Just before 9am this morning word came through that Billy McNeil had passed away, surrounded by his family.
It wasn’t unexpected but that didn’t make the shock any lesser, the hurt of the emotions expressed less raw.
From the moment that he lifted the European Cup in 1967 his destiny was assured, there was plenty of adventures, trophy and drama ahead in his career as a player and manager but the images from Lisbon burn brightest.
While some fans headed to Celtic Park to express their condolences, thousands turned to social media where memories were shared. The greatness of the player, manager and the man were shared with virtually every Celtic fan able to recall some sort of contact with Big Billy.
From Dubai to Las Vegas and across Australia and South Africa McNeill had visited supporter clubs, shared memories, posed for pictures and mixed in comfort with the fans who had hero worshiped him.
The first stage of his playing career was a period of constant let down and failure as Celtic tested the resolve of the support to the full.
From 1965 to 1975 those same fans enjoyed a golden era that they could never have guessed at, after famine was feast as McNeill racked up the medals and trophies before retiring as a Scottish Cup winner against Airdrie.
More dramatic chapters were to follow during two stints as manager, the legacy will endure for ever, growing in stature with the passage of time.
Rest in peace, Cesar. You’ll Never Walk Alone. pic.twitter.com/FLCdURfuox
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) April 23, 2019
Billy McNeill, who has died aged 79, lifted the European Cup as Celtic captain in 1967, then as manager led them to the domestic double in their centenary year: https://t.co/YOTR6P7Bsy pic.twitter.com/ADF0FILkK8
— STV Sport (@STVSport) April 23, 2019
Billy McNeill’s family have told fans to “tell his stories, sing his songs & help us celebrate his life.”
And we certainly will.
His greatest story though was shared most passionately by the man himself when he revisited Lisbon, reliving the moments he lifted the European Cup. pic.twitter.com/koPYuWCGIW
— The Grand Auld Podcast (@FritzAGrandAuld) April 23, 2019
“The Celtic fan who became captain of the club’s greatest team”
Celtic great Billy McNeill, captain of the famous ‘Lisbon Lions’, has died aged 79.
More: https://t.co/fWOHODFwyg pic.twitter.com/AW7CquDYZN
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) April 23, 2019
Billy McNeill, Celtic’s Greatest Ever Captain. ????????????
“More than a player, More than a Captain, More than a Manager”
Forever a Legend????#RIPBillyMcNeill #CelticFC pic.twitter.com/CE4eK0qvzr
— Michael McCahill (@MickMcCahill) April 23, 2019