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Billy McNeill.

Today a great man has passed away.

May he rest in peace.

Image result for billy mcneill european cup

 

You will have your own memories of him…

Cherish them. Share them.

No one truly dies until the last time his name is spoken, and there is much to speak of.

 

If there was ever a life truly worthy of celebrating and giving thanks for, then it is the life of Billy McNeill.

 

So,  lets try to smile through the tears, and  remember the man who led us to our greatest moment as a club, indeed as a family.

A man who set an example as a man.

 

Let’s talk about Billy…

 

 

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Tam the tim
4 years ago

Met him, watched him play. He was a great man who knew how much he was loved by us, so now we have tears in our eyes but also smiles on our faces at the many great triumphs he brought to our great club.
RIP and HH Billy.

Tim Buffy
4 years ago

Such sad news. A true gent, a real leader of men and a
Celt to the core of that huge heart. RIP
Billy and sincere condolences to Liz and all the family . Faither , Big Tam, Cesar, Chopper and Jinky – God’s got some five a side team.

Cartvale88
4 years ago

Greatest Celt, what a leader, a pleasure to meet, always a word or two about the Celtic
Rest in Peace, thoughts with Liz and the family

Admin
4 years ago

Way back in 1975 I mind walking into the living room and it was the Celtic v Airdrie Cup final on telly…it was Billys last game they were kept saying…I didn’t know much really, was only 7 years of age but I knew it meant something.

Then in St Brigids, Toryglen we would regularly be shown the 67 Final and we would see the greatest of Captains lift “the big cup”.
Truly Iconic.

Then of course we had his 2 spells as manager..both of which started in strangely subdued circumstances for those who can remember.

The centenary season will always burn bright in my memory.

The biggest memory though is the sheer presence of Billy, a giant of a man who not only earned the respect of everyone, but had such grace and dignity throughout his life, even during the lean spells. A true gentleman.

RIP Big Billy…you were our Captain, then, now, and forever.

Monti
4 years ago

BILLY MCNEILL IS THE TEMPLATE OF A CELTIC PLAYER, A LEADER, A WINNER, A CAPTAIN OF MEN!

MAY GOD KEEP YOU AT HIS SIDE FOR ETERNITY!
THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU GAVE TO CELTIC, THE CLUB & THE FANS WHO LOVE YOU.

YOU WERE OUR LEADER, OUR INSPIRATION & THE HEART OF OUR GREATEST SIDE, YOUR NAME WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!

WHAT YOU DID IN LIFE, WILL ECHO IN ETERNITY!

Was lucky to meet this great man on two seperate occasions, a giant of a man in every sense.

Thank you Mr.McNeill, thank you Mr. Celtic!

REST IN PEACE ALWAYS!
HAIL HAIL!
YNWA

Mike
4 years ago

I write this through cloudy eyes, a day that I have been dreading for so long. Billy (Cesar) McNeill. “Love you Billy”.
I first saw Billy McNeill in the 1960-61 Scottish Cup Final at Hampden Park, Glasgow, attendance 113,618. When Jimmy McGrory’s Celtic played against Jock Stein’s Dunfermilne Athletic. That game finished 0-0. Dave Thomson and Charlie Dickson scored in the replay again at Hampden for the “Pars” to lift the cup and win 2-0.
I had mixed feelings about that, my first game, but even then knowing that Big Jock would become a legend of Scottish football, big Billy rest his soul stood out, how could he not, his bearing, his authority made him stand out and you could see the player that was to become a living legend. Big Billy’s last game was also a Scottish Cup final in 1975, when the Celtic beat Airdrie 3-1 and Billy lifted the cup, something he was well used to by then. Big Jock was the Celtic manager, the pair were co-joined in the list of Celtic Cups and titles even including the “Big Cup.” success followed that pair like collie dugs. Val Doonican had a song called “The Special Years” one line summed it all up… “And in between are the special years”. Billy, You’re in our hearts, you’re in our souls” God Bless you Billy and RIP.

Devoy45
4 years ago

Sad news. Can only echo all of the above. A great Celt and a great human being. Always had time for us fans. RIP big man.

PR
4 years ago

Tragic news.

Used to drink in Billy’s pub about 20 years ago – an absolute gentleman who had time for everyone.

Pax Vobiscum.

Auldheid
4 years ago

My first recollection of Billy was his appearances at right back in place of an injured Dunky McKay. He looked even then the player he became.

I was at the Dunfermline Cup finals in 1960.

I only remember the disappointment but well remember Billy’s headed winner against Dunfermline in 1965.

As he was moving up the park my mate was saying FFS McNeil what are you d…… Yassssss.

The repeat act was v Vojvodina in the 67 Cup run. I think Charlie Gallagher delivered both crosses from the corners.

