noelyf
VIP Member
TODAY marks the 25th Anniversary of the passing of Jock Stein, as it was on September 10, 1985 that the great man suffered a fatal heart attack while managing Scotland in a World Cup qualifier against Wales in Ninian Park, Cardiff.
He was, of course, the first manager of a British side to win the European Cup in 1967 and he enjoyed a glittering domestic career, winning 10 Scottish League Championships, nine Scottish Cups (one with Dunfermline) and six Scottish League cups.
Jock Stein is synonymous with Celtic Football Club, but also managed Dunfermline Athletic, Hibernian and, briefly, Leeds United before going on to manage the Scottish national team from 1978 until his tragic death in 1985.
Celtic Chairman John Reid said: “Jock will forever be truly remembered as one of the world's football greats. He was a man of immense stature and someone who gave so much to Scottish football.
“As the Lisbon Lions will testify, Jock Stein was instrumental in their success, he was the man who instilled their drive and belief, he was the man who carried them to victory on that famous night in Lisbon - the first British club to win the European Cup, nine titles in a row, 15 domestic cup wins and success at international level - a remarkable achievement.”
Lisbon Lions captain and Celtic Ambassador Billy McNeill added: “Jock Stein is a true great within the world of football. He was one of the finest men and the greatest manager I ever worked with.
"He made us what we were as a team and he was the major factor in the club's success during his reign as manager - without him, none of it would have been possible and every Celtic supporter holds Jock Stein in equally high esteem.”
A minute’s
will be held before this Saturday’s game at Celtic Park against Hearts to mark the anniversary of the passing of a great man.