Today, Setting Free The Bears reviews Caesar & the Assassin, the story of Billy McNeill and Davie Hay’s periods as Celtic manager, in their own words, published by Celtic Quick News.
We’ve published a few books so far, telling some stories of our great players, or great events, but this book deals with the most important subject we’ve touched so far – how Celtic was run, from a manager’s perspective.
The personal thoughts of Billy and Davie, shedding light on the inside story of Celtic, is fascinating, especially for those familiar with the excitement and glories of the period.
Here’s what SFTBs had to say:
“Setting Free the Bears reviews CQN’s new book, Caesar & The Assassin – Managing Celtic after Jock Stein. Billy McNeill & Davie Hay with Alex Gordon…
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of our lost golden youth, it was the age of boardroom mismanagement, it was the epoch of honest mistakes, it was the epoch of incredulity at the honest mistakes, it contained seasons of light, it produced seasons of darkness, it was the spring of our hope of getting back to European prominence, it was the winter of our despair as the light of hope was extinguished by counter attacking foreign teams, we had everything before us, we had nothing much to look forward to, we were all going direct to Paradise, we were all going to Ibrox – in short, the period was so far like the present period, that this noisy authoritative book insists on it being received, for good or evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.
It was the year of Our Lord one thousand nine hundred and seventy eight and if Charles Dickens had written this latest CQN book he could never have conjured up a plot of such last minute twists, Machiavellian back-stabbing, outrageous coincidences, and triumphs grasped from the gaping jaws of despair, as are present in this history of Celtic during our long lost youth.
There are a few CQN readers who are ancient enough to recall the pre-Lions era and the Lions themselves with admirable clarity, even in their dotage but for most of the CQN demographic, this book covers the period wherein the chains and shackles of Celtic-ness were firmly placed upon us. We remember them now with the rose tinted nostalgia of longing for our younger selves and we sometimes remember them as better than they were. These were our halcyon days and they are presented to us with more accuracy and honesty than we are often capable of when recalling them.
Alex Gordon has raided the memory banks and past publications of two of our finest servants, Billy McNeill and David Hay, to provide a more reliable pen picture of our glory days. Mark Twain said that “When I was younger, I could remember anything, whether it happened or not.” This book gives us a chance to compare the contemporary account with what happened in real time in the order it really occurred.
These 32 chapters of history in the McNeill-Hay- McNeill management era, August 78 to May 91, when Liam Brady took over will set you straight. It was not a time of constant glorious victory by which we can denigrate the modern players and team in comparison. Billy’s first spell up to May 83 saw a win percentage of 64.2% (3 titles, 1SC and 1LC), Davie Hay from 83 to 87 managed 51.8% (1 League and 1 SC) and Billy’s last spell was 54.8% (1 league and 2 SCs). The 3 managers (including Frank Connor) that followed, however, won nothing and it would be 1995 with a Scottish Cup win under Tommy Burns before we celebrated again and 1998 before the League was ours.
The format of the book is to give 2 chapters to each season covering roughly August to December and January to May respectively with an additional chapter to recount our Cup runs that year. Occasionally a chapter is devoted to an important European event, the 1980 quarter final against Real, the Amsterdam win against Cruyff’s Ajax or the horrors of the Rapid Vienna battles. Some domestic events such as 10 men won the League, the Miracle of Love Street and the Centenary Cup Final are given full and separate coverage too.
It is a partisan account, representing forcibly the disappointments and occasional bitter memories of how these two legends felt they were not supported in their desires to maintain Celtic at the levels to which Jock Stein had propelled us in the mid-60s. Desmond White and Jack McGinn are not always fondly recalled in this account but it is a story told with love and affection which triumphs over any traces of anger or regret that remain today. These are Celtic men who can have arguments with temporary Celtic custodians but who could not remain estranged from the Celtic family because of this.
There are tales which are familiar and tales which will surprise. There are telling details provided which add to the prosaic presentation of individual game facts and who scored the goals. There are a lot of familiar themes relevant to the present day. The task that Davie and Billy faced, on our behalf, of competing with the inflated expenditure of the Souness period at Ibrox is relevant to our most recent 15 years.
