The legendary Billy McNeill’s magnificent Celtic Story

Billy McNeill walked off the Hampden pitch having just led the Bhoys to their latest Scottish Cup triumph. It was the final time he would do this whilst wearing the green-and-white Hoops. This was the latest piece of Celtic folklore into which McNeill wrote his name, and a story that was not yet finished.

In all of Celtic’s history, Billy McNeill stands out as the club’s greatest ever captain, arguably its most significant ever player. This is his story.

The Billy McNeill Story

McNeill was born in Bellshill on 2 March 1940 in the midst of the Second World War. Just like Celtic, he was the product of immigrants, with a Lithuanian mother and of Irish descent on his father’s side. Most of his childhood was spent in Lanarkshire, although he lived in England for a spell.

Billy’s family eventually moved to Motherwell and it was here that he began to make a footballing name for himself. He played for Our Lady’s High School and his performances earned him a move to Junior side Blantyre Victoria.

As he grew older, his footballing abilities were becoming widely known. He was selected to play for Scotland schoolboys, and this brought him to Celtic’s attention. Jock Stein – at this point the Bhoys’ reserve coach – ensured that McNeill came to Celtic Park, signing in 1957.

Although this year saw Celtic’s famous League Cup Final win 7-1 win over Rangers, it was not generally a happy era for the club. In fact, this would be the last trophy that Celtic would win for eight years.

When Billy made his debut in August 1958 – coming in a 2-0 home win over Clyde – he would soon establish himself as an important part of the club. But the general problems evident at Celtic made him wonder if he should move elsewhere, despite being made captain in 1963.

Continue reading on the next page…