Match ambassador Jim Leishman has revealed organisers have secured a real coup, with Moyes – who played for both teams and is now manager of Real Sociedad – having accepted an invitation to speak at the dinner and to be boss of the Dunfermline side.
Leishman said: “Davie Moyes has managed at the highest level and in European games. How many guys get the opportunity to manage Manchester United? He has had a great career in management.
“It is great that Moyes is coming back to manage the Dunfermline Legends team against the Celtic Legends to commemorate Jock Stein. That just shows the esteem and the high regard that Stein is held in.
“We are delighted that he is coming to manage the Dunfermline team and he will get a great reception from both sets of supporters. Davie is a Scottish guy who has reached the top of his profession and is still there.
“Mr Stein had a passion for Dunfermline as well as Celtic. It is great that the clubs are marking the 30th anniversary of Stein’s death.”
What began as a boardroom discussion at Dunfermline over ways to mark Stein’s tragic passing in 1985, in the wake of Scotland’s 1-1 draw with Wales at Ninian Park, progressed via discussions with Celtic to yesterday’s announcement in East End Park’s Jock Stein Lounge.
Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell commented: “Jock Stein will always be regarded as one of the greatest figures in Celtic’s illustrious history, indeed one of the great football managers of all time. He is someone who served Celtic and Scotland with distinction.
“It is difficult to believe it is 30 years since his passing in such tragic circumstances but it is right that we commemorate this anniversary and mark Jock Stein’s contribution to football.”
With George Stein, Jock’s son, watching on and providing the family’s backing to the events, it is also hoped members of the Tartan Army will want to help commemorate Big Jock’s life by attending September’s match.
