A SPECIAL tribute will be paid to legendary football manager Jock Stein before tomorrow’s international match between Wales and Scotland in Cardiff.
The former Scotland boss died of a heart attack at Ninian Park in September 1985 at the end of a World Cup qualifier between the two countries.
Following the 62-year-old’s death, a plaque was placed in the dug-out at Cardiff City’s old ground in memory of him.
The club kept hold of the plaque when Ninian Park was demolished, and it will now be moved to the new stadium before tomorrow’s match.
The memorial plaque will be placed at the Ninian Park Gates, which have been erected opposite the old stadium on Sloper Road.
Scottish supporters will meet at Cardiff City Stadium at 9am to lay wreaths and say a few words about the “The Big Man”.
They will then head down to the Gol five-a-side centre in Leckwith to challenge Welsh fans to a friendly match.
Mark Evans, head of international affairs for the FAW, said: “It’s an idea that’s come from the Tartan Army Supporters’ Group.
“They are coming down for the game and we’ve arranged with Cardiff City that at 9am a couple of members will say a few words about Jock Stein before some wreaths are laid at about 9.10am.
“Llanelli FC are also coming down because Jock played there for a while, and the Welsh FA will also lay a wreath.”
Colin Harris, 53, who has organised the tribute on behalf of the Tartan Army Supporters Club, said: “Obviously Big Jock was a much respected man everywhere and it’s so nice to hear that the Welsh FA are letting us do this.
“The plaque has not been re-sited since leaving Ninian Park and they believe this is the right time to actually site it for good.
“I treat it as quite an honour that we have managed to have the memory of Jock placed in such a position.
“I have ordered a Saltire wreath and we will also be having a collection with all the proceeds going to the Sunshine Appeal.
“That’s something we always do on away trips.
“I’ll also be playing Highland Cathedral on the bagpipes.”
Cardiff City stadium manager Wayne Nash added: “We think it’ll be a nice move to put back the original plaque.
“Jock Stein is a legend in football and I think his work is appreciated by all football fans.
“With Scotland coming down this weekend to the new stadium it just seems to all fit together for us.”
Jock Stein was in charge of the Scottish national team from 1978 until his death.
He became the first manager of a British side to win the European Cup with Celtic in 1967, and also guided them to nine successive Scottish League championships between 1966 and 1974.
