CELTIC remained on course for a record-equalling nine-in-a-row title achievement during Ronny Deila’s two-season reign at Parkhead.
The virtually unknown Norwegian replaced Neil Lennon in the summer of 2014 after the Hoops had lifted the championship in the previous three campaigns.
Deila maintained the sequence in his debut term and there was a 60,000 sell-out to say farewell to Deila and his assistant John Collins, the former Hoops midfield ace, as the fans took the opportunity to show their appreciation at Parkhead on Sunday May 15.
Motherwell were the opposition on the day the 47th title in Celtic’s glorious history was presented.
The likeable manager’s reign had been cut short following his valiant, but ultimately vain attempt to make the transition from Stromsgodset to Celtic.
It had proved to be a leap too far.
Three days after the unacceptable Scottish Cup semi-final penalty-kick shoot-out exit to second-tier Rangers on April 17 2016, Deila announced he would be stepping down as manager of Celtic.
“It’s vital the club comes first and instead of me being the focus, hopefully now the team and the club can be the focus as we enter this final important period of the season,” he said in a prepared statement.
“It was an absolute privilege to be named manager of Celtic, such a wonderful football club, and I have enjoyed my time here immensely. There have been some great times and I am delighted that we have brought some trophies to the club.”
The club’s 47th championship – and the fifth in succession – was duly delivered on May 8 with a 3-2 victory over Aberdeen at Parkhead with on-loan Patrick Roberts netting a double and Mikael Lustig chipping in with the other.
One week later, following a 2-1 reverse at St Johnstone, the final curtain dropped on the season with the 7-0 victory over Motherwell.
Kieran Tierney, a youngster introduced to the first team near the end of the previous season, scored the opner – his first goal for the club – and he was joined in the scoring stakes by Tom Rogic, Mikael Lustig, Stuart Armstrong, Patrick Roberts, Ryan Christie and debutant Jack Aitchison.
Deila left Paradise to cheers. He deserved no less.
* READ the full inside story of Celtic’s extraordinary 2014/15 championship triumph – and FIFTY other title successes – in ‘CELTIC: 50 Flags Plus One’ on sale now in CQN’s special Christmas sale. Just click below.
