Former Celtic captain Murdo McLeod tells BBC Radio Scotland that his former manager was "hard as nails" during his playing days.

"He was a traditional centre half - big strong and fearless. He told stories of the strikers he used to play with. It was punches and kicks. It wasn’t like today. He was hard as nails. Big Billy was always the gaffer. That must have been great for Jock Stein, having someone like that on the pitch."

Here's a snippet of Billy McNeill talking to BBC Scotland about winning the league and Scottish Cup double in Celtic’s centenary season 1987-88.

It was sealed thanks to Frank McAvennie’s late double in the 2-1 win over Dundee United, the cup-winner coming in the last minute at Hampden.

“It was a fabulous achievement," he recalled in a 2010 interview. "The boys loved it. That shower of boys we had then were different class.

“So many things happened in my career at Celtic. There’s a mystery about it. It’s absolutely brilliant.

“I think there is that aspect about Celtic. There’s something in the shape of mystic that happens at times. It was terrific.”

Image source, SNS

Former Celtic captain Murdo MacLeod, who played under Billy McNeill, tells BBC Radio Scotland: "He was always the gaffer and was always treated with so much respect. He was also the best man-manager I have ever played under. He was a leader of men. I was 20, Tommy Burns, 22, when he steered us to win the title [in season 1978-79]."

Broadcaster Archie Macpherson was part of the BBC commentary team when Celtic won the European Cup in 1967.

He tells Radio Scotland: "I feel very sad. The memories of Lisbon come flooding in. They are the obvious ones.

"When he retired, too early in my opinion, I ear marked him as a potential broadcaster. He joined me as a co-commentator for cup finals and the World Cup (Spain 1982).

"He was, in an age when we talk about lack of leadership in the political world, manifestly a leader, with a kind of straight backed determination. He led by example and was always coherent. He had it all, inspiring people both by his example and the way he could speak."

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Football journalist Alison McConnell talking to BBC Radio Scotland...

"The iconic and enduring image of Billy McNeill is of him lifting the European Cup. It’s a fundamental aspect to how this club sees itself. But for those that knew him he was always a friendly and willing face around he club. If you go down south and ask people about Billy McNeill they’ll also know he was the first British man to lift the European Cup."

Image source, SNS

John Clark's daughter tweets...

That is a belter of a photo of the two old room-mates snoozing either side of the European Cup!

Former Celtic chairman Michael Kelly tells BBC Radio Scotland: "Billy is a legend in Celtic history, an inspiration. He set the standards that future Celtic teams aspire to.

"As a player, his presence and size dominated the centre of the park. He combined greatness as a player with the right temperament and attitude. I once saw him after a Scottish Cup defeat at Hampden go round the dressing room and compliment each of the players. That was inspirational leadership. He was great in defeat and victory. The other players would drop dead for him."

Former Scotland international and broadcaster Pat Nevin remembers Billy McNeill as "the loveliest man".

"I was one of his very first signings at Celtic as a S-form, he was so kind to me and absolutely everyone - the gentleman side of his personality was so special. He had so much, he'd won so much and had so much respect. The word legend is grossly overused, but not when it comes to Billy McNeill because of what he did for football.

"It was a golden era for Scottish football and Celtic, winning nine in a row and Billy was captain for all that time. As centre-back he was always there, he was a strong player, good at reading the game and a great understanding with John Clarke beside him.

"Jock Stein was the best I've ever seen as a manager and coach and intellectually what he gave to a football team, but he had to have a first lieutenant on the field - and that was Billy McNeill. That speaks great volumes.

"He had that strength of personality A first among equals in a great team."

Image source, Getty Images

More of your messages on Twitter...

Stephen Connelly: Sadly missed never forgotten

Mark Vint: RIP Billy A true Legend

Edvarski: I remember as a wee boy, many moons ago, watching Billy and Jimmy Johnstone play, in the slaughter match against Partick Thistle. They absolutely crucified Partick that Saturday. I believe it was 10-0! Those were the good old days of Barrowland magic. That must be 55 years ago.

Sir Alex Ferguson, who counts Dunfermline and Rangers among his former clubs as a rumbustious striker, has been recalling his duels on the park with the late Billy McNeill.

The former Aberdeen and Manchester United manager said: “I, like everyone in Scotland today, was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Billy McNeill.

“He was a giant in Scottish football, a man with an incredible presence and I'll always cherish the fact that we entered professional football at the same time. We played against each other on many occasions and, as anyone who played against him will testify, he was the fairest of players.

“He was also a truly good man and will be a loss to everyone who knew him. Farewell Cesar.”

Image source, Getty Images

As a tribute to Billy McNeill, BBC Scotland will look back on one of his greatest achievements this evening.

The 2017 Scottish Bafta-winning documentary Glasgow 1967: The Lisbon Lions will be repeated at 20:00 BST.

We've got a few clips to whet your appetite...

Billy McNeill signed Frank McGarvey from Liverpool in 1980, with the striker going on to bang in 113 goals in 245 Celtic appearances.

"It is a very, very sad day," he said. "He was loved by all the players and you don't hear that about all managers.

"He was the captain of the first team to win the European Cup. As a manager, he was a great manager. He won a lot of trophies with Celtic on and off the pitch but not only that, he was a great person, a fantastic man.

"He would do anything to help you."

Image source, SNS

Billy McNeill began his management career in April 1977 but he quickly moved on to Aberdeen at the end of the season.