Celtic mourn McBride

Former Celtic, Motherwell and Hibernian striker Joe McBride has died, aged 74.

McBride, who played for the Hoops between June 1965 and November 1968, passed away at Glasgow Royal Infirmary on Wednesday night having suffered a suspected stroke at the weekend, Celtic confirmed on Thursday morning.

He suffered a mid-season injury which ruled him out of Celtic's 1967 European Cup triumph over Inter Milan in Lisbon, having already scored 35 goals in 26 games during the campaign.

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell paid tribute to McBride, who had also worked as an ambassador for the club. "The passing of Joe McBride is tragic news," he told the club's official website.

"Joe was a very fine man, an absolute gentleman and someone who gave tremendous service to the club over a number of years.

"It was a privilege to know Joe and it was fantastic that someone who gave so much to Celtic was still involved with the club in a number of ways - he will truly be sadly missed by everyone at Celtic."
Peter Lawwell Quotes of the week

"It was a privilege to know Joe and it was fantastic that someone who gave so much to Celtic was still involved with the club in a number of ways - he will truly be sadly missed by everyone at Celtic.

"The thoughts of everyone at the club are very much with Joe's family at this very difficult time."

The Scotland international had a formidable strike rate during his career, especially whilst at Celtic, where his goalscoring exploits rank amongst the best in the club's illustrious history.

McBride started his career with Kilmarnock before an unsuccessful time in England led to him moving to Partick and Motherwell and then on to Celtic.

Great success followed as he won two league championships and a couple of League Cups with the Hoops, scoring 86 goals in 94 games for the club.

Terrible news

Current Celtic boss Neil Lennon also offered the sympathies of everyone at the club.

"The loss of Joe is terrible news. It was a pleasure to be in Joe's company and on a personal level, Joe was someone who was always very supportive to myself," he said.

"The loss of Joe is terrible news. It was a pleasure to be in Joe's company and on a personal level, Joe was someone who was always very supportive to myself."
Neil Lennon Quotes of the week

"I know Joe Junior (McBride's son) well too and on behalf of the whole management and backroom team, and the players, we offer our sincere condolences to Joe's family. We know this will be a very difficult time for them all."

Three of McBride's former clubs also issued tributes on their respective websites.

Hibernian, who signed McBride after his successful spell at Celtic, praised his 'huge impact' during his time with them.

"Hibernian Football Club is saddened to learn of the death of former player Joe McBride last night," a statement on their official website read.

"A prolific striker, McBride's association with Hibernian was brief - totalling 91 appearances in just over two years - but he made a huge impact and scored a phenomenal 58 goals.

"Our sincere thoughts are with his family at this difficult time - he left a lasting impression on our club and he will always be remembered with great affection."

Difficult time

"We take a great sense of pride in his achievements whilst he was at Fir Park and how players of his quality graced our club in what was a golden era in terms of quality of football and the Summer Cup in 1965."
Leeann Dempster Quotes of the week

McBride's form during his time at Motherwell, where he was the side's top goalscorer for three successive seasons, led to then-Celtic manager Jock Stein signing him.

Motherwell's chief executive Leeann Dempster said fans of the club will always remember McBride's contribution during his time at Fir Park.

"We were saddened to hear of Joe's death early this morning," she said.

"Although Joe will probably be remembered by most in the Scotland football world for his time with Celtic, Motherwell fans who had the pleasure of seeing him blossom will always hold him in high regard.

"We take a great sense of pride in his achievements whilst he was at Fir Park and how players of his quality graced our club in what was a golden era in terms of quality of football and the Summer Cup in 1965."

Partick, McBride's club between 1960 and 1962, also paid their respects.

Their online statement read: "All at Firhill were saddened to learn today of the passing of one of our former players, Joe McBride.

"Our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this difficult time."