Billy’s errors were few but are rightfully lost in the balm of forgiveness, something supporters are not quick to bestow, but made easy by the character of the man.

I heard him speak amusingly at a Round Table Dinner in the 80s and spoke about his early appearances at RB and later when waiting to attend a couple of meetings on Res12 business where his smile and warmth rekindled the happy memories.

I’ve been lucky enough to share the same lifetime of a great human being whom Celtic and us were lucky enough to have in their midst for so long.

My condolences to his family, Billy will be sadly missed but always remembered.

Honest hoops
4 years ago

A true gentleman and Celtic man through and through, a massive ambassador of the club who will be soley missed by all, rest in peace Billy, god bless…very sad day indeed..Hail Hail

Rob O'Keeffe
4 years ago

R.I.P. Billy.You were Captain at my first game and remained Our Captain to the end……

Monti
4 years ago

The first time i met Billy was when he got sacked in 1991, i was 19 year old, standing in the car park with the gathered fellow supporters, big Billy addressed the support & told us ” no matter what happens, keep supporting the team ” he then pointed to Stevie Chalmers who was standing in the main entrance & said ” There’s the guy that gave us our greatest moment ” typical of Billy, he had just been sacked but his message was to back the players, back the team.
I remember shaking Billy’s hand & i didn’t know what to say to him, what i do remember is he held my hand tightly & didn’t let it go for ages,
I was in complete awe of this man.

Goodbye Billy!

Monti
4 years ago
Reply to  Monti

The second & sadly the last time i met Mr.McNeill was in Seville, the night before the UEFA cup final, San Sebastian, party in the park with Charlie & the Bhoys.
Another Celtic fan gave Billy his Hoops shirt to sign, then when he tried to give it back to the guy, i said to Billy it was my shirt.
He looked at me like i was taking the piss, at which point i said to Billy i was 🙂

He found it funny, so there you go, i made the big man laugh.
He looked happy in Seville, i remember that.

God bless Cesar!

rab wallace
4 years ago

A true gentleman and leader, he was one of us Rest in Peace Billy.

Wee Berie
4 years ago

I went to Our Lady’s High at the same time as Billy he had a presence even as a schoolboy. At that time Bobby Murdoch and John Cushley also played for OLHS at different levels. Although I never achieved much at that school it has been a source of pride to have seen them as young boys setting out in life. May they all RIP.

Patrickqu
4 years ago
Reply to  Wee Berie

I was also at Our Lady’s High and he was my friend from !st year to 6Th year in the same class. We chose the 5 a side teams in year 5. I also used to tell him some answers to TifF’S Latin test until we were caught! A great school friend.

TicToc
4 years ago

It’s always a tragedy when someone like Billy McNeil passes away. As he was suffering from that most awful illness, there may just be a form of ‘kindness’ in there; personally I wouldn’t want to see his suffering extended, nor that of his family.
My brother and I were talking about the real ‘King Billy’ on Sunday either at HT or FT, as we speak during and after each game. My brother told me he was going to get an award from one of the Spanish clubs who like to celebrate loyalty to one club. Well who could’ve earned that type of accolade more than Cesar? My brother also mentioned “the greatest ever Celt” thingy and said it should’ve been Big Billy. It’s a silly thing to try to say that ANYONE is/was “the greatest ever Celt” but who could argue with my brother’s viewpoint?
Hail! Hail! Billy McNeil, a true Celtic legend.

Yoker Bhoy
4 years ago

Total solidarity with all the great comments above. I only saw him playing in the flesh during the last two or three years of his career as a footballer but even in his mid-thirties he was a true athlete and was practically impossible to beat in the air. Our best ever captain without a doubt and a man who always epitomised all that is good about Celtic both on and off the field of play. My thoughts are with his family and close friends at this sad time.

RIP Billy

Terry Tonner
4 years ago

Heartbroken.

Bhoris
4 years ago

Horse called Celtic Legend running in the 4.45 Sedgfield. Omen?

jimmybee
4 years ago

Sad news indeed.
I just echo all the sentiments and it was an honour to meet the man on many a Celtic night.
A true Celtic Legend there is indeed only one King Billy
That’s McNeill
Hail Ceaser YNWA.

jimmybee
4 years ago

They never die who live in the hearts they leave behind. HH

BroxburnBhoy
4 years ago

Integrity, character, skill, hard as nails and an undisputed leader. The photo of him lifting the big cup is in my office proudly displayed never coming down.

hector
4 years ago

Strangely enough a wee bit similar to Desi’s comments earlier regarding first memory of Billy…it was him being held aloft after winning the Scottish Cup Final in 1975 in his final game for Celtic. Next days Sunday Mail (it’s hat most parents bought in those days!) and that picture of Billy being held aloft was torn out and found a new place on my bedroom wall.

