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#also yes i may be welsh but i will never use the british spelling of maneuver what the f even is that
skyriderwednesday · 3 years
Text
Another excerpt from the same semi-formed fic that won’t leave me alone
Vetinari looked as if he was going to say something, and then didn't. He looked back down through his reading glasses and put his pen to the page in front of him. Moist rocked on his heels. He was fairly sure his socks were on inside out. There was silence for a few moments except for the clock in the outer room (Moist had forgotten to shut the door) and Vetinari writing.
"Mr Lipwig," he said eventually. "Yes sir?" Still looking at the paper, he shook his head. "Close the door, please." Moist did so. "Thank you." "No problem sir."
He watched Vetinari awkwardly as he replenished the ink in his pen and read back the last few sentences he had written under his breath. The light caught on the silver frames of his reading glasses. Moist usually wouldn't have noticed them. He tried to work out why he was noticing them now. "Have you got new glasses, sir?"
Vetinari felt for a pencil for a moment and made a note in the margin, expertly maneuvering his long fingers to hold both writing implements in the same hand while not getting ink on the paper. "No."
"Oh."
Moist tried to find something in the room that was more interesting. Then he asked a dangerous question. "Did you want to see me for a particular reason, sir, or just because it's Wednesday?"
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batgirl-87 · 5 years
Text
HPHM Character Profile
Tagged by @unforgivablecurse-breaker in @cynicaljapanophile‘s awesome profile maker for our MC’s - Thank you so much for tagging me and creating this! =D
Okay, think I’m finally finished with it! Really, thank you for tagging me because it helped me figure out some new things about my MC, as well as help me more with creating her parent’s backstory, and even helping me with the godparents as well who I had no real information determined yet! So this was very beneficial for me, thank you! (I also kind of want to do this for my Jacob too...)
General Information -
Name: Nereida Adelyn-Keira Black
Age: 16 (currently)
Gender: Female
Nickname(s): Keira, Adelyn (primarily, doesn’t like her first name much like Tonks) 
Ady (by Jacob and Charlie), 
Reida (by Remus), 
Black (by Merula primarily, sometimes Andre especially if it’s on the Quidditch Pitch, sometimes Talbott when she calls him Winger, sometimes others), 
B (Penny and Jae), 
Lyn (sometimes by Jacob, usually when he needs her attention for something serious), 
Cuz (by Tonks), 
Beater Buddy/Roomie (by Barnaby), 
Canada (by Jae when she agrees to bring him things to sell from the country, by Andre when it’s revealed she’s playing for the country in the World Cup) - (there’s probably more personal ones her friends call her)
Date of Birth: 11 February 1973
Astrological/ Zodiac Sign: Aquarius
Ethnicity: Irish, French, English
Nationality: Irish & Canadian
Species: Witch, Undine
Blood Type: AB Rh+
Blood Status: Half-Blood
Family:
Father: Orion Black - 
Husband and second-cousin of Walburga Black
Father of Sirius, Regulus, Jacob, and Keira
Met Vivian-Caer while out in Knockturn Alley one day, became infatuated with her and eventually wooed her into becoming his mistress (post about Orion and Vivian-Caer and their relationship to come)
Attended Hogwarts - Slytherin
While he supported Voldemort and the Death Eaters and believed in blood purity, never became a Death Eater himself
The more powerful and forceful the Death Eaters became ultimately leading to a war led to him placing more and more protection spells on his home (possibly realizing how bad this all was and backing away a bit from the Death Eaters beliefs)
Passes away in 1979
Mother: Vivian-Caer LaFontaine - 
Named after the Lady of the Lake and the Celtic goddess of dreams and transformations known for her beautiful, hypnotic singing voice.
Born in Nice, France
Attended Académie de Magie Beauxbâtons
Moved to Ireland (home of her mother and maternal side of the family) where she eventually met Orion
Passes away in November 1978
(A post about Orion and Vivian-Caer and their relationship to come)
Godfather: Owen Pearce - 
Welsh/English heritage
From Prince Edward Island 
Played Professional Quidditch in Vancouver where he met his wife
Met Vivian when she travelled over to work with his wife. Developed a brother-sister type relationship with her.
Godmother: Alona Pearce -
First Nations from British Columbia
Practices her culture’s alchemy which is more focused on the elements (Earth, Water, Fire, Wind) than metals 
Met her husband when he searched for a Healer outside his team for his persistent shoulder pain (he didn’t want to just keep drinking potions to manage it)
Met and worked with Vivian when she travelled over for her job. Became fast friends, almost like sisters.
