I thought this was funny...

[morag]

Former Celtic player and manager Davie Hay recalls in his just published autobiography The Quiet Assassin, the infamous European Cup semi-final against Atletico Madrid when Jimmy Johnstone was phoned in the team hotel by someone threatening to shoot him.

Writes Davie: “Now Jinky was as brave as anyone I have ever met, but he was a little perturbed that he had just received a death threat.

“He went to Big Jock to relay the news and our manager smiled and said, ‘Aye, they’ve threatened to shoot me, too. At least you can go out there and run about. I’m a sitting target in the dugout’.”

[wellparkno9]

Hi, I liked the story from Davie Hay.Here is one from another great Celtic player,Bertie Auld.When Bertie was being interviewed a few years ago when the Rangers were doing well and had a good team,the reporter asked Bertie who would come off the better if the Rangers team at that time were to play the Lisbon Lions.Every one thought Bertie would have said the Lisbond Lions, but after thinking about it for a wee while ,Bertie said he thought it would be a draw,after all the Lions are all over 60 now .A bit of a jocker was Bertie., Sam.

[morag]

From the Herald's Diary...
READER Raymond Lowe tells us: “My friend called me last night and asked me if I had any idea how to cancel a bid on eBay as he had put in a bid of £20 for a Mickey Mouse outfit for Halloween – and was now four minutes away from owning Rangers.

“As a Rangers fan, it even made me laugh.”

[Meg]

From the Herald's Diary...
READER Raymond Lowe tells us: “My friend called me last night and asked me if I had any idea how to cancel a bid on eBay as he had put in a bid of £20 for a Mickey Mouse outfit for Halloween – and was now four minutes away from owning Rangers.

“As a Rangers fan, it even made me laugh.”

A corker Morag!

[morag]

I realise it might ruffle a few feathers, but, heck, I'm far enough away...

[Penny Tray]

Moraaaaaaaaaaaaag!

Jimmy Johnstone, incidentally, pound for pound, was the best football player I have ever seen.

Another story about him and the great Jock Stein which came from local women who worked in the Seamill Hydro at the time suggested that the players decided to demand more money the day before a Scottish Cup Final. Jinky was allegedly elected their spokesman and went to the 'Big Man' and said something along the lines - "The team's no' gaun tae play the 'morrow unless we get mair money" - and without a blink Stein said - "Naw Jimmy, you're no' gaun tae play, pack your bags and go hame". Thus ended the rebellion. I hope it's a true story. Both men are legends in my mind.

[morag]

There have been quite a few excellent players over the years, but watching Jinky do his thing was pure magic!

[Meg]

He wisnae bad at rowing either

Meg

[John Donnelly]

Wee Jinky is still a legend here in Holland after the Feyenoord final. They call him 'The Flea.'

JD.

[frank quinn]

Jimmy Johnstone played for Sheffield United my adopted team,
he was getting towards the end of his playing days but his skills
were still miles ahead of others.
I remember playing against Jimmy. We played a boys guild club
in Glasgow, could not touch him.
I think Tony Fitzpatrick played against us( Gerry's brother).
Bobby Lennox also played for us, as did Harry Kirk.

[morag]

That era seemed to produce several great players, Frank, and your dad and his brothers were no' bad either! Your dad and uncle John spent quite some time coaching and the late, missed, Peter Bird remembered your mum, aunt Bessie, washing the strips.