McNeill, Billy – Statue Unveiling (Dec 2015)

Details

Player: Billy McNeill
Reference: Unveiling of Billy McNeill statue on the Celtic Way
Date: 19 Dec 2015

Background

A day of emotion as Paradise hails Cesar

CelticFC.net
By: Paul Cuddihy on 19 Dec, 2015 19:01

IT was a day of emotion at Celtic Park as Billy McNeill unveiled his statue at the start of The Celtic Way, assisted by his grandchildren.

Thousands of Celtic supporters had gathered around the stadium some two hours before the Hoops game against Motherwell for this special occasion.

They were there to see the statue of Billy McNeill, while also paying tribute to Celtic’s greatest ever captain and the man who made more appearances for the club than any other – 790 in total.

Ronny Deila and his first-team squad formed a guard of honour for Billy and his fellow Lions as they made their way down The Celtic Way to where the statue, designed by sculptor John McKenna, is situated, there for all time to welcome visitors to Paradise.

Archie Macpherson was the MC for the event, and the veteran journalist and broadcaster, who had been commentating in Lisbon on May 25, 1967 when Jock Stein’s Celtic won the European Cup, told the Celtic fans: “The statue is a permanent reminder of the greatest day in Celtic’s history, and for those of us who were there, not too far away from the trophy presentation, we remember the greatness of the individual performance and leadership of the man who raised the European Cup above his head, the first Briton to do so – Billy McNeill.

“I think that it’s right that it’s legacy we’re talking about. It’s not just about a one-off event. It’s about the history that was created and the values that have been cherished over the years by other players, and it’s entirely appropriate to have the present generation of Celtic players act as an honour tribute to Billy and the Lisbon Lions.”

Speaking first was Lisbon Lion, Jim Craig, who said: “This is an auspicious occasion in the history of Celtic Football Club because it is only the fourth time that a Celtic personage has been awarded the accolade of having a statue put up for him, and only the third time that a player, and manager in the case of Billy, has had the same honour, and it’s a very well-deserved tribute.

“I can say with some certainty than no football team has ever had a better relationship with its supporters, and Billy McNeill was the prime mover in that rapport.

“To hear Billy’s name read out at the heart of the defence always made us feel that area would be covered and he always gave out an air of confidence. He didn’t say much either before or during the game, but when he did so, the words were always encouraging and helpful and I, for one was very happy to have him alongside him.”

And speaking of Billy’s made trophy successes with Celtic and manager, Jim Craig said: “That record is an extremely impressive one and deserves to be fully recognised.

“However, people are more important than cups and medals so perhaps the biggest tribute that I can pay Billy is that, despite all the adulation that was piled on to him, both as a player and manager, he was, and remains to this day, a thoroughly nice man.”

Celtic Chief Executive, Peter Lawwell, said: “Billy McNeill represents and epitomises everything that is great about this magnificent football club of ours.

“His successes, which are listed on the plinth of the statue, are incredible, but none of that success ever turned his head. What is remarkable is how humble Billy is as a person, and the great humility he’s kept with him throughout the years.

“One of the privileges of my job is that you get to meet your heroes, and a lot of them are here today. And I can say that Billy McNeill surpassed all expectations.”

And speaking directly to Celtic’s greatest ever captain, Peter Lawwell said: “Billy, you were proud and imposing as a player and a manager for Celtic throughout the years. We’re absolutely delighted to have you here, proud and imposing, looking over The Celtic Way for us, forever.

“Billy’s wife, Liz, and the family have said that it’s an honour for Billy to have this recognition, but the honour is all ours and the honour and privilege we’ve had for such a magnificent man to play such a significant part in our history will never be forgotten.”

Lisbon Lion, Bertie Auld, to great acclaim, spoke about Billy’s qualities as a leader as well as a friend, and he said of that moment when Billy lifted the European Cup while the rest of the players were in the dressing-room: “He was the one who deserved to go and get the cup because throughout his career he was Celtic through and through, and a great leader.”

And Bertie then led the Celtic supporters in a rousing rendition of The Celtic Song, appropriate given he was the man who started the singing in the Lisbon tunnel on May 25, 1967.

Then it was time for the main event and Billy McNeill, accompanied by his grandchildren, unveiled the stunning statue that is a fitting tribute to a Celtic legend and the perfect way to great visitors to Paradise now, and forever. There was barely a dry eye amongst the crowd.

Post-Note