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{{short description|Scottish footballer}}{{EngvarB|date=April 2013}}{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2022}}

factoids

194430|df=y}}| birth_place = Viewpark, Scotland1.62ftin|abbr=on}}2006139df=y}}| death_place = Uddingston, ScotlandForward (association football)#Outside forward>Outside right| youthyears1 = 1958–1959Celtic F.C.>Celtic| youthyears2 = 1959–1961| youthclubs2 = Viewpark Boys Guild| youthyears3 = 1961–1962Celtic F.C.>Celtic | youthyears4 = 1961–1962Blantyre Celtic F.C.>Blantyre Celtic (loan)| years1 = 1962–1975 | years2 = 1975 | years3 = 1975–1977 | years4 = 1977 | years5 = 1977–1978 | years6 = 1978–1979Celtic F.C.>Celtic San Jose Earthquakes (1974–1988)>San Jose Earthquakes Sheffield United F.C.>Sheffield United Dundee F.C.>Dundee Shelbourne FC>Shelbourne Elgin City F.C.>Elgin City| caps1 = 306| caps2 = 9 | caps3 = 11 | caps4 = 3 | caps5 = 9 | caps6 = 18 | goals1 = 82| goals2 = 0 | goals3 = 2 | goals4 = 0 | goals5 = 0 | goals6 = 2 totalgoals = 86| nationalyears1 = 1964Scotland national under-21 football team>Scotland U23| nationalcaps1 = 2| nationalgoals1 = 0| nationalyears2 = 1964–1974Scotland national football team>Scotland| nationalcaps2 = 23 | nationalgoals2 = 4(SFL player) James Johnstone, London Hearts Supporters Club [erroneously includes one appearance by James Johnston (1900s footballer)>James Johnston| nationalteam3 = Scottish League XI| nationalcaps3 = 4| nationalgoals3 = 0}}James Connolly Johnstone (30 September 1944 – 13 March 2006) was a Scottish footballer who played as an outside right. Known as "Jinky" for his elusive dribbling style, Johnstone played for Celtic for 13 years, and was part of the 'Lisbon Lions', the team who won the 1967 European Cup Final, as well as winning nine consecutive Scottish championships. He scored 129 goals for Celtic in 515 appearances and was voted the club's greatest ever player by fans in 2002.WEB, Brilliant Celtic and Scotland winger who took the European Cup with the Lisbon Lions,weblink The Guardian, 2 August 2011, Brian Glanville, 14 March 2006, Johnstone also won 23 caps for Scotland. He finished third in voting for the 1967 Ballon d'Or, and was inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame when it was inaugurated in 2004.{{citation needed|date=November 2021}}Rodger Baillie {{Who|date=November 2021}} called Johnstone a "genius who lived by magic and mischief",NEWS, Genius who lived by magic and mischief,weblink 29 March 2021, The Sunday Times, {{subscription required}} while Hugh McIlvanney wrote that no other player "besieged opponents with such a complex, concentrated swirl of deceptive manoeuvres or ever conveyed a more exhilarating sense of joy in working wonders with the ball."Hugh McIlvanney (March 2006). "Wee man leaves massive legacy". The Sunday Times. Retrieved 29 March 2021

