Mystery of Ronnie Simpson’s jersey from a special afternoon

The Celtic Star

·1 maggio 2025

Mystery of Ronnie Simpson’s jersey from a special afternoon

The mystery of Ronnie Simpson’s jersey from a very special afternoon…

25th May 1967: Celtic’s goalkeeper, Ronnie Simpson, jumps to catch a high ball from Inter Milan during the European Cup final in Lisbon. Tommy Gemmell and Stevie Chalmers scored for Celtic which ensured a 2-1 victory for the Scottish Champions. Celtic became the first British side to win the trophy and remain the only Scottish side to reach the final, having done it twice.(Photo by Central Press/Getty Images)

When researching my Harry Hood biography – Twice As Good – back in early 2021, I got in touch with the official historian at Clyde FC, Harry’s previous club. We have since become great friends and have enjoyed a few social gatherings in the interim, talking all things football.

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A message from Syd

Anyway, this week I received a message from Syd, together with an interesting question and some photos around a famous match involving both of our clubs. Thankfully, for once, Syd wasn’t wanting to speak to me about the 1955 Scottish Cup final!

Hi Matt, I was at the Hampden Museum today and was looking at Ronnie Simpson’s jersey. What I initially thought was the Celtic badge turned out to be “Umbro,” presumably the kit manufacturer. Were you aware, and is this the first example of “jersey labelling/advertising/sponsorship?” Cheers, Syd

Ronnie Simpson’s jersey. Photo Matt Corr

The jersey Ronnie Simpson wore at Celtic Park 54 years ago today

The jersey in the photo is the one worn by Ronnie on Saturday, 1 May 1971, 54 years ago today, as Celtic took the field against Clyde for the final League game of the season. It was an occasion made famous by Jock Stein’s PR masterstroke in sending out the Lisbon Lions for one final time together. As Ronnie had retired the previous year – he wasn’t injured as I’ve read elsewhere – he was given the honour of leading the team out and taking part in the warm-up, before handing over to the late Evan Williams for the match itself.

Ronnie Simpson and the rest of the Lisbon Lions take the applause for the final time on 1st May 1971. Photo The Celtic Wiki

I was there that afternoon with my dad

I was there that afternoon with my dad and remember it so well, and I must have looked at that photo of Ronnie leading the team down the stairs of the old enclosure a hundred times. I even wrote about it in some detail in Harry’s official biography and also in articles in The Celtic Star, as I believe that match to have had even greater significance, but I must admit I had never noticed the logo on Ronnie’s jersey before.

1st May 1971, Celtic 6:1 Clyde. The Lisbon Lions line up together for the final ever time. Ronnie Simpson injured but leads the team out and subbed at kickoff. Bobby Lennox hat trick, Willie Wallace double and Stevie Chalmers. Bertie Aulds last game for Celtic.☘️☘️☘️
– giovedì 1 maggio 2025

Harry Hood, Twice as Good by Matt Corr, published by Celtic Star Books.

It may be a training top, as the Celtic goalkeeper’s jersey at that time had a crew-neck collar, but see what you think.

Ronnie Simpson’s jersey. Photo Matt Corr

Willie Maley’s six-in-a-row squad

It is my contention that Jock Stein’s wonderful side emulated the feat of another iconic Celtic team that day, Willie Maley’s six-in-a-row squad of six decades earlier.

Here is an article from The Celtic Star published on this day four years ago which tells the story.

For me, the Lions clinched 6-in-a-row on this day in 1971, in their last-ever appearance together

By the way, I think I can predate the Umbro logo and Celtic kit by 40 years.

When researching for the two Celtic in the Thirties volumes, I was struck by this photograph of John Thomson wearing these distinctive socks with the Umbro diamond. I believe these were commissioned especially for Celtic’s tour of the USA and Canada in May/June 1931.

John Thomson with Umbro socks. Photo Matt Corr

Celtic in the Thirties, Vol 1 & 2 by Matt Corr. Published by Celtic Star Books.

Hail, Hail!

Matt Corr

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