Other: 
Remus Lupin - Guardian while she’s in the UK/Ireland and going to school. Calls him “Uncle Remus” (post on their relationship to come)
Nymphadora Tonks - They were very surprised to find out they were related to each other when Tonks confided in Keira her aunt was Bellatrix LeStrange which Keira recognized from the family tree in 12 Grimmauld Place she just recently moved into after Walburga’s passing. Andromeda had been burnt off the tree and her husband and Tonks were never added so Keira had no idea! Call each other cuz/cousins (even though Keira would technically be her aunt but since they’re the same age they feel more like cousins. Keira would call/consider Bellatrix her aunt)
Sirius and Regulus Black - Older half-brothers. Awkward introductions by Orion after Vivian demanded that her kids meet their siblings after having Keira. Neither Keira or Jacob really remember Regulus much after their one time meeting. Sirius however was taken by Vivian’s kindness and warm welcoming, much different than living with his mum, and would sometimes stop by to ‘hang out’ with his little siblings in a much more comfortable environment than at his home. While living with the Potters gave him loving parents he lacked, visiting Vivian, Jacob, and Keira gave him the sibling bonding without feeling like he was competing with them or was lesser than them. (Probably wished he was raised with them like he wished he was raised by the Potters his whole life instead). Continued to write to them when they moved to Canada. Told the Marauders about them.
Alpharden Jacob-Taylor Black - Her big brother, best friend, and partner in crime. It’s them against the world. 
Affiliation(s)/ Organization(s): 
The Most Ancient and Noble House of Black
Orion - Affiliated with the Death Eaters although never joined himself and possibly began to disagree with them while the threat of war was imminent. 
Vivian-Caer - Académie de Magie Beauxbâtons
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Team Canada
Occupation(s):
Vivian-Caer LaFontaine - Magical Historian, Archeologist, and Author specializing in Native cultural beliefs, practices, and artefacts
Owen Pearce - Quidditch Scout/Recruiter, Former Professional Quidditch Keeper
Alona Pearce - Healer and Alchemist
Jacob-Taylor Black - Professional Quidditch Keeper
Adelyn-Keira Black - Student (currently); Curse-Breaker
Magical Characteristics -
Form of Boggart: 
Being manipulated and betrayed by her friends/those she cares about, who never truly were her friends/cared about her and only used her 
Leaves her feeling humiliated, ashamed, and completely alone praying on her insecurities, trust issues, and pride
Being open and vulnerable and trusting others is hard for her so to do so and then find out it was a lie would be incredibly hard on her and make her feel violated
Realizing and admitting she had been manipulated would be a huge blow to her pride and intelligence. She doesn’t like feeling stupid or being blindsided, prefers to be prepared and have the upperhand.
Form of Patronus: Arctic Fox (might change)
Form of Riddikulus: 
(This is such a great question, I’ve never really thought about it and have no real idea what would make this funny)
Maybe her friends laughing, dancing, and messing around together, probably reminiscent of past happy moments.
What do they see in the Mirror of Erised?: 
Jacob and her reunited together again
Their mom, godparents, Remus, and some other shadowy silhouettes representing their family 
She’s no longer alone and lost and feels supported 
Wand(s)
First Wand -Length: Eleven and a half inches -Flexibility: Solid -Wood: Hazel -Core: Undine Hair Description:  
Hazel often reflects its owner’s emotional state, and works best for a master who understands and can manage their own feelings. Others should be very careful handling a hazel wand if its owner has recently lost their temper, or suffered a serious disappointment, because the wand will absorb such energy and discharge it unpredictably. The positive aspect of a hazel wand more than makes up for such minor discomforts, however, for it is capable of outstanding magic in the hands of the skillful, and is so devoted to its owner that it often ‘wilts’ at the end of its master’s life (if the core is unicorn hair, however, there is no hope; the wand will almost certainly have ‘died’). Hazel wands also have the unique ability to detect water underground, and will emit silvery, tear-shaped puffs of smoke if passing over concealed springs and wells. 
Undine Hair Core - (Swear I wrote something about this but I can’t find it!) From grandmother (possibly her mom’s old wand); Elegant spell casting; Temperamental but loyal; Skilled in Transfigurations and Charms.
Solid - Extremely loyal. Owners of this wand are generally known for their reliability, their friendliness, and their character. They may find it difficult to understand views that differ from their own but are usually able to politely disagree. (Not exactly sold on all the flexibilities but nbd)
Stained grey with detailed carvings
Second Wand:
-Length: Eleven and a quarter inches -Flexibility: Hard -Wood: Ebony -Core: Dragon Heartstring. Description: 
This jet-black wand wood has an impressive appearance and reputation, being highly suited to all manner of combative magic, and to Transfiguration. Ebony is happiest in the hand of those with the courage to be themselves. Frequently non-conformist, highly individual or comfortable with the status of outsider. In my experience the ebony wand’s perfect match is one who will hold fast to his or her beliefs, no matter what the external pressure, and will not be swayed lightly from their purpose.
