The head bhoys - Graham McColl

Few tales are as intriguing as that of Celtic and their managers. The club was the epitome of managerial stability during its first century. Only six men had been Celtic manager by the time of the club's centenary in 1988. Each of them - Willie Maley, Jimmy McStay, Jimmy McGrory, Jock Stein, David Hay and Billy McNeill - had been Celtic players who then went on to become team manager. Once McNeill departed in 1991 Celtic shook off their conservative, stable image. The club appointed seven managers in nine years, including continentals such as Wim Jansen and Doctor Jozef Venglos. Other 1990s incumbents, including Lou Macari and John Barnes, managed only for a matter of months while Tommy Burns and Liam Brady lived out their stretches under extreme pressure. This text provides a detailed examination of each individual who has held this key position at the club. Interviews with those close to the action at Celtic down the years highlight the value of each manager's contribution to the club, assessing their strengths, weaknesses and lasting legacies.