There are days for the Celtic family when such profound news comes through it’s impossible to go about our day the way we intended, something that stops us in our tracks and takes the wind from our sails – today is one of those days.
Billy McNeill has passed away at the age of 79 and the Celtic Family and wider football community are in mourning.
The term legend is thrown about so much these days it has lost all meaning but when you attribute it to Billy McNeill it’s true in every sense of the word. A man who lived and breathed the club throughout his years on earth. From Celtic’s greatest ever triumph to being the man to land a double on our 100 year anniversary – Billy was a giant of the game, not just of Celtic.
It shows today as not just Celtic men but football men pay tribute to the man.
We hope to celebrate his life in the coming hours and days as we remember Billy for the man he was and the immortality he has achieved.
Hail Hail Cesar!
One of the all time greats! A legend of the game, Rest in peace. ? https://t.co/zP7khhCZsH
— Andrew Robertson (@andrewrobertso5) April 23, 2019
Such heartbreaking news. Billy McNeill was an inspirational leader, a legend and a lion. Thoughts go out to his family and the Celtic family☘️
— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) April 23, 2019
Hearing the sad news about Billy McNeill’s passing. In addition to being the ultimate Lisbon Lion, Billy was in demand on TV in the 80s. I was lucky to broadcast a live Scotland game on BBC TV in Saudi Arabia side-by-side with him. A great man. Thoughts with Billy’s family. RIP.
— Derek Rae (@RaeComm) April 23, 2019
A true footballing legend and a gentleman. RIP. https://t.co/gsYoiVtCx7
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) April 23, 2019
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of our former manager, Billy McNeill who has passed away at the age of 79. pic.twitter.com/s0edjiyIUP
— Aberdeen FC (@AberdeenFC) April 23, 2019
Triple Treble for King Billy. Pity he’s not here to see it. Hold the cup aloft like he did in the heat of Lisbon. For all to rejoice like ’67.
This weekend is the time to show our determination, willing, and leadership, and win the game for Billy. He was Celtic to the core, so was Jinky, two greats lost to us, but now part of a bigger team in heaven.
Archie McPherson said it all when Billy’s statue was unveiled (watch the video). Billy was a legend, a hero to us in his time on the park. Being in my 70’s, I have never seen a better centre half, never witnessed a player to match his team spirit, never met a nicer human being. There is only one Billy…Billy McNeill, RIP Cesar! HH