Celtic 'Lisbon Lion' Joe McBride passes away

A member of Celtic FC's 'Lisbon Lions', Joe McBride has passed away aged 74 following a stroke.

McBride died at hospital in Glasgow on Wednesday night. Born in nearby Govan in 1938, he joined Celtic in 1965 and quickly became an integral member of Jock Stein's great side. He was a prolific striker and part of the 1966/67 European Champion Clubs' Cup run, scoring against both FC Zürich and FC Nantes, as part of a run of 35 goals in 26 games that season. However he picked up an injury against Aberdeen FC on Christmas Eve which ultimately meant he missed out on the Lisbon final triumph against FC Internazionale Milano.

He scored 86 goals in 94 games for the club, winning two league titles and two League Cups, and in 1965/66 was joint Scottish League top scorer with the future Sir Alex Ferguson. McBride also represented Scotland on two occasions. Despite representing with distinction a number of other clubs including Kilmarnock FC, Luton Town FC, Partick Thistle FC, Hibernian FC, Dunfermline Athletic FC and Clyde FC, McBride will forever be synonymous with Celtic.

"The passing of Joe McBride is tragic news," said Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell. "Joe was a very fine man, an absolute gentleman and someone who gave tremendous service to the club over a number of years. It was a privilege to know Joe and it was fantastic that someone who gave so much to Celtic was still involved with the club in a number of ways – he will truly be sadly missed by everyone at Celtic. The thoughts of everyone at the club are very much with Joe's family at this very difficult time."

Celtic manager Neil Lennon added: "The loss of Joe is terrible news. It was a pleasure to be in Joe's company and on a personal level, Joe was someone who was always very supportive to myself."