Jinky Johnstone–Greatest Ever Celt
By: JT | July 19th, 2007With the announcement that the San Jose Earthquakes will be reborn and Celtic’s match with the MLS All Star XI just a few days away, it got me thinking about Jimmy “Jinky” Johnstone, voted Greatest Ever Celt by supporters a few years back. He played for the Quakes back in the day, ya know. A right wing maestro and key player on many championship teams including the 1967 European Cup champions, Jinky revolutionized wingplay as the video highlights will attest. His wit and personality are the stuff of legend.
I spend a decent amount of time watching old Celtic film on the net, and it strikes me that Jinky is one of the few footballers of that era who looks just like a modern one. He wouldn’t miss a beat in the game today. He would surely be sought after by the Real Madrid’s of the world, and my bet is he’d never leave Celtic. The fact that he was left off Pele’s stupid best player list further exemplifies how invalid the great man’s opinion has become.
Jinky was diagnosed with motor neuron disease a few years before he passed in March of 2006. He was as tireless a fundraiser for research into the disease as he was an advocate for the club he grew up supporting.
The video tribute here is about the best I’ve seen. The video footage from the late 60’s and 70’s is top notch, and the song is “Hurt” by Johnny Cash. I think that’s originally a Trent Reznor song, or maybe NIN. There’s a few shots toward the end where Jinky’s meeting with fans outside Parkhead before a match. Watch that and you’ll see what he meant to Celtic’s legions of supporters, and how much joy he brought into so many people’s lives.
Category: Celtic
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It’s hard to trump King Kenny, but Johnstone is what the word Legend was invented for.
Posted from
United States
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I know this is off topic but i watched the Larsson video thats linked in youtube and it pains me to sya this being a Scot but one of the greatest strikers of all time was wasted on the Scottish League. If he went to one of the big leagues earlier he would have got the recognition he deserved. Its a shame but its true.
Posted from
United Kingdom -
I sort of disagree with you Mark, in most football circles, Larsson is highly regarded. Even if he did play for Man U.
Posted from
United States -
Mark, I’ve heard the argument many times, but I agree with Brian, his legacy is not diminished because he didn’t spend more of his time in a bigger league. If anything his unwavering loyalty to Celtic enhanced his reputation.
Posted from
United States -
Even Rangers fans have singled out Jinky as one of the best Scotland has ever produced let alone Celtic. Guys like John Greig and Jim Baxter even Pele put Jinky as one of the greatest players in the world. Just shows the influence this wee man had and still does. Always remembered Jinky never forgotten. RIP Lord of the Wing.
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United Kingdom
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