'The Story Of' is a web series dedicated to small but special tales from Celtic’s illustrious history. Here, we remember the unveiling of Cesar’s monolith at the foot of the Celtic Way.

ON December 19, 2015, Celtic unveiled a statue in tribute to club legend Billy McNeill. The statue, which sits at the entrance of The Celtic Way, was created by sculptor John McKenna, who also completed the Jock Stein statue at Celtic Park.

The plinth is engraved on all four sides with Billy’s achievements as a player and manager, the names of the players who brought the European Cup to Celtic in 1967 and a quote from the great Jock Stein reflecting Billy’s contribution to the Club.

Billy made a record 790 appearances for the Club, he has been voted the Club’s greatest ever Captain and in total, he lifted 31 major honours for Celtic. As a player he won nine League Championships, seven Scottish Cups, six League Cups, and of course the greatest prize of all, the European Cup in 1967. As a Manager, he lifted four League Championships, three Scottish Cups and one League Cup.

We sadly lost Billy last year, but his statue stands to immortalise all of the above, as well as the family man that he was, loved by all, and the hero of Celtic Football Club that he will forever be.

Speaking when the statue was first announced, a proud Cesar said: “I have said this before, but when Peter Lawwell contacted me regarding the statue I was completely taken by surprise, and to now think that I will be honoured alongside such great men as Brother Walfrid, Jock Stein and my pal Jinky, really does fill me with great pride.

“Celtic has been in my blood and a part of my life for so many years and to be recognised in this way, by the club I love, is truly humbling."

Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell added: “I have had the honour and privilege of knowing Billy for many years now, and while there is sometimes caution offered in wanting to meet your heroes, in Billy’s case he is everything you would ever expect from Celtic’s greatest ever captain, and so much more.

“Billy’s statue will stand at the beginning of The Celtic Way, proud and imposing – just as Billy was as a player – to welcome visitors to our stadium, and I am delighted to be part of this very special occasion today.

"I know that Billy, Liz and their family feel honoured by the decision to erect this statue, but as every Celtic supporter would testify, the honour has been ours in enjoying Billy’s lifetime of devoted service to our club.”

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