A Modest Cash Bonus, Grateful to the Lisbon Lions. Their Contribution Endures, Even After More Than Half a Century…
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| On May 25, 1967, the Celtic team stands united prior to their European Cup Final showdown against Inter Milan in Lisbon. Their triumphant performance led to a 2-1 victory. (Photo courtesy of Central Press/Getty Images) |
Celtic has been granted a €1.137 million cash bonus courtesy of Galatasaray, the Turkish team that secured a spot in the Champions League group stage. This intriguing outcome is a result of UEFA's complex coefficient system. Thanks to the insights provided by the Twitter account @moravcik67, which is well-versed in all matters related to European football, the entire scenario was clarified.
Our advantage over the Turkish team by 3 points on the points system is partly attributed to the four bonus points we hold due to our triumphant European Cup victory in 1967. Remarkably, our most illustrious club side in history continues to contribute even in the present day. While it may be a modest sum, it's a welcome addition at a time when every source of income is appreciated.
Our coffers could potentially swell even further if Rangers fail to progress past PSV Eindhoven tonight. With our automatic qualification, Celtic is already set to receive substantial rewards, including the entire TV revenue, should our Ibrox counterparts falter.
Granted, the Rangers' potential failure could impact the coefficient, but let's be honest – would we lose sleep over it? Certainly not. Anticipation is building for what promises to be an intense match, especially considering PSV's quest for vengeance following last year's events at this very juncture.
Yours truly,
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
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| Celtic vs. Racing Club in the World Club Championship: Glasgow Celtic takes on Racing Club of Argentina. Bobby Lennox is seen being escorted from the field after receiving a red card during the match in Montevideo on November 4, 1967. Photo captured by TopFoto. |
Coincidentally, a very joyous 80th birthday to the esteemed Lisbon Lion, Bobby Lennox. The official site has a heartwarming tribute to him this morning, accessible for your reading pleasure HERE.
Happy 80th Birthday, Bobby Lennox, the distinguished Lisbon Lion! This exceptional individual deserves accolades for being a contender for Celtic's Player of TWO Decades. While his prime moments unfolded primarily in the 1960s, he remained a Celtic stalwart until 1981, with a brief interlude in the USA. His Celtic journey commenced in 1961, joining from Ardeer Recreation, and he marked his debut in 1962.
Bobby Lennox, in many respects, embodies faultlessness. His aspirations were simple: to play. A manager's dream, he exhibited unwavering dedication by putting in hard work and consistently showing up for training. Even on the rare occasions when he found himself surplus to the team's needs (typically for a specific match), he refrained from sulking or displaying petulant behavior, a trait that regrettably surfaced in others.
He also played a pivotal role in keeping the enigmatic Jimmy Johnstone on the right path. Speaking of paths, I recall an episode at Aberdeen Railway Station around 1966. The team and supporters disembarked from the train, with Stein issuing instructions to porters about the hamper. Meanwhile, the players engaged with supporters, attracting the attention of respectable Aberdeen matrons welcoming their elderly mother back from vacation. Amidst it all, the Likely Lads, Johnstone and Lennox, stood with arms around each other's shoulders, belting out "Roll Over Beethoven," a popular Beatles tune. Stein may not have cracked a smile, but he shook his head, recognizing Lennox's effective influence on the unpredictable Jimmy.
He excelled on the pitch as well, netting 273 goals in 571 matches, a feat second only to Jimmy McGrory. His greatest asset was his speed and his knack for sprinting forward to score goals. However, his commitment to rigorous training, unwavering dedication, and deep love for football and Celtic enabled him to play (often as an eager substitute) throughout the 1970s. He fostered a strong rapport with his former captain, now Manager, and lifelong friend, Billy McNeill.
For a glimpse, turn to YouTube and watch the 1980 Scottish Cup final, focusing on the sole game-winning goal. Pay heed to the immediate aftermath. Whose jubilant face can you spot hopping with joy? None other than the spirited, devoted, and evergreen Bobby Lennox!
Watch YouTube: Celtic 1 Rangers 0 1980 Scottish 'Riot' Cup Final
A modest and retiring man, he felt genuinely bashful when his hometown of Saltcoats unveiled a statue in his honor. But not us. Bobby Lennox stands as one of the most illustrious Celts of all time.
He boasts 11 Scottish League medals, 8 Scottish Cup medals, and 5 Scottish League Cup medals. He donned the Scotland jersey 10 times, even scoring in the iconic 1967 triumph at Wembley. Not a shabby career by any measure!
*David Potter’s previous birthday homage to Bobby Lennox from three years ago, celebrating The Buzzbomb’s 77th Birthday. We've simply updated Bobby's age from 77 to 80. Hail Hail to Saltcoats' proudest son, Bobby Lennox.
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