JOCK STEIN: CELTIC’S GREATEST EVER MANAGER AND THE LESSON HE OFFERS US TODAY
- BY LIAM CARRIGAN
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
Since I moved abroad back in 2006, I’ve met all kinds of characters from all over the world. Some believe that there is no great force overseeing our destiny. Others believe in fate, and that what we say and do is ultimately part of a greater plan already prepared by whatever deity they choose to worship.
As for me, I fall somewhere in the middle. I believe that every man is responsible for his own destiny, and every woman for that matter.
However, I also believe that sometimes greater powers will show us a sign. Forces beyond anything we can understand, show us the right way forward. It is up to us, the current occupiers of this world, whether we choose to follow this guidance or not.
Jock Stein, Celtic Legend: What Would He Say About the State of Our Club Today？
I don’t think I need to remind anyone amongst the Celtic support that today marks 40 years since the greatest manager in our club’s long and trophy-laden history left this Earth, hopefully for a far better place.
However, his lessons, and his words live on eternally. And I think today, as Celtic fans from every creed, every cultural background, every orientation and every political leaning come together tonight, united in their quest to make our club better, it’s no coincidence that it falls on such an anniversary.
Buddhists would say it’s karma. I’d say it’s the big man himself, giving us a guiding hand from up in heaven.
Jock Stein was a man of honor, a man of principle and a man who did not suffer fools gladly. So, whilst I never had the privilege of meeting the man (he died when I was barely 18 months old), I don’t doubt for a second that if he were with us today, he’d be front and center at tonight’s meeting of the various fan groups, telling us exactly where and how to hit these charlatans in the board room where it hurts the most.
Jock Stein’s most famous quote, amongst many gems, is perhaps: “Celtic shirts are not for second best, they don’t shrink to fit inferior players”.
Now, he obviously said this at a time when his primary concern was underperforming players in his squad, and when he wanted to extract the best possible level of play from every first team squad member, regardless of their ability.
However, knowing what I do of the man and his philosophy, which is taken entirely from my father and his numerous anecdotes about a man that he both idolized and respected in equal measure, I believe Mr. Stein would be there tonight, standing amongst his own, in solidarity with the Celtic support, as they seek to bring about genuine change.
We are one of the biggest football clubs in the world, don’t let any follower of any mediocre EPL team with delusions of adequacy tell you otherwise.
Jock Stein demanded the best of all the players who served under him, be it Celtic, Scotland, Hibs, Leeds or Dunfermline. Tonight, we, the Celtic support have a chance to honor him, and all the joy he brought so many of us over many years, by demanding nothing but the best from those now leading our club.
And if they can’t deliver? Well, then it’s time to make way for those who can.