Early life and youth career

Johnstone was the youngest of five children born to Matthew and Sarah Johnstone. He grew up in the family home on Old Edinburgh Road in Viewpark, North Lanarkshire, and he was educated at St Columba's primary school in Viewpark and then at St John's secondary school in Uddingston.WEB, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography,weblink Johnstone, James Connelly [Jimmy, Jinky] (1944–2006), footballer,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20140826120929weblink">weblink 26 August 2014, Alt URLHis footballing ability first came to note at primary school, playing for the St Columba's team that won three trophies in 1953–54. The team at his secondary school, St John's, were less able, but their physical education teacher, Tommy Cassidy, was a friend of Sammy Wilson, who played for Celtic at the time and had scored in Celtic's 7–1 win over Rangers in the 1957 Scottish League Cup Final. Cassidy used his connections to get Johnstone a role as ball boy at Celtic.WEB,weblink Jinky Biography, jimmyjohnstone.com, 26 August 2014, dead,weblink" title="archive.today/20120605020258weblink">weblink 5 June 2012, At home, he used to dribble around milk bottles every day in the hallway for hours to perfect his skills. On reading that Stanley Matthews used to walk to Blackpool's ground wearing heavy boots to strengthen his leg muscles, Johnstone began wearing pit boots and would sprint and play football in them. He later said that this "probably added about three yards on to my pace."Despite the thrill of being involved with Celtic as a ballboy, Johnstone wanted to play football. As a result, he left Celtic to play for his local Boys Guild team. As well as playing locally, the team travelled down to play Manchester United's boys' team. Johnstone's ability caught the eye of the English giants but, upon his return to Scotland, Celtic scout John Higgins persuaded him to sign for Celtic; He signed youth terms on the same day as left-back Tommy Gemmell, who lived a few miles away and would also have a long association with the club.BOOK, McColl, Graham, Gemmell, Tommy,weblink Tommy Gemmell: Lion Heart (prologue by Jimmy Johnstone), 2012, Random House, 9781448132454, In order to gain experience, Johnstone was farmed out to junior club Blantyre Celtic.

