Celtic hail 'the most important appointment' in Hoops history on anniversary of icon's Parkhead return

Celtic have remembered Jock Stein, 57 years to the day he returned to Parkhead as manager.

The former centre-back from Burnbank, Hamilton, played for the Hoops at the end of his playing career after time at Blantyre Victoria and Albion Rovers.

But it's in green and white he is most often associated after becoming arguably the greatest manager in club history during his 13-year Glasgow stay.

Stein guided Celtic to nine successive titles between 1966 and 1974 and was the first manager of a British side to win the European Cup in 1967.

It all started 57 years ago after he was appointed Parkhead boss after stints at the helm of Dunfermline, Hibs and Scotland's national team.

He later had a spell with Leeds United and returned to manage Scotland, before his passing at the age of 62 in 1985.

The Lanarkshire great is viewed as one of the most influential managers in British football history.

Celtic tweeted: "It was 57 years ago today, on March 9, 1965 that former Celtic player, Jock Stein walked through the doors of Paradise for the first time as Celtic FC manager.

"Probably the most important appointment in the history of Celtic Football Club."

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