The balance to be struck between a harmonious board-manager relationship and a warring outlook about teams that always need strengthening, is well depicted. The two managers can look back with more sympathy for the Directors than they felt at the time but both remain adamant that they could have done so much more if purse strings had been loosened.
The handover from Hay to McNeill’s second spell is particularly poignant. Where Davie had been starved of cash to deal with the imminent departures of Johnston, McClair, McInally and McLeod, Billy was given cash, albeit much below the Souness spend levels, as a one-off never-to-be-repeated deal so that we could enjoy a Centenary Year of triumph before we were back to old clothes and porridge. It is made crystal clear that this was an era which was pre-Bosman, pre-EPL wage inflation, and pre-Champions League high finance where Celtic were better placed to maintain a grip on European competitiveness than we managed to do.
If I have one criticism of the book, it is that we learn little of the detail behind the Board’s argument for parsimony at the time. There is a quote on p.353 which says:-
“Yes, Desmond (White) had his critics, but I know he would have been better equipped to assist me when Graeme Souness arrived at Ibrox and was given what appeared to be a blank cheque book,’ said Hay. ‘Desmond was careful with money, as we were all aware, but, importantly, he understood what Celtic were all about.’ No elaboration was required from Hay”
Well, maybe you had to be there to understand why elaboration was unnecessary but I would welcome some elaboration and context. What were Celtic finances like at that time? Did the managers know if we were on sound footing or in financial difficulty? We were to experience a near bankruptcy event in the following decade so it would be nice to hear the argument in favour of prudent finance.
The Board voice does not feature and Billy and Davie have good reason to be disinclined to voice it for them. That caveat aside, we do learn a lot about the part that personality clashes can play in a management team and the dirty tricks employed to make a manager seem unwanted.
This book serves the requirements of two types of reader. For the stats and detail buff who is keen to test your memory and collect facts, you can read every word in order and recall each game whether it was an important or a dull one. If you want to read a good sports story and the scandal behind the facts, you can race through the match and goals descriptions to get to the nuggets where the main events are retold and the background fleshed out. Author, Alex Gordon has done a fine job in ensuring that both types of reader will find satisfaction within these pages.
There are surprises to be found in learning which players might have ended up at Celtic Park. There are telling insights into signing coups and signing disasters. Some good Celtic men were not treated well by this club and some good Celtic men did not treat the club well.
There are Celtic legends like Burns, Provan, McStay, McGrain and McAvennie whose careers are recounted well and there are lesser known names like McGugan, McCarrison, and Halpin who appear. Two of my contemporary school-mates are mentioned, Frank Welsh and Frank Gray.
There are surprising facts which will form good quiz questions. Apart from learning how Billy’s nickname changed from Cesar to Caesar over time, my favourite would be- “Why was Bruce Cleland an important contributor to our Scottish Cup success in the Centenary Year?” I’ll let you find that out for yourself as I have tried to avoid spoilers in this review.
The book takes us up to Billy leaving the manager’s chair for the second time on 22nd May 1991. There is a wee taste of the daunting events facing the Parkhead faithful at the end of this era. The downsizing from Nicholas and McAvennie to Walker and Coyne, then to Cascarino and Hayes foretells the coming horrors of the 90s.
The CQN publishing team behind the book are hinting that this will be the period covered in their next big book. The memories invoked there may not be a pleasant as those covered by this splendid book. I may have to look out my Leonard Cohen box set to cheer me up.
Buy this book! Relive your lost past and feel young again! It was good when it happened and it remains good in having the memories re-awakened. I want to express my appreciation of the efforts of these two legends in nurturing my club and I hope their tales sell and sell and sell some more. For them, it is richly deserved.”
My thanks to Setting Free The Bears. As you can imagine, it’s been an absolute joy working on this book. Hearing the managers’ perspective on events we knew only as fans offers a precious insight into our joys and despairs. We are so fortunate to have these great heroes living in our community; opportunities to have these times set down on record will be rare going forward.
The book’s available here on CQN Books. It’s now in stock and shipping. If you pre-ordered, you’ll be getting a FREE DVD to thank you for your patience. All aspects of these projects cannot be controlled, unfortunately.
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HS
Half of me says I never want to share that pitch with them. The other half says destroy them 7-0. Die, die, die, die ya huns is preferred option.
