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Jimmy Johnstone

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 one of the Lisbon Lions, the team that won the 1967 European Cup Final. Johnstone also won nine consecutive Scottish championships. He scored 129 goals for Celtic in 515 appearances[5] and was voted the club's greatest-ever player by fans in 2002.[5][3]

Jimmy Johnstone
Johnstone in Amsterdam (1971)
Personal information
Full name James Connolly Johnstone[1]
Date of birth (1944-09-30)30 September 1944
Place of birth Viewpark, Scotland
Date of death 13 March 2006(2006-03-13) (aged 61)
Place of death Uddingston, Scotland
Height 5 ft 4 in (1.62 m)[2][3]
Position(s) Outside right
Youth career
1958–1959 Celtic
1959–1961 Viewpark Boys Guild
1961–1962 Celtic
1961–1962 → Blantyre Celtic (loan)
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1962–1975 Celtic 306 (82)
1975 San Jose Earthquakes 9 (0)
1975–1977 Sheffield United 11 (2)
1977 Dundee 3 (0)
1977–1978 Shelbourne 9 (0)
1978–1979 Elgin City 18 (2)
Total 356 (86)
International career
1964 Scotland U23 2 (0)
1964–1974 Scotland 23 (4)
1964–1970[4] Scottish League XI 4 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

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.[6]

Rodger Baillie of The Sunday Times called Johnstone a "genius who lived by magic and mischief",[7] 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."[8]

Early life and youth career

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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.[9]

His 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.[2]

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."[10]

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;[2] 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.[11] In order to gain experience, Johnstone was farmed out to junior club Blantyre Celtic.[9]

Club career

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Celtic

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Johnstone made his first team debut for Celtic on 27 March 1963 in a 6–0 defeat away against Kilmarnock in the league.[12] 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.[12] 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.[13][14] Johnstone was dropped for the replay and Celtic were outclassed by Rangers, who ran out comfortable 3–0 winners.[13][15]

 
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.[16] 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.[17]

Celtic were struggling throughout the 1960s until Jock Stein arrived at the club in 1965.[18] 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.[19] 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.[20] His 32 league appearances and nine goals that season helped Celtic win their first league title in 12 years.[16][21] Johnstone also helped Celtic reach their second European semi-final, scoring twice against Go Ahead Eagles en route,[2] before losing 2–1 on aggregate to Liverpool in the Cup Winners' Cup.[17]

Johnstone was one of the "Lisbon Lions", the team that won the then European Cup for Celtic in 1967.[10] In an early round tie against Nantes, Johnstone's trickery on the wing saw him dubbed "the Flying Flea" by the French press,[2][10] while his performances over that season saw him finish third in the European Footballer of the Year award.[10]

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.[22][23]

 
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.[2][10][18] 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,[2] 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.[24][25] 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."[24] 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.[25]

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.[2] He received further Ballon d'Or nominations in 1968 and 1969 placing 24th and 23rd, respectively.[26]

Later career

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He later played for the San Jose Earthquakes, Sheffield United, Dundee, Shelbourne and Elgin City.[27] 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.[11][28]

International career

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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.[29]

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.[5][30] 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.[31] 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."[32] 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.[5][33] 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.[5] 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.[34] 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.[35]

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.[5][36] Despite the embarrassing headlines, Johnstone went on to turn in an outstanding performance for Scotland against England, helping them to a 2–0 win.[36][37] 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.[37]

Johnstone won 23 caps for Scotland.[2][38]

Style of play

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Regarded as one of Scotland's greatest players, Johnstone was a diminutive winger known for his technique and dribbling skills, being able to go past players with ease, cut inside, score or contribute to goals.[39][40]

Later life

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After his playing career ended, Johnstone's problems with alcohol worsened, despite the efforts of his family.[41] 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,[42] and the two men remained close friends thereafter.[43]

A documentary film about Johnstone's life, created by Jamie Doran and narrated by Billy Connolly[44] titled Lord of the Wing first aired on the BBC on 25 April 2004.[45][3]

In June 2005, Carl Fabergé's great-granddaughter Sarah produced 19 jewelled eggs related to Johnstone.[46][47]

