Vote Now on Re-naming the North Stand and whether Celtic’s No5 jersey should be retired

JOZO SIMUNOVIC’S 67th minute goal yesterday will now be remembered and talked about for decades to come, long after most of us are gone. Celtic stories have always been passed down through the generations by word of mouth among family and friends, on supporters buses going to away games and in recent times, on our European adventures supporting the Hoops.

The day we celebrated the life and achievements of Cesar, with the team struggling and in need of a goal to break the deadlock, up steps Celtic’s No.5 in the 67th minute to score with a HEADER. It’s another fairytale moment to add to the Celtic story.

During the week the talk after a journalist asked Neil Lennon for his thoughts on the matter, was whether Celtic should retire the No.5 jersey. James Forrest argued against this on The Celtic Blog and The Celtic Star agreed with him 100%. Yesterday though Jozo Simunovic and Cesar himself had their say – the No.5 jersey has more special moments to come in the future and Celtic defenders of the years ahead should have the privilege in walking in the legend’s footsteps.

Billy would have wanted this. Hopefully in the Celtic boardroom yesterday, where the McNeill family were presented with Jozo’s No.5 shirt from the the game, the matter would have been discussed and the family’s wishes will be listened to by the club.

Earlier in the week on TV I caught the first half of the Manchester derby from Old Trafford. I seldom watch English football and 45 minutes of this game from Old Trafford was plenty. I was struck seeing the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand, which was named in their former manager’s honour when he retired. He had certainly done enough for them hadn’t he?

Then today at Ibrox, where the Rangers were awarded two soft penalties – taking their total to the season up to an incredible 18 – we were reminded that they re-named the old Govan stand in honour of Sandy Jardine when he passed away 6 years ago this week.

The North Stand at Celtic Park should, we believe be renamed in Billy McNeill’s honour. There appear to be three options for this and we’d like you to express your opinion.

Re-name the North Stand the HAIL CESAR STAND or call it THE BILLY McNEILL STAND or do nothing and keep it as it is the NORTH STAND.

Please vote in our Poll below and share if possible so that as many Celtic supporters as possible vote. You can vote only once but can check back to see how the voting is going.

Should the North Stand at Celtic Park be re-named in tribute to Celtic legend Billy McNeill?

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And on the matter of retiring the No.5 jersey do you think that this should be done to honour Cesar’s memory or should it continue to inspire future Celtic defenders to walk in the footsteps of our Greatest Ever Captain?

Should Celtic retire the No.5 jersey to honour Billy McNeill?

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About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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