A statue commemorating Jock Stein, former Celtic manager and one of the most significant figures in Scottish football, is to be erected at the gates of Celtic Park.

The club announced that a statue is to be placed outside the ground to mark the 25th anniversary of his death.

He died in September 1985 after suffering a heart attack while managing the Scotland team. He died at the end of a game against Wales that helped secure the national team's place in the 1986 World Cup.

Celtic Chairman John Reid said: "2010 marks the 25th anniversary of Jock's passing - in this year there will be great sadness as we remember the tragic events in Cardiff, however we felt it important that we also mark this year with this important announcement."

"Jock will forever be truly remembered as one of the world's football greats.  He was a man of immense stature and someone who gave so much to Scottish football.   

"As the Lisbon Lions will testify, Jock Stein was instrumental in their success, he was the man who instilled their drive and belief, he was the man who carried them to victory on that famous night in Lisbon - The first British Club to win the European Cup, nine titles in a row, 15 domestic cup wins and success at international level - a remarkable achievement and one which clearly is most deserving of high honour."

"Already Jock's great name graces the famous 'Celtic End' at Celtic Park. The Board of Directors felt it was important that Jock now took his rightful place at the gates of Celtic Park.  

"What a fine quartet of men will now adorn the steps of Paradise - the Club's founder, Brother Walfrid, Jimmy Johnstone the man voted Celtic's greatest ever player, the wonderful Tommy Burns and now, the magnificent Jock Stein."
 
Lisbon Lions Captain and Celtic Ambassador Billy McNeill commented: "Jock Stein is a true great within the world of football and it is magnificent that he is to be honoured in this way at the Club he loved so much.   

"He was one of the finest men and the greatest manager I ever worked with.”

"He made us what we were as a team and he was the major factor in the Club's success during his reign as manager - without him, none of it would have been possible.   

"Every Celtic supporter holds Jock Stein in equally high esteem and I know they will be delighted that he is to be remembered in this way."  

While associated firmly with Celtic Football Club, he also managed Dunfermline Athletic, Hibernian and briefly Leeds United. Jock Stein also managed the Scottish National team from 1978 until his death in 1985.    

He was voted the greatest Scottish football manager in a 2003 poll.