No matter how good you are, it is going to be a hard feat for a future Celtic captain to better the exploits of Billy McNeill. The skipper of the 1967 Lisbon Lions European Cup win, he was also a winner of nine consecutive Scottish League titles, alongside 7 Scottish Cups and 6 Scottish League Cups. The Glaswegian had it all.
Scott Brown does come rather close, though. He may not have won the European Cup that fans of the famous green and white clamour ever so much for, but in this day and age with the disparity of unevenly distributed prize monies across Europe, that is becoming increasingly harder to achieve by the day.
“As a family, we thank Scott sincerely for all he has done for the Club and we wish him and his family nothing but success for the future.”
Broony does boast a very similar trophy cabinet to McNeill; he has gone one better in terms of league titles, including matching Billy’s record of nine consecutive Scottish Premier League titles, and has further won 6 Scottish Cups and 6 Scottish League Cups to cement his place in Paradise folklore.
McNeill’s family have recognised his contribution in keeping Celtic at the top of the Scottish game over the last ten years – so much so, that following his imminent move to Aberdeen next season in a player-coach role, McNeill’s son Martyn paid tribute to Scott’s achievements, lauding him for his commitments and talents.
We are sure fans will be eager to pay tribute to such an important figure
Speaking to the Celtic website, Martyn said: “On behalf of our whole family, we are delighted for Scott’s record as a 9-in-a-row-winning Celtic captain and all his other contributions to the Club to be recognised at next week’s match. The leadership, commitment and passion Scott has shown through his time at the club is a major factor in Celtic having won so many trophies and of course making history in a quadruple treble.”
“No one would be better placed than our father to appreciate what it takes to be a successful Celtic captain and we know he would be so proud of Scott’s achievements. Scott is someone who has given nearly 15 years of his life to Celtic and throughout this time has represented the Club brilliantly. We are sure fans will be eager to pay tribute to such an important figure.”
“As a family, we thank Scott sincerely for all he has done for the Club and we wish him and his family nothing but success for the future.”
