The Hotline tributes for the life of Celtic great Billy McNeill continued to pour in from both sides of Glasgow’s Old Firm divide.
As Scottish football mourned a legend, differences were set aside to talk of a man who’s legacy will be of class and decency as well as a superb skipper and manager of his club.
James Forsyth, Bellshill, said: “As a Rangers supporter I would like to pay tribute to Billy. He came from an era where the Old Firm players had respect and respectable banter amongst themselves. A captain in every way and the current crop of players could learn from him and John Greig. RIP Billy.”
Denis Bruce, Bishopbriggs, said: “Neil Lennon should tell his players that the third treble will be dedicated to the memory of Celtic's greatest ever captain.
"If that can't motivate them out of their holiday mood, they don't deserve to be at Parkhead."
Iain Alan, emailed: “RIP big man from a Dons supporter, a true leader and a class act both on the field and off it. Billy did a great job in assembling a good squad of players at Aberdeen before moving back to Celtic. Sincere condolences to all his loved ones."
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Jim Kerr, Renfrew, said: "If ever a man born to wear a Celtic strip then it was Billy. He was my hero and a class act on and off the park he once invited me to climb onto the team bus and I sat at the front with him and John Clark. It was a typically generous gesture from the man."
Billy Thomson, Pollok, said: "Billy was a legend in every sense of the word and stands alongside the likes of Tommy Burns as the epitome of a Celtic great. I'm a Rangers fan but I would like to pay my respects, we lost Eric Caldow recently and another great man has been taken from us."
George Wilson, West Sussex, said: “Billy was a man who commanded respect across the board as a Celtic captain and a man."
William Hutchison, Aberdeen, said: “Another Lisbon Lion has been taken from us and I am sure it’s shock to every football fan, no matter who you support. You had to admire and respect one of true greats.”
James Robertson, Dennistoun, said: "To be considered a true great then you have to achieve something truly original and as captain the first British club he was unique and can't be surpassed. Billy's achievement has been set in stone."
Now to the Scotland vacancy.
John Hay, Peterhead, said: “Why don’t the SFA consider David Robertson as the new boss of the national side. His family still live in Aberdeen and he has worked wonders at Indian club Real Kashmir. It would be a bold appointment but maybe it's just what Scotland need."
Craig McBride, Wishaw, said: "If Derek McInnes wants the Scotland job then he should be granted his wish as soon as possible.
"The SFA need to ask the question and not allow the search for a new manager to become a saga, just as it did the last time when they failed to land Michael O'Neill. McInnes is young and vibrant, he's the ideal choice to replace Alex McLeish and the Tartan Army would rally around him."
Eddie Carruthers, Shotts, said: "It's the usual suspects for the Scotland job but we need someone in quickly as I don't want Malky Mackay or Scot Gemmill to take the team on a caretaker basis. I'd be happy with either McInnes or Davie Moyes but we need an appointment as soon as possible so he can prepare for the games coming up."