Dragon Heartstring Core - Produces wands with the most power, and which are capable of the most flamboyant spells. Tend to learn more quickly than other types. While they can change allegiance if won from their original master, they always bond strongly with the current owner.Tends to be easiest to turn to the Dark Arts, though it will not incline that way of its own accord. Somewhat temperamental.
Hard - Loyalty is not easily won. Great for complex and advanced levels of magic. This type of wand is best suited for wizards and witches who are gifted, stubborn, and never give up. Some people may find them intimidating or difficult to approach. (Not exactly sold on all the flexibilities but nbd)
Black with a slight sheen, carved out handle
Third Wand (What?! Yes =p):
-Length: Eleven inches -Flexibility: Surprisingly Swishy -Wood: Blue Spruce -Core: Undine Hair Description:
First Nations have used Blue Spruce for medicinal and ceremonial purposes, twigs given as gifts for good fortune - therefore, this type of wand is more commonly passed down as a gift rather than bought, typically done in families; this may mean this wand chooses those who have strong ties to their families. Also like other spruces, the Blue Spruce does not do well in nervous, cautious hands but will bond to its chosen partner, typically a bold spell-caster with a good sense of humour, be intensely loyal, and capable of producing dramatic effects. However, while other spruce variations may be hardier, the Blue Spruce is more flexible and adaptable. It has also been shown to do well with non-verbal magic.
Undine Hair -  Elegant spell casting; Temperamental but loyal; Skilled in Transfigurations and Charms.
Surprisingly Swishy -  Either is surprisingly loyal or surprisingly unloyal and is most often known for doing the unexpected. Great for charm work. Owners that are matched with wands of this flexibility are usually the type of people who have a hard time coming out of their shell or opening up, but once they do, others will find themselves drawn to their charming, fun-loving personalities. The owner usually adapts well to unexpected changes but may find it difficult to make hard decisions. (Not exactly sold on all the flexibilities but nbd)
Gift passed down from her mom (given by her godmother since her birth mother is dead); Her mom (with help of her godmother) chose and had this wand made for her to be given to her (as well as one for Jacob as well).
Silvery-Blue with intricate symbolic carvings and carved out handle
(Post about Keira’s different wands and her personal growth to come)
Animagus: Arctic Fox
Amortentia: 
Rain/Petrichor (reminds her of the Quidditch Pitch which she associates with Jacob; rain has always been very calming and peaceful for her) 
Salty Sea Air (reminds her of her mom and Jacob) 
Honeysuckle (reminds her of Charlie and the burrow/Weasley family)
Chocolate (reminds her of Remus)
Maple (reminds of her Canada and her ‘adopted’ parents)
Appearance -
Height: 5′6″ / 169 cm
Weight: ~135-145 lbs 
(Currently probably around 135, but when she starts training and competing in the World Cup over the summer and for Year 6 will gain more muscle)
Complexion(skin tone/ conditions): 
Pale
Cold to the touch, particularly hands and feet (ice cold =p)
Somewhat sensitive skin, becomes red easily
Commonly has some bruises from Quidditch and Cursed-Vaults adventures. 
Earns some scars as well from Quidditch and Cursed-Vaults adventures. 
Watermark - her skin will begin to grow scales if she doesn’t regularly consume water or submerges herself in it; quite painful.
Hair Color/ Style: 
Black with hint of red, primarily visible in the sunlight. 
Has a natural wave to it. 
Length is either to bottom of shoulder blades or just above the tops of the shoulders - When she started Hogwarts her hair was longer but cut it shorter for Fifth year and will probably keep that length for a while. 
Normally wears it down or up in a ponytail. Sometimes will put it up in a messy bun mainly to get it up out of her face and off her neck. 
She can wake up with it looking perfect/”perfectly messy” - Classic House of Black Hair =p 
Eye Color: Grey-Blue
Hogwarts Information -
Worst Class(es): 
Herbology - No green thumb and she doesn’t really like digging around in the soil/fertilizer and getting her hands literally dirty.
Potions - She just hates this class because Snape can be such an arse to her because of Jacob (and Sirius) and while sometimes it can be fun for her to exchange quips with him other times it is very distracting and he’s not at all helpful when she’s trying to learn how to brew potions. (He was much worse towards Jacob though).
Elective: Arithmancy - Just no. She’ll let Bill handle that =p
Best Class(es): 
Charms - She loves Professor Flitwick and truly does love this subject and has shown a natural talent for it. 
Defense Against the Dark Arts - She has a protective nature and fighting spirit, enjoys fighting/duelling and the rush of adrenaline 
History of Magic - Actually likes history, although she may not exactly enjoy the boring lectures by Professor Binns, she does love reading and learning about the subject on her own. Also likes getting to have a sort of free period with her friends.
