Billy McNeill, the man who captained Celtic’s ‘Lisbon Lions’ to European Cup success in 1967, has died, aged 79.A statement from McNeill’s family confirmed the former defender, who has been suffering with dementia for a number of years, passed away on Monday night.
The #CelticFC Family is mourning the death of Billy McNeill, the clubs greatest ever captain and one of the finest men to have played and managed the Hoops, who has passed away at the age of 79. Rest in peace, Cesar. Youll Never Walk Alone.— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) April 23, 2019“It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our father Billy McNeill,” the statement read. “He passed away late last night (Monday, April 22) surrounded by his family and loved ones. He suffered from Dementia for a number of years and fought bravely to the end, showing the strength and fortitude he always has done throughout his life.“We would also like to note our love and appreciation to our mother, Liz, for the care, devotion and love she gave to our father throughout his illness. No one could have done any more.“Whilst this is a very sad time for all the family and we know our privacy will be respected, our father always made time for the supporters so please tell his stories, sing his songs and help us celebrate his life.” McNeill, who spent his entire career with Celtic, is by all definitions of the word, a legend.He made 822 appearances for the Hoops across 18 seasons, winning nine league championships, seven Scottish Cups, six Scottish League Cups, and that famous European Cup in 1967.The Parkhead club won every competition they entered that season, with Jock Stein’s side – who are now known as the ‘Lisbon Lions’ – becoming the first British team to win the European Cup.McNeill, as captain, became the first British footballer to lift the famous trophy after a 2-1 defeat of Helenio Herrera’s Internazionale in Portugal.
News Group Newspapers1Our 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, 2019He guided his former side to five more trophies during a five-year spell as boss, and then helped Manchester City win promotion from England’s second division throughout a three-year stay.McNeill went on to spend time with Aston Villa before returning to Celtic for a less successful second spell in charge, and his departure in 1991 ended his involvement in football until he was appointed Hibernian caretaker manager for a short time in 1998.McNeill was made an MBE in 1974 and was voted Celtic’s greatest ever captain by supporters in 2002.A statue of McNeill holding the European Cup aloft was erected outside Celtic Park just over three years ago, while just last week LaLiga side Athletic Club named McNeill as one of the winners of their ‘One Club Man’ award – an honour bestowed upon just five players.
El Athletic Club lamenta el fallecimiento de la leyenda del @CelticFC Billy McNeill y se une al dolor de familiares, amigos y de todo el emblemtico club. #AthleticClub #OneClubMan pic.twitter.com/fMPT8QVUOY— Athletic Club (@AthleticClub) April 23, 2019RIP Billy McNeill (1940-2019)
Charlton Athletic EXCLUSIVE: Steve Gallen eyes 'unbelievable
Darren Randolph produced a series of fine saves to deny Northern Ireland victory as the Republic of Ireland had to make do with a 0-0 draw on a dull night in Dublin. The Republic, who went into
Republic of Ireland 0-0 Northern Ireland: Darren Randolph the
Liverpool transfer news: Juventus set to rival Reds and Wolves in race for Toulouse starlet Jean-Clair Todibo Jurgen Klopp faces a fight if he wishes to land the wonderkid centre-back By talkSPORT
Liverpool, Wolverhampton Wanderers target Toulouse youngster
talkSPORT.com rounds up all the latest transfer news and football gossip from Monday's papers and online… 3 Liverpool are reportedly considering letting Naby Keita leave at the end of the season and will accept a loss on the 24-year-old midfielder.
Transfer news LIVE updates: Keita to Liverpool; Man Utd want
Cheltenham Town's top 10 achievements: Promotions to Football League, play-off glory, FA Trophy victory at Wembley, FA Cup fifth round, League One survival and the double over Leeds United 132 years of history Gloucestershire Echo - Published 2 weeks ago Also reported by •Stroud Life •Gloucester Citizen
Troy Deeney #9 News, Stats, Photos - Watford - Football - MSN
Phil Neville has handed a recall to Manchester City's Gemma Bonner in his England Women's squad for the 2019 SheBelieves Cup. But Chelsea's Millie Bright and Jade Moore of Reading will not travel to the tournament in the United States as they continue to build up their fitness following
Gemma Bonner recalled to England Women squad for SheBelieves Cup
It was a mixed season for Chelsea, to say the very least. The Blues responded to heavy defeats at Bournemouth and Manchester City to seal a top three finish in the Premier League - thus confirming
Jim Ratcliffe: 5 Things to Know About Billionaire Linked With
Chief football writer Phil McNulty takes a look at the highs and lows of John Terry's 22-year Chelsea career. Chelsea's iconic captain. in the Champions League final in 2012 and against
john terry and pennalty - john terry miss penalty in the UEFA
Benitez defends his decision to prioritise Premier League over FA Cup January 14, 2019 by Football Paradise Staff Reporter 1 Rafael Benitez has vigorously defended his policy of not risking Newcastle's Premier League status by chasing FA Cup glory.
Rafael Benitez defends decision to prioritise Premier League
sportstons.com/soccer/rafael-benitez-defends-decision-to-prioritise-premier-league-over-fa-cup/
Rafael Benitez has vigorously defended his policy of not risking Newcastle's Premier League status by chasing FA Cup glory. The Magpies have been heavily criticised by the club's fans for fielding a weakened line-up when his side were held 1-1 at home by Blackburn in the third round.
Rafael Benitez defends decision to prioritise Premier League
So to be able to fund such an overhaul, it's clear that players must be sold to bring in money which can be added to the transfer budget. not to mention Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Mesut Ozil
Arsenal News & Blogs : All the latest Arsenal news, analysis
Mesut Ozil had some superb moments in Arsenal's 3-2 defeat to Crystal Palace on Sunday. But is he now too good for the rest of the team, unsupported and hung to dry? After watching the 3-2
NewsNow: Mesut Ozil news | Breaking News & Search 24/7
A knee injury suffered by Adam Smith in Bournemouth's defeat at Newcastle is "not as bad as first feared", say the club. Adam Smith is set for three months out after Bournemouth discovered
Bournemouth defender Adam Smith out for three months
Liverpool vs Barcelona: Fireworks set off outside LaLiga side
0 Comments