Cybertims writer Michael Lawlor recently interviewed Bobby Lennox and we hope you enjoy our article of the week.
Back in November the name of Bobby Lennox received one of the highest awards possible for a Scottish footballer. The Scottish Football Museum Hall of Fame inducted him onto their list. It's a list that includes many great players from the past. Among past Celts to be inducted were, Jock Stein, Billy McNeill, Jimmy Johnstone and James McCrory just to name a few. In his playing days he was hero worshipped by Celtic fans. He was nicknamed "buzz bomb" and "lemon" for making defenders look like ‘suckers'.
The awards were presented at Hampden Park and Bobby received his honour from another great Celt in Danny McGrain. There was a bit of a mistake which was later redressed. Beneath a portrait of Bobby was a list of his achievements which the organisers stated that Bobby won ten titles for Celtic. This was corrected to the eleven (he was part of the famous 9-in-row-side) titles he won for the Bhoys. He also won just 20 caps Scotland. This included a goal in the famous victory over England in 1967. He also won eight Scottish Cups and four league cup winners' medals. Bobby is one of a small group of Scottish players to play in two European Cup Finals.
When put to the Lisbon Lion about his award, "You do kind of think that you don't belong here," says Lennox. "I mean, when you think of some of the faces who are not here. And you look around and you see Jinky Johnstone, John White, Jim Baxter and Denis Law. They are all here too. I have to say I am really thrilled."
The enthusiasm is endearing, and the self-deprecation unwarranted. Lennox was officially declared a Hall of Fame at a dinner in Glasgow back in November. Danny McGrain - himself already recognized in the first batch revealed last year - opened the envelope containing his name and called Lennox onto the stage. This was another episode which had Lennox blushing: "It was a great thrill getting it from Danny because he is one of Scotland's greatest ever players."
But he featured in this Scottish Football Museum Hall of Fame, already pinned to a wall and exuding the majesty of his fellow inductees. Lennox, here in the flesh, surveyed his companions, and handled the thorny subject of his cap total with the graciousness which is another common quality among those honoured. "There was loads of good players at the time," said Lennox. "Denis Law, Jimmy Johnstone, they were all ahead of me in the queue. It got to the stage where I wasn't even looking when the Scotland team was named."
He starred for Celtic in a time when the Parkhead club dominated the domestic scene but he still regarded the league as a competitive one, and sees signs that the Scottish game might at last be regaining its past glories and edge. "The Scottish league was a great league in the 1960s and 1970s," he said. "When we won the European Cup, Rangers got beaten in the final of the Cup-Winners' Cup and Kilmarnock were beaten in the semi-finals of the Fairs Cup. I want Celtic to win the league, but it's better if it's a good league for all concerned." He is Celtic true and true. A few questions we put to the great man.
What's your best moment with the club?
When we went to Lisbon and became the European champions, just the elation and jumping up and down after the game.
And you're worst?
After the final whistle in Milan three years later, standing watching the group of lads from Feyenoord celebrating and parading the cup.
Which is your favourite away ground?
My luckiest ground was Firhill, as I scored a lot of goals there, including a four and a five in different games. Firhill was always full in those days and that made some difference. However, I also liked going to Ibrox and Pittodrie, as well as Hampden.
Who has been the best player at your club over the years?
Bobby Murdoch was a great midfielder.
What is your favourite goal of all time?
My first goal at Ibrox.
Who was your most influential manager?
I'd just got into the team when Big Jock (Stein) came in, and I am the only one who played every year he was at the club.
What is your favourite piece of club memorabilia?
I have Jimmy Greaves' England shirt which he gave me after the Wembley game and a Manchester United strip which Denis Law donated to me.
Which is your club's favourite kit?
I always loved the green and white hoops, with the all-white socks and shorts (Bobby, wearing it above).
Who is the greatest Scottish player of all time?
Denis Law.
What one thing would you change about Scottish football?
It probably wouldn't work now, but I'd have 18 teams in the league again. It's easier to bring young players through that way, and give them the experience.
Bobby is currently a match day host a Celtic, having coached from underage to the reserves. So he has been involved at Parkhead most of his life. He amassed 273 goals in 571 appearances for the Bhoys, a massive haul by any standards. To be honoured like this really marks a great player. He is a Lion (Lisbon) and a Legend and a truly great Celt.