Remembering Billy McNeill: A towering figure in Celtic's rich history

On the sombre anniversary of Billy McNeill's passing in 2019, it is only fitting that we cast our minds back to the days when his towering presence commanded the heart of Celtic's defence As the iconic captain of the legendary Lisbon Lions, the first British side to lift the European Cup, Billy McNeill left an indelible mark on the beautiful game, not just in Glasgow, but across the continent.

Affectionately known as 'Cesar' for his resemblance to Cesar Romero in Ocean's Eleven, Billy was a symbol of unwavering loyalty and dedication. He was a player whose commitment to the green and white hoops of Celtic was absolute. In an era when the notion of a one-club man was far from a rarity, McNeill's 18-year playing career at Celtic Park, encompassing 790 appearances, still stands as a shining example of unwavering devotion to the cause.

In the shadows of the shipyards and tenements of Glasgow's East End, a Bellshill colossus strode forth, his granite-like determination and unyielding spirit making him a natural leader of men. Billy's physical presence belied the astute footballing brain that lay beneath, and his calm, composed demeanour in the face of adversity gave his teammates the fortitude to march on, even when the odds seemed insurmountable.

Under the guidance of the great Jock Stein, Billy flourished, his talent and work ethic recognized and nurtured by the genius that was Stein. Together, they forged a side that would forever etch its name into the annals of footballing history. The storied day in Lisbon, when Celtic defeated the formidable Inter Milan to clinch the European Cup, would define Billy's legacy. As he hoisted that trophy aloft, the pride and joy of an entire nation swelled within him, his broad shoulders carrying the hopes and dreams of countless Celtic supporters.

The bond between Billy and the Celtic faithful was one forged in the fires of countless battles, both domestic and international. As a player and later as a manager, he guided his beloved club through the tumultuous landscape of Scottish football, where the rivalry with Rangers threatened to overshadow the beautiful game. Yet, amidst the chaos, Billy's stoic leadership and unwavering moral compass ensured that the sport's essence was never lost.

Beyond the field, Billy's affable nature endeared him to fans and foes alike. His humility and grace in victory or defeat showcased the true spirit of sportsmanship. His rapport with the fans was legendary, and Billy understood the importance of their unwavering support. In return, he gave them his all, every time he donned the Celtic jersey.

As a manager, Billy's success mirrored his playing career, and his tactical acumen was evident as he led Celtic to numerous domestic titles.

It is no exaggeration to say that Billy McNeill was a central figure in the golden era of Scottish football. Alongside the Lisbon Lions, he set the benchmark for future generations of players, instilling in them a burning desire to succeed and an unwavering commitment to the club's values. His impact on the Scottish game, both as a player and manager, is a testament to his enduring passion for football.

As we remember Billy, we are reminded of a man who transcended the sport, a figure of towering stature whose impact on the world of football was immeasurable. For many, Billy embodied the very spirit of Celtic, and his memory continues to inspire generations of players and supporters alike

A we stand in quiet contemplation, we remember a man who was more than just a footballer. We remember a leader, a symbol, and a true legend of the game. Billy McNeill may be gone, but his legacy will forever live on in the hearts and minds of the Celtic family. Hail Cesar, and may you rest in eternal peace.

They said about Billy McNeill

• Jock Stein: "Billy McNeill is a born leader. He has an inborn ability to command and lead men."
• Sir Alex Ferguson: "Billy McNeill was a giant in Scottish football, a man with an incredible presence, and I'll always cherish the fact that we entered professional football at the same time."
• Sir Kenny Dalglish:"Celtic meant everything to Billy McNeill. He was a fantastic servant, a great captain, and a great manager."
• Pat Bonner: "Billy McNeill was a man of great stature, great presence, and great leadership. He was an icon in the world of football."
• Willie Wallace: "Billy McNeill was the type of man you'd want beside you in the trenches. He was a true leader and a great friend."
• Graeme Souness: "I respected Billy McNeill immensely. He was a great competitor, a great football man, and a great man off the pitch."
• Bertie Auld, former Celtic teammate: "Billy McNeill was a born leader, a captain on and off the park. He was a great man to have beside you."
• Roy Aitken: "Billy McNeill was a colossus in the game. His stature, presence, and leadership qualities were second to none."
• Brendan Rodgers: "Billy McNeill was a man of great integrity, a fantastic leader and someone regarded as Celtic royalty."
• Neil Lennon: "Billy McNeill was a huge influence on me when I was at Celtic. He had a presence that you can't buy, and he's left a legacy that will never be forgotten."

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Desmond and Lawwell: the unacceptable faces of Celtic

Lawwell briefed every friendly hack, ex-Celtic employee and blogging shill that the supporters could stick their views where the sun don't shine

I freely admit that I've had mixed feelings about the Green Brigade.

They have undoubtedly improved the atmosphere at Celtic Park – most of the time – their displays are often magnificent and I generally share most of their politics.

On the other hand, I sometimes feel that they believe themselves to be the self-appointed heart and conscience of Celtic; they can be too eager to be seen as European-style “ultras” (with that “style” perhaps more important than substance) and their displays sometimes miss the mark, occasionally to the club's overall detriment.

I was not in favour of their “Time to go, Neil” demonstration at Celtic Park last Wednesday. Not because I disagreed with the message but because it seemed like just the sort of action that, not so long ago, ultras of another local club would have pulled to the great amusement of Celtic supporters, as another episode of the “banter years”.

But, as a fan who has had almost no faith in the powers-that-be at Celtic for well in excess of a decade, even I had failed to anticipate the extent and brazenness of the contempt that the Celtic suits were prepared to direct towards the supporters. 

Thousands of supporters had paid hundreds of pounds for season tickets for matches that there was never any real prospect of attending because they wanted to support the club through extraordinary times and help secure the ten-in-a-row record that matters to those of us who care about football. 