Death and legacy

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Having been diagnosed with incurable motor neuron disease (MND) five years earlier,[41] Johnstone died in March 2006, aged 61.[27][3] 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.[48] There was a minute of applause before the game and the entire Celtic squad wore the number 7 on their shorts in his honour.[48]

In 2008, a bronze statue by Kate Robinson of Johnstone in action was unveiled at the main entrance to Celtic Park.[42][38][49][50]

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.[51][52]

FIFA 100 All-time Dutch great Rob Rensenbrink recalled Johnstone first among world-class Scottish footballers.[53]

Career statistics

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Club

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Club Season Division League National cup League cup Continental Other Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Celtic[16] 1962–63 Scottish Division One 4 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 1
1963–64 25 6 4 2 2 0 7[a] 2 4[b] 0 42 10
1964–65 24 1 1 0 10 3 4[c] 0 1[b] 0 40 4
1965–66 32 9 7 1 8 1 7[a] 3 — 54 14
1966–67 25 13 5 0 10 1 9[d] 2 2[b] 0 51 16
1967–68 29 5 1 0 8 5 2[d] 0 5[e] 1 45 11
1968–69 31 5 6 2 8 0 5[d] 2 0 0 50 9
1969–70 27 10 4 1 6 0 9[d] 0 0 0 46 11
1970–71 30 8 8 2 9 5 4[d] 4 1[b] 0 52 19
1971–72 23 9 2 0 8 1 6[d] 0 1[f] 0 40 10
1972–73 22 7 7 2 7 1 3[d] 0 2[f] 3 41 13
1973–74 15 3 2 1 9 1 6[d] 3 0 0 32 8
1974–75 19 5 0 0 7 3 2[d] 0 3[f] 1 31 9
Total 306 82 48 11 92 21 64 16 19 5 529 135
San Jose Earthquakes 1975[54] North American Soccer League 9 0 — — — — 9 0
Sheffield United 1975–76[55] English Division One 6 1 1 0 0 0 — 1[g] 0 8 1
1976–77[56] English Division Two 5 1 0 0 0 0 — 0 0 5 1
Total 11 2 1 0 0 0 — 1 0 13 2
Dundee 1977–78[28] Scottish First Division 3 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0 3 0
Total 329 84 49 11 92 21 64 16 20 5 554 137
  1. ^ a b Appearance(s) in European Cup Winners' Cup
  2. ^ a b c d Appearance(s) in Glasgow Cup
  3. ^ Appearance(s) in Inter-Cities Fairs Cup
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i Appearance(s) in European Cup
  5. ^ Three appearances in Intercontinental Cup; two appearances one goal in Glasgow Cup
  6. ^ a b c Appearance(s) in Drybrough Cup
  7. ^ Appearance(s) in Sheffield & Hallamshire County Cup

International appearances

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Scotland national team[30]
Year Apps Goals
1964 2 0
1965 —
1966 2 2
1967 2 0
1968 1 0
1969 2 1
1970 2 0
1971 4 0
1972 2 0
1973 —
1974 6 1
Total 23 4

International goals

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Scores and results list Scotland's goal tally first.[30][57][58]
# Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 2 April 1966 Hampden Park, Glasgow   England 2–3 3–4 1965–66 British Home Championship
2 2 April 1966 Hampden Park, Glasgow   England 3–4 3–4 1965–66 British Home Championship
3 22 October 1969 Volksparkstadion, Hamburg   West Germany 1–0 2–3 1970 World Cup Qualifiers
4 1 June 1974 Klokke Stadion, Bruges   Belgium 1–1 1–2 Friendly match

