Matt McGlone on the campaign for a Jim Craig statue in Govan
The Celts for Change figure chairs the campaign for a statue of the Lisbon Lion in his birthplace, and questioned why it falls to ordinary supporters to fund it.
By PLZ Soccer,
Matt McGlone of Celts for Change has questioned why a statue of Lisbon Lion Jim Craig depends on supporters putting their hands in their pockets. Speaking to Peter Martin on Straight Talk, in a conversation first published in September 2026 and revisited on The Football Show, McGlone asked: "Why does it take the guy in the street to ask for a pound here and there to help put a statue up?"
McGlone chairs the campaign for a Jim Craig statue in Govan, the Lisbon Lion's birthplace. The conversation set that project alongside the four Lisbon Lions statues. It then turned to whether Celtic should honour every member of the Lisbon Lions up the Celtic Way before the 60th anniversary.
Statues up the Celtic Way
Statues of the Lions up the Celtic Way were described in the discussion as "An absolute responsibility". The conversation also considered whether Fergus McCann should be honoured with a statue of his own.
Highs, lows and London Road
McGlone also looked back on his own highs and lows as a Celtic supporter. The 6-2 win over Rangers in 2000 was "a mega high". It was followed by the 5-1 at Ibrox.
He recalled walking up London Road with his dad, a memory that included "those four pylons". He also spoke about Jimmy Johnstone: "This guy was a magician."
There were memories, too, of Bertie Auld pulling pints in Baird's Bar. Together, those recollections set the personal background to a campaign about how Celtic and its support remember the side of 1967.
How to get involved
The interview closed with details of how supporters can take part in the campaign. Those wanting to find out more or donate can search for the Jim Craig Govan Foundation.