He was a legend. A whirlwind. A wee magician on the pitch. Right here before us stands the Jimmy Jinky Johnstone statue. It’s a bronze testament to a footballing genius.
This statue isn’t just a sculpture. It’s a portal to a golden age of Celtic. Jimmy Johnstone was more than just a player. He was an icon. He was voted Celtic’s greatest ever player by the fans themselves. That says something.
Born in 1944 he rose from humble beginnings. His family were miners. His talent though. His talent was pure gold. He started playing in his youth. He was quickly noticed by Celtic scouts. He eventually became an integral part of the legendary Lisbon Lions team.
Johnstone’s skill was breathtaking. He was a master dribbler. His moves were mesmerizing. They called him Jinky for a reason. His opponents couldn’t touch him. He was a blur of red hair and incredible skill. He scored 129 goals for Celtic in 515 appearances. Those are some statistics. He even finished third in the Ballon d’Or voting in 1967.
He had a fear of flying. This was a real problem for an international player. But his manager Jock Stein used this fear cleverly. Before a European game against Red Star Belgrade Stein told Johnstone if Celtic won by four goals he wouldn’t have to fly to Belgrade for the return leg. Johnstone scored twice that night. Celtic won 5-1. Johnstone didn’t have to fly.
Johnstone’s life wasn’t always easy after his playing days. He struggled with alcohol. He eventually recovered. He remained a devoted Celtic supporter. He even helped with the youth teams. His legacy is immeasurable. He inspired so many.
Sadly he died in 2006 from motor neurone disease. Thousands of fans paid their respects. This statue is a fitting tribute to a remarkable man. A footballer who brought joy to millions. Look at him. Jinky. The greatest ever Celt. Remember his magic.