Celtic are to erect a statue in memory of their legendary boss Jock
Stein, the club have announced.
In 1967 Stein became the first manager of a British side to win
the European Cup when Celtic beat Inter Milan in Lisbon.
He enjoyed a glittering domestic career, winning 10 Scottish
League Championships, nine Scottish Cups (one with Dunfermline) and six
Scottish League cups.
Although Stein is synonymous with Celtic, he also managed
Dunfermline, Hibernian and briefly Leeds United, before becoming the
boss of Scotland from 1978 until his death in 1985, when he suffered a
heart attack at the end of a World Cup qualifier against Wales in
Cardiff.
Celtic chairman John Reid said: "2010 marks the 25th anniversary
of Jock's passing - in this year there will be great sadness as we
remember the tragic events in Cardiff, however we felt it important that
we also mark this year with this important announcement.
"Jock will forever be truly remembered as one of the world's
football greats.
"He was a man of immense stature and someone who gave so much to
Scottish football.
"As the Lisbon Lions will testify, Jock Stein was instrumental in
their success, he was the man who instilled their drive and belief, he
was the man who carried them to victory on that famous night in Lisbon -
the first British Club to win the European Cup, nine titles in a row,
15 domestic cup wins and success at international level - a remarkable
achievement and one which clearly is most deserving of high honour.
"Already Jock's great name graces the famous 'Celtic End' at
Celtic Park - the board of directors felt it was important that Jock now
took his rightful place at the gates of Celtic Park.
"What a fine quartet of men will now adorn the steps of Paradise -
the club's founder, Brother Walfrid, Jimmy Johnstone the man voted
Celtic's greatest ever player, the wonderful Tommy Burns and now, the
magnificent Jock Stein."
Lisbon Lions captain and Celtic ambassador, Billy McNeill, added:
"Jock Stein is a true great within the world of football and it is
magnificent that he is to be honoured in this way at the club he loved
so much.
"He was one of the finest men and the greatest manager I ever
worked with.
"He made us what we were as a team and he was the major factor in
the club's success during his reign as manager - without him, none of
it would have been possible.
"Every Celtic supporter holds Jock Stein in equally high esteem
and I know they will be delighted that he is to be remembered in this
way."
George Stein, Jock's son said: "I am delighted that Celtic has
chosen to commission this statue to commemorate the 25th anniversary of
my father's death.
Subject: Celtic announce Stein statue. 
Wed Mar 17, 2010 10:33 am
