Exclusive:'Has to change': Celtic legend tells club what needs to be done after landing ultimate accolade
The Jim Craig Govan Foundation unveiled plans this week for a statue to be erected where the now 82-year-old was born
Jim Craig has left an indelible mark on the world of football ... and dentistry.
Not only was he a vital component of the most famous team in Celtic’s history when they won the European Cup in 1967, his contributions to the sport and his subsequent decision to embark on a career as a dental practitioner after hanging up his boots make a compelling case for honouring a humble hero with a statue in his birthplace of Govan.
One of three surviving Lisbon Lions, Craig - now 82 - looks as sprightly as ever as he takes his seat alongside wife Elisabeth at the launch of the Jim Craig Govan Foundation, at Glasgow’s Irish Centre where plans have been unveiled to immortalise the Celtic legend with his own sculpture.
“Well, he’d have been astonished,” Craig tells The Scotsman when asked what a young, aspiring footballer who dreamt of representing his beloved Celts would have made of such a tribute. “It's absolutely amazing and a privilege to hear there’s a statue being done in my honour, especially in the area where I was brought up.
“I’ve been fortunate to go through my life as a Lisbon Lion where I get treated very well wherever I go. Starting out, I'd never in a million years have believed this would happen, not at all. Everyone played their part in such an iconic team and I feel so lucky to have played with them.”
Craig made over 230 appearances for Celtic, winning 14 major honours including the European Cup final triumph over Inter Milan in 1967, after signing for the club as a teenager four years earlier.
Why Jim Craig opted to embark on a dentistry career post-retirement
Known as ‘Cairney’ by his teammates - a nickname carved from the 60s TV show called ‘That Man Craig’ whose main character was played by actor and Celtic fan, John Cairney – Craig later embarked on a long and successful career as a dentist after opting against the traditional path into coaching or management.
It’s a decision he looks back on with much satisfaction.
“Try anything would be my advice,” he explains. “The world is a big, big place and there are lots of opportunities out there so just get your head down and achieve what you want to achieve.
“I was studying dentistry whilst I was playing my football for Celtic, tough going by the way ... I was at university at the time when I signed, doing 9-1 lectures and working 2-5 with patients before travelling to Celtic Park to play for the first-team on a Wednesday night and a Saturday afternoon. It was hard going and I found it really tough at the time, but I was young and had plenty of energy so you just get on with it.
“I remember it was a hell of a long way by bus to get to Celtic Park from Govan, because I didn't have a car in those days. But I would advise anybody the sky’s the limit. Make a name for something and go with it, whatever you want to do, just keep going and you’ll get there.”
Where Martin O’Neill ranks among pantheon of Celtic managerial greats
While amiable Craig will always be fondly remembered as one of Jock Stein’s team of greats, he regards current interim manager Martin O’Neill as another iconic figure in Celtic’s long and illustrious history.
“No, not until somebody else wins a European Cup,” Craig jokingly responds to being asked if O’Neill would stand alongside Stein as one of greatest Celtic managers of all-time should he manage to steer the club to Premiership title success at the end of a turbulent campaign.
“In all seriousness, though, Europe is still so important for the club, there’s where you’ve got to make your mark. Unfortunately, they didn't do particularly well in Europe this season, and in previous seasons.
“Of course, Martin would be a hero if he could win the league this season. They got a shock at the weekend [losing 2-0 to Dundee United]. But I think the biggest difference from my generation to now if that there were more teams back then likely to cause you trouble; Hibs, Hearts, Dundee United, Dundee, Aberdeen etc.
“But money talks. It would be nice to play nowadays, mind you, with the money in the game! Back in my day, you earned £52 a week, and the bonus was £30 a point. So by winning you doubled your bonus, because it was two points back then. Now, when I hear players are on upwards of £40,000 a year, it's crazy.”
Premiership title race will come down to how Hearts handle the pressure
Fast forward to the present day and the Scottish football landscape has shifted. Hearts have emerged as a significant new force driven by investment from Brighton & Hove Albion owner Tony Bloom and strategic structural changes.
This season, Derek McInnes’ side have established themselves as a serious challenger to Celtic and Rangers at the top of the Premiership. They are threatening to disrupt the traditional Old Firm dominance and have a three-point lead at the top with only seven league games remaining.
“It has been a strange old season,” Craig admits. “I think this current Celtic team are doing alright and I do believe we'll win the league, but it will be really tight because a lot depends on how Hearts go. Rangers have been blowing hot and cold, but Hearts are still there and could be a bit of a nuisance. I think it will depend on how they react to the situation in the next few weeks. Can they sustain this challenge or are they beginning to struggle under the pressure?
“Europe for Celtic has shown up some deficiencies, so whether they have to bring new players in this summer or change the style a wee bit is up to those running the club. But certainly I think everybody was disappointed that we went out of Europe with a bit of a whimper. That has to change.”
Click HERE to find out more about the Jim Craig Govan Foundation.
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.