And the BBC highlights only showed one, ( Law’s ), of their ridiculous dives to obtain a penalty. Elbow’s, in the first half, was the worst of another 3 attempts.
Millers takle was the dirtiest as the ball was with range but made sure he was going straight through the full back.
Boydy’s was just a straight red.
Two very frustrated haddie’s.
The problem for us is we don’t have many players that have played them and their “tactics”.
Anyway next week is a bigger game, bigger test against a far better team.
BRTH
I cannot believe you actually posted that, regarding motor racing. It has always been a sport for the very wealthy, just as horsey sports have always been. My daughters nephew, who is a superb f3 driver, cannot progress through lack of funding. His parents are wealthy, just not enough. Don’t dare protect the racing circle, the wealthier you are, the more you’ll win. Is there a football connection there…….I rest my case. Not like you to come up with that Jim. :-)
Weefra HH praying to Wee Oscar. Never felt so sorry for logging in again. Cot.
Bring on the Austrians!
Yeah big week coming up.
kevtic
00:08 on 24 November, 2014
If it kicks off with the orcs we’ll be well covered to defend ourselves, lustig, VVD, Charlie, broony,izzy stokes and big John looks a handfull.
If elbows tries it on with gudetti I know who my money’s on and it won’t be blue HH
Kevtic
It’s more than you think.
Mulgrew, Broonie (Who have both scored against them), Izzy, Kayal and Stokes (When he could be trusted)
“They” have Monster munch, Elbows and Miller, although Daly, Wallace, Sheils and Black have faced us, albeit when playing for other teams.
For the night shift some catch up info…
The Sunday Herald ad is now fully funded – thanks to everyone who bought a raffle ticket – the balance is going to Malawi Schools Project.
We launched Caesar & The Assassin at Greenock CSC on Friday evening and helped raise £1000 for the Incerclyde Foodbank – plus crates of donated food bags. Thanks to the Greenock CSC for their hospitality and to everyone who attended.
Been busy this evening bagging up many hundreds of copies of Caesar & The Assassin and we have included a free DVD with all the pre-orders. These will be winging their way to all corners of the globe tomorrow morning. Thanks for the patience in this one – not been easy!
If you want a copy of the book and a DVD check out http://www.cqnbookstore.com – all copies now are despatched in under 24 hours!
Weefra
Goodness me.
As I said I am no great fan of motor sport and have never mixed with anyone who has been involved in the racing of cars at any level.
My post specifically related to motor sport in the 60’s and before, and in relation to the camaraderie and respect shown by those involved in the sport towards one another.
In truth, the post is about humanity, or what I see as humanity and traits that I admire and respect in people. The same kind of respect can be found in certain classes of boxer.
Motor sport at the very top end will always be for the wealthy, although as I recall it Jackie Stewart was just a talented driver from a family who owned a Garage at Dumbuck — I don’t think the family were skint but I am not convinced they were super wealthy.
However, whether wealthy or no, the guys that drove the cars during the 50’s and the 60’s and into the 70’s saw a whole welter of fatalities and so in my opinion they were crazy, or brave, or both.
Irrespective of their background, I found the characters of the time interesting and at least to an extent admirable.
That is all I am saying really.
The Battered Bunnet 14, 44
A top class post, may I ask
1.what structure/market would be best suited to Celtic,if plc is not the best fit?
2.what costs would be associated with such delisting in the city?
3.Within the Plc structure
– What rights do minority shareholders have?
4, is there any policy we can suggest that brings closer together the views of the small shareholder and those of the plc?
—-
4,in relation to Dermot Desmonds
pivotal shareholding and succession planning
What would happen if god forbid Dermot passed away(not wishing it at all great moustachiod one)
I ask this sincerely, as looking at the way we are well run and a big cash balance may make us appealing to people who would not be as you say benign as Dermot.i would hope he has made his plans.
Hope you dont mind me asking.
Hail hail :-)
the battered bunnet
14:44 on 23 November, 2014
Thanks to an tearmann at the prile of three’s or I would have missed it….
Excellent post, and one that is reminiscent of CQN of old.
Relevant? Pertinent? Prescient?
