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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Weefra,
My bhoy was held up due to roadworks about the brazen area, he just made kick off time, I’m sure you kept your eye out for him, cheers for that…still barking like a Jamesgang, might need to go to see the doctor tomorrow if there’s no change. Hail Hail.
BT
Thanks for the offer for Thurs. If I make the game it will be tight. Meant to be working till 8.
Barfing all over my vitual keyboard at the thinly-veiled sales-pitch, not lazy journalism.
DD
Hows the “heed” today , was it a late one ? .Had a good night/laugh , see you next home game ;))
Into the final week now….
http://mobro.co/jobobaldie
Marspapa
The heid is not too bad, though I did stay in McChuills longer than anticipated. :))
The company is great, you and Ryan are a pair of Finbar Saunders! ;))
Jobo
I’m waiting till you move out of the ‘Jakey’ mode and into a definable tache…hopefully still time.
Prestonpansbhoy
Apologies for not introducing myself yesterday .
Your name brought back memories of ” Portseaton” 64/65 the wooden chalets , the open air pool , helping my mother as a boy at the well in the morning/night pumping the water to do clean the pots/pans dishes and the old gas mantles in the chalet
2 bedroom slept about 16 of the
extended family ,also remember the huge concrete squares on the beach to stop
Hitlers tank invasion , wow !!
Memories eh!!.
Jobo Mobo Baldie
doesn’t work for me but I see most donations are from LADIES.how do you do it.????ps can I make a donation by phone??
so the sevconians want stuart mccoll as their second manager
that means i will have to get my song-writing hat on to rewrite the lyrics to one of those 90’s classics
so here goes
“he’s wee
he’s small
he’s sh**ging stuart mccoll
it’s ……………….”
unfortunately i dont know any of their players these days to complete the lyric.
though my favourite was
“he’s wee
he’s a begger
he’s sh**ging john mcgregor
it’s ian durrant
it’s ian durrant”
the olde’s are the best
houl yer wheest
They do know that Tony Pullis is practising RC, don’t they?
Hands just about stopped shaking.
Been dog ruff all day.
What a state to get into for a victory over Dundee!!
Really need to act my age!!!
HH
DD
Hamilton..at Accies park your more than welcome up to mine for “one or two beers ” haha !!
Before or after the match.
As if you would stop at one or two , seriously ;)), you and Ryan are more than welcome bud :))
And how could I have forgotten to thank the Georgeous MRs WC…
BRTH next one will be better organised around a time your not hobbling like AuldTim
Marspapa
Magic. Thanks for the invite, me & the bhoy will be there. :)
Jmcormick
What difference would that make :-))
Paul67 et al
Malky Mackay made great play during the week about how he had taken courses on diversity following the intervention by Vincent Tan in August ending any hope he might have had of getting the job at the Palace. (Not that one, he’s barred from that job)
Not quite sure how much he is taking in, specially in the light of Dave Whelan’s comments after hiring Malky. “You have had your pound of flesh….” formed part of his post match comments to the press yesterday.
Forgetting perhaps that the phrase “pound of flesh” was first uttered by Shylock to the Merchant Antonio. Did not work out that well for the moneylender though, unless that is you believe that being forced to turn Christian, is not a punishment, but some form of happy ending.
J McCormick
With Opus Dei links? ;))
….pfayr supports weeoscar
His contract, he would need Holidays of Obligation off.
Barry Manilow …..looks like a Thunderbirds character ….and is singing as good as one too
marspapa
Now theres a thought. Hahahahaha. Dining now.
Weefra HH praying to Wee Oscar.
sipsini
The corner was pretty quiet yesterday. But my usual slagging partners managed to appear. :-))) They are awful you know. Hahahaha. See you soon buddy.
Weefra HH praying to Wee Oscar.
Celtic Mac
Pretty sure Dave Whelan won’t have covered Shakespeare.
Sips
how are you doing fella
weet weet weet(gbwo)
Glad you got that one before there’s none left!
In case anyone missed it earlier we are offering today the Caesar & Assassin book plus a Celtic DVD – for only £20
Order at http://www.Cqnbookstore.com
Sips
You’ll be looking forward to work tomorrow
hee hee ;)
Ola gets points for wearing a nice little green and white number.
PF
He’s the father of Cabbage patch dolls.
Just passing by to say….
_____________________
Margaret McGill
16:53 on 23 November, 2014
Minty knew they were unsellable
I’m sure whyte was mintys idea
I’m sure minty sold the ticketus idea to whyte
I’m sure whyte has recorded everything
I’m sure minty gave a heads up to the SFA about everything
_________________________________________________
Brilliant, just brilliant.
Hail Hail
Evening Timland from a warm hun free mountain valley
A handshake says more than words ever could.
http://willievass.photoshelter.com/gallery-image/221114-Hearts-v-Rangers/G000044ruO9NdkVU/I0000ENydHQQ9m90/C0000N3aaWoCJeUI
HH
Re: Celtic fans shouting for somebody to GTF….
I sfood in the Jungle when we were defeated by Dunfermline in the early 90’s and, the entire Jungle chanted – “Kelly, Kelly GTF…” along with – “Sack The ‘Bored'” etc….
Anyway – bye.
Delaneys Dunky
You still going to Motherwell?
HT told me there are tickets still available on club website, just checked and there are still some available.
Our club is running a mini bus, they are pritty relaxed re drinking etc if you want me to reserve a seat?
Favourite Uncle –
Not sure about donating by phone.
Having done very little in the way of raising money for charity I decided last year to do the Great Scottish Run for the Celtic Foundation and was delighted to get £510 in pledges. This year I thought Movember would be easier (it isn’t!) and to be honest I’ve been overwhelmed by the amount donated so far (this morning I was on £525) so trying not to push it too much. There are so many good causes out there.
But very proud that almost half of all the donations are from the CQN Community.
The final live appearance of the tache will be at CQN Corner pre-game Thursday…
DD
Eddie said I’d kept you 2 for Motherwell but I’m sure you only asked for one. Help?! :-)
1 of the best things about going to watch a match instead of staying at home is seeing the FULL picture and especially…..the movement.
Something that i noticed in the Killie game was happening again yesterday and it puzzled me.
At times when we are going forward there is a distinct space/channel between the oppositions wide men and their central players.
Their wide men have moved out to mark our wide men and subsequently shut off or at least closed down an option for our midfielder’s but in doing so left a chasm to exploit behind them.
Instead of making a run into it and giving our midfield the option of that pass Guidette would peel off and make his way to the opposite side of the park as if he was getting in position for a cross.
The only thing was, that cross would not come as there were no options out that way and play was then switched back towards the left where Guidette was then lurking but then he would move away back to the side where i felt he could have initially made a run into.
The thing is……was he leaving that space open and hence not moving into what a runner from our midfield was supposed to be doing and going to the back post to await a cross/cutback that would never come?
Just wondered if anyone else noticed this aspect of our game and if they could pin point where it is going wrong?
bournesouprecipe
Or if he did that was the play that influenced him the most.
Actually it was Big Malky that used the phrase.
Back to school methinks!
marspapa,
Not too bad mate, just been gubbed with the man flu, couldn’t take time off work, so just dealt wae it.
To be honest, work today was a joy.
Called out a hertz fan for saying the huns were the better team over the ninety minutes….the sad thing is,he is a diehard hertz fan but an erselicking hun keeping his nest feathered.Hail Hail
Eddie
Will be leaving from Knightswood with my son. We will jump the train to Motherwell. Thanks anyway buddy.