They say you should not get to know your heroes as they will only disappoint. Very few heroes grow in stature when you get to know them as individuals, but Billy McNeill did just that. He was more than just a football hero, more than just the first Briton to lift the European Cup, more than an imperious player, manager and authority in the game. He was generous with his time, interested in those he met, always happy to engage with fans, the perfect ambassador of our community. We lost him today, aged 79, after years of dementia.
None of us today, including those who are old enough to remember the fifties, could probably explain just what an impact Billy, Jock Stein and the rest of the Lisbon Lions had. Eight years had passed since Celtic won a trophy before the big man rose to head the winner in the 1965 Scottish Cup Final against Dunfermline. That in itself was a momentous event. If the story ended there, that Cup win, that header, would be secure in our memory. But so much more followed.
A club which had been starved of success for 40 years was deluged in glory. Nine-in-a-row was a world record. When the run ended, there was disappointment, but we were also able to look back on a staggering achievement. The European Cup, a further final and two semi-finals took Celtic and Billy’s reputations across Europe. This was a team of winners led by a titan. Billy, articulate and charming, was master of all.
He became manager of Celtic, who finished the previous season in fifth place, in 1978, immediately restoring the club to the top of Scottish football. He repeated this obligement in 1987, but by then the tides were turning. Money would determine success from that point on and Billy retired to what was his first role at Celtic – a supporter.
News of Billy’s dementia spread before the family made the announcement and I met him a few times during that period. On one occasion, he stopped my son with a question: “When did Celtic win the European Cup?” On hearing the right answer, Billy joked, “You’ve got a better memory than me.” And with a smile, added, “I suppose I should stop making jokes like that”. The inner strength the man had was astonishing.
The last time I spoke to Billy he was in the company of John Clark and I was with my Dad. After a few moments chat, Billy said, “I remember you, you delivered butcher meat to my mother.” 40 years had passed since that was true, and Billy was already suffering dementia, but he remembered the ordinary Celtic fans who returned the joy he gave them for so many years. Even through his illness, he inspired and impressed.
For all the trophies, the goals and the glory, my fondest memory of Billy is when the Celtic media team took him back to the tunnel at Estadio Nacional. He explained the team’s walk from the dressing room and how they raised themselves in that tunnel for the task ahead. None of what that team did was easy. It took courage, hard work and extraordinary ability.
If you met him, if you knew him, tell people about him for the rest of your life. Share the memories and the joy. Remind people that he was hard as granite when he needed to be, that he was intelligent, funny and a great football player.
Today’s loss is overwhelmingly to Liz, the family and their close friends. The rest of us can only wonder at how lucky we were to have Billy in our lives.
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I don’t have the words that others have, that will ever do Cesar justice.
A real one off and we are incredibly blessed that he was ours.
Rest in Peace Billy.
The first time I met Billy was at a family wedding, I was at the same table for the reception, for an hour at least I couldn’t pluck up the courage to speak to him, I was awe struck, he obviously sensed this and broke the ice, I bet he wished he didn’t cos I couldn’t stop talking after that, he was a true legend in every sense of the word, humbled to have known him and seen him play for us.
RIP Billy, the one and only King Billy
You will never walk alone.
Some tremendous memories on here today, hopefully the McNeill family will take some comfort in all the good thoughts & well wishes from everyone who has spoken of Billy, for me it was so apt that Billy was manager in our centenary season, a very special Celt
Hail Hail
Like a hundred thousand off us in the scottish and irish growing up zone, remember that time you got a knickname that only made sense to you and your pals, workplace pals, your fitba teams, or worse a teacher gave you a name.
The lions ones were of their time, Lemon & Cairney allways gives me a wee smile
But CESAR, to later generations its obvious, that emperor up there on the marble holding the empires trophy, bit offcoure that was not the joke.
Its Ces- ar.
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Why was Billy McNeill called Cesar?
