The Return Of Big Jock: Part Two

Just one day after taking over as Celtic’s new manager, on March 10, 1965, JOCK STEIN led his team to a thrilling 6-0 victory over Airdrie at Broomfield.

Naturally, most people welcomed JOCK STEIN. As soon as it was established that Billy McNeill was back, he said, “On a personal level, I got a tremendous lift.” I anticipated that events would recur at the club.

Less enthused was Ronnie Simpson. Following his former manager’s arrival, Simpson reportedly went home and told his wife it was time to depart. Stein had traded the custodian to Celtic from Hibs the year before.

He is reported to have said, “We’re on the move again, Rosemary.”

Tommy Gemmell felt ecstatic. “I was aware that Jock actively pushed his full-backs to advance. “Don’t you dare cross that halfway line” would never be said again. Thankfully. I was going to make the most of the opportunity to express myself that was going to be offered to us.

“I couldn’t turn around the day Jock Stein entered Celtic Park again.” I can still clearly remember his very first lesson to me. “Keep in mind that your primary duty as a defender is to defend,” he stated. But whenever you find a chance, head over to that park as soon as you can. That was just right for me.

Auld dominated Airdrie at Broomfield in Stein’s debut game as manager, scoring five goals, including two penalty kicks, to lead the team to a 6-0 triumph. “I always thought I had good timing,” Auld said.

“The amazing thing about that performance was that Bertie actually played wide on the left,” Gemmell continued. He wasn’t playing just off the strikers or directly up front in the middle. It was an amazing accomplishment to score a hat-trick from a wide left berth, forget about the two spot kicks.

“Bertie played as an orthodox left-winger against Airdrie that night, really creating opportunities for players like Bobby Lennox and John Hughes, but it wasn’t until Big Jock was comfortable in the position that he transitioned into a midfield role.

“This guy is class; he is giving us a new dimension,” I recalled thinking as I was playing just behind him. Certainly exciting times.

After three days, there was a double setback when St. Johnstone defeated Glasgow 1-0 in front of a meagre 18,000 spectators. Before the following home game, there was a 3-3 draw with Dundee, and Celtic Park was once again bereft of enthusiastic supporters.

This time, a mere 19,000 spectators witnessed Hibs triumph 4-2, a result that would have surely injured Stein.

But just over two weeks later, Celtic were back at Easter Road for a rescheduled league match that had been postponed due to inclement weather. That would have made him very happy.

The club won 4-0 thanks to goals from Bobby Murdoch, Stevie Chalmers, and Auld twice.

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