Billy was colossus on & off the park

BILLY McNeill was a leader in every sense of the word.

On the football field, he displayed an incredible strength of character and drive to succeed. Those qualities saw him play a huge role in steering his Celtic team to football greatness.

When his playing days ended, he carried his natural leadership into management. But while self-assured, Billy was never blinded by arrogance.

A perfect example came early in his managerial career. He was Celtic boss when they saw a 2-0 advantage against Real Madrid overturned. The young gaffer wrote an article outlining the lessons he’d learned from the experience.

From the Colossus of Lisbon, this was a reflection that was as humbling as it was informative, and perhaps required reading for anyone embarking on soccer management.

Throughout McNeill’s life, the influence of a calm, courteous and, above all, courageous figurehead rubbed off on those around him.

None more so than when Billy was diagnosed with dementia. Retreat wasn’t an option. In the years following the initial shock, Billy’s family went public with this most personal of troubles.

After revealing the heartbreaking news, they led the way in fighting back in true McNeill style. A charity was launched to help support others whose lives had been – and continue to be – cursed by the cruel condition.

Reaching out, Billy’s loved ones opened up on how he’d deteriorated from the towering centre-half of his pomp. Yet the overwhelming sentiment was that while the body and mind suffered, his powerful persona lived on in those around him.

It echoed the praise of legendary Celtic manager Jock Stein for Billy’s ability to bring out the very best in people.

Stein once said: “It is this quality which has raised our captain above all others.”

The spirit he imbued among countless individuals – football fans and beyond – ensures Billy McNeill will never walk alone.