Former Celtic captain has died aged 79 Phil Haigh Tuesday 23 Apr 2019 9:52 am
Celtic legend Billy McNeill has passed away at the age of 79 ‘surrounded by his family and love ones’. The defender was the first British player ever to lift the European Cup, when he captained the legendary ‘Lisbon Lions’ side to victory over Inter Milan in 1967. McNeill only ever played for one club, racking up nearly 800 appearances for Celtic in all competitions. He also went on to manage the Bhoys twice, wininng 13 league titles with the club as player and manager. ADVERTISING The remarkable defender was known as ‘Cesar’ throughout his career, but this actually had nothing to do with comparing his leadership qualities to Julius Caesar.
The real reason behind the nickname is far more obscure, and shows how different the life of a footballer was in the 1960s to the present day. When McNeill received an honorary degree at the University of Glasgow in 2008, Professor Richard Cogdell explained the reason behind his nickname. ‘Billy’s nickname is Cesar,’ said Cogdell. ‘However, this doesn’t come from any Roman connections, rather from a movie. In the original Ocean’s 11, the actor Cesar Romero drove the getaway car. ‘Billy McNeill was one of the few members of the Celtic team that had a car. How times have changed.
He came, he saw, he conquered. Arrivederci Cesar. Words don’t come easy. RIP and may God bless you Billy.
Just watched BBC Scotland – wonderful – it is now buckets not a trickle of tears
Now Celtic – win it for Big Billy
Brilliant Lisbon Documentary, to finish off a sad but proud day.
I too want to add my condolences to Liz and the McNeill Family…Billy is a Legend, thank you and may perpetual light shine upon his Soul.
I’ll remember this day forever and glad that I followed a true legend of a legendary football club.
Bada, not only should we wear no. 5 on our shorts for the cup final but given the date a Lisbon style top tae.
BADA,TONTINE TIM-?
It has been a pleasure reading the tributes and memories of our greatest ever captain.
A true legend and leader.
Billy McNeill RIP
Tontine…such a smart and simple suggestion…no doubt the Plc will see it as both a massive tribute and moneymaker….so I hope it doesn’t happen…but am looking forward to our next Tifo
In the early nineties, the Charlie Tully CSC invited Billy and his lovely wife, Liz over to Shannon, Co Clare for our annual dinner dance. They were such a beautiful couple. Mannerly, friendly, funny and engaging. Billy enjoyed a round of golf whilst Liz went on a shopping trip. They got to see the sites in Clare and were so full of enthusiasm throughout the trip.
That night we were discussing the Celtic board and owners, with whom his relationship had been strained for some time and I asked if things had improved. “Son”, he said, “I’d get a better welcome walking up the Shankill Road carrying rosary beads!” A broad grin on his face. Thankfully that situation changed and Cesar was rightfully returned as the most popular Celt of all time.
In 1995 my pals and I were over for the Cup Final in May. We went to Billy’s bar for a few pre-match pints. Busy and all as he was, Billy spotted us and sent over a drink. He again thanked us for our hospitality and asked about Charlie, a Belfast supporter he had met in Shannon, who had been badly beaten when being lifted and interned in the early 70’s. Charlie, a gentleman in the McNeill mould, had really impressed Billy with his lifelong support of Celtic.
When I think of all the great players and managers we have had, the great characters, the great ambassadors, I realise how fortunate we are. And if one man epitomises all that we hold dear in Celtic, it is Billy McNeill, a true Cesar.
TT- great idea
Wonderful tribute Paul.
Accurate & timeless. Loved your reminder to us all who met & knew Billy to tell people about him for the rest of our lives. I will – I promise.
As with so many others, I can mark my life against Billy’s exploits.
My first real Celtic game was in that final in 1965. I had been a seminarian for 3 years & had returend to mainstream schooling at Holy Cross in Hamilton. I was out of step academically & friendless, but a big guy called Brian who sat next to me in English talked me in to going to Hampden that day. We duly met up & the rest as they say….
