McNeill leads tributes to Celtic legend Simpson

LISBON LIONS captain Billy McNeill has led the tributes to former Celtic team-mate Ronnie Simpson.

The one-time Hoops and Newcastle goalkeeper has died at the age of 73 after a heart attack.

Simpson kept goal at Parkhead between 1964 and 1970 after twice winning the FA Cup with the Magpies in the 1950s.

McNeill described the death of Simpson as adding to the feeling of lost of invincibility among the Celtic heroes who beat Inter Milan on May 25, 1967 following the death of Bobby Murdoch two years ago.

McNeill said: “When Bobby died, it was particularly hard because we lost our invincibility. Now Ronnie has joined him and it is a very sad day for me.

“Ronnie was a lovely man, great company, a terrific colleague and the perfect goalkeeper for us. I have lots and lots of fond memories of Ronnie but, unfortunately, they are only memories now.”

Simpson continued to work at Parkhead to the present day on match days in the hospitality suites.