Elective: Alchemy - Her ‘adopted’ mom piqued her interest in the subject and she is eager to learn all aspects of it even if she has to demand to be taught this course as a lone student interested in it.
Least Favourite Teacher(s):
Professor Snape - While they have a more complex relationship than he has with Jacob (or Sirius) and he treated Jacob way worse than her, Keira struggles a lot in Potions because of the lack of help from Snape and his constant hatred towards members of her family. Although they are able to get along sometimes, normally when it benefits them both, or when it’s a sort of Slytherin vs. others type of situation. Even though he can give her a hard time Keira still teases him that he truly likes her deep, deep...deep down. (If he hasn’t yet,) I headcanon that he does teach her Sectumsempra. (But she will never forgive him for what he does to Remus)
Professor Trelawney - Seriously?! How is she supposed to take this class and this Professor seriously? She can’t. This class is riddikulus. 
Favourite Teacher(s): 
Professor Flitwick - He has always been on of her favourite teachers - great teacher, passion for his job, kind and helpful to his students, overall and understanding and warm person. But what really does it for her is Flitwick’s views on Werewolves. She hates ever having to lie to him and honestly tries not to. 
Quidditch:
Beater (Joins team in Year Four)
Captain (Year Five-Year Seven)
World Cup Champion - Team Canada (1990 - summer before Year Seven)
Favourite Spell(s): 
Any water/ice or fire related spells (e.g. Aguamenti, Aqua Erecto, Glacius, Freeze, Incendio, Firestorm, Flagrante Curse, Fumos) 
Any spells that can knock back an opponent or cause an explosion (e.g. Bombarda, Confringo, Depulso, Everte Statum)
Snowflake-creating spell
Protego
Carpe Retractum
Sectumsempra 
Arania Exumai (she hates spiders!)
Cantis (yes she will make people burst into song =p)
Trivia -
(Random facts about them, future job, face claim, theme song, etc.)
Random Facts: 
Speaks English and French, and knows a little Russian, ISL/Irish, and Carrier
Plays piano
Jacob was supposed to teach her to play guitar
Hat stall between Slytherin and Ravenclaw
Slytherin Prefect
Has a Siamese Cat
INFJ-A
Probably a True Neutral (or somewhere on the Neutral spectrum)
Uncomfortably with physical affection and needs plenty of time to feel comfortable with someone before engaging. (Honestly probably took until Year 5 for her to comfortably hug her friends, although some she felt more comfortable with sooner than others like Tonks)
Beautiful singing voice, used to be shy about it but grows to be more confident with it (and in general) since she does love to sing - also didn’t like singing without Jacob though
Normally good at hiding her negative emotions
Can become overwhelmed and anxious which causes her to submerge herself in the nearest body of water to calm herself down (e.g. Black Lake, Prefect’s Bath, Courtyard Fountain) Might be because of her Undine genes but being underwater quiets everything down and helps her calm down and brings a sense of peace
Wants to be able to create her own spells like Badeea - teach her the ways!
Fiercely protective of those she cares about, primarily Remus
Receives and sends out a care package once a month from and to “Uncle Remus” - normally filled with chocolate (and wolfsbane which she takes to making after learning how)
A female Sirius =p 
Can be quite flirtatious as long as there are no real feelings behind it (she doesn’t believe anyone would actually be interested in her romantically, surprised she even has friends who like her for her, but if someone convinced her they did have feelings for her she might not know how to function =p)
Moves into 12 Grimmauld Place after Walburga passes (and no one else is doing anything with it!)
Moves Barnaby in with her officially summer before Year Six (even though summer before Year Five her basically spent all his time there and stayed with Keira either there or at Hogwarts during the holidays)
Her interest in History most likely stems from her mom
Her mom spending time in Egypt as a Historian/Archeologist before she was born probably influences Keira to become a Curse-Breaker there to feel a sort of connection to her mom - like maybe she explored this tomb too or shopped at this market. Maybe someone here worked with her and remembers her. (Not just about Bill =p)
Sentimental Items - Celtic Warrior Ring (given by her mom to her and Jacob); a quilt made by her mom (on for her and one for Jacob); an old Golden Snitch from Jacob; a House of Black crest cameo necklace
Has no interest or plans to get married or have children
Gifted Bill his leather jacket (that becomes a signature look for him =p)
Future Job: Curse-Breaker (with her partner Bill Weasley)
Face-claim: 
Megan Fox 
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Or Alexandra Daddario
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Bonus: Jacob & Keira (although she’d probably never wear pink =p)
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Tagging (if you haven’t done it already and want to): @bluerosesburnblue @arnyan @gryffinpuffthunderbird @jadeowl19 @cptaincarswell @changeling-fae
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celticnoise · 7 years
Link
THE legendary Jock Stein died on this day 32 years ago. This is an extract from the Lisbon Lions: 40th Anniversary book which paid tribute to the Big Man, which is published on CQN with permission from the author and CQNer, Alex Gordon.