47 years later & ourely by accident, I met Billy outside Celtic Park. I was there with both of my adult sons & Jimmy Jonstone’s son, just having a natter, when Billy walked past & said hello to James. Billy didn’t rush off, instead he chatted away to all of us. I mentioned that I was ex Holy Cross, Hamilton & he couldn’t resist telling me how “we used to beat your team all the time” from his time at Our Lady’s High in Motherwell.
I also told him that I was at Hampden in 1965 and in my mind’s eye still saw him rising to head in the winner with wee Bobby Lennox seeming to give him a piggyback. He quipped “Aye Lennox says that he;s been carrying ever since.” We all laughed and a wee while later he said he had to go inside the ground.
This shorter than I imagined, older & slightly built man wearing a crombie coat, scarf & flat cap just smiled openly and shook all our hands before walking in through the front entrance with no fuss or pomp.
What a player, what a manager, what a man.
HH & YNWA Boss.
Delaneys…been away, catching up…says much about you that you have time for Cesar following your own recent heartbreaking losses…YNWA
RoccoBhoy…best wishes on continued improving health
TLT
Thanks pal. It has been a sad week indeed.
3 hard to take losses. The only comfort I can take, is the earthly suffering is over.
BADABING
Thanks for your kind gesture today on behalf of all of us who couldn’t be there ?HH !
BADA BING
Huge thanks from the other side of this great big Celtic world
for thinking about all those who can’t attend Celtic park.
Placing that scarf and thinking of others was an act of selfless
kindness.
So much appreciated from myself Paddymacoz and our CSC
over here on the rebel peninsula.
RIP Billy McNeil Celtic legend.
H.H Mick
DELANEYSDUNKY
How are you pal ? Thinking of you at this sad time
We Celtic people revere our heroes and mourn their passing. The tributes to Billy on Celtic sites testify to this.
What elevates the calibre of the man is volume of messages from far reaching sources, across all divides.
My own Celtic life covered Billy’s career and in some respects, book ends it.
Thank you and Rest in Peace, Billy Mc. Neill.
I’m told this story came from Roddy Forsyth – not a natural Celtic supporter:
Murdo McLeod was making one of his regular visits to Billy’s office to stake yet another claim for a wage increase.
Murdo went through a list of his accomplishments while Billy continued to read the newspaper.
Eventually, Billy finally raised his head to ask, ‘ Murdoch, what’s your ambition?’
‘To play for my country.’ was Murdo’s reply.
Billy looked mystified and asked, ‘What at, Murdoch?’
Sad day, rest in peace Billy.
Today we lost an Icon ,a man who embodies everything good about our club ,a true leader younger celts can look up to with pride and say he was truly one of us fan ,player,captain,manager ,but most of all a celt RIP BILLY
PR67
Thanks pal. Been a very difficult week.
YNWA
DD , stay strong bro , thoughts and prayers for you
Weebawb
Thank you. Much appreciated
YNWA
Probably the most pleasant six pages ever on CQN, and quite right too. Bless our Cesar.
DD
Lit a candle for your Mum Molly & godmother and Aunt Eileen in Our Ladies and St Ninians Bannockburn on Easter Sunday
Just seen on BBC national news on Big Billy down here, and spotted Jimbo67 in the background at Cesar’s statue
Been a good while since I posted on here, but I just wanted to add to the lovely and heartfelt tributes on the blog today.
Five years ago me and the boss, along with HT and Minx1888, were invited to the Tyneside No 1 CSC 25th Anniversary function in a Newcastle hotel by St Martins Bhoy, formerly of this parish. Billy and Liz were guests of honour, with Griff and Willie MacStay and his wife also at the top table.
Billy was his usual self, making lots of time for photo opportunities and talking to punters on the night. Undoubtedly Mr Celtic and in his element. I should say that CRC had discretely advised me that Billy had being showing signs of dementia, but thankfully those signs were not evident on the night.
It was a cracking function, we had a late one and decided to skip the hotel breakfast in the morning! When we eventually surfaced, we went to a coffee shop near the station and who should be sitting there, but Billy & Liz.
