THERE will be another special day at Parkhead when the eighth successive league flag is unfurled before the Premiership opener against St Johnstone on Saturday, August 3.
Liz McNeill and Sadie Chalmers, wives of Celtic legends Billy and Stevie, will perform the ceremony in front of a sell-out attendance in Paradise.
Members of the respective families will also attend the league season kick-off match as guests of the club with Liz and Sadie taking centre-stage.
The Hoops made history in the last campaign by sealing the unprecedented treble treble, but April was a month tinged with sadness as two heroic Lisbon Lions passed away – Billy on the 22nd at the age of 79 and Stevie a week later at 83.
Both played their way to iconic status that unforgettable day in the Portuguese capital when McNeill captained the club to the 2-1 triumph over Inter Milan with Chalmers scoring the winning goal.
Chairman Ian Bankier, speaking on the Celtic website, said: “We were delighted to extend this invitation and, of course, are thrilled that Liz and Sadie have agreed to take part in this very important ceremony on August 3.
“This landmark day will signify our eighth consecutive League title, a phenomenal achievement which we should all, as Celtic supporters, take huge pride in. Liz and Sadie themselves have been close to the club for decades and, given all that Billy and Stevie, two of our greatest-ever players, gave to Celtic, it is very fitting that they will perform this role.
“Both Billy and Stevie gave everything to the club and as we celebrate another year of success and domestic domination for the club, we will also take time once again to remember the unique contribution which Billy and Stevie made to our great club – two men who themselves took Celtic to the top, time and time again ”
Chief executive Peter Lawwell commented: “It is a huge honour for the club to have Liz and Sadie unfurl the Premiership Title flag on August 3, and I am sure they will receive a tremendous reception from our supporters, something they will deserve immensely.
“They have been in our thoughts and prayers ever since the terrible losses they experienced when Billy and Stevie passed away, and they and their families continue to receive our warmth and best wishes.
“I know the loss of both Billy and Stevie will still be very raw, but both Liz and Sadie will always be huge friends of the club and we wanted once again to pay tribute to their wonderful husbands, men who gave everything to Celtic.
“Billy and Stevie epitomised success, something we have once again delivered to our fans. We are sure Flag Day will once again be a fitting celebration, marking another great year for Celtic and also a day where we once again remember two Celtic greats with real affection.”
