Robert Lennox, born Saltcoats, Scotland, August 30, 1943. A left-winger, Bobby Lennox´s pace, precision, and prolific goal-scoring made him an integral part of the golden era of Celtic Football Club.
Bobby Lennox’s early days with Celtic were marked by promise and determination. After signing provisional forms with the club at the age of 18, he made his debut for the first team in March 1962. The potential of this young winger became evident from the start. His incredible speed and his ability to beat defenders with ease quickly established him as a player to watch. Moreover, his goal-scoring prowess, which was rare for a winger, further set him apart from others in his position. In particular, Lennox’s versatility allowed him to operate across the forward line, and his remarkable acceleration made him a constant threat to opposition defences. Undoubtedly, his natural instincts for goal made him a unique player, capable of both creating and finishing opportunities. His ability to contribute to all areas of Celtic’s attacking play proved crucial as the club began its rise to European prominence.
The 1960s were a time of unparalleled success for Celtic, and Bobby Lennox was at the heart of this transformation. Under the management of Jock Stein, Celtic evolved into one of Europe’s most formidable footballing forces. Lennox played a key role in Celtic’s domestic dominance, helping the club win an impressive 11 league titles during his tenure. His contribution was instrumental, particularly during Celtic’s historic 1966–67 season, when they became the first British club to win the European Cup. That fateful European Cup final in 1967, in which Celtic faced the mighty Inter Milan, saw Lennox cement his place in footballing folklore. The Lisbon Lions, as they came to be known, triumphed 2–1 against the Italian giants, and Lennox’s presence on the left wing was vital. His speed and relentless pressing helped Celtic dismantle Inter’s famous defensive system, allowing Celtic to dominate possession and ultimately secure victory. As a result, Lennox and his teammates achieved legendary status, with their feat remaining one of the proudest moments in Scottish football history. However, Lennox’s contributions were not confined to just one night in Lisbon. He was consistently among Celtic’s top performers during their period of domestic and European dominance. Moreover, his goal-scoring record speaks for itself. With 301 goals in all competitions, he ranks second only to Celtic’s all-time leading scorer, Jimmy McGrory. In the Scottish league alone, Lennox scored 171 goals, making him the club’s fifth-highest league scorer.
The following season, Lennox’s form continued to impress, and he finished third in the race for the European Golden Boot in 1967–68. This accolade was a testament to his extraordinary consistency and ability to find the back of the net. In an era dominated by traditional strikers, Lennox’s achievement as a winger demonstrated his unique talent and goal-scoring instinct. Lennox’s European adventure did not end with the Lisbon Lions’ triumph. In 1970, Celtic once again reached the European Cup final, this time facing Feyenoord of the Netherlands. Unfortunately, the match did not go Celtic’s way, as they lost 2–1 after extra time. It was a bitter defeat for Lennox and his teammates, but it did little to diminish their standing as one of the era’s great footballing sides. After over a decade of dominance with Celtic, Lennox left the club in March 1978 to join Houston Hurricane in the North American Soccer League (NASL). However, his time in the United States was not particularly successful. He managed only three goals in 30 appearances for a struggling Houston side. Yet, as fate would have it, Lennox’s Celtic story was not over. In September 1978, Celtic offered him the chance to return to the club, and he seized it. His return to Celtic Park proved fruitful. In the 1978–79 season, Lennox helped Celtic secure the league title once again, adding to his already impressive haul of medals. Moreover, he played a key role in Celtic’s Scottish Cup triumph in 1980. These successes made his return to the club a triumphant one, and he continued to contribute both on and off the pitch until his retirement in November 1980.
In addition to his club success, Lennox earned 10 caps for the Scotland national team, scoring three goals. One of his most famous moments in a Scotland jersey came in 1967 when the Scots faced off against reigning world champions England at Wembley. Lennox scored in Scotland’s famous 3–2 victory, handing England their first defeat since winning the FIFA World Cup a year earlier. His goal in this match, making him the first Celtic player to score for Scotland at Wembley, was a significant personal achievement, and it remains one of his proudest moments. Yet, despite his impressive performances for both club and country, Lennox believed that he, along with some of his Celtic teammates, should have earned more international caps. There were debates at the time about a perceived bias in selection, with certain players feeling overlooked. Nevertheless, Lennox’s contribution to Scottish football was undeniable, and his place in the nation’s footballing history was secured.
Bobby Lennox’s retirement marked the end of an era. He was the last of the Lisbon Lions to hang up his boots, and his impact on Celtic was immeasurable. Upon his retirement, he transitioned into a coaching role with the club, continuing his association with the team that had given him so much. Lennox’s legacy extends beyond his goal-scoring records and trophy-laden career. He was inducted into the Scottish Football Hall of Fame in 2005, an honor that solidified his place among Scotland’s footballing elite. Moreover, in 1981, he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his services to football, particularly his contributions to Celtic. In addition to his formal recognitions, Lennox’s enduring popularity with Celtic supporters speaks volumes about his character and contribution to the club. In 2002, Celtic fans voted him into the club’s all-time greatest XI, further highlighting the high regard in which he is held by those who witnessed his brilliance on the pitch.
Even after retiring from active football, Bobby Lennox remained closely connected to Celtic. As a matchday host, he continued to be a presence at Celtic Park, sharing his memories with fans and embodying the club’s history. Furthermore, his influence extended across the Atlantic, where he served as the Honorary President of the Houston Bobby Lennox Celtic Club, a testament to his international impact.In addition to his footballing legacy, Lennox’s family also carried on his sporting tradition. His son, Gary Lennox, played professionally for several clubs, including Dundee, Ayr United, and Falkirk. The Lennox name, therefore, continues to be associated with footballing excellence. Lennox’s career is one of extraordinary success, underpinned by loyalty, hard work, and an unerring ability to score goals. As one of Celtic’s all-time greats, his place in football history is secure. From his role in the Lisbon Lions’ European triumph to his goal-scoring heroics for both Celtic and Scotland, Lennox’s legacy as one of Scotland’s finest footballers will endure for generations to come.