Jimmy Johnstone

1. Overview

James Connolly "Jimmy" Johnstone (September 30, 1944 - March 13, 2006) was a Scottish footballer renowned for his exceptional dribbling skills and flair as an outside right. Affectionately known as "Jinky" and "The Flying Flea," Johnstone spent 13 years with Celtic, becoming an integral member of the legendary "Lisbon Lions" team that famously won the European Cup in 1967. His career at Celtic also saw him secure nine consecutive Scottish championships, scoring 129 goals in 515 appearances and being voted the club's greatest-ever player by fans in 2002.

Beyond his club success, Johnstone earned 23 caps for the Scotland national team and was part of their 1974 FIFA World Cup squad. He achieved third place in the 1967 Ballon d'Or voting and was inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame in 2004. After his playing career, Johnstone faced significant personal challenges, including alcohol addiction and a battle with motor neuron disease (MND). Despite these struggles, he became an advocate for MND awareness and research, leaving a lasting cultural impact through documentaries, artistic tributes, and memorials.

2. Early life and youth career

Jimmy Johnstone was born on September 30, 1944, the youngest of five children to Matthew and Sarah Johnstone. He grew up in the family home located on Old Edinburgh Road in Viewpark, North Lanarkshire, Scotland. His early education took place at St Columba's primary school in Viewpark, followed by St John's secondary school in Uddingston.

Johnstone's exceptional footballing talent became apparent during his primary school years, where he played for the St Columba's team that clinched three trophies in the 1953-54 season. Although his secondary school team at St John's was less successful, his physical education teacher, Tommy Cassidy, had a connection with Sammy Wilson, a player for Celtic at the time. This connection allowed Johnstone to become a ball boy for Celtic.

Despite the excitement of being involved with Celtic, Johnstone's primary desire was to play football. He briefly left Celtic to join his local Boys Guild team, which even traveled to play against Manchester United's boys' team. His abilities caught the attention of the English club, but upon his return to Scotland, Celtic scout John Higgins successfully persuaded him to sign with Celtic. He signed youth terms on the same day as Tommy Gemmell, who would also become a long-serving teammate at the club. To gain further experience, Johnstone was loaned out to the junior club Blantyre Celtic.

Johnstone was known for his dedication to improving his skills, often spending hours at home dribbling around milk bottles in the hallway. Inspired by Stanley Matthews, who reportedly wore heavy boots to strengthen his leg muscles, Johnstone began training in pit boots, sprinting and playing football in them. He later credited this practice with adding "about three yards on to my pace."

3. Club career

Jimmy Johnstone's club career was predominantly defined by his illustrious spell at Celtic, where he achieved legendary status, before moving on to various clubs in North America and England.

3.1. Celtic

Johnstone made his first-team debut for Celtic on March 27, 1963, in a league match against Kilmarnock, which Celtic lost 6-0. A month later, he scored his first senior goal in a 4-3 defeat against Hearts. His early performances, marked by confident dribbling, earned him a spot in the Scottish Cup Final on May 4, 1963, against arch-rivals Rangers. Although his goal in the 1-1 draw was disallowed, his display was notable. He was, however, dropped for the replay, which Celtic lost 3-0.

The following season, 1963-64, saw Johnstone establish himself as a regular, playing in 25 league games and scoring six goals. He also contributed to Celtic reaching the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, scoring against FC Basel and MTK Budapest, before Celtic were eliminated by MTK Budapest on aggregate.

Celtic struggled during the early 1960s, a period that changed with the arrival of manager Jock Stein in 1965. Initially, Stein had reservations about Johnstone, viewing him as too individualistic and detrimental to the team, even omitting him from the 1965 Scottish Cup Final squad. However, Johnstone's undeniable skill soon won Stein over. On October 23, 1965, Johnstone secured his first winner's medal, playing in Celtic's 2-1 victory over Rangers in the Scottish League Cup Final. His 32 league appearances and nine goals that season were instrumental in Celtic winning their first league title in 12 years. He also helped Celtic reach another European semi-final, scoring twice against Go Ahead Eagles before losing to Liverpool in the Cup Winners' Cup.

Johnstone became a key figure in the "Lisbon Lions" squad, the team that famously won the European Cup in 1967. During an early round tie against Nantes, his deceptive dribbling earned him the nickname "the Flying Flea" from the French press. His outstanding performances throughout that season led him to finish third in the European Footballer of the Year award.

Two weeks after their European Cup triumph, Celtic played Real Madrid on June 7, 1967, in a testimonial match for the retiring Alfredo Di Stéfano at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Despite the presence of legendary players and a crowd of over 100,000, Johnstone captivated the Spanish supporters with an exhilarating performance, earning chants of "Olé!" He provided the assist for Bobby Lennox's winning goal in Celtic's 1-0 victory. The contest was keenly fought, seeing Bertie Auld and Real Madrid's Amancio sent off.

Johnstone's well-known fear of flying was once exploited by Jock Stein. Before a Red Star Belgrade match in November 1968, Stein promised Johnstone he wouldn't have to travel to Yugoslavia for the second leg if Celtic won by four goals. Johnstone delivered an exceptional performance, scoring twice and assisting three other goals in a 5-1 victory. He was also instrumental in Celtic reaching the 1970 European Cup Final. His display in the semi-final second leg against Leeds United at Hampden Park was particularly memorable; his mazy run set up Bobby Murdoch for Celtic's winning goal in a 2-1 victory. Leeds defender Terry Cooper humorously remarked, "I would love to have kicked Jinky, but I couldn't get near him!" while Billy Bremner described Johnstone's performance as "one of the greatest exhibitions I have ever seen." In the final, however, Johnstone was double-marked by Feyenoord players, limiting his impact, and Celtic lost 2-1 after extra-time.

