A new state-of-the-art 4g sports pitch named after iconic Celtic FC and Scotland legend Billy McNeill has been officially opened in Motherwell.
Billy’s wife Liz McNeill was on hand to help mark the opening of the new ‘Billy McNeill Sports Park’ which is within the grounds of his former school at Our Lady’s High.
A member of the famous Lisbon Lions, Billy and his teammates from that side are already immortalised in North Lanarkshire’s sporting hall of fame at Ravenscraig Sports Centre.
Sadly, Billy passed away in April 2019 after battling with dementia. His wife Liz was joined by pupils and teachers from Our Lady’s High School and Frank McNally, convener of education.
Another player from that all conquering side from 1967, the first British team to win the European Cup, Bobby Murdoch, also attended Our Lady’s HS.
Celtic FC, Chief Executive Michael Nicholson said: “It is magnificent that Billy’s name will adorn this new pitch, acting I am sure as a huge inspiration to so many young people from different school and community teams, across a variety of sports.
“Billy will forever be regarded as an icon of sport, not just in Scotland, but globally, for all he achieved.
“While achieving such greatness, Billy also represented Celtic and Scotland with professionalism, dedication and humility.
“I am sure that Billy’s family will be very proud that through this new sporting facility named after him, these values will continue to live on as a true example to young people for generations to come.”
The high school, founded in 1888 the same year as Celtic FC, has had other famous former pupils including Manchester United great Sir Matt Busby, former Motherwell FC player Stephen Pearson and Arsenal fullback and former Celtic star Kieran Tierney.
The all-weather 11-a-side pitch will be used by the school and local community teams and organisations for a number of sports including football and hockey.
Frank McNally said: “We are all delighted to see this first-class pitch now open and being used by our school pupils and the local community. The building was initially delayed during the Covid-19 pandemic and we are very grateful to the McNeill family for being here to help with its official launch.
“The term legend really does apply to Billy McNeill; he was an inspirational figure and an all-time footballing great. Billy was proud of his North Lanarkshire roots and hopefully this park will help produce more great sports men and women for us to be proud of.”