JOCK STEIN had his back turned to the pitch when West German referee Kurt Tschenscher put the whistle to his lips and blew for full-time to bring to a halt the most epic encounter in Celtic’s history.
Celtic were triumphant. Celtic had conquered Europe; the first British club to do so. Stein turned slowly and brought up his fist in acclaim. “Yes!” he shouted to no-one in particular.
The Celtic bench, 30 yards away, had already joined the cavorting players on the field of the Estadio Nacional and were whooping it up with the best of them. There is a famous photograph of the Celtic bench leaping around on the touchline seconds after full-time.
There is assistant manager Sean Fallon, substitute goalkeeper John Fallon and backroom boys Neilly Mochan, Bob Rooney and Jimmy Steele catapulting to their feet in salute. There is no sign of the man who masterminded it all, though.
With time ticking down, Jock Stein had decided to go walkabout. He strolled down the touchline while the action took place only yards away. Celtic were on the brink of an historic breakthrough, minutes away from becoming only the fifth team to win the European Cup.
But Jock Stein, for once, couldn’t bear to look. Those last remaining seconds must have been agonising for the Celtic gaffer. His hard work, toil, graft and genius were all fully rewarded as soon as that whistle sounded. 
Back in Glasgow the following evening, the Celtic manager was cornered live on television as his beaming players paraded the newly-won European Cup to the adoring thousands at Celtic Park who turned out to welcome back their heroes.
The commentator pushed the microphone towards Stein and said: “I am told the secret is that Celtic are one big happy family and you keep it that way.”
Stein thought for a moment and replied: “Actually, there is a better secret than that – we are a good football team.” Surely, the manager was playing down the achievements of a team that now ruled Europe.
Celtic weren’t merely a good football team – they were a magnificent football team who echoed the thoughts, methods and ambitions of their equally outstanding manager.
When Stein swept into Celtic Park in March 1965 he was paid the highest compliment by Hal Stewart, who was the flamboyant chairman of Morton. He told Big Jock: “You’re a real upstart. There we were, going about our business and getting away with it. Now you are at Celtic and we all have to buck up our ideas and start working at the game.”
Tongue-in-cheek? Possibly, but you just knew Stein was the phenomenon who drove forward not only Celtic, but also Scottish football, forward into a new era, achieving goals that were believed to be simply outrageous in earlier times. The enthusiasm of the man was staggering.
He would often be found at obscure Junior grounds on a night off watching Cambuslang Rangers, Johnstone Burgh or Baillieston. A few days later he could be taking in Manchester United v. Benfica. Football was football in its many shape and forms for Big Jock. His hunger for knowledge was insatiable.
Sir Matt Busby, the Manchester United legend who was a close friend of Stein, once recalled: “There were a few of us talking about a game we had just seen and some of us were discussing a goal that had been scored. To say we were dumbfounded when Big Jock had his say was to put it mildly.
“He took the play back about a minute or so. He told us of how some player had chosen the wrong option and had given the ball away. How it was moved around before it found its way into the opponent’s net. He had a remarkable eye for detail and a memory bank that bordered on the impossible. As history shows, he put it all to a good use.”
Billy McNeill was his onfield general and he knew the man better than most. Okay, what was his secret? McNeill would reply: “He would always tell you to play to your strengths and disguise your weaknesses.
“He insisted you helped out a colleague who may not have been having the best of days. He told you it may be your turn in the next game to need assistance. He kept it simple.
“Big Jock never asked anyone to do something he didn’t believe they had the skills to cope with. We had a real mixture of players at Celtic Park and he was the man who fused all those talents together.”
Stein’s history has been well chronicled. He started as an awkward centre-half with Blantyre Victoria before moving to Albion Rovers in 1942 and then onto Welsh club Llanelli.
He returned to Scotland and Celtic in a £1,200 deal in December 1951. Many thought he was there as mainly a back-up defender and to help with the reserves. They reckoned without the desire and ambition of this man.
Jock swiftly won a place in the first team and led the club to their Coronation Cup success in 1953 and the League and Cup double the following season. He also skippered the side to victories in the Charity Cup (1953) and the Glasgow Cup (1955).
An ankle injury forced him out of the playing side of the game in 1956 and he was appointed coach of the reserve team. Celtic overlooked what he was achieving at this level and they allowed him to move onto relegation-threatened Dunfermline.
