Paul Lambert hails lasting Celtic legacy created by Wim Jansen as he offers touching tribute to 'absolute genius'

Paul Lambert was constantly in awe of the exploits and expertise of Wim Jansen.

As a footballer, Johan Cruyff stated he’d never have been the same player were it not for his Dutch team-mate.

As a manager, Lambert knew Jansen had protected a cherished record of greats such as Jock Stein and Billy McNeill.

As a man, he just savoured time spent with him.

Lambert was devastated by the news of Jansen’s sad passing. Tributes poured in for the former Celtic manager when another of his former clubs, Feyenoord, confirmed the painful news.

Jansen only had one season at Parkhead but it will never be forgotten.

In grabbing the Scottish Premier Division title in 1997-98, the Dutchman and his No.2 Murdo MacLeod staved off the threat of Rangers winning 10 in a row and delivered heroes such as Henrik Larsson and Lambert to the Hoops support.

It was an honour for Lambert to be involved with such footballing inspiration during his first year at Parkhead after joining from Borussia Dortmund.

On matchdays, he would use the calm air exuded by his boss to perform within a cauldron of pressure during such a monumental season.

Away from the games, he’d sit with him and soak up the knowledge, listening to every single word from a humble individual who had some of the greatest among his admirers.

Lambert said: “I always got on unbelievably with him. I used to go into the club on Sundays, the day after a match, for a cool down and he would be there working.

“We would just talk about football and his time playing in a great Dutch team.

“The biggest accolade he could have had as a player is Johan Cruyff said that he would never have been the same player if Wim Jansen had not played behind him.

“Just speaking to him about his career was amazing.