Celtic Say A Sad Farewell To Big Evan – Another Legend Gone
The news which dropped this morning, (here in Brisbane), that Evan Williams has passed away was a sore one, especially for Celtic supporters of my generation.
I grew up with ‘Faither’, Ronnie Simpson as the No.1 caretaker in goal for Celtic during the reign of the Lisbon Lions. At the end of the European Cup Winner’s tenure at Parkhead, Big Evan was, after a short loan spell with Aston Villa, poached from Wolves, and the gloves he had to fill were enormous.
Boasting two prestigious FA Cups down south with Newcastle, and having amassed a European Cup, the first four of the original and best 9-in-a-row Championships, the Scottish Cup during the Lisbon year, three-in-a-row Scottish League Cups and two Glasgow Cups, (when that was a big deal), Faither had left his successor with a bit of work to do.
Along came Evan, and the genial big fella filled the gloves with pride. Having walked into a successful team in the middle of the aforementioned ‘9’ period and guided by the late, great, Jock Stein, he may have wanted to have his Weetabix before trying to convince the Jungle that he was the answer to their prayers in terms of continuity.
Evan didn’t let us down, and during his five-year tenure, he achieved more than we might have expected. With the ominous shadows of John Fallon and Denis Connaghan looming over him and ready to steal his spot, that was impressive.
The nagging memory of THAT European Cup Final 2-1 capitulation in Milan, in 1970, will always produce heart palpitations for those of us old enough to remember. Losing out to Wim Jansen’s Feyenoord was a sore one indeed, but retrospectively, the Dutch were much better than we gave then credit for pre-match.
The three shining lights of that evening for me were; the blistering goal from Tommy Gemmell, the lung-searing runs and energy of Willie Wallace, and the performance between the sticks of Evan Williams.
It may be forgotten through the sands of time, but, had it not been for the athleticism and agility of Williams, we may not be speaking today in terms of how close we came to winning the Big Cup for a second time.
The Dumbarton man went on to see the transition of Stein’s Celtic and was instrumental in the development of the ‘Quality Street Gang’ as they made their maiden way into history. Playing alongside youngsters, Dalglish, McGrain, Hay, and Connolly, that transition had become more exciting than trepid.
Despite the bravery for which he was lauded by the supporters, Evan’s calm demeanour should not be taken for granted, and Celtic going on to complete the famous ‘9’ was very much down to his influence over Stein’s up-and-coming youngsters.
As a young kid, I remember the big man coming along to our local parish, St. Paul The Apostle in Shettleston for the annual church fete. Evan stayed for hours, his film-star good looks, immaculately dressed, (as they were in those days), chatting and signing autographs for his starry-eyed admirers.
Lots of them were young east-end mums I may add – strange that – and, when he signed my wee book, he shook my hand, smiled, and winked. That was it for me; he was forever my hero, and when I went along to that ancient amphitheatre called Paradise to watch him play, I felt like I knew him. Not every player makes you feel special, but he did.
Ask the Bhoys and Ghirls who attend the annual Celtic Supporters Convention in Las Vegas; Evan was often there, and, as his natural humility dictated, joined in the celebrations to become one of us.
A Vale of Leven man, Evan Williams has departed for warmer shores, but left us with the memory of his 148 appearances across all competitions. He helped Celtic to four memorable League flags, and two Scottish Cups. He was my hero, and, like me, all Celtic supporters across the globe will miss his presence.
God bless; thanks for the memories and, rest in peace, Evan.
Eddie Murray
On behalf of everyone at the AICSC, we’d like to extend our sympathy & prayers to the family of Evan Williams who sadly passed away yesterday.
Legendary Celtic Goalkeeper, the man who was awarded Man Of The Match in Milan 1970.
May he Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/W7gaFCDyXA
— AICSC (@AICSC2014) February 21, 2025
Sad to hear the news that former Celtic Goalkeeper Evan Williams has passed away 🙏🏼
CELTIC FC 1969-74 🧤 pic.twitter.com/DQcmgyjoBN
— Celtic Curio (@Celticcurio) February 20, 2025
Evan Williams RIP pic.twitter.com/FeJvDWI74N
— Paul Larkin (@paullarkin74) February 21, 2025
Everyone at Celtic Football Club is saddened by the news that former goalkeeper Evan Williams has passed away at the age of 81.
The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Celtic Football Club are with Evan’s friends and family at this sad time.
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) February 21, 2025
A few years ago, I spent a couple of hours on the drink with Evan Williams in The Lennox Bar, Dumbarton. He regaled me with a lot of the old stories and it was a joy to listen to him. He was such a humble guy. This is on the wall of The Lennox Bar. RIP our local hero. pic.twitter.com/uarYdohSnI
— Celticbars (@celticbars) February 21, 2025
Sadly yet another good Celt Evan Williams has passed away. Evan would at times put mud under his eyes in floodlight games to stop the reflection on his eyes and joined Celts a couple of years after Lisbon playing in the 1970 European Cup Final in Milan. A nice man.
🙏💚 pic.twitter.com/cs5KMrdp1q— Matt McGlone (@MattMcGlone9) February 21, 2025
Evan was voted MOTM at the Milan final.
I remember that day at St. Pauls fete. I would have been around 13/14 years old and couldn’t believe I was meeting one of my Celtic heroes. Evan was great with everyone who spoke to him. He was there at the invite of our parish priest, Father O’Leary who had been the celebrant when he and his wife got married.
RIP Evan.