Overall, Johnstone made 308 league appearances for Celtic, scoring 82 goals. Including matches in the Scottish Cup, League Cup, and European competitions, he played a total of 515 games for the club, scoring 129 goals. He received further Ballon d'Or nominations, placing 24th in 1968 and 23rd in 1969.

4. International career

Jimmy Johnstone's international career began on February 5, 1964, when he played for the Scottish Under 23 side in a 2-0 friendly defeat against England U23s. He made one more appearance for the U23 team in May of that year, a 3-0 away win against France U23.

He made his senior international debut for the Scottish international side on October 3, 1964, in a British Home Championship match against Wales, replacing Rangers winger Willie Henderson. Although he was involved in the build-up to Scotland's second goal, the match ended in a 3-2 victory for Wales. Later that month, he played in a World Cup qualifier against Finland at Hampden Park, which Scotland won 3-1, though his passing was noted as lacking accuracy.

Johnstone did not play for Scotland again until April 2, 1966, when he scored his first two international goals in a 4-3 defeat against England at Hampden Park. His first goal came with Scotland trailing 4-1, as he latched onto a pass from Denis Law and used his pace and power to bypass the English defense, beating goalkeeper Gordon Banks from close range. He scored another by chasing a floated ball from a Jim Baxter free kick, powerfully striking it off the underside of the bar. Johnstone was praised as one of Scotland's best performers in that match, and his play led to England's Nobby Stiles being booked for a strong tackle on him. He continued to play sporadically for Scotland, scoring his next international goal on October 22, 1969, in a World Cup qualifier away against West Germany, a match Scotland lost 3-2.

In May 1974, just before the 1974 FIFA World Cup and a British Home Championship match against England, Johnstone and some Scotland teammates were involved in a drinking session at their hotel in Largs, Ayrshire. In the early hours, Johnstone took a rowing boat out to sea, but without rowlocks, he was carried away by the tide. He had to be rescued by the Coastguard, and the incident became a major headline. Despite the embarrassment, Johnstone delivered an outstanding performance against England, helping Scotland to a 2-0 win. He was part of the Scotland squad for the 1974 FIFA World Cup in West Germany but did not feature in any of their three games. Johnstone earned a total of 23 caps for Scotland, scoring 4 goals.

5. Style of play

Jimmy Johnstone is widely regarded as one of Scotland's greatest footballers, celebrated for his distinctive and captivating style of play. He was a diminutive winger known for his exceptional technique and mesmerizing dribbling skills. His agility and close ball control allowed him to effortlessly bypass opponents, earning him the affectionate nickname "Jinky."

His playing style was characterized by his ability to easily go past defenders, cut inside, and either score goals himself or create opportunities for his teammates. He possessed a unique flair that made him a joy to watch, often described as conveying "an exhilarating sense of joy in working wonders with the ball." The French press, impressed by his trickery on the wing during a European tie against Nantes, dubbed him "the Flying Flea." His combination of elusive movement, technical prowess, and creative contribution made him a truly outstanding and influential player.

6. Later life and personal struggles

After his playing career concluded, Jimmy Johnstone faced significant personal challenges, particularly with alcohol addiction, which worsened despite his family's efforts.

6.2. Cultural impact and memorials

Johnstone's life and legacy have been honored through various cultural tributes and memorials. In 2004, a documentary film titled Jimmy Johnstone: Lord of the Wing, created by Jamie Doran and narrated by Scottish comedian Billy Connolly, first aired on the BBC.

In June 2005, Sarah Fabergé, the great-granddaughter of Carl Fabergé, produced a collection of 19 jeweled eggs inspired by Johnstone.

Following his passing, thousands of Celtic fans, alongside supporters from other clubs including arch-rivals Rangers, gathered outside Celtic Park on St Patrick's Day, the day of his funeral service, to pay tribute. Before the 2006 Scottish League Cup Final between Celtic and Dunfermline, a minute of applause was held in his memory, and the entire Celtic squad wore the number 7 on their shorts as a mark of respect.

In 2008, a bronze statue depicting Johnstone in action, sculpted by Kate Robinson, was unveiled at the main entrance to Celtic Park. In 2011, a second statue of Johnstone, a bronze, life-size work by sculptor John McKenna, was erected along with a memorial garden at the site of his former school on Old Edinburgh Road in Viewpark, near his childhood home. The garden was officially opened by Johnstone's wife, family members, and some of the surviving "Lisbon Lions" teammates.

FIFA 100 All-time Dutch great Rob Rensenbrink notably recalled Johnstone as one of the foremost world-class Scottish footballers.

7. Honours

Jimmy Johnstone received numerous team and individual accolades throughout his distinguished career.

; Celtic

• Scottish First Division (9): 1965-66, 1966-67, 1967-68, 1968-69, 1969-70, 1970-71, 1971-72, 1972-73, 1973-74
• Scottish Cup (4): 1966-67, 1970-71, 1971-72, 1973-74
• Scottish League Cup (5): 1965-66, 1966-67, 1968-69, 1969-70, 1974-75
• European Cup: 1967
  • Runner-up: 1970

  ; Scotland

  • British Home Championship (4): 1966-67, 1969-70, 1971-72, 1973-74

  ; Individual

  • Ballon d'Or (3rd place): 1967
  • Rothmans Golden Boots Awards: 1970, 1972

8. Career statistics