I met him in the early 80’s when my Da and I were invited to Celtic Park…a long story. Seeing this big man with a big presence and knowing I was in the company of our European Cup winning captain…I was in awe and so was my Da and he was many years older than Billy! I remember Billy being an absolute gentleman. Pleasant to talk to and the most humble of men.

Me crying when he first left Celtic and then me crying again when he returned in 87 to lead us to centenary double in 88!

Billy epitomised everything that is great about Celtic and if someone new to Celtic or new to fitba was to ask me to sum up Celtic…I would say…read up about Billy McNeill.

RIP Cesar.

4 years ago

Heroes never die RIP Billy.

Steve Naive
4 years ago

Excellent diary and comments today. Even in his passing, Billy will galvanise us once more. C’mon Celtic.

Peter C McGillan
4 years ago

A wonderful player.a magnificent captain.I was at hampden in 1965 when he scored that great header.I was also there when he did it again v Vodjvodina.I met him in New York about 20 years ago.It was a dinner organised by the NY supporters.He was an absolute gentleman Billy,Bertie,and Big Tam signed a Celtic shirt for me and it now hangs in a glass frame in my home near Bristol.I hve 3 sons and we’re aall JUNGLE JIMS.RIP Big Man in every sebse of the word.

Anthony Martin
4 years ago

My abiding memory of Cesar was the SC Final of 1965 against Dunfermline. With the score 2-2 a corner from Gallagher saw the Big Man rise imperiously to head home the winner. I was 13 at the time and saw him score an almost identical goal against Vojvodina in the European Cup.
He was the epitome of the old school gentlemen. A warrior on the field and a great ambassador in everything he done. A true role model.
You will never be forgotten, Billy and you will never walk alone. Hail Hail.

Monti
4 years ago

Don’t know how many tears i’ve shed today, put ot this way, if those tears were IIbs, i’d be built like Peter Crouch.

Heartbroken!

Brencelt
4 years ago

Nice words Richie

Frank McGaaaarvey
4 years ago

Great words and worthy sentiment from all the writers and posters above to the man who summed up all it means to be a part of the Celtic family. It has certainly helped the feeling of disbelief. Thanks Lhads and Lhasses.

Although I was too young to see him play, the centenary season as my first proper Celtic memory will never ever leave me. The real King Billy will always be Mr Celtic to me.

My heart is broken for his family, close friends and fellow Lions, although there may be a little relief as seeing dementia take its grip on such a warrior and leader of men was probably too much.

Hail Hail and let’s complete the treble treble in honour of the big man.

Monti
4 years ago

Just thinking here of some of the Celtic icons that have passed away, Jock Stein, Tommy Gemmell & Tommy Burns….now the biggest figure of them all, Billy McNeill….
I can’t stop the tears rolling today, at work, on the bus home & watching the news.
What an icon this man is to Celtic Football Club & it’s supporters, the personification of a Celt.

I have an image in my soul of big Jock embracing his captain in heaven today.

At peace, Billy!
HH

Auldheid
4 years ago

I think Celtic supporters have different ideas of what Celtic means to them, but Billy McNeill probably personifies more than any Celt in living memory their ideal.

A man of many qualities, integrity, character, strength,warmth, bravery, intelligence, empathy, humour, determination – all wrapped in a cloak of honor.

An honourable man who reflects the spirit of Celtic in a world where such qualities are badly needed.

Winning 10iar is an admirable objective, but for me pales into insignificance compared to leaving the world in a better state than we entered.

Billy McNeill left many individual worlds in a better state, hence the outpouring of thanks giving.

Lose sight of Billy’s life message and the fairy tale that is my/our ideal of Celtic ends.

jimmybee
4 years ago

Well the morning after and one of the most of emotional days i have had is gone.
It was like losing my da all over again.
Strange how someone can make you feel like that.
But of course Billy just wasn’t just someone he was my Celtic Father. Leading us out into batte was the sight of my childhood as I watched from the Lanarkshire end sitting on top of the green stantions my da right behind me holding on.
You see seeing that sight of a prooer Celtic jersey complete hoops no sponsors with players who give you everything just brings back all the emotions of who we have lost in our own family on such a sad day as the passing of our great Billy McNeill. Thank you Billy and all the Lions who made our club a club like no other.
May your soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace Amen.

jimmybee
4 years ago

I hooe the players all wear the number 5 on Saturday this would be a fitting tribute.

