ITV Mexico commentators Bandidos on The Ball L to R Ian Archer , Ian St John , Ron Atkinson , Brian Moore , David Pleat , Bryan Hamilton , Billy Mcneill , Peter Brackley, Photoshot / Avalon (IMAGO) – The Celtic Star
Outwith sport, McNeill was involved in different activities. This included owning his own pub in the Queen’s Park area. In addition, he played a role in politics, standing as a candidate for the Scottish Senior Citizens’ Unity Party in the 2003 Scottish Parliament elections.
Billy McNeill lifts the European Cup in Lisbon on 25 May 1967. Photo IMAGO (The Celtic Star)
Whilst he would not return to Celtic Park as player or manager, there was still a major connection between Billy and Celtic. In 2002, the club’s fans voted him as Celtic’s greatest ever captain, and part of the Bhoys’ best ever XI.
He was appointed as a club ambassador and in 2015, a statue of him was unveiled at Celtic Park. Fittingly – and obviously – this sees him in his most famous pose, holding aloft the European Cup in 1967.
22 January 2003. Lisbon Lions Testimonial. Celtic v Feyenoord. Lisbon Lion’s captain Billy McNeill (left) Jim Craig lead the squad around Celtic Park with the European Cup. Photo The Celtic Wiki
But away from the happiness of Celtic Park, Billy found that old age brought its own problems. He was diagnosed with dementia and died in April 2019. As would be expected, his funeral was a Celtic affair, with club figures and thousands of fans coming out to bid him farewell.
Celtic Football Club were formed in 1887 and played their first game in 1888. In the intervening time, numerous people have pulled on a Celtic jersey. Whilst many are celebrated, a limited few stand out as true and genuine legends of the club.
There is no doubt that Billy McNeill is not simply one of that group, he has a claim to be at the very top when it comes to considering the greatest ever Celts. A hugely successful player and captain, the leader who helped the club achieve their greatest day, and a victorious manager too.
So, all hail Cesar – Celtic’s greatest ever captain!
Matthew Marr
If you want to learn more about Celtic history, follow Hail Hail History on Twitter/X. You can also take part in a FREE Celtic history walking tour. Visit celticwalkingtours.wordpress.com for more information.
Click on cover to order a hardback copy
Matthew’s debut Celtic book titled ‘The Bould Bhoys – Glory to their name’ was published by Celtic Star Books last year and is available to order HERE. This brilliant book is also available on Amazon Kindle for just £3.49 and includes all photo sections that appear in the hardback edition.
Matthew Marr with his debut Celtic book, Glory to their name, which tells the story of Celtic’s first ever title win. Photo The Celtic Star
Celtic in the Thirties by Celtic Historian Matt Corr is published in two volumes by Celtic Star Books.