Club career

Celtic

Johnstone made his first team debut for Celtic on 27 March 1963 in a 6–0 defeat away against Kilmarnock in the league.WEB, Johnstone, Jimmy (page ss13/13),weblink FitbaStats, 25 August 2014, His next appearance came a month later, away against Hearts. He was again on the losing side (4–3), but scored his first senior goal. Despite the defeats, Johnstone's performances won him a place in the team for the Scottish Cup Final on 4 May 1963 against Rangers. The young winger turned in a fine performance, helping Celtic to a creditable 1–1 draw with his confident dribbling. He also scored a goal but it was disallowed due to a foul moments earlier by teammate John Hughes.BOOK, Cambell, Tom, Woods, Pat, The Glory & The Dream, 1987, Grafton, 0-586-20005-3, 216–217, NEWS, Henderson, Gair, Missed chances were "Final Blow",weblink 25 August 2014, Evening Times, 4 May 1963, 26 August 2014,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20140826185857weblink">weblink dead, Inexplicably, Johnstone was dropped for the replay and Celtic were outclassed by Rangers, who ran out comfortable 3–0 winners.NEWS, Henderson, Gair, Cup Final Replay – Celtic torture,weblink Evening Times, 16 May 1963, 18, 26 August 2014, 4 March 2016,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20160304001531weblink">weblink dead, File:Jimmy Johnstone.JPG|thumb|left|upright|Statue of Johnstone at Celtic Park by Kate Robinson ]]The following season saw Johnstone establish himself as a regular in the side. He played in 25 league games, scoring six goals.WEB, Johnstone, Jimmy – overview,weblink FitbaStats, 25 August 2014, He also helped Celtic reach the semi-finals of the European Cup Winners' Cup, scoring against FC Basel in a 5–0 win at Parkhead in the first round, and then against MTK Budapest in a 3–0 win in the first leg of the semi-final. Celtic, however, lost 4–0 in the return match in Hungary and were knocked out on aggregate.WEB, Johnstone, Jimmy (page 12/13),weblink FitbaStats, 25 August 2014, Celtic were struggling throughout the 1960s until Jock Stein arrived at the club in 1965. By this time Johnstone was struggling to hold down a regular spot in the first team. On arrival at Celtic, Stein had doubts about Johnstone, considering him too much of an individual player, to the overall detriment of the team, and he left him out of the team for the 1965 Scottish Cup Final.WEB,weblink How Stein almost sold Jinky, 13 March 2014, 26 August 2014, Back Page Press, dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20140826120430weblink">weblink 26 August 2014, Johnstone soon won Stein round with his skill, and won his first winner's medal on 23 October 1965 when he played in Celtic's 2–1 win over Rangers in the Scottish League Cup Final.WEB,weblink The Times, 25 October 1965, Penalties give Celtic cup, 26 August 2014, 4 March 2016,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20160304001424weblink">weblink dead, His 32 league appearances and nine goals that season helped Celtic win their first league title in 12 years.NEWS, Jacobs, Raymond, Celtic win league championship,weblink 26 August 2014, The Glasgow Herald, 9 May 1966, 4, Johnstone also helped Celtic reach their second European semi-final, scoring twice against Go Ahead Eagles en route, before losing 2–1 on aggregate to Liverpool in the Cup Winners' Cup.Johnstone was one of the "Lisbon Lions", the team that won the then European Cup for Celtic in 1967.WEB, Jimmy Johnstone,weblinkweblink 8 June 2022, subscription, live, The Independent, 23 October 2014, 14 March 2006, In an early round tie against Nantes, Johnstone's trickery on the wing saw him dubbed "the Flying Flea" by the French press, while his performances over that season saw him finish third in the European Footballer of the Year award.Two weeks after their European Cup win, Celtic played Real Madrid on 7 June 1967 in a testimonial match for the now retired Alfredo Di Stefano. In front of over 100,000 fans at the Bernabéu Stadium, the sides engaged in a keenly fought contest that saw Bertie Auld and Real Madrid's Amancio sent off. Di Stefano played for the first 15 minutes, but it was Jimmy Johnstone who stole the show with an exhilarating performance that had even the Spanish supporters chanting "Olé!" throughout the game. Johnstone capped an outstanding performance by playing the pass to Bobby Lennox for the only goal in a 1–0 win for Celtic.NEWS, McMillan, Anna, The Alfredo Di Stefano Trophy, 22 October 2013, The Celtic View, 16 November 2005,weblink dead,weblink" title="archive.today/20130104042805weblink">weblink 4 January 2013, WEB, The Full Story: 1967, Alfredo Di Stéfano's Testimonial,weblink STV, The Football Years, 22 October 2013, 12 February 2011, dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20131022015651weblink">weblink 22 October 2013, File:Jimmy Johnstone statue by John McKenna sculptor.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Johnstone's statue at Viewpark Memorial garden by John McKenna ]]Johnstone had a morbid fear of flying, which Jock Stein used to great effect on one occasion. Ahead of the first leg of a European tie against Red Star Belgrade at Parkhead in November 1968, Stein told Johnstone that, if Celtic won by four goals, he wouldn't have to travel to Yugoslavia for the second leg. Johnstone went on to produce an outstanding performance, scoring twice and providing assists for the other three goals in a 5–1 win.WEB, Great players of the Sixties – Jimmy Johnstone,weblink World Soccer History, 26 August 2014, dead,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20140826204001weblink">weblink 26 August 2014, He helped Celtic reach a further European Cup Final in season 1969–70. His performance in the second leg of the semi-final against Leeds United at Hampden Park was particularly outstanding, and his mazy run in the second half set up Bobby Murdoch to score with a powerful shot for Celtic's winning goal in a 2–1 victory on the night.WEB, Matches 15 April 1970 – Celtic 2 Leeds United 1,weblink The Mighty Mighty Whites, 6 October 2013, WEB, Season 1969-70,weblink European Cup History, 6 October 2013, Leeds' defender Terry Cooper later quipped "I would love to have kicked Jinky, but I couldn't get near him!" Billy Bremner described Johnstone's performance as "one of the greatest exhibitions I have ever seen", adding that "Jimmy had one of these games where he was unstoppable." Celtic played Feyenoord in the final but, with Johnstone double-marked at all times, Celtic were unable to perform as they had in the 1967 final. Feyenoord dominated the match and defeated Celtic 2–1 after extra-time.In all, he made 308 League appearances for Celtic, scoring 82 goals. He also played another 207 times for them in the Scottish Cup, League Cup and in Europe, for an overall total of 515 matches. He received further Ballon d'Or nominations in 1968 and 1969 placing 24th and 23rd, respectively.BOOK, European Footballer of the Year (Ballon d'Or) 1968,weblink 22 June 2005, RSSSF, 12 April 2020, BOOK, European Footballer of the Year (Ballon d'Or) 1969,weblink 22 June 2005, RSSSF, 12 April 2020,