Honours

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Celtic
Scotland
Individual

References

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  1. ^ "Jimmy Johnstone". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 20 May 2017.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Jinky Biography". jimmyjohnstone.com. Archived from the original on 5 June 2012. Retrieved 26 August 2014.
  3. ^ a b c d "Legend Jinky loses final battle with MND". The Scotsman. 13 March 2006. Retrieved 22 May 2018.
  4. ^ (SFL player) James Johnstone, London Hearts Supporters Club [erroneously includes one appearance by James Johnston
  5. ^ a b c d e f Brian Glanville (14 March 2006). "Brilliant Celtic and Scotland winger who took the European Cup with the Lisbon Lions". The Guardian. Retrieved 2 August 2011.
  6. ^ "2004". Scottish Football Museum. Archived from the original on 28 September 2011. Retrieved 29 May 2024.
  7. ^ "Genius who lived by magic and mischief". The Sunday Times. Retrieved 29 March 2021.(subscription required)
  8. ^ Hugh McIlvanney (March 2006). "Wee man leaves massive legacy". The Sunday Times. Retrieved 29 March 2021
  9. ^ a b "Johnstone, James Connelly [Jimmy, Jinky] (1944–2006), footballer". Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. Archived from the original on 26 August 2014. Alt URL
  10. ^ a b c d e "Jimmy Johnstone". The Independent. 14 March 2006. Archived from the original on 8 June 2022. Retrieved 23 October 2014.
  11. ^ a b McColl, Graham; Gemmell, Tommy (2012). Tommy Gemmell: Lion Heart (prologue by Jimmy Johnstone). Random House. ISBN 9781448132454.
  12. ^ a b "Johnstone, Jimmy (page ss13/13)". FitbaStats. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
  13. ^ a b Cambell, Tom; Woods, Pat (1987). The Glory & The Dream. Grafton. pp. 216–217. ISBN 0-586-20005-3.
  14. ^ Henderson, Gair (4 May 1963). "Missed chances were "Final Blow"". Evening Times. Archived from the original on 26 August 2014. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
  15. ^ Henderson, Gair (16 May 1963). "Cup Final Replay – Celtic torture". Evening Times. p. 18. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 26 August 2014.
  16. ^ a b c "Johnstone, Jimmy – overview". FitbaStats. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
  17. ^ a b "Johnstone, Jimmy (page 12/13)". FitbaStats. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
  18. ^ a b "Great players of the Sixties – Jimmy Johnstone". World Soccer History. Archived from the original on 26 August 2014. Retrieved 26 August 2014.
  19. ^ "How Stein almost sold Jinky". Back Page Press. 13 March 2014. Archived from the original on 26 August 2014. Retrieved 26 August 2014.
  20. ^ "Penalties give Celtic cup". The Times. 25 October 1965. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 26 August 2014.
  21. ^ Jacobs, Raymond (9 May 1966). "Celtic win league championship". The Glasgow Herald. p. 4. Retrieved 26 August 2014.
  22. ^ McMillan, Anna (16 November 2005). "The Alfredo Di Stefano Trophy". The Celtic View. Archived from the original on 4 January 2013. Retrieved 22 October 2013.
  23. ^ "The Full Story: 1967, Alfredo Di Stéfano's Testimonial". The Football Years. STV. 12 February 2011. Archived from the original on 22 October 2013. Retrieved 22 October 2013.
  24. ^ a b "Matches 15 April 1970 – Celtic 2 Leeds United 1". The Mighty Mighty Whites. Retrieved 6 October 2013.
  25. ^ a b "Season 1969-70". European Cup History. Retrieved 6 October 2013.
  26. ^ European Footballer of the Year (Ballon d'Or) 1968. 22 June 2005. Retrieved 12 April 2020. {{cite book}}: |website= ignored (help)
    European Footballer of the Year (Ballon d'Or) 1969. 22 June 2005. Retrieved 12 April 2020. {{cite book}}: |website= ignored (help)
