The story of Celtic and the New Year Honours List

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The Celtic Star

·30 December 2025

The story of Celtic and the New Year Honours List

The news that Celtic figures Fergus McCann and Lisbon Lion Jim Craig have been named in the New Year Honours list has provoked surprise from some Celtic and (the)Rangers fans…

Fergus McCann, Celtic Chief Executive 28 March 1994: Photo Mary Evans Allstar, Graham Whitby Boot.

Fergus McCann has been given a CBE for his charitable work, but newspaper reports have all referenced his role in “saving Celtic”, confusing Ibrox supporters who don’t think clubs can die. Jim Craig has been awarded an OBE.

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Ex Celtic player and Lisbon Lion Jim Craig is seen during the Premiership match between Celtic and Kilmarnock at Celtic Park on November 09, 2025 (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

However, many Celtic fans are critical because they dislike the Honours system itself. In reality though, this announcement is nothing new; numerous Celtic figures have previously been recognised in this manner.

The origin of football figures receiving honours can be traced back to just before the start of World War One. Lord Kinnaird – who was President of the Football Association – received the Order of the Thistle.

Kinnaird later had a small Celtic connection. In 1932, Dundee Junior side East Craigie opened their new home at Craigie Park. Celtic were the guests for this maiden fixture and this game was attended by Lord Kinnaird.

The Honours given out have a seniority to them. At the top is a Knighthood (or becoming a Knight Bachelor), which results in the man receiving this adding ‘Sir’ before his name.

Bob Kelly

In terms of direct Celtic connections, the most obvious of these is Robert Kelly. He was a Celtic chairman and also President of the Scottish FA and received this in 1969 for “services to Scottish football.”

Some other people associated with Celtic – including former players – have also been given knighthoods. This includes Kenny Dalglish and Bobby Charlton, who signed on as a Celt for one testimonial game in 1974.

Below the knighthood sits various other awards, best known by their initials: CBE, OBE and MBE (in order). Numerous Celtic figures have been given these, sometimes directly connected to their efforts in the east end of Glasgow.

Celtic manager Jock Stein and his predecessor Jimmy McGrory carry the Scottish Cup into the midst of Celtic’s victory celebrations in a suite at the Royal Stuart Hotel. Photo The Celtic Wiki

In 1970, recognising his huge contribution to football and Celtic in particular, Jock Stein was made a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire). This followed him taking the Celts to two European finals, of course winning the Lisbon one in 1967.

Martin O’Neill arrives at Easter Road, Sunday 30 November 2025. Hibs v Celtic, Scottish Premiership. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

This was also true for Martin O’Neill. Celtic’s recent caretaker manager also went to a European final with Celtic in 2003. In 2004, he was presented with an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire), which followed the MBE he received in the 1980s.

July 1996: Tom Boyd of Celtic football club Photo Allsport

In 2002, Celtic captain Tom Boyd became an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire), reflecting his part in football for club and country. He also did not know it, but he was just months away from Celtic reaching their third European final.

Bobby Lennox, pictured at Barrowfield in pre-season 1975. Photo: The Celtic Star, digitised in 2023 courtesy of prints supplied by former Celtic Director Tom Grant.

In 1981, Bobby Lennox also received an MBE. This was an unusual event because whereas most other footballing awards cite a person’s commitment to football in general, Lennox’s was given for his “services to the Glasgow Celtic Football Club.”

Billy McNeill’s Final Glory. Celtic v Airdrie. Scottish Cup Final, 3 May 1975. Photo The Celtic Wiki.

In fact, other celebrated Celts have also been given an MBE. This includes Billy McNeill (1974), Danny McGrain (1983) and Paul McStay (1997).

Paul McStay, summer 1995. Photo: Allsport /IMAGO

Officially, these awards only go to British-born figures. However, honorary titles can also be bestowed. In 2006, this was the case for legendary Celt Henrik Larsson who became an honorary MBE. This followed him winning the Champions League with Barcelona.

Barcelona’s (L to R) Henck Tencate, Gabri Garcia and Henrik Larsson celebrate winning the UEFA Champions League at the Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, 18 May 2006. (Photo CESAR RANGEL/AFP via Getty Images)

Other Bhoys with these awards – but not to do with their Celtic connection – are Paul Elliot (CBE), Gordon Strachan (OBE), John Barnes (MBE), Malky Mackay (MBE) and Alan Rough (MBE).

The entire issue of a British Honours system tends to be very divisive. Most countries have some sort of national honours system used to celebrate the work of people deemed to be important to the country, whether locally or nationally.

In Britain, criticisms of the Honours system – including from Celtic fans – often focus on the titles themselves. The ‘BE’ in KBE, CBE, OBE and MBE stands for British Empire, and many people see this as an anachronism, one tainted by historical offences.

In the main, we tend to only know the people who have accepted honours because those are the names published. Many figures are offered them but decline although this is not publicized unless the person in question tells the world.

This general debate reflects a general split in society, including the Celtic support. Some fans and club figures will have no problem in being given such awards, possibly particularly for people who are older. Others believe Celtic people should reject anything connected to ‘BE’.

It does seem strange to have an award which references something – the British Empire – which no longer exists. Perhaps in future there will be another award introduced, with ‘OR’ as the latter two letters. But in that case, it would be ‘Original Rangers’.

Matthew Marr

If you want to learn more about Celtic history, follow Hail Hail History on X. You can also take part in a FREE Celtic history walking tour. Visit celticwalkingtours.wordpress.com for more information.

Click on cover to order a hardback copy

Matthew’s debut Celtic book titled ‘The Bould Bhoys – Glory to their name’ was published by Celtic Star Books last year and is available to order HERE. This brilliant book is also available on Amazon Kindle for just £3.49 and includes all photo sections that appear in the hardback edition.

Matthew Marr with his debut Celtic book, Glory to their name, which tells the story of Celtic’s first ever title win. Photo The Celtic Star

Celtic in the Thirties by Celtic Historian Matt Corr is published in two volumes by Celtic Star Books.