Former Celtic striker Frank McGarvey has praised Billy McNeill as a “fantastic man” following his death.
The 79-year-old, who had been suffering with dementia, died on Monday night with his family by his side.
The #CelticFC Family is mourning the death of Billy McNeill, the club’s greatest ever captain and one of the finest men to have played and managed the Hoops, who has passed away at the age of 79.— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) April 23, 2019
McNeill played for Celtic for his whole career, captaining the side in the glory days of Jock Stein’s management and becoming the first British player to lift the European Cup in 1967.
He subsequently managed Celtic for two periods, signing McGarvey from Liverpool in 1980.
Billy McNeill, @CelticFC & @ScotlandNT legend, has died at the age of 79.— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) April 23, 2019
McGarvey told Press Association Sport: “It is a very, very sad day.
“He was loved by all the players and you don’t hear that about all managers.
“He was the captain of the first team to win the European Cup. As a manager, he was a great manager.
The SPFL are saddened to learn of the passing of @CelticFC legend Billy McNeill.— SPFL (@spfl) April 23, 2019
“He won a lot of trophies with Celtic on and off the pitch but not only that, he was a great person, a fantastic man.
“He would do anything to help you. He will be sadly missed.”
McNeill’s death has brought an outpouring of tributes, including from current Celtic manager Neil Lennon.
Heartbroken over the passing of my great friend and captain Billy McNeill. A huge blow for the Celtic family but a devastating loss for Liz, Susan Libby Carol, Paula and Martyn. My thoughts and prayers are with them today. RIP my friend.— Jim Craig ⭐️ (@Cairney2) April 23, 2019
In a statement posted on the club’s website, Lennon said: “This is such sad news and I want to send thoughts and prayers to Liz and all the family from myself and all the backroom staff here at the club.
“I love Billy’s statue, which is the first thing you see whenever you walk up The Celtic Way.
“It’s the perfect image of him, holding aloft the European Cup, and it will remind future generations of supporters of what a great Celtic man he was.”
A great competitor, local boy and one of Scottish football's best ever.— Motherwell FC (@MotherwellFC) April 23, 2019
Football pundit and former Celtic striker Chris Sutton tweeted: “Such heartbreaking news.
“Billy McNeill was an inspirational leader, a legend and a lion. Thoughts go out to his family and the Celtic family.”
McNeill’s managerial career also included spells with Clyde, Aberdeen, Manchester City and Aston Villa.
Such heartbreaking news. Billy McNeill was an inspirational leader, a legend and a lion. Thoughts go out to his family and the Celtic family☘️— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) April 23, 2019
Aberdeen tweeted: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of our former manager, Billy McNeill who has passed away at the age of 79.”
A message from City read: “We are sad to learn of the passing of Billy McNeill who managed the Club between 1983-86.
“Everyone at Manchester City would like to send our sincere condolences to Billy’s family.”
We are sad to learn of the passing of Billy McNeill who managed the Club between 1983-86.— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 23, 2019
McNeil’s former team-mate Jim Craig tweeted: “Heartbroken over the passing of my great friend and captain Billy McNeill.
“A huge blow for the Celtic family but a devastating loss for Liz, Susan Libby Carol, Paula and Martyn.
“My thoughts and prayers are with them today. RIP my friend.”
