The Celtic Rising - 1965: The Year Jock Stein Changed Everything

The Celtic Exchange: Celtic Football Club in Focus

“Jock Stein changed the world for Celtic!”

When asked to consider a Celtic without Jock Stein as manager Matt Corr gave the above answer, summing up just how crucial the great man’s return to the club would be in early 1965.

Matt is editor of “The Celtic Rising – 1965: The Year Jock Stein Changed Everything”, a new book written by renowned Celtic author David Potter.

Covering the calendar year of 1965 the story begins in January of that year with a Celtic side struggling to reclaim former glories under club legend and then manager Jimmy McGrory.

Captain Billy McNeill, goal machine Bobby Lennox and young winger Jimmy Johnstone have become disillusioned in a side who haven’t claimed a major trophy since a famous 7-1 League Cup win over bitter rivals Rangers in 1957 and are considering their future’s in Glasgow’s East End.

However, by the end of the month, news has begun to filter through that the main who retired as a Celtic player just before that league cup success in ’57 would be making his way back to Celtic Park – this time as manager.

A move that would changed the history of Celtic Football Club forever.

We spent some time with Matt this week ahead of the book's launch as he talked us through some of the key events of that year and of the massive impact they would go on to have on the club.

The book is a very welcome addition to the world of Celtic literature as David Potter once again captures the emotions of the time with his first hand account of following the club during that eventful era.

A tale that will not only appeal to the supporters of the day but for all who followed and for all who want to know what led to what we now recognise as the modern day Celtic.

Without Jock Stein, none of it is possible.

There are literally dozens of books telling of the events of Lisbon in 1967 – and rightfully so – but this book fills a gap with the incredible story of the two years leading up to that historical day, as Jock Stein proceeded to build a team of Lions who would go on to make it to the very top of European football.

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