He saved them from the drop and guided them to a Scottish Cup triumph in 1961, beating, of all clubs, Celtic 2-0 in a replay. He took over as Hibs manager in April 1964 before Celtic, in disarray, sent out the SOS in 1965. He answered that call. Things were never to be the same again at Celtic Park.
The European Cup, 10 league championships, eight Scottish Cups and six League Cups were to cascade through the frontdoor at Celtic Park as Big Jock revolutionised the game in this country.
Victory in Lisbon in 1967 was of paramount importance for Stein as he pointed out immediately afterwards: “Even some of the Italian Press have been congratulating us. They were delighted we won. It is the trend for clubs to follow successful teams, who are winning things by playing defensive football. We hope our success will make the game better throughout Europe. We would like to think people will now follow our example.”
He left his beloved Celtic in 1978. After a short spell at Leeds United, he became manager of the Scotland international side. Jock Stein died on September 10, 1985 following a 1-1 World Cup qualifying draw with Wales at Ninian Park in Cardiff. He suffered a massive heart attack and died 30 minutes after the game.
In the words of the Tartan Army’s adopted national anthem: “When will we see his likes again?”
http://ift.tt/2xo65zu
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celticnoise · 4 years
Link
THE legendary Jock Stein, at the age of 62, passed away on this day 35 years ago. This is an extract from the Alex Gordon’s ‘Lisbon Lions: 40th Anniversary’ book which paid tribute to the Big Man.
JOCK STEIN had his back turned to the pitch when West German referee Kurt Tschenscher put the whistle to his lips and blew for full-time to bring to a halt the most epic encounter in Celtic’s history.
Celtic were triumphant. Celtic had conquered Europe; the first British club to do so. Stein turned slowly and brought up his fist in acclaim. “Yes!” he shouted to no-one in particular.
The Celtic bench, 30 yards away, had already joined the cavorting players on the field of the Estadio Nacional and were whooping it up with the best of them. There is a famous photograph of the Celtic bench leaping around on the touchline seconds after full-time.
There is assistant manager Sean Fallon, substitute goalkeeper John Fallon and backroom boys Neilly Mochan, Bob Rooney and Jimmy Steele catapulting to their feet in salute. There is no sign of the man who masterminded it all, though.
With time ticking down, Jock Stein had decided to go walkabout. He strolled down the touchline while the action took place only yards away. Celtic were on the brink of an historic breakthrough, minutes away from becoming only the fifth team to win the European Cup.
But Jock Stein, for once, couldn’t bear to look. Those last remaining seconds must have been agonising for the Celtic gaffer. His hard work, toil, graft and genius were all fully rewarded as soon as that whistle sounded.
EUROPEAN CONQUEROR…Jock Stein with the glittering prize.
Back in Glasgow the following evening, the Celtic manager was cornered live on television as his beaming players paraded the newly-won European Cup to the adoring thousands at Celtic Park who turned out to welcome back their heroes.
The commentator pushed the microphone towards Stein and said: “I am told the secret is that Celtic are one big happy family and you keep it that way.”
Stein thought for a moment and replied: “Actually, there is a better secret than that – we are a good football team.” Surely, the manager was playing down the achievements of a team that now ruled Europe.
Celtic weren’t merely a good football team – they were a magnificent football team who echoed the thoughts, methods and ambitions of their equally outstanding manager.
When Stein swept into Celtic Park in March 1965 he was paid the highest compliment by Hal Stewart, who was the flamboyant chairman of Morton. He told Big Jock: “You’re a real upstart. There we were, going about our business and getting away with it. Now you are at Celtic and we all have to buck up our ideas and start working at the game.”
Tongue-in-cheek? Possibly, but you just knew Stein was the phenomenon who drove forward not only Celtic, but also Scottish football, forward into a new era, achieving goals that were believed to be simply outrageous in earlier times. The enthusiasm of the man was staggering.
He would often be found at obscure Junior grounds on a night off watching Cambuslang Rangers, Johnstone Burgh or Baillieston. A few days later he could be taking in Manchester United v. Benfica. Football was football in its many shape and forms for Big Jock. His hunger for knowledge was insatiable.
Sir Matt Busby, the Manchester United legend who was a close friend of Stein, once recalled: “There were a few of us talking about a game we had just seen and some of us were discussing a goal that had been scored. To say we were dumbfounded when Big Jock had his say was to put it mildly.
  WELL DONE, BHOYS…Jock Stein congratulates skipper Billy McNeill after the 2-1 League Cup Final over Rangers in 1966. Ian Young, John Clark and Bobby Lennox await their turn.
“He took the play back about a minute or so. He told us of how some player had chosen the wrong option and had given the ball away. How it was moved around before it found its way into the opponent’s net. He had a remarkable eye for detail and a memory bank that bordered on the impossible. As history shows, he put it all to a good use.”