Mike
4 years ago

I was just thinking back last night remembering past Celtic players, managers and just great inspirational Celtic men and women. How extremely lucky I was to see, Charlie Tully, Tom Campbells favourite player Bobby Evans. To remember those “Special Years” of the Lions of Lisbon. Big Jock, Cesar their inspirational Captain, big Tam, Bobby Murdoch, Jinky, The quiet man John Clark, Bobby Lennox, Willie Wallace, Dixie Deans, Stevie Chalmers, Kenny Dalgleish, Davy Hay, Jimmy McGrory as a manager. The list goes on and on, too many to individually mention, forgive me for those my brain has not wired in yet and are not on the list. The later arrivals like Henke, Lubomir Moravcik, Van Dijk, Jansen, playing against George Connolly. Special special, players and currant players that will become hero’s and legends. You think back and remember the joy and happiness that you got by the talents that they displayed. But at the top of the list, is Billy McNeill, his quiet authority leading from the front, his chest pushed out, driving the team on. He could back it up away from the headlines as Gerry McNee could testify to. His powerful headers which surely must have had a part to play in his illness as Frank Koppel RIP could tell you, those heavy, wet sodden leather balls. The man who lifted the big cup, the man who helped to transport Celtic into the modern era. Billy McNeill, we owe you a debt of gratitude that we could never repay. RIP.

Mike
4 years ago

Tommy (twist and turns) Burns..

Monti
4 years ago
Reply to  Mike

Mike,
Morning m8.
A sore one for us all yesterday & the days ahead, great to read so many tributes for Billy from a broad spectrum of clubs & supporters, here & abroad.
HH

Mike
4 years ago
Reply to  Monti

You are right, I liken his passing to losing a much favourite family member, still very emotional yet. Building that wall is keeping my body aching, just like my heart. A much loved person, family man and a brilliant player. He epitomised what Celtic was all about, we will all miss him badly. Its going to take a while to get over his loss. The tribute’s pour in for a very special man and were richly deserved.

Hail Hail to Billy McNeill, a very special person in every respect…

Tgriff67
4 years ago

I am one of the lucky generation who grew up watching Celtic transform from the ugly ducklings of the early sixties to the soaring swans, and roaring lions that they became under the leadership of Jock Stein off the park, and Billy McNeill on it.

Big Billy was synonymous with Celtic, the greatest captain and figurehead that we have ever had, and his legend will never dim as long as Celtic Football Club exists.

God rest you Billy, RIP.

Mike
4 years ago
Reply to  Tgriff67

# Me Too and very well said.

Cole Burns
4 years ago

A fitting tribute to Billy McNeill would be for Celtic to learn how to score from corner kicks. They only need to show videos of him starting his runs.

Devoy45
4 years ago

Thinking of Billy, a great tribute on Saturday would be, as Cole Burns says, head in a few goals. I’d wish for us to be as imperious as Cesar on Saturday. I too am thinking of Billy’s wonderful runs which gave hims so much space in the air
Funny, wee Griff does the same thing so it’s not all to do with height.

Doc
4 years ago

Still hasn’t really sunk in. Very poignant comments. Forever grateful to him.

jimmybee
4 years ago

Paradise will pay tribute to Celtic legend, Billy McNeill
By: Newsroom Staff on 24 Apr, 2019 17:31

CELTIC meet Kilmarnock at Celtic Park this Saturday, April 27, and the match will form a special celebration of the club’s greatest ever captain, Billy McNeill, one of world football’s great icons, who sadly passed away on Monday, April 22 at the age of 79.

Prior to the kick-off, at 11am, the Celtic first-team will lay a wreath on the Celtic Way in honour of the Hoops legend, a footballing giant who devoted his life to his beloved Celtic.

Members of Billy’s family have been invited to the match and before kick-off there will also be special video tributes within the stadium to the great man, for supporters to enjoy and remember Cesar.

The Celtic first team will wear a special black armband in memory of Billy on Saturday, bearing the Number 5 to recognise Billy’s iconic number that he always wore with pride.

At the request of the McNeill family, a minute’s applause will then take place just prior to the 12.30pm kick-off. The McNeill Family said: “We do not believe football stadiums were ever built to be to be silent. Our father would not have wanted that. They should be places of noise, passion and enjoyment.

“Football was his life and Celtic Park was a very large part of that. So please celebrate his life with a moment of cheers, songs and applause because that would make him feel at home again.”

Billy will also be honoured and celebrated further at Celtic’s last fixture of the season, the Scottish Cup final against Hearts, which takes place at Hampden on the poignant date of Saturday, May 25. All the Celtic first team will wear Billy’s famous Number 5 on the Celtic shorts in tribute to a man who gave so much to Celtic and to Scottish

Mike
4 years ago
Monti
4 years ago

Has Dermot Desmond made any comments about Billy McNeill after Billy passed away?
Or can he no get a signal on the course?

Monti
4 years ago

Was really nice to see John Greig lay a wreath at Billy’s statue, also the warmth of his words when talking about his friendship with Cesar.
Great friends, great rivals.

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