CELTIC legend Davie Hay paid his special tribute to goalkeeper Evan Williams who has passed away at the age of 81.
The Dumbarton-born netminder was signed by Jock Stein from Wolves in 1969 and made 148 appearances and won four title in his five years at his boyhood favourites.
Williams is best known for his remarkable performance in the European Cup Final against Feyenoord in the San Siro in Milan in 1970.
The shotstopper was within three minutes of helping Stein’s men to a replay after a torrid evening where the Dutch took the Parkhead men by surprise with their astonishing attacking display.
Alas, there was to be no reward for Williams when Ove Kindvall scored to make it 2-1 as extra-time edged to a conclusion.
HOORAYS AT HAMPDEN…Davie Hay, Evan Williams and Jock Stein celebrate after the 2-1 European Cupp semi-final win over Leeds United in 19710.
SAD IN THE SAN SIRO…Evan Williams cannot prevent Celtic from losing to Feyenoord in extra-time of the 1970 European Cup Final in Milan.
Hay, who played right-back that night against the Rotterdam club, recalled: “Evan was by far our best player against Feyenoord.
“I lost count of the amount of saves he had to make as we were caught on the back-foot.
“I recollect one save, in particular, from from future Celtic boss Wim Jansen – of all people! – when the midfielder fired in one from the edge pf the box.
“It looked to be heading into the top right-hand corner until Evan took off and, not only stopped the shot, but held on.
“What an occasion to play your best game for the club and end up on the losing side.
“Evan was the most unassuming of characters and was a popular player at the club.
“I am so sad to hear of his passing. May he rest in peace.
“My thoughts are with his family.”
Williams also won two Scottish Cup medals with Celtic.
FIST IN TIME…Evan Williams punches away from Rangers striker Colin Stein in the 1971 Scottish Cup Final at Hampden.
He first came to prominence at now-defunct Third Lanark before moving across the border to Molineux. Tommy Docherty took him across the Midlands to Aston Villa on loan before Stein, searching for a replacement from Ronnie Simpson, snapped him up.
Williams also had stints at Clyde and Stranraer before retiring in 1976.
He managed Vale of Leven and then Ardeer Thistle in the Junior ranks.
All at CQN – and Celtic fans worldwide – join Davie Hay is saying farewell to a wonderful club servant.
