Clyde and Aberdeen next for Billy McNeill
McNeill’s clear leadership skills meant that becoming a manager was almost inevitable. He initially worked on coaching at Celtic Park but wanted more than this. Fittingly, given that his Celtic debut was against Clyde, this club also provided his first managerial appointment, starting in April 1977.
However, his stint at Shawfield proved to be a very fleeting one. Such was Billy’s reputation, he was wanted at a higher level and less than three months after starting at Clyde he was on the move. His next destination was Pittodrie, and he started there in June 1977.
His time at Aberdeen was productive. The Dons were League runners-up – finishing ahead of Celtic – and also Scottish Cup Finalists. The end of this season also saw the end of Jock Stein’s time at Celtic Park. As such, Billy was once more on the move, coming back to Glasgow to take on the top job.
Celtic manager Billy McNeill
Billy McNeill, Jock Stein and John Clark outside the doors of Celtic Park, as Billy is appointed Celtic manager and John his assistant, in summer 1978 Photo The Celtic Wiki
Ten Men Won the League
There could scarcely have been a more dramatic conclusion to his first season as Celtic boss. In 1979, Celtic played Rangers on the final game of the season, needing a win to claim the title. Despite falling behind and having a man sent off, there were huge celebrations as ‘ten men won the League’. Billy McNeill, so successful as a Celtic player, was now off and running as manager too.
Celtic manager Billy McNeill leads the charge at the final whistle in the 4-2 game in May 1979 as Ten Men Won the League. Photo The Celtic Wiki
As well as the 1979 league title, McNeill the manager led the Bhoys to more championship success in 1981 and 1982. They also claimed the 1980 Scottish Cup, in an infamous win over Rangers, which concluded with a major riot at Hampden. In addition, in 1980, Celtic enjoyed a famous 2-0 win over Real Madrid, although still lost on aggregate.
Despite this success, all was not well with Billy’s relationship with the Celtic board. He believed they were not giving him enough backing to succeed, especially with his goal of Celtic making a European impact. In particular, he was furious when Charlie Nicholas was sold to Arsenal.
