Stein memorial brings back memories for Strachan
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan admits football meant nothing to him the night Jock Stein died.
The 20th anniversary of the Parkhead legend’s death will be commemorated today with the unfurling of a banner before the match against Aberdeen, which will be attended by a number of Lisbon Lions.
Stein guided the Bhoys to European Cup success in 1967 and nine league titles in succession to earn his legendary status at the club.
But he passed away after collapsing before the end of Scotland’s World Cup qualifier against Wales in Cardiff on September 10, 1985.
The 1-1 draw at Ninian Park ensured Scotland earned a play-off place against Australia.
Strachan was substituted by Stein 61 minutes into the match and replacement Davie Cooper scored the Scots’ goal from the penalty spot.
But that night still haunts him. “I blank that night out,” he said. “I keep the other stuff, in terms of talking to him and things like that.
“The night itself was a nothing night, really.
“You’re hopeful that all your memories in football are great memories.
“Someone told me it was 20 years ago and I still can’t believe it. It’s not a night I really want to remember.
“Football didn’t mean anything, all that mattered was Jock Stein.
“That’s why when anyone mentions his name I always talk about other things which happened.
“Things which made people laugh and made people think – but not that night. I don’t like dwelling on that night.”
Celtic will be looking to keep the pressure on Bank of Scotland leaders Hearts, who have started with a 100% record.
But £1.5m (€2.2m) signing Adam Virgo believes they can last the pace in the race to the title.
He added: “I won’t be surprised if there are four teams going for the title at the end of the season.
“But time will tell whether they have the mental attitude to really hold it because it might be a new experience for them to be above the Old Firm.
“But I think they’ve good enough players to sustain a title challenge.”
Like Virgo, recent signing Du Wei is looking to acclimatise to his new surroundings in Glasgow but he has been thrown in at the deep end this week.
“To be fair we need to acclimatise Du Wei,” concluded Strachan.
“I sent him out in the pouring rain in just a pair of shorts and I don’t think the poor bugger knew where he was.
“He’s freezing just now and it may take him about two days to recover from the cold.”