Indeed on all counts….. Much preferable to indeid…
Paul67 that post is worthy of further discussion surely…?
One would Hope so ….
Well good morning, last shift today then a few days off. Looking forward to the big game on Thursday, hoping to tie up a qualification to the next round, confident we can do it.
Ayrshire is Green and White
Two clumsy challenges, broony walks, the painter n decorator disnae!.
Different rules ma friends!!.
AN TEARMANN
PJBHOYNYC
Ceratainly,TBB raised some valid points and asked some very searching questions. Try as I might,I can see no alternative to the current set-up without risking the possibility of the club falling into unpalatable ownership.
Even a membership scheme would risk ownership-by-proxy if someone was sufficiently motivated.
Looks like we are stuck with what we have,unless one of the good guys wins Euromillions. And even then he’d have to be a childless orphan.
What we have is far from perfect but it may be the least bad viable option.
MICKTT
How you doing,bud?
Is The Blonde giving you remission for 14/2 or has she booked a nice wee romantic meal for two?
Still waiting for VOGUEPUNTER and GORDON64 to get back to me wi flight details for AYRSHIRETIM.
bobby murdoch’s curled-up winklepickers
06:43 on 24 November, 2014
MICKTT
How you doing,bud?
Is The Blonde giving you remission for 14/2 or has she booked a nice wee romantic meal for two?
Still waiting for VOGUEPUNTER and GORDON64 to get back to me wi flight details for AYRSHIRETIM.
#############################
Ho Ho Ho being in such a young and developing relationship one faces heavy risks and sanctions if I was to even contemplate going on such a romantic day….
Other than that I’m fine, how’s Paw…. and Maw…. He back in the book of goodness…!
HH
MICKTT
He’s not even back in the country,mate!
Back tomorrow after a few weeks in Spain. I’ll catch up with them later and find out.
As for you,yer a big wuss. A sensible big wuss wi excellent taste though.
BMCUWP
Boab i asked big G to pass on info last week ,will call the lazy bassa this morn to remind him.Sorry bud.hh
Good morning friends from a damp underfooy but dry overheid East Kilbride. And still frost free.
VOGUEPUNTER
Nae bother,bud. AYRSIRETIM’s gallivanting in Hong Kong or summat exotic just now so he may be otherwise occupied.
Thanks,of course. What are you doing up at this time? Surely not thinking of driving in rush-hour?
I’m terrible at remembering the correct combination of monikers and ‘real’ names so if there’s a Andrew Forry looking in then a big thank you for your kind donation ;-)
Morning all.
What’s the old tag “Red sky at morning”? Well, we have a beautiful red sky just now down here. So, I guess the ole shepherd will be out and about warning about the weather to come. Won’t be too much of a surprise if it is rain, as that is our almost daily fare.
What kind of day can we expect on here? Stormy? Probably. Too often is when we win and even more so when we draw or lose…….
BRTH & WEEFRA
I know very little about F1, it bores me and the constant hype on Sky ( which will kill the business) even more so.
However my Papa was in the scrap game and in the garage business back in the 60`s ; himself and my uncle Billy (RIP) who was a handy stock car driver back then , had some dealings with the Stewarts garage at Dumbuck. They always spoke well of the family and there were a few shady characters in that game.
WIFE:
What would you do if I died? Would you get married again?
HUSBAND:
Definitely not!
WIFE:
Why not – don’t you like being married?
HUSBAND:
Of course I do.
WIFE:
Then why wouldn’t you remarry?
HUSBAND:
Okay, I’d get married again.
WIFE:
You would? (With a hurtful look on her face).
HUSBAND:
(Makes audible groan).
WIFE:
Would you live in our house?
HUSBAND:
Sure, it’s a great house.
WIFE:
Would you sleep with her in our bed?
HUSBAND:
Where else would we sleep?
WIFE:
Would you let her drive my car?
HUSBAND:
Probably, it is almost new.
WIFE:
Would you replace my pictures with hers?
HUSBAND:
That would seem like the proper thing to do.
WIFE:
Would she use my golf clubs?
HUSBAND:
No, she’s left-handed.
WIFE:
– silence – –
HUSBAND:
F * ck….
