Synopsis
Back in the 1890s, Willie Maley took control of Celtic and with iron will-power established a footballing tradition that endures to this day. In the 1960s, Jock Stein shaped a team that proved itself to be Europe's finest, while the recent arrival of Martin O'Neill has seen Celtic challenge Rangers to become Scottish football's dominant force in the early 21st century. Few tales are as intriguing as that of Celtic and their managers. The club was the epitome of managerial stability during its first century and 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, however, Celtic shook off their conservative, stable image. The club appointed seven managers in nine years, including Wim Jansen and Dr Jozef Venglos from overseas. 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.
"The Head Bhoys" 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. A tale of intrigues and tensions, disaster and glory, with portraits of some giant individuals, this book should be of interest not only to Celtic supporters but to all followers of football.