Billy McNeill was his onfield general and he knew the man better than most. Okay, what was his secret? McNeill would reply: “He would always tell you to play to your strengths and disguise your weaknesses.
“He insisted you helped out a colleague who may not have been having the best of days. He told you it may be your turn in the next game to need assistance. He kept it simple.
“Big Jock never asked anyone to do something he didn’t believe they had the skills to cope with. We had a real mixture of players at Celtic Park and he was the man who fused all those talents together.”
Stein’s history has been well chronicled. He started as an awkward centre-half with Blantyre Victoria before moving to Albion Rovers in 1942 and then onto Welsh club Llanelli.
He returned to Scotland and Celtic in a £1,200 deal in December 1951. Many thought he was there as mainly a back-up defender and to help with the reserves. They reckoned without the desire and ambition of this man.
Jock swiftly won a place in the first team and led the club to their Coronation Cup success in 1953 and the League and Cup double the following season. He also skippered the side to victories in the Charity Cup (1953) and the Glasgow Cup (1955).
An ankle injury forced him out of the playing side of the game in 1956 and he was appointed coach of the reserve team. Celtic overlooked what he was achieving at this level and they allowed him to move onto relegation-threatened Dunfermline.
He saved them from the drop and guided them to a Scottish Cup triumph in 1961, beating, of all clubs, Celtic 2-0 in a replay. He took over as Hibs manager in April 1964 before Celtic, in disarray, sent out the SOS in 1965. He answered that call. Things were never to be the same again at Celtic Park.
The European Cup, 10 league championships, eight Scottish Cups and six League Cups were to cascade through the frontdoor at Celtic Park as Big Jock revolutionised the game in this country.
HAIL THE HERO…Jock Stein is lifted shoulder high by Bobby Murdoch after the last league game of the all-conquering 1966/67 season. Also celebrating the 2-0 win over Kilmarnock at Celtic Park are Jimmy Johnstone, Bobby Lennox, Willie Wallace, Billy McNeill, Tommy Gemmell and John Cushley. Wallace and Lennox scored the goals on May 15 – 10 days before Lisbon.
Victory in Lisbon in 1967 was of paramount importance for Stein as he pointed out immediately afterwards: “Even some of the Italian Press have been congratulating us. They were delighted we won. It is the trend for clubs to follow successful teams, who are winning things by playing defensive football. We hope our success will make the game better throughout Europe. We would like to think people will now follow our example.”
He left his beloved Celtic in 1978. After a short spell at Leeds United, he became manager of the Scotland international side. Jock Stein died on September 10, 1985 following a 1-1 World Cup qualifying draw with Wales at Ninian Park in Cardiff. He suffered a massive heart attack and died 30 minutes after the game.
In the words of the Tartan Army’s adopted national anthem: “When will we see your like again?”
* ‘The Lisbon Lions: The 40th Anniversary’ by Alex Gordon; published by Black and White, 2007.
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celticnoise · 5 years
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THE legendary Jock Stein, at the age of 62, passed away on this day 34 years ago. This is an extract from the Alex Gordon’s ‘Lisbon Lions: 40th Anniversary’ book which paid tribute to the Big Man.
JOCK STEIN had his back turned to the pitch when West German referee Kurt Tschenscher put the whistle to his lips and blew for full-time to bring to a halt the most epic encounter in Celtic’s history.
Celtic were triumphant. Celtic had conquered Europe; the first British club to do so. Stein turned slowly and brought up his fist in acclaim. “Yes!” he shouted to no-one in particular.
The Celtic bench, 30 yards away, had already joined the cavorting players on the field of the Estadio Nacional and were whooping it up with the best of them. There is a famous photograph of the Celtic bench leaping around on the touchline seconds after full-time.
There is assistant manager Sean Fallon, substitute goalkeeper John Fallon and backroom boys Neilly Mochan, Bob Rooney and Jimmy Steele catapulting to their feet in salute. There is no sign of the man who masterminded it all, though.
With time ticking down, Jock Stein had decided to go walkabout. He strolled down the touchline while the action took place only yards away. Celtic were on the brink of an historic breakthrough, minutes away from becoming only the fifth team to win the European Cup.
But Jock Stein, for once, couldn’t bear to look. Those last remaining seconds must have been agonising for the Celtic gaffer. His hard work, toil, graft and genius were all fully rewarded as soon as that whistle sounded.
  EUROPEAN CONQUEROR…Jock Stein with the glittering prize.
Back in Glasgow the following evening, the Celtic manager was cornered live on television as his beaming players paraded the newly-won European Cup to the adoring thousands at Celtic Park who turned out to welcome back their heroes.
The commentator pushed the microphone towards Stein and said: “I am told the secret is that Celtic are one big happy family and you keep it that way.”
