Billy McNeill, a Celtic icon, strongly believed in the “fairytale aspects” of the club, cherishing its modest beginnings, worldwide following, and the exceptional talent that has represented the team over the years. McNeill, remembered as the Greatest-Ever Celt, passed away in 2019, but his devotion to Celtic, founded 137 years ago at St Mary’s Church Hall in Glasgow’s Calton district, never wavered.
Author Alex Gordon highlights McNeill’s return to Celtic in 1978 as Jock Stein’s successor in his book *50 Flags Plus One*. McNeill, a former inspirational center-half, led the team to its thirty-first championship, the first of his four titles as manager.
However, McNeill’s return wasn’t without challenges. Reflecting on those early days, he recalled facing tough games and fierce rivalry, notably against Rangers, with both teams adjusting to new managers. On September 9, 1978, McNeill’s Celtic triumphed over Rangers with a 3-1 win in front of 60,000 fans, a victory he described as a major achievement.
In May 1979, in a dramatic match with ten men, Celtic clinched the league title, rallying to beat Rangers 4-2 in one of the club’s most memorable nights. Murdo MacLeod, who scored the final goal, remarked on McNeill’s flair for drama, making this victory a fitting start to his Celtic managerial career.
- McNeill’s enduring bond with Celtic fans was evident, both as a player and as a manager, especially when he was warmly welcomed back at Celtic Park during his tenure at Aberdeen, reinforcing his legendary status in Celtic’s storied history.
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