennox, in the process. "After the game, I felt a bit emotional," he said. "Normally, I can hide that quite well, but I think everything - we won the league and everyone was talking about that - it got to me a bit. "It's a great achievement, and it shows how successful the club has been since I've been here. "When you start to get a bit older, you're not so sure whether you're going to be in or out of the squad and you don't know whether you're going to be here, so I'm just cherishing every day that I'm here. "It's a team game. It is a nice achievement, it's great to have. But it's about the players, the staff and my family." An academy graduate himself, Forrest went down to train with Celtic's youngsters team during the most recent international break. He said: "In the international break, I trained with the B team. It's boys that are 16 and 17 you're training with, but I think that's maybe good for them that I was training with them, and it's good for me to see the players coming through and what we've got here." The 33-year-old is in contention for selection as Celtic travel to face Rangers at Ibrox on Sunday.
The Herald Scotland
03-05-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Forrest addresses Celtic streak and makes penalty admission
Forrest could sense that all of a Celtic persuasion were urging him to find the back of the net last weekend at Tannadice as time evaporates on the season. Read more: He said [Official Celtic FC podcast]: "I could even feel it was coming from the players on the park as well. "With the scoreline and the way it was going, I could definitely feel that everyone was egging me on to try and score. "Hopefully, going into the end of the season, I can try and do that [score]. "I think a few folk have joked when we get a penalty for me to hit it, but I'd hope to score in normal time." Forrest became the most decorated player in Celtic's history with last Saturday's title triumph, overtaking Lisbon Lion and fellow Ayrshire-native, Bobby Lennox, in the process. "After the game, I felt a bit emotional," he said. "Normally, I can hide that quite well, but I think everything - we won the league and everyone was talking about that - it got to me a bit. "It's a great achievement, and it shows how successful the club has been since I've been here. "When you start to get a bit older, you're not so sure whether you're going to be in or out of the squad and you don't know whether you're going to be here, so I'm just cherishing every day that I'm here. "It's a team game. It is a nice achievement, it's great to have. But it's about the players, the staff and my family." An academy graduate himself, Forrest went down to train with Celtic's youngsters team during the most recent international break. He said: "In the international break, I trained with the B team. It's boys that are 16 and 17 you're training with, but I think that's maybe good for them that I was training with them, and it's good for me to see the players coming through and what we've got here." The 33-year-old is in contention for selection as Celtic travel to face Rangers at Ibrox on Sunday.
Scottish Sun
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Emotional Celtic star James Forrest reveals plans for special Bobby Lennox moment after making Hoops history
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) JAMES FORREST wants to share his Celtic glory with legend Bobby Lennox. The Scotland winger has overtaken the Lisbon Lion by becoming the club's most decorated player. Sign up for the Celtic newsletter Sign up 3 Brendan Rodgers hailed Celtic's history maker James Forrest Credit: Kenny Ramsay 3 It was a huge day for Forrest on Sunday Credit: Getty 3 Forrest overtook Bobby Lennox as the Hoops' most decorated player ever Credit: Kenny Ramsay - The Sun Glasgow Forrest, 33, has now won 26 major trophies at the Hoops to surpass the 81-year-old icon Lennox's incredible tally. He said: 'I've met Bobby a few times, but he is not keeping so great just now. 'I plan to go and see him this week. 'I have met his family too. They are all so humble and that stands you in good stead for players coming through.' Forrest was visibly emotional as the Celtic supporters chanted his name following the 5-0 win over Dundee United. He then held back tears as he added: 'I have loved being at this club. As I was walking off the pitch, I started getting a bit emotional and was having to try and control it. 'It was an unbelievable feeling. It is just great to be part of this team. 'In the last few years it has been a successful era for Celtic. 'Maybe you don't get any chance to celebrate it because you are on to the next one straight away. 'But it just kind of hit me. It is unbelievable to hear and hopefully there is more to come. Thousands of jubilant Celtic fans gather at Parkhead for title party as they let off pyro and await fan return 'I have played with so many players here, and everyone has dealt with it really well. 'When they come here, they realise everywhere you go there's Celtic fans and everyone knows who you are. 'And even if you maybe draw a game or lose one it can be a crisis. 'Loads of boys who have maybe not been used to that come here and have to adapt. 'It humbles you as well being here. 'You cannot get carried away — the press, the fans and even the manager are on you. 'You can quickly be brought down to earth if you think you are ahead of yourself.' Forrest is now desperate to score in the final five games and keep his run going into a 16th season. He added: 'All the boys were desperate for me to score and I could feel it off the fans as well. 'But we were really wanting to put on a good performance today and we certainly did that.' Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