They were more than happy for us to join them and as my missus sat talking to Liz, I found myself alone in conversation with the great man. I have to say that I was in awe of Caesar, but he put me at ease and started talking about the previous night’s function.
His praise of the great fundraising efforts of our hosts and other Celtic supporter clubs led on to him describing some conversations he had with his pal Slim Jim Baxter about the difference in the approach to charity at their respective clubs. Tonight is not a time to have a dig, but Billy mentioned that Jim thought the Celtic fans were more open to the idea of fundraising for good causes.
Billy spoke in very warm terms about Slim Jim, but I had to put on my best poker face when he said “I haven’t heard from Jim in ages, don’t know what he’s up to these days”! My heart sank and I remembered CRC’s comments about Billy’s dementia.
Minx and HT showed up and we went back to the hotel. Billy and Liz gave us hugs before going for their train back home.
It might not seem like much to some people, but I’m eternally grateful for that brief time alone with Caesar and to see how much Liz loved and took care of the great man. Obviously, tears shed today, but we should celebrate the memory of King Billy. God bless him and the family.
HH
TTTT
In the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion sleeps tonight, in the jungle the quiet jungle, the lion sleeps tonight. Billy McNeill our captain, our manager, our ambassador, our hero sleeps eternally tonight. God bless you Billy. A man of honesty, integrity, commitment, trust, quality, pride, respect, character, value , success. Thank you for all you done for the football club l love. Gu Brath , mo chridhe, Le Gaol (Forever in ma heart, with love) xx From Highland Paddy.
Norrie
Both were married in Saint Ninian’s Knightswood. Lovely gesture and thought pal.
Thank you
YNWA
STV now,a tribute to Billy
My memory.. it’s not really a memory of him, it’s a memory of not seeing him. The morning of May 26th 1967. I was 12. My grandfather had taken me to Lisbon. It was my first time abroad; Celtic had won, playing wonderful attacking football. I thought that football would always be this good (“Bliss was it in that dawn to be alive, but to be young was very Heaven”). We were staying in Estoril, so we walked over to the team’s hotel and wandered in. My grandfather knew most of the team – he seemed to have connections everywhere. Those players who were up were gathered round the pool, sunbathing before the flight back to Glasgow. We got talking to Tommy Gemmell. “So where’s the Cup” asked my grandfather- “It’s in Billy’s room, they slept with it last night. Do you want to go up and see it?”. I can’t remember who Billy was sharing with.
“No” said my grandfather, “let them sleep, they deserve it”. And we chatted, and then left and caught our own flight back. So I never got to see Billy McNeill that day.
Thinking about it now, it seems impossible. These were not the superstars of today. I once read a book about the Nottingham Forest teams of the 1970’s, and one fact remains in my mind; how most of their players used to get the bus back home after the match. The 1960’s in Glasgow would have been no different. The players were heroes, but they were not beyond our reach. That Celtic team, in its modesty and its greatness, was the best of them all. We could have chapped on the door of the European Cup Winning captain. Woken him from his sleep. I’m glad we didn’t. He deserved it.
DD – Been thinking of you today. Sometimes when something as colossal as today’s news hits the press, it tends to put your own heartbreak down the pecking order. It doesn’t, of course. We’re all still thinking about you and wishing you the same strength and compassion as the McNeill family. We are all Celts in this together to the core. Take Care.
Stein, Burns, McNeill—has any team had men like these. Honour personified. If Heaven has a football team, I know who the centre-half is.
Garry, good to see you posting, you’ve had a tough week, hope you are keeping strong.
Great to see so many ‘lost’ Posters returning even if it’s only for a day.
Wish we had bhoys like BMCUW & The Bhoy Jinky back, maybe a wee amnesty for the Red Card Brigade,
Frank, full version of bernard ponsonby report. 2 parts.
Part 1
Check out @gibbogibby1’s Tweet: https://twitter.com/gibbogibby1/status/1120805984258146304?s=08
Part 2.
Check out @gibbogibby1’s Tweet: https://twitter.com/gibbogibby1/status/1120807135615569921?s=08