When Jock Stein shared a laugh with Neville Southall, little did he know it would be his last. RIP Jock…
Today marks the 39th anniversary of the passing of the great Jock Stein, Celtic’s legendary manager.
Jock passed away after taking ill just moments after seeing his Scotland side qualify for the 1986 World Cup finals after a 1-1 with Wales in Cardiff.
The loss of a legendary figure
It was a terribly sad day not just for the Scottish football supporters, or the supporters of the clubs he managed like Dunfermline, Hibs, Leeds Utd and most of all Celtic whom he was more closely associated with, but the entire football world was in mourning at the loss of a legendary figure in the beautiful game.
You always see the image of Jock just after his collapse whenever that day is discussed, but one I prefer to remember Jock by that fateful day is the one of him just a few hours before kick off.
That one when Jock was all smiles as he shared a laugh with Wales goalkeeper Neville Southall.
The story goes that the Scotland supporters behind the goal kept hold of the ball that the Everton shot stopper was using during a pre match warm up, and wouldn’t throw it back.
READ THIS…‘He was some man, was big Jock’ – remembering Jock Stein, Celtic’s greatest ever manager
Then big Jock intervened and asked the Tartan Army to give the ball back, to which they quickly obliged much to the amusement of Southall who thanked Jock for his assistance as they shared a laugh about the incident.
That one incident also summed up the respect that the supporters had for Jock, as he was such a respected figure. He may be gone but he’ll never be forgotten. Jock Stein, a true legend of the game.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
Jock Stein and Neville Southall having a bit of pre match banter before kick off at Ninian park on that tragic night 1985 pic.twitter.com/7jrM3DT5k8
— JustAnOrdinaryBhoy (@ordinarybhoy) June 8, 2021
