Lisbon Lion Jim Craig has told Celtic that their early European exits have to change.
The club’s modern European results have been a far cry from the history made during Jock Stein’s tenure, for reasons both in and out of the club’s control.
There’s no denying that the landscape of UEFA competition has changed drastically since then, but even punching at their own financial weight has often been too much to ask for Celtic in recent years.
And if a Lisbon Lion is telling you that it has to change, you should probably listen.
Celtic fans would you rather: Win the Europa League but miss out on the league title?
Or… get knocked out of the Europa League and win the title?
Jim Craig says Celtic have been exiting Europe ‘with a whimper’
Speaking about the team’s campaign so far, the 82-year-old told The Scotsman: “It has been a strange old season.
“l 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.
READ MORE: Neil Lennon addresses Dunfermline speculation as Celtic legend voices plans
“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.”
“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.”
Bang on the money from a true legend. Does he fancy the job in the summer?
Should the Celtic board take responsibility for the SPFL losing a Champions League spot?
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Campaign for Celtic legend Jim Craig’s statue in Govan
Craig was speaking at the launch of the campaign for the legendary defender to be honoured with a statue in Govan.
The Jim Craig Govan Foundation unveiled the plans for the statue on Wednesday, planning to erect the statue on Govan Road, directly across from his former primary school, St. Anthony’s.
The Lisbon Lion made over 200 appearances for Celtic between 1965 and 1972, winning 16 major trophies.
He had been studying Dental Studies at Glasgow University until switching fully to a professional contract at Parkhead.
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