CELTIC Football Club has a long and storied history, filled with triumphs, records, and fascinating stories that have shaped the club into the powerhouse it is today. That said, there are lots of interesting facts about Celtic FC that even the most diehard fans may not be aware of.
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But going back to Celtic FC, here are 5 top facts about the team that you probably didn’t know!
1. The Record-Breaking Transfer Fee
On July 11, 2000, Celtic set a new record for the highest transfer fee the club had ever paid. The Scottish side splashed out £6 million to bring English striker Chris Sutton from Chelsea to Celtic Park. While this might seem like a modest fee compared to today’s multi-million-pound transfers, back in 2000, it was considered a huge investment for Celtic. Sutton went on to have a successful stint with the club, justifying the record-breaking move.
The fee, of course, has since been dwarfed by the £11 million the club paid to bring Belgian international midfielder Arne Engels frpm Bundesliga club Augsburg in the summer. Adam Idah cost £9.5 million from Norwich City a couple of weeks earlier while Celtic also splashed £9 million to sign Odsonne Edouard from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2018.
2. A Five-Year Wait for the First League Title
Celtic is synonymous with success in Scottish football, regularly dominating the domestic league. However, did you know it took the club five years to win their first league title? Founded in 1888, Celtic had to wait until 1893 to claim the Scottish League Championship for the first time. Since then, they have won numerous titles, but that first victory remains a pivotal moment in the club’s history.
3. The Largest Attendance for a Club Game in Europe
Today, stadiums are heavily regulated, and it’s rare to see them filled beyond capacity. But in 1937, things were a little different during the Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Aberdeen, a staggering 146,433 fans packed into Hampden Park to watch the game. This set a record for the largest attendance at a club football match in Europe, which still stands today. It’s hard to imagine that many people in one stadium, but it demonstrates the passion of Celtic’s supporters.
4. The Coronation Cup Triumph
In 1953, a special football match called the Coronation Cup was held to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. The competition brought together top clubs from Scotland and England, and Celtic made it to the final where they faced Hibernian. In front of a crowd of 117,000 fans at Hampden Park, Celtic emerged victorious, winning 2-0. This win remains one of the most prestigious moments in the club’s history.
5. Neil Lennon’s Historic Achievement
Neil Lennon is a name that Celtic fans hold in high regard. As a player, Lennon became a fan favourite, and his managerial stint only added to his popularity. After taking over as manager, Lennon achieved something special—he became only the fourth manager in Celtic’s history to win three consecutive league titles. This remarkable feat placed him in the company of legendary figures such as Willie Maley, Jock Stein and Gordon Strachan, solidifying his place in Celtic folklore.
The Celtic Football Club’s rich history is filled with unforgettable moments and achievements. Whether it’s record-breaking transfers or historic victories, the club continues to be a symbol of pride for fans worldwide.