Plans for Tommy Gemmell statue well underway

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The Celtic Star

·14 giugno 2025

Plans for Tommy Gemmell statue well underway

A plan to place a statue honouring a beloved Lisbon Lion in his hometown has received the full support of his family…

European Cup Final Celtic v Inter Milan The Celtic team line up, Mannschaftsbild, Totale before defeating Inter Milan to win the European Cup. Back Row Left to Right: Jim Craig; Tommy Gemmell; Ronnie Simpson; Billy McNeill; Bobby Murdoch; and John Clarke. In front, left to right: Stevie Chalmers; Willie Wallace, Jimmy Johnstone; Bobby Lennox; and Bertie Auld. 27 May 1967. Portugal Photo TopFoto (IMAGO) – The Celtic Star.

Tommy Gemmell’s relatives are actively involved in a local initiative aimed at funding a tribute statue to the footballing icon. The goal is to raise £80,000 for the statue, which is set to be installed in Craigneuk, the area where he was raised.

OneFootball Video

In recent weeks, the project has gained support from both former and current Celtic players, as well as actor Martin Compston.

Mary Gemmell, Tommy’s widow, shared her reflections on the project and her fond memories of the remarkable man he was during a conversation with the Glasgow Times. Mary 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.”

01.09.1967. Photo imago/Kicker/Metelmann Tommy Gemmell is watched by Jock Stein

“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.”

Reaching the initial fundraising goal would allow renowned sculptor Andy Edwards to create the statue. Among his creations are statues of The Beatles and legendary football figures such as Sir Alex Ferguson, Brian Clough, and Peter Taylor.

Additional funds collected will support the Craigneuk community, with Mary joining the team on visits to nearby schools. Mary praised the teachers and recalled a humorous moment when the children, asked what they would want if funds were available, keenly suggested a trampoline – then a monkey!

02.04.1966. Phoot imago/Kicker/MetelmannTommy Gemmell (Scotland)

The community initiative, started and guided by Martin McCrum, a longtime friend of Tommy, has already organised several events. Fans took part in a walk from Craigneuk to Celtic Park, where Mary greeted them at the finish line to distribute medals, describing it as “the funniest day.”

The project has surpassed 75% of its fundraising goal and gained support from several well-known personalities. Martin Compston, the Scottish actor and devoted Celtic supporter, has endorsed the statue campaign, calling Tommy “one of Scotland’s greatest ever players” and “one of our greatest characters too.”

Anefo photo collection. Arrival of Celtic football team from Glasgow, Scotland at Schiphol. Players Tommy Gemmell L and Willie Wallace. March 9, 1971. Noord-Holland, Schiphol.

@TommyGemmellCP on this very spot in Craigneuk, the proposed statue to the legendary Tommy Gemmell will be erected. Looking forward to seeing the big man.
– mercoledì 11 giugno 2025

Alongside Compston are actor Tony Roper and numerous Celtic greats such as John Hartson, James Forrest, and Daizen Maeda, all of whom have pledged their support to the campaign.

Reflecting on the backing the project has received, 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.”

The Tommy Gemmell CSC, Dunblane with their brilliant banner, young Lubo98 of this parish holding the banner (top left) during the Invincible season.

The project team has scheduled several events, including a dinner titled “An Evening with John Hartson and Special Guests” at Dalziel Park Hotel on Friday 15 August, followed by a golf day planned for Friday 5 September.

More information about the project and upcoming events is available HERE.

INVINCIBLE by Matt Corr. Save £5 in the Celtic Star Books summer sale! Order your signed copy today at celticstarbooks.com/shop

INVINCIBLE by Matt Corr. Order a signed copy now in our summer sale and save £5. Shop at Celticstarbooks.com/shop