Former Celtic manager Wim Jansen dies aged 75

The Dutch manager won the league and league cup double in the 1997-98 season

Published 25th Jan 2022
Last updated 25th Jan 2022

Former Celtic manager Wim Jansen has died at the age of 75 after a battle with dementia.

The Dutchman is fondly remembered by supporters of the Parkhead club for winning the league and league cup double during his only season in charge.

The top division title win stopped rivals Rangers clinching their 10th league title in a row.

Jansen was also responsible for bringing Henrik Larsson to the club in 1997.

The former midfielder spent the majority of his playing career at Feyenoord where he is considered a club legend.

He won four league titles, the European Cup and the UEFA Cup in his time at there.

Jansen also won 65 caps for the Netherlands before moving into management.

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou paid a fitting tribute as he said: "It's sad news for his family, our football club and all of the organisations he has been involved with.

"Your ultimate ambition is to leave a legacy and he did that in 12 months.

"The impact he had in just one year at this football club was fantastic.

"It keeps everything you've done alive and with Wim that's certainly the case."

A statement from former club Feyenoord read: "Feyenoord has learned with great sadness of the death of Wim Jansen, one of the greatest football players who has ever played for the club. He died Tuesday at the age of 75.

"In Wim Jansen's biography 'Mastermind', which was published in October last year, it became clear that he was suffering from dementia.

"Although the intense sadness of course predominates, Jansen's family is at the same time relieved that he has been spared a long agony.

"The family is pleased that their Wim has been able to keep control until the last moment, they have informed the club."

Rangers also released a statement on Twitter: "Rangers Football Club are today saddened to hear of the passing of former Celtic manager, Wim Jansen.

Everyone at Rangers sends their condolences to the family and friends of Wim Jansen."