Stein thought for a moment and replied: “Actually, there is a better secret than that – we are a good football team.” Surely, the manager was playing down the achievements of a team that now ruled Europe.
Celtic weren’t merely a good football team – they were a magnificent football team who echoed the thoughts, methods and ambitions of their equally outstanding manager.
When Stein swept into Celtic Park in March 1965 he was paid the highest compliment by Hal Stewart, who was the flamboyant chairman of Morton. He told Big Jock: “You’re a real upstart. There we were, going about our business and getting away with it. Now you are at Celtic and we all have to buck up our ideas and start working at the game.”
Tongue-in-cheek? Possibly, but you just knew Stein was the phenomenon who drove forward not only Celtic, but also Scottish football, forward into a new era, achieving goals that were believed to be simply outrageous in earlier times. The enthusiasm of the man was staggering.
He would often be found at obscure Junior grounds on a night off watching Cambuslang Rangers, Johnstone Burgh or Baillieston. A few days later he could be taking in Manchester United v. Benfica. Football was football in its many shape and forms for Big Jock. His hunger for knowledge was insatiable.
Sir Matt Busby, the Manchester United legend who was a close friend of Stein, once recalled: “There were a few of us talking about a game we had just seen and some of us were discussing a goal that had been scored. To say we were dumbfounded when Big Jock had his say was to put it mildly.
  WELL DONE, BHOYS…Jock Stein congratulates skipper Billy McNeill after the 2-1 League Cup Final over Rangers in 1966. Ian Young, John Clark and Bobby Lennox await their turn.
“He took the play back about a minute or so. He told us of how some player had chosen the wrong option and had given the ball away. How it was moved around before it found its way into the opponent’s net. He had a remarkable eye for detail and a memory bank that bordered on the impossible. As history shows, he put it all to a good use.”
Billy McNeill was his onfield general and he knew the man better than most. Okay, what was his secret? McNeill would reply: “He would always tell you to play to your strengths and disguise your weaknesses.
“He insisted you helped out a colleague who may not have been having the best of days. He told you it may be your turn in the next game to need assistance. He kept it simple.
“Big Jock never asked anyone to do something he didn’t believe they had the skills to cope with. We had a real mixture of players at Celtic Park and he was the man who fused all those talents together.”
Stein’s history has been well chronicled. He started as an awkward centre-half with Blantyre Victoria before moving to Albion Rovers in 1942 and then onto Welsh club Llanelli.
He returned to Scotland and Celtic in a £1,200 deal in December 1951. Many thought he was there as mainly a back-up defender and to help with the reserves. They reckoned without the desire and ambition of this man.
Jock swiftly won a place in the first team and led the club to their Coronation Cup success in 1953 and the League and Cup double the following season. He also skippered the side to victories in the Charity Cup (1953) and the Glasgow Cup (1955).
An ankle injury forced him out of the playing side of the game in 1956 and he was appointed coach of the reserve team. Celtic overlooked what he was achieving at this level and they allowed him to move onto relegation-threatened Dunfermline.
He saved them from the drop and guided them to a Scottish Cup triumph in 1961, beating, of all clubs, Celtic 2-0 in a replay. He took over as Hibs manager in April 1964 before Celtic, in disarray, sent out the SOS in 1965. He answered that call. Things were never to be the same again at Celtic Park.
The European Cup, 10 league championships, eight Scottish Cups and six League Cups were to cascade through the frontdoor at Celtic Park as Big Jock revolutionised the game in this country.
HAIL THE HERO…Jock Stein is lifted shoulder high by Bobby Murdoch after the last league game of the all-conquering 1966/67 season. Also celebrating the 2-0 win over Kilmarnock at Celtic Park are Jimmy Johnstone, Bobby Lennox, Willie Wallace, Billy McNeill, Tommy Gemmell and John Cushley. Wallace and Lennox scored the goals on May 15 – 10 days before Lisbon.
Victory in Lisbon in 1967 was of paramount importance for Stein as he pointed out immediately afterwards: “Even some of the Italian Press have been congratulating us. They were delighted we won. It is the trend for clubs to follow successful teams, who are winning things by playing defensive football. We hope our success will make the game better throughout Europe. We would like to think people will now follow our example.”
He left his beloved Celtic in 1978. After a short spell at Leeds United, he became manager of the Scotland international side. Jock Stein died on September 10, 1985 following a 1-1 World Cup qualifying draw with Wales at Ninian Park in Cardiff. He suffered a massive heart attack and died 30 minutes after the game.
In the words of the Tartan Army’s adopted national anthem: “When will we see your like again?”
* ‘The Lisbon Lions: The 40th Anniversary’ by Alex Gordon; published by Black and White, 2007.
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