Tributes are pouring in for former Feyenoord and Celtic manager Wim Jansen, who today passed away aged 75.
Jansen had a storied career as a player and manager in the Netherlands, winning five Eredivisie titles with Feyenoord and Ajax before leading the former to two domestic cups as a coach.
He joined Celtic in 1997 and famously led the Hoops to the league title - denying Rangers a tenth league title in a row.
Jansen signed the legendary Henrik Larsson, and although he left after just one season due to differences with general manager Jock Brown, he made his mark and is a revered figure at Parkhead.
His influence stretches far beyond Rotterdam and Glasgow however and Jansen was once described by Johan Cruyff as "one of only four men in the world worth listening to when they talk about football."
Confirming his passing, Feyenoord wrote: "A wonderful person and great Feyenoord player is no more. Wim Jansen, rest in peace."
That was followed by a Celtic statement that reads: "Everyone at Celtic FC was saddened to hear of the sad passing of former manager Wim Jansen this morning at the age of 75.
"All at Celtic Park offer their most sincere thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Wim Jansen at this sad time.
"Rest in Peace Wim, You’ll Never Walk Alone."
Manager Ange Postecoglou paid fulsome tribute to the late Dutchman at his press conference ahead of the Hearts game.
He said: "I've often said that, for all of us, we get the privilege of coming through these clubs and I guess our ultimate ambition is to leave some sort of mark or some sort of legacy.
"He did that in 12 months, the impact he had in just one year at this football club is fantastic. He had a similar journey to mine, from Japan to here, and he's left an indelible mark.
"That's kind of what you hope for, at the end of it when you stop doing what you love along the way you've belonged somewhere and made a mark somewhere.
"That keeps everything you've done alive, and with Wim that's definitely the case. In Dutch football, and particularly here at our club, he'll be forever remembered."
And Rangers boss Gio van Bronckhorst, who worked under him at Feyenoord, shared a similar sentiment.
“Very sad news on Wim Jansen," he said. "I know the family for many years and I am thinking of them.
“He was the coach when I was a youth player to let me train with the first team. He really helped my development.
Shortly before the release of his autobiography Meesterbrein (Masterbrain) last year, Jansen confirmed that he had been living with dementia.
Writer Yoeri van den Busken, who ghostwrote his book, tweeted: "Wim Jansen is gone… Grateful for the past 2 years, in which I was allowed to be his messenger and we became good friends.
"Alzheimer's broke the mastermind. Goodbye wise man, and one of the friendliest people in football: I give you peace of mind."
Tributes have also poured in from across Scottish football as Rangers tweeted: "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."
Chris Sutton said: "Really sad news about Wim Jansen passing away. Thoughts and prayers go out to the Jansen family. Wim will always be a Celtic legend."
John Hartson tweeted: "Sad news hearing Wim Jansen has passed away. Won the league cup at Celtic, stopped ten in a row and brought the brilliant Henrik Larsson to the club. Thoughts are with the Jansen family."
And Craig Burley added: "Very sad day today. You delivered one of the most important league titles in the history of Celtic FC.
"It was a privilege to play for you boss with this group of players at this club. A most magnificent time that can never be taken away from the memories. RIP Wim Jansen."
