Billy McNeill article on him being at draw today. Deserves wider audience. "What a privilege it is to be in stunning, sun-kissed Monte Carlo. And an added pleasure to have my dear wife Liz alongside me, all courtesy of the extremely thoughtful and kind UEFA president and France footballing idol Michel Platini. Thankfully his English is good — my French ain’t too clever — and I’ll be able to convey my deep gratitude to him for the honour he has given me in making me a part of the draw ceremony here for the Champions League group stage. But when I enter the Grimaldi Forum later today I will have mixed emotions. Real pride that I will be representing Celtic and, of course, also joy that my beloved Hoops will be in the hat with the rest of Europe’s elite clubs after last night’s memorable, nerve-wracking comeback triumph over Shakhter Karagandy. However, it will be tinged too with sadness and regret — that all of my fellow Lisbon Lions and our great manager Jock Stein won’t be standing by my side. Yet be sure I’ll still sense they are with me in spirit — with the badly missed big Jock, Sean Fallon, Ronnie Simpson, Bobby Murdoch and wee Jinky Johnstone looking down. I’ll be thinking of them all and I’ll have a lump in my throat. To be a Lion is special beyond words. I looked across the bay of this millionaires’ paradise last night — at the fabulous gleaming yachts bobbing up and down in the shimmering water — and felt humble. It’s what we so magnificently achieved in 1967 that has got me here in the company of footballing royalty — with Lisbon to be this season’s Champions League final city for the first time since our European Cup glory over Inter Milan. As their captain I’ve been so fortunate to have received magnificent invitations — such as this one — to speak for them all. But I so wish they were all here. To take a bow and enjoy the richly deserved applause for one of the true fairytale footballing feats. Another massive regret for me is that on that unforgettable day I wasn’t able to pass the trophy to them on the podium. Amid the pandemonium sparked by our 2-1 victory, and a chaotic pitch invasion by jubilant Celtic fans, the other boys were instead back in the dressing room as requested by officials. That was a real shame. Michel Platini was anxious to mark the return of the continent’s showpiece club game to Portugal’s capital for the first time in 46 years by paying tribute to the Lisbon Lions. It’s a marvellous compliment to all of the boys. And, naturally, I never tire of being reunited with what I love to refer to as the trophy with the big ears! You’ll forgive me for giving it a wee hug ahead of the ceremony formalities. I like to think I’ve seen and done a lot in football but all the while tried to stay the same modest lad from Bellshill. Certainly, the game never ceases to excite me. It’s sure a thrill to be in the South of France — but there’s no doubt it would’ve still been hugely disappointing if Celtic hadn’t managed to overcome the rank outsiders from Kazakhstan. That they will now feature in the lucrative and prestigious group stages again — great credit to Neil Lennon — is also the perfect birthday present for club great Bobby Lennox. Fellow Lion Bobby turns 70 tomorrow and he’s in as good form as ever. A better personality you won’t find anywhere. My wee pal never fails to make me laugh. He’s got such an infectious, cheeky sense of humour. Just thinking about him makes me smile. Bobby — or Lemon as we call him — was a magical striker, second only I think to Jimmy McGrory in the goalscoring stakes in Celtic’s history. He had pace to burn and was a supreme finisher. Bobby was the last of the Lions to hang up his boots and his extended playing career was tribute also to his fitness levels. The sight of him destroying opposition defences with his pace and trickery was wonderful. There are so many top players that Celtic could now face over the next four months. I await the draw with relish."
Posted on: Thu, 29 Aug 2013 08:02:44 +0000
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