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The Rise of Celtic Under the Management of Jock Stein

Discussion in 'News' started by TC News, Nov 23, 2022.

Discuss The Rise of Celtic Under the Management of Jock Stein in the News area at TalkCeltic.net.

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    The Rise of Celtic Under the Management of Jock Stein


    There have been none in Celtic's history as iconic as Jock Stein, a protestant former Celtic player who would go on to become the greatest Celtic manager of all time. Born in Lanarkshire, Scotland in 1922 - Stein was a miner and initially an * footballer. Football offered Stein an escape from his day-to-day life, he bounced around a few teams before becoming a professional.


    He ended up joining Celtic, becoming club captain one year after joining. Leading the club to the one-off Coronation Cup of 1953, before winning both the League Cup and Scottish Cup double. A talented player and great leader, he was forced into early retirement by persistent ankle injuries.


    Celtic are known for their Catholic and Irish connections, which is what made Stein's relationship with the club an interesting one. A Celtic cross and a four-leaf clover - very Irish symbols which are also widely used on Irish Cheers slots- are on the club's badge, and they also wear colours widely used to symbolize Ireland, white and green. Celtic fans will for sure be hoping some ‘Irish luck’ brings them the League title this season.


    First Managerial Roles


    Stein was appointed manager of Celtic Reserves in 1957, managing some players who would go on to play for him years later when he took over the senior side. In 1960, Dunfermline offered him his first senior managerial role.


    He took over a side that were two points clear of bottom, the club immediately felt his impact, going on to win six games in a row. He transformed the side, signing some top players. In 1961, Dunfermline won the Scottish Cup Final for the first time under Stein, beating his beloved Celtic 2-1 in the final.


    A Celtic Reunion


    Despite being a protestant, it was announced in 1964 that Stein would join Celtic as manager at the end of the 1964/65 season. It was the start of a golden era for the club. When Stein took over, Celtic were a shadow of their former selves. They had gone eight years without winning a major trophy.


    Stein brought a new energy to the club, forming a strong and close bond with his players, he brought in specialised goalkeeper training and encouraged his players to express themselves on the pitch. Often telling defenders to get forward and help the attack.


    He was a father figure to his players, known for using tough love and what's now known as the 'hairdryer' treatment if a player stepped out of line. However, he was also known for his quick wit and for being a joy to be around.


    Celtic reached the Scottish Cup Final in his first season, beating his old team Dunfermline 3-2 and ending their eight-year drought. It was to be the first of many trophies.


    The next season, Celtic won their first league title since 1954 ending their drought. They also won the Scottish League Cup, defeating Rangers in the final - a domestic treble was within reach, but they were beaten by a Rangers seeking revenge in the Scottish Cup Final.


    The Lisbon Lions


    Going into the 1966/67 season, Celtic and Stein were confident. Stein stated he thought they could win every competition they were in. Celtic got off to a fine start, going unbeaten until December. The trophies started coming early, beating Rangers in the Scottish League Cup final in October1966.


    They won the Glasgow cup only a week later as well as breezing through the Scottish Cup to the finals. Celtic went on to dispatch every team they faced to make it to the European Cup final. They beat Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup final before wrapping up the league shortly after, having only lost twice all season - the quintuple was on.


    The European Cup final was to be held in Lisbon, where Celtic would be facing favourites and European Cup giants Inter Milan. Inter were managed by Helenio Herrera, the highest paid coach in the world who was known for his defensive approach to the game. Milan had won two of the last three European Cups playing their brand of football.


    Celtic were known for their attacking play and before the game, Stein said they'd be the first team to bring the European Cup to Britain and attack Inter like they had never been attacked before.


    Celtic went on to win the game 2-1, completing the quintuple. Celtic had won every single competition they had taken part in that season. Doing so with a squad full of players who were born within 30 miles of Celtic Park.


    Stein and Celtic Post 1967


    Stein would go on to guide Celtic to nine successive Scottish Championships, cementing himself as the greatest Celtic manager of all time. Stein was injured in a car crash in 1975 where he nearly lost his life which kept him from managing the side for much of the season.


    He would go on to resign in 1978, with many wondering if he would stay in football. He went on to take up other managerial roles but never quite replicated the success of his time with Celtic.


    Stein's effect on Celtic has always remained, he turned them into giants of the Scottish games - his name is absolutely synonymous with the club to this day.