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Hail Hail Cesar (Bill McNeill)

Daniel McDonagh

Tuesday, April 3rd, 2007

1 Leave a comment on verse 1 0 There we stood, at old Hampden Park
In the enclosure we sang, standing at the back,
A sea of green enjoyed a day in the sun,
Looking forward to seeing the Scottish Cup being won.

2 Leave a comment on verse 2 0 The terraces of Hampden were packed that day
For Billy McNeill, his last Celtic game, he would play,
Cesar’s legacy as captain had came to an end
As he retired from football to become a Celtic legend.

3 Leave a comment on verse 3 0 From Lanarkshire to Hampden, Airdrieonians made their way
To cause an upset on that Cup Final day,
But the Scottish Cup would return once more
Back along the Gallowgate and through Parkhead’s door.

4 Leave a comment on verse 4 0 I stood with my father jostling from side to side
Trying to see the bhoys in the famous green & white,
I only saw glimpses of the game, never saw who scored
As I was dwarfed by the crowd, lost in the Hampden Roar.

5 Leave a comment on verse 5 0 He told me that Paul Wilson had put the ’Tic up by one
As Hampden broke out to the tune of Celtic songs being sung,
He put me on his shoulders, as I looked over the crowd,
To McNeill & the Bhoys, I shouted out loud.

6 Leave a comment on verse 6 0 Another goal by Wilson & a penalty by Pat McCluskey
Gave Celtic a memorable 24th Scottish Cup victory,
A double celebration for my father on that 3rd of May
As he would have a wee drink for the Celtic and his birthday the next day.

7 Leave a comment on verse 7 0 When the ref blew for full-time, we raised our voice
And watched McNeill climb the stairs, his last trophy to hoist;
The legions of fans applauded the bold Billy McNeill
As the players took him on their shoulders & paraded him onto the field.

8 Leave a comment on verse 8 0 So, in May 1975 on a glorious sunny Glasgow day
The old Scottish Cup headed back down Paradise way
The Celtic faithful said goodbye to a legendary player,
Were the Hoops was the only shirt that he would ever wear.

Source: http://footballpoets.org/poems/hail-hail-cesar-bill-mcneill/