Be careful guys ;)))
HH
JMCCORMICK
Jackie Stewart was the leading voice on safety in the sport after a bad crash )and even worse afterwards.)
Prior to the measures for which he campaigned,any driver with five years experience had a 2-in-3 chance of being killed.
I reckon you stood a better chance in Rollerball.
Parkheadcumsalford,
Red sky at night, shepherds delight,
Red sky in the morning, shepherds warning.
There is a logical reason for this old British saying.
British Isles weather statistically comes from the west – cyclically good and bad.. (South west actually.)
The red sky is caused by the sun shining through the ions / particles, whatever, of good weather. When this good weather is in the east, the sun shines through it in the morning. This means that the good weather is past, so the next cycle will likely be bad – wet and windy.
I read that once.
I too was in the KSC that night a few days before we lost Paul. Very sad and fondly remembered.
RIP big guy.
Hx2
Good morning CQNers,
Considering the battering the integrity and reputation of Scottish football took in a lower division on Saturday would it be whimsical to believe Tony McGlennan will be taking the appropriate action this morning?
weet weet weet(GBWO)
Morning,
Now that cheered me up!! haha,
On the subject of motor racing, while not a fan, I did watch the film/docu, Senna, honestly it was an eyeopener .
lilys
MURDOCHBHOY
doubt it,he only goes by what the experts on the telly say.
‘Do that Timmy bassa,that’s cheating’
‘I think the ref got that right wi ma pal Kenny/Boydy/Elbowsy/adinfinitumy
Red sky in the morning………………….Shepherds house on fire.
Just flying through to say….
_______________________
Tom McLaughlin
21:56 on 23 November, 2014
One of my team mates in that game, Danny McGranaghan, who later signed for Celtic, was punched in the face during one pitch invasion and had to be subbed. I often wonder what became of him. He was a marvellous footballer.
___________________________________________
Tom, hi…..I was wondering if, Danny McGranaghan would have been related to Ned McGranaghan form Blantyre from the, Welsh Drive / Maxwell Crescent area?
You see, when I was just starting primary school-St Josephs…myself and some other kids used to walk down Victoria Street to school with, Patricia McGranaghan and, Anne Marie Lennon way back in the early 70’s. I also worked in the local Co-op butchers on the Glasgow Road and used to serve Ned’s wife who’s name escapes me and, Patricia also way back in the early to mid 80’s they were wonderful fholk.
Just asking – hope yer well fella.
Catch ye later, things to do fholk to see, bye.
jmccornack
Look out for captain beefheart this morning he gave me a couple of pubs in Inverness to watch the hoops and my mate said he was made very welcome,.
BOBBY MURDOCH’S CURLED-UP WINKLEPICKERS @ 08:46
Absolutely and it doesn’t bode well for the forthcoming cup game.
What’s the chances Craig Thompson will be given that fixture? Being a paranoid Tim I could easily believe it’s a good likelihood Saturday’s game was a practice match for Craig in readiness for the big un.
MURDOCHBHOY
Spawn of Dallas must be high on the list. Just to say he got one before they crawled back into their grave.
Jon Daly accuses Hearts stars of trying to get Rangers players sent off
Rangers (sic) striker Jon Daly has accused Hearts of overreaction during an eventful Championship clash between the league’s top two teams on Saturday in which Steven Smith was sent off and nine players were booked.
Hearts star Kevin McHattie could be out for three months
Hearts fear they could have lost left-back Kevin McHattie for three months after Saturday’s bruising win over Rangers (sic). The 21-year-old has gone for a scan on a badly damaged knee following a second half tackle by Kenny Miller. Hearts boss Robbie Neilson said: “It looks like Kevin’s medial ligament. Fingers crossed it’s not, but it might be three weeks, it might be three months.
Kenny Miller, who was later substituted after a robust tackle which led to Kevin McHattie being stretchered off, could be seen shouting at Paterson after the defender went to ground following another challenge in the first half.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
This is the sort of stuff Celtic will have to face after the forthcoming Shame Game. And to think that some Celtic fans actually want to play them!
weet weet weet(gbwo) @ 08:24
Thanks for the early morning guffaw ! Just need to clean the soggy cornflakes from my screen now!
HH