Many more had spent eye-watering sums on Adidas kit – which is lovely – but, unless donned by players performing to the standards that should be expected of a Celtic team, is nothing better than lipstick on a pig.

I, for one, was not in the least surprised by the capitulation to Ross County last weekend. Admittedly, I had been taken aback by some of the worst European performances in my lifetime, suffering back-to-back 4-1 defeats by a Sparta Prague side that is, frankly, not a good team.

But as a veteran of the now-infamous 1990s, I know a team that has the Indian Sign over it and this Celtic side definitely qualifies. When a team is in this type of form, naïve fans hope that one good performance will turn it around while others know it usually goes from bad to worse.

So, I had every sympathy with those Celtic fans who got off their backsides and told the Directors, coaches and players what they thought of the whimpering defeat by Ross County.

Were there some regrettable moments? Yes – but spontaneous displays of anger are, by their nature, difficult to control and the essence of the demo was to confront the many impostors currently benefiting from the cash eternally pumped in by the fans with the feelings of the majority of fans.

In response, Lawwell briefed every friendly hack, ex-Celtic employee and blogging shill that the supporters could stick their views where the sun don't shine.

So, my views of the latest Green Brigade banner are more supportive. I have chosen to crop out the image of Neil Lennon because he does still deserve some consideration for his overall contribution to Celtic.

However, he assuredly does not deserve to be Celtic manager. 

Neil can remind us of all he has done over twenty years and he is right. He has, in the past, endured obscene abuse for being a Celtic captain and manager who had the temerity to be an “uppity Tim” in a country that is still nowhere near as welcoming to some communities as many of its citizens would like to believe.

But that doesn't mean that he has the credentials to lead a club that its fans would still like to believe should be a major player on the European scene.

Let's make no mistake – this isn't about the ending of any possibility of a “quintuple treble” – and the quadruple is no formality. (If Ross County was Lennon's Caley Thistle, Hearts could easily prove to be his Raith Rovers.)

This is about an ever-more power-crazed Chief Executive, so determined to control every facet of the club that he has now sabotaged the dressing room. Anyone who has ever worked for one of those managers who prefers to sow division in their own department – making each appointee beholden to them personally – will understand how toxic and fatal to aspirations of success that is.

Lennon is a problem because he is not up to the job; though his reluctance to give up his last big opportunity in football is somewhat understandable.

Peter Lawwell is a problem because he increasingly appears to be a narcissistic megalomaniac, who would cheerfully watch Celtic disintegrate as long as his bonus was paid and no one challenged his monumental ego.

And above the two of them, Dermot Desmond is a problem because he doesn't give a dam about football, never mind Celtic, but sees the club as a means to getting even more money through getting Celtic into another league and turning his investment from lead into gold.

Much is unacceptable about Celtic now – the performances, the professionalism, the attitude of some players, the coaching set-up and the manager.

If there is another demo at Celtic Park on Sunday, the main targets will be Peter Lawwell and Dermot Desmond – the real unacceptable faces of Celtic Football Club.--

Tom Rogic - the Magic Man conjured wonderful memories

The news that Tom Rogic is heading off to Qatar will not fill many Celtic fans with great joy.

But I think that many will feel a certain sense of satisfaction and happiness at a signing who worked very well for us and delivered some fantastic moments getting a move that will probably suit his body as much as his wallet at this stage of career.

If completed, the move should suit all parties and thinking of Tom's Celtic career will be a time to "smile because it happened".

When Tom arrived at Celtic from Central Coast Mariners in 2013 few fans could claim to know anything about him.

If any were inclined to look for mystical signs, they may have thought back to Celtic's previous Australian of Balkan descent Mark Viduka - who came, went away again, came back, delivered and left - admittedly for big money - but under a cloud.

(Most of us who remember both players in the Hoops will overwhelmingly agree that Rogic will be the more fondly remembered and the more sadly missed.)

Tom's arrival initially had all the hallmarks of a speculative development move and the early days didn't give many signs of what was to come.

It wasn't really until Ronnie Deila joined Celtic - and after some intensive physio and coaching - that Celtic fans began to see just why the Magic Man had been brought to the club.

We discovered a first touch that would be the envy of many a top quality footballer, balance, two-footedness, upper body strength, wonderful close control and the kind of vision that allowed him to create threaded chances and finish with both feet.

But when he returned to Australia on loan to Melbourne Victory in 2014, a lot of us thought we might never see him at Celtic again.

But he returned and showed the old-fashioned guts and determination needed to prove that he could more than just cut it at Celtic and shine.

Yes, injuries and physical endurance issues would often be a footnote when discussing what Tom could ultimately achieve but, for Celtic fans, I believe there was a silver lining in that.

There was a very good reason why Brendan Rodgers persisted in playing Rogic for 60-minute stints in his most successful time at Celtic and it was the same reason I believe we have been able to retain Tom for the seven years he has remained.

Quite simply Rodgers recognised that Tom had few peers in the Scottish game when it came to ability.

And I believe that, had he not had the physical issues (which were none of his his doing), he would have been playing at a high level in one of the "Big Five" leagues long before now.

Rogic had and has Champions League ability but was simply not blessed with the physique to maintain it for an intense 90 minutes, twice a week, for a full season.

Ultimately that bad luck benefited Celtic as he possesses the quality that we could rarely afford to buy and keep for long.

If he does complete his moved to Qatar it will be with the best wishes of the fans and gratitudefor the memories  - none of which are greater than that incredible moment where lightning struck as he scored the goal that secured our treble in 2017.

As a crowning moment to his most exceptional season in green and white, that would take some beating.

Thanks Tom and all the best. Don't be a stranger to Celtic Park.