Board Member (1947-1985)
Chaiman (Apr 1971 - Jun 1985)


"His family could look at one photograph in particular only with distaste. It shows the trio of Desmond White, McNeill and Stein in the boardroom at the moment of transfer of power to the new man. For the first time in his life, offering an awkward, almost reluctant handshake to McNeill, looked like a banished and utterly inconsolable figure." - Broadcaster Archie MacPherson on Stein






Desmond White will be judged less charitably simply for falling out with Jock Stein and Billy McNeil. That in itself was always going to be unforgiveable, but it would seem that he personified all the ills that the old board had. According to Archie's book on Stein, the two had a mutual dislike and that was one critical factor behind Stein's virtual ousting from the club.

If it is true that Desmond White asked for the takings from our share of the World Championship play off in a bag and accepted Argentinian currency rather than U.S. Dollars it tells you much about their financial acumen.


"To those who could look behind the facade at Celtic, it was clear that the chairman, Desmond White, who had succeeded Robert Kelly in 1976 was simply using the club as a licence to print money. The dedicated, captive support would fill the terraces and White would cream off the profits. Celtic have always had marvellous supporters, real lovers of football, people who live for the game. It means that if the club's board are of a cynical bent the good faith of these people can be exploited mercilessly". "Everything was done on the cheap" adds McNeill "it was murder." - McColl


Billy McNeill was appointed as Jock Stein's successor on 29 May 1978, having previously had spells with Clyde and then Aberdeen. He departed the club following a public row with the chairman Desmond White over the terms of McNeill's personal remuneration.

To further show how poorly he ran Celtic, his offices for running of the club were a small set of rooms above "The Blue Lagoon" chip & fish shop down the road from Sauchiehall St!

White on secretary of the SFA George Graham : 'He'll roast in Hell for what he tried to do to Celtic.'