  27. ^ a b "Celtic great dies at 61". BBC Sport. 13 March 2006. Retrieved 29 January 2008.
  28. ^ a b "Jimmy Johnstone – Player Profile". Dee Archive. Retrieved 7 February 2022.
  29. ^ "Johnstone, Jimmy". FitbaStats – Scotland U23. Retrieved 20 September 2016.
  30. ^ a b c "Johnstone, James". FitbaStats. Retrieved 23 October 2014.
  31. ^ "Scotland squander victory chance". The Glasgow Herald. 5 October 1964. p. 6. Retrieved 4 May 2015.
  32. ^ Jacobs, Raymond (22 October 1964). "Scotland again lose urgency and thrust". The Glasgow Herald. p. 13. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
  33. ^ "Scotland 3 – 4". FitbaStats. Retrieved 23 October 2014.
  34. ^ Jacobs, Raymond (4 April 1966). "England triumph at Hampden". The Glasgow Herald. p. 4. Retrieved 5 May 2015.
  35. ^ "West Germany 3 – 2 Scotland". FitaStats. Retrieved 23 October 2014.
  36. ^ a b "Scotland's Hall of Shame". BBC Sport. April 2009. Retrieved 23 October 2014.
  37. ^ a b "Jimmy Johnstone". STV Sport. Archived from the original on 23 October 2014. Retrieved 23 October 2014.
  38. ^ a b Jonathan Paisley (7 July 2008). "Celtic statue memorial to legend Jinky". Evening Times. Retrieved 26 April 2011.
  39. ^ "HOW THE WILY, JINKING JIMMY JOHNSTONE BECAME THE GREATEST CELTIC PLAYER OF ALL".
  40. ^ "Johnstone, Jimmy 'Jinky'".
  41. ^ a b "Jimmy Johnstone's family reveal his struggle after being let go by Jock Stein at Celtic". Daily Record. 18 September 2016. Retrieved 22 May 2018.
  42. ^ a b "Memories of a giant wee man". The Herald. 13 December 2008. Retrieved 22 May 2018.
  43. ^ "I may be a millionaire but there's nothing I like better than a fish supper on a Friday night". Evening Times. 3 October 2007. Retrieved 22 May 2018.
  44. ^ "Jimmy Johnstone: Lord of the Wing (2004)". IMDb. Retrieved 29 August 2019.
  45. ^ "Jimmy Johnstone: Lord of the Wing". IMDb. Retrieved 29 August 2019.
  46. ^ Wilson, Bill (9 June 2005). "Faberge descendants keep up tradition". BBC. Retrieved 28 December 2012.
  47. ^ "Faberge honour for Jinky". The Daily Telegraph. London. 10 June 2005. Retrieved 22 May 2018.
  48. ^ a b "CIS Insurance Cup Final 2006". Scottish Football League. 14 March 2006. Archived from the original on 1 February 2013. Retrieved 14 October 2011.
  49. ^ "Statue honours Celtic star Jinky". BBC News Scotland. BBC. 13 December 2008. Retrieved 21 May 2018.
  50. ^ "Jimmy Johnstone (1)". From pitch to plinth: the sporting statues project. Retrieved 21 May 2018.
  51. ^ "Viewpark Honours Football Hero Jimmy Johnstone". Daily Record. 18 August 2011. Retrieved 24 March 2012.
  52. ^ "Jimmy Johnstone (2)". From pitch to plinth: the sporting statues project. Retrieved 21 May 2018.
  53. ^ 'Last post: Rensenbrink plays back painful miss'. The Herald, 9 July 2014. Retrieved 2 July 2024
  54. ^ "NASL-Jimmy Johnstone". nasljerseys.com. Retrieved 13 December 2022.
  55. ^ Clarebrough & Kirkham (2012). Sheffield United: the Complete Record. Derby Books Publishing. pp. 440–441. ISBN 978-1-78091-019-2.
  56. ^ Clarebrough & Kirkham (2012). Sheffield United: the Complete Record. Derby Books Publishing. pp. 442–443. ISBN 978-1-78091-019-2.
  57. ^ "Scotland – International Matches 1966-1970". RSSSF. Retrieved 22 May 2018.
  58. ^ "Scotland – International Matches 1971-1975". RSSSF. Retrieved 22 May 2018.
  59. ^ "Jimmy Johnstone". Scottish Football Association. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  60. ^ "Ballon d'Or Winners". Worldsoccer.about.com. 16 January 2014. Archived from the original on 28 September 2013. Retrieved 2 February 2014.
  61. ^ "1969-1970 British Team of the Season". BigSoccer. 31 July 2011. Retrieved 17 April 2024.
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