Later career

He later played for the San Jose Earthquakes, Sheffield United, Dundee, Shelbourne and Elgin City. His manager at Dundee was former teammate Tommy Gemmell, but Johnstone later stated that his 'heart was not in it' and he did not apply himself properly during his short spell at Dens Park, having lost the motivation to play for other clubs after being released by Celtic.WEB, Jimmy Johnstone – Player Profile,weblink Dee Archive, 7 February 2022,

International career

Johnstone began his international career on 5 February 1964, playing for the Scottish Under 23 side in a friendly against England U23s, losing 2–0. He made one further appearance for the Scotland U23 side in May that year, a 3–0 win away against France U23.WEB, Johnstone, Jimmy,weblink FitbaStats – Scotland U23, 20 September 2016, He made his international debut for the full Scottish international side on 3 October 1964 in a British Home Championship match against Wales, in place of Rangers winger Willie Henderson.WEB, Johnstone, James,weblink FitbaStats, 23 October 2014, He was involved in the move that led to Scotland's second goal, though the match ended in a 3–2 win for the Welsh.NEWS, Scotland squander victory chance,weblink 4 May 2015, The Glasgow Herald, 5 October 1964, 6, Johnstone's next cap came that same month in a World Cup qualifier at Hampden Park against Finland. Scotland won 3–1, but Johnstone's performance was unimpressive, with his passing described as "lacking accuracy."WEB, Jacobs, Raymond, Scotland again lose urgency and thrust,weblink The Glasgow Herald, 5 May 2015, 13, 22 October 1964, Johnstone did not play for Scotland again until 2 April 1966, when he scored his first two international goals in a 4–3 defeat against England at Hampden Park.WEB, Scotland 3 – 4,weblink FitbaStats, 23 October 2014, The first goal came with Scotland trailing 4–1, when he latched on to a pass from Denis Law and used his pace and power to run past the English defence and beat goalkeeper Gordon Banks from close range. He pulled back another goal for Scotland when he chased a floated ball towards goal from a Jim Baxter free kick and, from close range, scored with a powerful shot off the underside of the bar. Johnstone, along with Denis Law, was reported as one of Scotland's best performers, and his play resulted in England's Nobby Stiles being booked for a crushing tackle on him.NEWS, Jacobs, Raymond, England triumph at Hampden,weblink 5 May 2015, The Glasgow Herald, 4 April 1966, 4, Johnstone continued to play sporadically for Scotland, and he didn't score his next international goal until 22 October 1969 in a World Cup qualifier away against West Germany, Scotland losing 3–2.WEB, West Germany 3 – 2 Scotland,weblink FitaStats, 23 October 2014, In May 1974, during the build-up to the 1974 FIFA World Cup, and days before a British Home Championship match against England at Hampden, Johnstone and his other Scotland teammates took part in a drinking session at their hotel in Largs, Ayrshire. In the early hours, the group headed for shore, with Johnstone deciding to go out in a rowing boat. However, the boat had no rowlocks to take the oars and Johnstone found himself being taken out to sea by the tide. Stranded at sea, Johnstone had to be rescued by the Coastguard and the incident dominated headlines for days.NEWS, Scotland's Hall of Shame, April 2009,weblink BBC Sport, 23 October 2014, Despite the embarrassing headlines, Johnstone went on to turn in an outstanding performance for Scotland against England, helping them to a 2–0 win.WEB, Jimmy Johnstone,weblink STV Sport, 23 October 2014, 23 October 2014,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20141023230743weblink">weblink dead, Johnstone was part of the Scotland squad that travelled to West Germany for the World Cup in the summer of 1974, but he didn't play in their three games.Johnstone won 23 caps for Scotland.WEB, Celtic statue memorial to legend Jinky,weblink Evening Times, 26 April 2011, Jonathan Paisley, 7 July 2008,

