GORDON STRACHAN joined legends Willie Maley and Jock Stein as a manager who delivered three successive titles for Celtic at the completion of an electrifying season in 2007/08.
It was a nerve-shredding climax when the championship was won in a remarkable last-day confrontation against Dundee United at Tannadice on the evening of May 22 2008.
Two days before the encounter – with the champions tied on 86 points with Rangers at the summit and each with one game to play – there had been the painful strain of coping with the funeral of Tommy Burns who had passed away at the early age of 51 following his courageous battle against skin cancer.
The travelling support chanted Burns’ name before, during and after the match, clearly aware that the iconic player, manager and coach had scored the winning goal that brought the championship at the same venue 27 years beforehand.
READ ALL ABOUT IT…how the leagues were won.
It had been widely anticipated goal difference would be required to settle the issue. Celtic were four goals to the good while Rangers were aware what was required against Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
With some 70 miles between the grounds, a helicopter had been required to hover overhead with the trophy.
With 45 minutes of the league season to play, both games were balanced at 0-0. Eighteen minutes into the second-half, a yell of sheer delirium bellowed from the Celtic supporters; news had been relayed Lee Miller had just put the Dons ahead.
There was a tell-tale quick jig from Strachan on the touchline and a punch of the air from former skipper Neil Lennon, back where he belonged as a coach.
In the 72nd minute, Paul Hartley swirled in a corner from the left with measured perfection. Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink’s timing of his sprint into the danger zone and his leap above friend and foe were equally immaculate.
The ball crashed off his forehead from six yards smack in front of goal and the whizzing sphere bulged the net behind a petrified Lukasz Zaluska.
AIR WE GO…Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink thumps in the title winner against Dundee United at Tannadice.
The destination of the title – and the helicopter – was never in doubt from that precise moment.
Tannadice was engulfed in joyous ferment and there was more bedlam when it became known Darren Mackie had thrashed in a second goal for Aberdeen.
As the players and fans celebrated Celtic’s 42nd championship, Gordon Strachan drew breath and sighed: “I really do believe this is one the most satisfying nights of my life.”
* READ the full inside story of Celtic’s extraordinary 2007/08 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.
