Celtic are to erect a statue in memory of their legendary boss Jock Stein, the club have announced.
In 1967 Stein became the first manager of a British side to win the European Cup when Celtic beat Inter Milan in Lisbon. Although Stein is synonymous with Celtic, he also managed Dunfermline, Hibernian and briefly Leeds United, before becoming the boss of Scotland from 1978 until his death in 1985, when he suffered a heart attack at the end of the a World Cup qualifier against Wales in Cardiff.
Celtic chairman John Reid said: "2010 marks the 25th anniversary of Jock's passing - in this year there will be great sadness as we remember the tragic events in Cardiff, however we felt it important that we also mark this year with this important announcement."
Stein enjoyed a glittering domestic career, winning 10 Scottish League Championships, nine Scottish Cups (one with Dunfermline) and six Scottish League cups.
Reid added: "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 and one which clearly is most deserving of high honour.
"Already Jock's great name graces the famous 'Celtic End' at Celtic Park - the board of directors felt it was important that Jock now took his rightful place at the gates of Celtic Park.
"What a fine quartet of men will now adorn the steps of Paradise - the club's founder, Brother Walfrid, Jimmy Johnstone the man voted Celtic's greatest ever player, the wonderful Tommy Burns and now, the magnificent Jock Stein."
Comment 17 - 36 of 36
its about fekkin time !!!!!
I agree that the Champions League should go back to the old format. The knockout system was far more exciting, and it was better when it was the actual champions of their respective domestic leagues that were taking part, although I wont be complaining if Celtic manage to get in through a 2nd place and the qualifying ties that will give us. It was the same with all the European tournaments before they got rid of the ECWC, and changed the format of the other 2. It is true though that money & tv dictates. I have enjoyed Celtic's Champs League exploits over the last few years, and been to some great games against some amazing teams, but none of those campaigns equalled the buzz I got from the knockout UEFA run to the final in Seville. The Blackburn games with Souness as their manager, and the Liverpool games were just amazing. I also rather enjoyed getting one over the Germans, Spanish & Portugese that season. Im sure most Rangers fans must have realy enjoyed their run a couple of years ago too. I know the UEFA aint as prestigious, but it was still a great achievement.
A wonderful accolade for a fantastic Manager. Fully deserved. Now Celtic will have a permanent Tyler at 'the door of the porch'.
since when did gerry adams play for celtic ? usual ipox drivel.
#27 a wee question why do you put english sam at the end of each post it doesnt bother me or anything like that but i would like to know the answer to that question if you would thanks............................paul g embarassment to the whole footballing world even rangers fans must be embarassed by this clown
Being deceased does not elevate one's status.
PAUL - if you have nothing nice to say about the deceased, it's best you say NOTHING!!
Who next for a statue? Gerry Adams? His dad? His brother?
HAIL HAIL BIG JOCK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! P.S well said peter maxwell Bhoys Against Bigotry .
Alan Brazil will there to show his respect. Who else but septic would have a statue of such a man associated with their stadium?
Paul G ...how many statues are their outside IPOX?
32 - I think your miniscule braincell is getting confused between express courier operator, and in-flight catering! Time for you to give it a rest before you further embarrass yourself!!
32 - away and gie's peace, stupid little bhoy!!
its a pity celtic couldnt have treated stein better than they did dont know if the story of offering him a job in the pools office is true and why didnt they offer him a job on the board hope it had nothing to do with him been a protestant but the Rangers fans should show a bit of respect to the big man/ENGLISH SAM
Matthew, my brave little keyboard warrior!!.. Somehow, I think you lack the testicular fortitude to say that to my face, unless of course, you have a penchant for hospital catering!!
on the R.H.S. of this thread (MOST POPULAR STORIES), there's an interesting one about a ref possibly facing the death penalty. Unfortunately, it's not Dougie McDonald!! LOL!!
On opening up this story, there's another about the Chinese refs getting "corruption" training.. No truth that Hugh Dallas is the trainer either!! ROFL!!
I heard that the statue is going to come in all its glory and be very life like. ie all the bits showing.
22 - they'll NEVER go back to the old format.. too much money at stake!! Same with the World Cup - why not give it its proper name.. the Budweiser Kodak MacDonalds Trophy??..
I WILL GIVE CREDIT WHEN ITS DUE AND STEIN WAS A GREAT MANAGER HIS RECORD IN THE OLD EUROPEAN CUP AS IT WAS KNOWN WAS SUPERB AND AM I THE ONLY ONE WHO WISHES THEY WOULD GO BACK TO THE OLD FORMAT OF A ONE OFF 2 LEG TIE AND DO AWAY WITH THE GROUPS ITS TOO LONG AND BORING/ENGLISH SAM
This honour is better late, than never. John/English Sam - I must say I'm gobsmacked at your post (in a good way). You see, it doesn't cost much to pay a compliment, and it even gains you respect!!
15 - Pity you're too young to remember Willie Waddel, IMO another rangers' great! Although I was only young then, I would go so far as to say that Waddell and Stein were 2 great combatants of the scottish game!
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