Later life

After his playing career ended, Johnstone's problems with alcohol worsened, despite the efforts of his family.WEB,weblink Jimmy Johnstone's family reveal his struggle after being let go by Jock Stein at Celtic, Daily Record, 18 September 2016, 22 May 2018, When he approached Glasgow businessman and Celtic fan Willie Haughey in 1992 offering his medals for sale, Johnstone instead received support and guidance from Haughey in combatting his addictions,WEB,weblink Memories of a giant wee man, The Herald (Scotland), The Herald, 13 December 2008, 22 May 2018, and the two men remained close friends thereafter.WEB, I may be a millionaire but there's nothing I like better than a fish supper on a Friday night,weblink Evening Times, 22 May 2018, 3 October 2007, A documentary film about Johnstone's life, created by Jamie Doran and narrated by Billy ConnollyWEB,weblink Jimmy Johnstone: Lord of the Wing (2004), IMDb, 29 August 2019, titled (Jimmy Johnstone: Lord of the Wing|Lord of the Wing) first aired on the BBC on 25 April 2004.WEB,weblink Jimmy Johnstone: Lord of the Wing, IMDb, 29 August 2019, In June 2005, Carl Fabergé's great-granddaughter Sarah produced 19 jewelled eggs related to Johnstone.NEWS,weblink Faberge descendants keep up tradition, Bill, Wilson, 9 June 2005, BBC, 28 December 2012, WEB,weblink Faberge honour for Jinky, 10 June 2005, The Daily Telegraph, London, 22 May 2018,

Death and legacy

Having been diagnosed with incurable motor neuron disease (MND) five years earlier, Johnstone died in March 2006, aged 61.NEWS,weblink Celtic great dies at 61, BBC Sport, 13 March 2006, 29 January 2008, WEB,weblink Legend Jinky loses final battle with MND, 13 March 2006, The Scotsman, 22 May 2018, The last person to call him was old Rangers rival Willie Henderson, who had become a firm friend of Johnstone. Thousands of Celtic fans and fans of many other clubs, including those of arch-rivals Rangers, paid tribute to his memory outside Celtic Park on St Patrick's Day, the day of his funeral service. Tributes were paid to Johnstone before the 2006 Scottish League Cup Final, played between Celtic and Dunfermline.NEWS,weblinkweblink" title="archive.today/20130201210604weblink">weblink dead, 1 February 2013, CIS Insurance Cup Final 2006, Scottish Football League, 14 March 2006, 14 October 2011, There was a minute of applause before the game and the entire Celtic squad wore the number 7 on their shorts in his honour.In 2008, a bronze statue by Kate Robinson of Johnstone in action was unveiled at the main entrance to Celtic Park.WEB, Statue honours Celtic star Jinky,weblink BBC, BBC News Scotland, 13 December 2008, 21 May 2018, WEB, Jimmy Johnstone (1),weblink From pitch to plinth: the sporting statues project, 21 May 2018, In 2011, a statue of Johnstone and a memorial garden were created on the site at his former school, close to his home, on the Old Edinburgh Road, in Viewpark. The garden was opened by Johnstone's wife, family and some of the surviving members of the 'Lisbon Lions' team. The bronze, lifesize statue was made by sculptor John McKenna.WEB,weblink Viewpark Honours Football Hero Jimmy Johnstone, 18 August 2011, Daily Record, 24 March 2012, WEB, Jimmy Johnstone (2),weblink From pitch to plinth: the sporting statues project, 21 May 2018,

