The awkward flaw in the Bobby Lennox/James Forrest medal-winning narrative

Andrew H reviews the numbers

Please believe me that I’m not in the business of peeing on anyone’s strawberries. Especially when it comes to James Forrest or Bobby Lennox. I’m an unashamed Jamesy fanboy, as anyone who knows me will readily attest. And I am in awe of Bobby’s glorious Lisbon Lions-stamped career, and was fortunate to get to know well this utterly charming man across my early years at the Celtic View (when he was then reserve coach). However, the universally-held perception that Forrest eclipsed Lennox’s 25 winners’ medals with the joyous weekend title win, to move out in front as the club’s most decorated player, doesn’t necessarily hang together.

There are no issues with the 13 titles, seven Scottish Cups and six League Cups accredited to the unassuming winger who has been the constant across this glittering era of honour-hoovering. Not so with Mr Lennox’s 25 trophy haul, comprising the European Cup success, 11 titles, eight Scottish Cups, and five League Cups. Or, if you consult some sources, made up with 10 titles and six League Cups. And here is where judging the returns of Lennox becomes problematic. Specifically when it comes to the 1976-77 title triumph. It is included in the Buzzbomb’s total, but in that championship he played only three games, with two starts and one substitute appearance. In this era, players required to feature in 12 games to be officially awarded a medal. Therefore, in essence, it should not feature among his bauble booty.