Jock Stein Denied British Knighthood After 'The Battle Of River Plate'

Newly released British Government files contain information that indicate Jock Stein was denied a knighthood after Celtic fought out 'The Battle of River Plate' with Racing Club in the Intercontinental Club Cup. Papers released under the Freedom of Information Act last week by the Scottish Executive show that Stein was dropped from the 1968 New Year's Honors list after a tough game between the Hoops and Argentine champions Racing Club in a replayed play-off game in Montevideo to decide the world's best club side. During the match on 4 November 1967 - their third meeting after the two-legged final ended in an 2-2 draw on aggregate - six players were sent off, four from Celtic. Celtic lost 1-0 in the play-off after being kicked all over the field, with the Argies especially targeting Jimmy Johnstone. Stein had been expected to receive an honor for leading Celtic to a famous European Cup win in Lisbon over Internazionale in May 1967. But a letter sent by the Scottish Office to Prime Minister Harold Wilson in 1970 revealed how Stein's name was removed from the list. It read: 'When Glasgow Celtic became the first British club to win the European Cup in 1967, we failed to recognize this with an honor for Stein to whom, as manager, a great deal of the credit was due. His name was I understand removed from the New Year's Honors list because of the unfortunate events in South America.

The next year when Manchester United won the European Cup an immediate knighthood went to Matt Busby in the birthday list. Had we been able to move as quickly the previous year, Stein would have had his honor before the troubles in Argentina.'

Former British home Secretary John Reid's office have cooled speculation he will become a Celtic director after leaving the Cabinet. The 60-year-old M.P. for the constituency of Airdrie and Shotts is stepping down as Home Secretary following the change of Labour Party leadership and will revert to being a backbencher at Westminster. According to reports, Celtic supporter Reid is considering an approach to join the board at Parkhead. A spokeswoman for Dr Reid said he was still considering his next moves. The spokeswoman said: "John Reid has made no final decisions about any future roles he will undertake once he stands down from office."

Celtic have dismissed continued reports linking Shunsuke Nakamura with a move to the English Premiership. It has been claimed in the papers that the star has a clause in his contract that would allow him to leave Parkhead for just £1m. However, the reports that came from agent Angelo Massoni, which added to speculation linking to Nakamura with a move to either Tottenham, Liverpool or Aston Villa has been denied. Hoops chief executive Peter Lawwell said: "Naka is under contract for one more year and we have an option for another 12 months after that. We have had no indication from anyone who matters that he wants to leave this club. There is no get-out clause in his contract. End of story."

Massimo Donati will wear the number 18 jersey vacated by Neil Lennon for the Bhoys next season and the significance of adopting that number has not been lost on the Italian midfielder. "I knew Lennon wore this shirt before and I understand it's a very important number," he said. "I understand the responsibility I have wearing this shirt. I knew that the number was free and I want to wear it and honor the player that wore it before me and perhaps even try to do better." Donati is determined to play a part in bringing more silverware to the east end of Glasgow this term. He said: "Coming from Italy, I've heard so many wonderful things about the club but seeing is believing. Since I've been here it has been wonderful. I've only been here for 24 hours but so far it has been a fantastic experience. I want to play in a winning team, a team that wins championships. I also really want to play in the Champions League."

West Brom are to make a second raid on Celtic by snapping up Bobo Balde. The Hawthorns side - who are on the verge of signing Craig Beattie - are keen to add the Guinean international as boss Tony Mowbray is desperate to go one better than last season when he was pipped for Premiership gold in the play-off final by Derby County. And he knows Balde could add considerable strength to his challenge to go up next time. The former Hibs' manager is well aware of the qualities the big defender has. If Mowbray does go for Balde it would probably cost around £1million, which would go to Bhoys boss Gordon Strachan in addition to the £2m he will get from the sale of Beattie and goalkeeper David Marshall to Norwich City. It will be another huge huge cash windfall for Strachan but, almost as importantly, it will free up something like £30,000-a-week in wages.

New Bhoy Chris Killen is confident he can succeed where Craig Beattie failed by becoming a first-team fixture at Celtic next season. "Coming to a big club, I understand there is going to be a lot of competition for not a massive amount of jerseys. "It's something I'm looking forward to. If I don't start off with a jersey, I'll make sure that I try to get one. I haven't come here to play second fiddle - I've come here to play and I'll be working super-hard to get myself on that pitch. At the end of the day, it's the manager's decision but I'll make it hard for him and I'll be working really hard."