Career statistics

Club

{{incomplete list|Celtic spell complete|date=May 2018}}{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"!rowspan="2"|Club! rowspan="2" |Season!rowspan="2"|Division!colspan="2"|League!colspan="2"|National cup!colspan="2"|League cup!colspan="2"|Continental!colspan="2"|Other!colspan="2"|Total!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!GoalsCeltic1962–63 in Scottish football>1962–63Scottish Division One|11963–64 in Scottish football>1963–64name=ECWCEuropean Cup Winners' Cup}}>name=GCGlasgow Cup}}>|101964–65 in Scottish football>1964–65Appearance(s) in Inter-Cities Fairs Cup}}01{{efn|41965–66 in Scottish football>1965–66name=ECWC}}3 colspan="2" |141966–67 in Scottish football>1966–67name=UECUEFA European Cup>European Cup}}22{{efn|161967–68 in Scottish football>1967–68name=UEC}}05{{efnIntercontinental Cup (football)>Intercontinental Cup; two appearances one goal in Glasgow Cup}}145111968–69 in Scottish football>1968–69name=UEC}}2005091969–70 in Scottish football>1969–70name=UEC}}00046111970–71 in Scottish football>1970–71name=UEC}}41{{efn|191971–72 in Scottish football>1971–72name=UEC}}01{{efnAppearance(s) in Drybrough Cup}}040101972–73 in Scottish football>1972–73name=UEC}}02{{efn|131973–74 in Scottish football>1973–74name=UEC}}3003281974–75 in Scottish football>1974–75name=UEC}}03{{efn|9! colspan="2" |Total!306!!82!!48!!11!!92!!21!!64!!16!!19!!5!!529!!135San Jose Earthquakes (1974–1988)>San Jose Earthquakes1975 San Jose Earthquakes season>1975NASL-JIMMY JOHNSTONE >URL=HTTP://NASLJERSEYS.COM/PLAYERS/J/JOHNSTONE.JIMMY.HTM WEBSITE=NASLJERSEYS.COM, North American Soccer League (1968–1984)>North American Soccer League|9|0————|9|0Sheffield United1975–76 in English football>1975–76CLAREBROUGH & KIRKHAM >TITLE=SHEFFIELD UNITED: THE COMPLETE RECORD YEAR=2012 PAGES=440–441, Football League First Division>English Division One|6|1|1|0|0|0—Appearance(s) in Sheffield & Hallamshire County Cup}}|0|8|11976–77 in English football>1976–77CLAREBROUGH & KIRKHAM >TITLE=SHEFFIELD UNITED: THE COMPLETE RECORD YEAR=2012 PAGES=442–443, Football League Second Division>English Division Two |5|1|0|0|0|0—|0|0|5|1! colspan="2" |Total!11!2!1!0!0!0! colspan="2" |—!1!0!13!2Dundee F.C.>Dundee1977–78 in Scottish football>1977–78|Scottish First Division—0030! colspan="3" |Total!329!!84!!49!!11!!92!!21!!64!!16!!20!!5!!554!!137{{notelist}}

International appearances{| class"wikitable" style"text-align:center"

! colspan=3 | Scotland national team!Year!!Apps!!Goals|0—|2|0|0|1|0|0|0—|1!Total!!23!!4

International goals

! # !! Date !! Venue !! Opponent !! Score !! Result !! CompetitionHampden Park, Glasgow >ENG}} 2–3 3–4 1965–66 British Home ChampionshipENG}} 3–4 3–4 1965–66 British Home ChampionshipVolksparkstadion, Hamburg >FRG}} 1–0 2–3 1970 World Cup QualifiersKlokke Stadion, Bruges >BEL}} 1–1 1–2 Friendly match

Honours

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

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

Individual

• Ballon d'Or (3rd place): 1967WEB,weblink Ballon d'Or Winners, Worldsoccer.about.com, 2014-01-16, 2014-02-02, 28 September 2013,weblink" title="web.archive.org/web/20130928023256weblink">weblink dead,
• Rothmans Golden Boots Awards: 1970, 1972WEB,weblink BigSoccer, 31 July 2011, 1969-1970 British Team of the Season, 17 April 2024,

References

{{Reflist}}

• AV MEDIA, A Bhoy's Life – DVD, 2006 Narrated by Billy Connolly, John Williams Studios, 2006,weblink

External links

{{commons category}}

• {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308215451weblink |date=dmy |title=Jimmy Johnstone's football academy}}
• {{webarchive |url=https://archive.today/20121205183732weblink |date=dmy |title=Jimmy Johnstone's official site}}
• {{Scottish Sports Hall of Fame|jimmy-johnstone}}

{{Scotland Squad 1974 World Cup}}{{Scottish Football Hall of Fame}}{{Authority control}}