The most difficult period of the league campaign came in February. We came from behind to secure a draw at Aberdeen. That was followed by a bizarre game at Easter Road. An early Adam Idah penalty put Celtic in control before we conceded an equaliser on the hour and were then shredded by Hibernian until a second Idah penalty kick in added time secured the win.
Next league game was home to Kilmarnock, when the visitors left with a point after a 92nd minute equaliser. For me, that was the darkest moment. The seven-point cushion we had built up earlier in the season was gone, replaced by what would be a two-point deficit when Newco played their game in hand.
You want to believe Celtic will win the league, but I left Celtic Park that day with a feeling of dread. This was not ‘the 10’, defined by history, but it was a league title which would have significant impact on the future, and our trajectory was dreadful. I prepared myself for what felt like the inevitable.
That was 14 games ago. A defeat at Tynecastle under controversial circumstances, a penalty kick progression in the Scottish Cup semi-final, and a drew at Ibrox were the only blemishes on an impeccable record since.
If Kilmarnock at home was the nadir, the draw at Ibrox was the pivotal determinant in the outcome of the title. Newco went into the game with the hopes of winning and moving five points ahead.
Celtic dominated the first half but were ahead courtesy of two bizarre goals. Daizen Maeda blocked a clearance 25 yards from goal which whizzed in the net, then Connor Goldson conceded a penalty for hitting the ball with his arm – bizarre, as Connor is never penalised for that!
We were ahead, but not through methods which we could replicate. 10 minutes into the second half Newco briefly thought they had drawn level, before VAR intervened for a foul on Tomoki Iwata 70 yards from goal. Celtic were rattled and had that goal stood, the outcome of the season may have been different. VAR, for all its problems, is necessary for these moments.
Celtic left Ibrox with the draw they needed to keep the title in their own hands. Newco celebrated a late equaliser as though it was a winner, seemingly not understanding their best chance to take the title had just slipped through their fingers.
The remainder of our league campaign was more comfortable than you are likely to remember. Dundee gave us a challenging 15 minutes. Newco did the same for a similar period, but neither was able to test Joe Hart, never mind beat him during these periods, as Celtic defended a narrow lead. Those games aside, we scored 11 goals without conceding before the title was secured at Rugby Park on Wednesday.
Looking back, this title was closer than it could or should have been. Newco were so poor at one stage, they sacked their manager, yet we were drawn back into a battle after it appeared to be won.
There was a really telling point about where we are as a club after fulltime on Saturday. Historically, the presentation stage was setup facing the South Stand. This time, we had two stages and a second trophy lift for those in the North Stand.
When you win so often, you get to fine-tune everything about the process. You know what winning looks like, you prepare for it confidently and you look for marginal improvements. Celtic is a league winning machine, from going to Ibrox and getting the result, to giving all fans a chance to see the trophy being lifted and a thousand actions in between.
That is why we are champions today; that is what the challengers are up against. They spent more on player wages than us to compensate for the deficit in professionalism in all areas. Their plans for the season could have worked out, but it fell short, which will have harsh consequences. More on that another time.
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Vikki Carr
happy 4-2 game.
that clean beautiful hooped strip.
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45 years ago today remains the most exciting game I have ever seen.
It was the day of my last exam at university, tax which I hated, so I was ready to let my hair down (I had hair then) that night and what better than a title decider. Never have I shouted so much at a match – so much so that I swear that my voice has never recovered.
My mate and I walked back into town and had a beer in the Ivanhoe Hotel (Buchanan Street). I was so high that I never got one minute’s sleep that night.
We all know the story of the game but enjoy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2I0xaHt5L-A&ab_channel=Twopintsprick
St Stivs
What was the question about Sligo?
Happy Wednesday eve!
Hurry on up the weekend.
My top 3 wummin singers
Sandy Denny
Diana Ross
Mary Chapin Carpenter
and a wee shout out to Armagh’s Riognach Connolly.
Contracts offered to Kelly snd Vata
https://x.com/CelticYLUpdates/status/1792564716163735610?s=08
HH
Ffs forgot about Sandy Denny. Dearie me. Better make it top 20.🙄
Joan Baez
Kelly Marie
Beyoncé
lena martell
Kelly marie :-)))
BB 👏👏
Hot Smoked
Maria’s Glaswegian cousin who was also a famous soprano, Maria Gallus.
I’ll get my coat.
Lena Zavaroni
Awe_Naw_Nae_Noo_Article_Anaw_Noo
Wee Andrea Corrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
GREAT Female singers…
How could I forget Barbara Streisand ?
Silly Bhoy.
HH
Greg Taylor Swift
King Billie Holiday
Gloria from it ain’t half hot mum
BOURNESOUPRECIPE on 21ST MAY 2024 12:22 PM
Wee Andrea Corrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
……..
Yes ANDREA was a real Hot Babe into the bargain…talking of Hot Babe Singers..
Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you..
KYLIE MINOGUE !
Forever in ma dreams.
LOL
HH
new article posted.
GARYGILLESPIESHAMSTRING on 21ST MAY 2024 12:20 PM
Hot Smoked
Maria’s Glaswegian cousin who was also a famous soprano, Maria Gallus.
I’ll get my coat.
………..
Very good mate.
LOL
HH
Lena Martell and Sandy Posey for me. Dusty, of course, and a wheen of others, including Susan Boyle.
favourite female before my time
Rusty Springboard
Burly Chassis
favourite female singers from the back in the day
Elizabeth Fraser oot ay Cocteau Twins
Harriet Wheeler oot ay the Sundays
Julianne Regan oot ay All About Eve (backing on The Mission too)
DC Lee
Favourite female singers currently, recently
Phoebe Bridger
Clairo
Hannah Reid oot ay London Grammar
Chappell Roan