As he gave a grainy television interview in the late sixties Jock Stein could never have guessed at the impact one of his quotes would have.
In the 48 hours that followed news of the European Super League the backlash rallied around one phrase- Football Without The Fans Is Nothing.
There was one subtle difference however, Matt Busby was credited with the quote rather than his close friend Stein. One was from Bellshill, the other from Burnbank.
It’s a Jock Stein quote
Here he is saying it.https://t.co/jWrSyFqGQJ
— Hugh Moan (@weeshug72) April 20, 2021
Well played, Marcus. https://t.co/a0tftIRIbC
— Gary Lineker ? (@GaryLineker) April 20, 2021
The two men would have looked on aghast at the developments since Sunday, but much of the game that they enjoyed in the sixties has long since departed, bought and sold.
Stein and Busby knew a routine of playing matches on a Saturday at 3pm and Wednesday at 7.30pm, not the current seven day circus.
Breaking off from preparing their team to give a pre-match interview wouldn’t have been anywhere in their routine while being answerable to Social Media would have been a complete No-No.
The Stein statue at Celtic Park was unveiled in March 2011.
A Jock Stein quote not Sir Matt, fine Scotsman man though he was. https://t.co/4q7TPlawYa
— Jim Spence (@JimSpenceDundee) April 21, 2021