How To Win A Treble - Season 2000/01

It's easy to forget just how bad a decade Celtic endured during the 90's. One solitary league title, one solitary Scottish Cup and a couple of League Cups were all we had to show for ten seasons of abject misery.

It's also easy to forget the remarkable transformation the club went through in the space of one short season, in 2000/01, under the guidance of Martin O'Neil. So for those of you too young to remember, or those of you who were too drunk at the time to remember, here's where it all began. This is how we exorcised the horrors of the 90's and laid the foundation for us becoming the dominant force in Scottish Football for the best part of the last 7 years. Over 22 minutes of goals from season 2000/01. 138 goals in total, accounting for every goal we scored in competitive competition.

There are two versions. One small (320x240, 200Mb), the other Large (640x480, 600Mb). If you want to download, follow the links beside each clip.

Here's the small version (200Mb)

For those brave enough to try, here's a larger version (600Mb)
Enjoy!

Celtic 2 Rangers 0 - 2nd January 1998

After back to back wins at Celtic Park against the two Edinburgh sides Celtic travelled to Perth to face St Johnstone - and were brought crashing back down to earth in a post-christmas 1-0 defeat. With Rangers and Hearts both winning their own festive encounters, Celtic again slipped back down to third in the table, now 4 and 2 points behind Rangers and Hearts respectively.

But the new year would bring a swift change in fortune. The Edinburgh Derby on the first day of 1998 would see bottom of the table Hibs fight out a 2-2 draw at Tynecastle. The following day, Rangers arrived at Celtic Park eager to open up a 5 point lead for themselves at the top of the table. They were to leave dissappointed.

Celtic were fired up. Defeat was unthinkable. The game began cagily, with neither team on top. But by the time Half time came, still goalless, Celtic had the upper hand. Jansen's side would increasingly dominate the second half, with only Goram in the Rangers goal keeping his side in the game. Yet it took until the 66th minute for the deadlock to be broken - a beautiful reverse pass from Jackie McNamara giving Craig Burley a clear sight at goal from the edge of the Rangers box. Burley rifled the ball into the corner of the net, and all hell broke loose inside the stadium.

It would take until the 85th minute for the points to be secured, but the wait was worth it. The Rangers defence struggled to clear an awkward looping ball into their box and the ball fell into the path of Paul Lambert, who fired an unstoppable shot into the top corner from 25 yards. Celtic Park went into full party mode.

The result left Wim Jansen's men just one point behind Rangers once again, and saw them leapfrog Hearts back into 2nd place, albeit on goal difference. The psychological impact of the victory, however, was just as important as the points. For the first time since the Centenary season Celtic had came out on top in the New Year Old Firm fixture. 7 defeats and 2 draws had been endured since a Frank McAvennie double had set us on our way to the title in 1988. The Celtic fans hoped that this victory would set us on our way the the title a decade later.

Celtic 5 Hibs 0 - 20th December 1997

Having secured a crucial 3 points against League leaders Hearts the previous week, Celtic went into this match against a struggling Hibs side full of confidence. And with title rivals Hearts and Rangers meeting at Tynecastle, the Celtic players knew that there was a chance they could end the day in top spot, if results went their way.

The Celtic players did their bit, thrashing Hibs 5-0. Craig Burley opened the scoring, with a rare Morten Wieghorst header doubling the lead before half time. Further goals were added by Jackie McNamara and Henrik Larsson, before Burley rounded off the scoring with a 25 yard screamer in the last minute.

However, Rangers would thrash Hearts 5-2 in Edinburgh and, in the process, take over the top spot in the league. Celtic also jumped above Hearts into second place, still just a point behind Rangers.

Celtic 1 Hearts 0 - 13th December 1997

Having secured the first trophy of the season by beating Dundee Utd in the League Cup final, Celtic returned to league duty with a dissappointing 0-0 draw against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park. This was followed up by a 2-0 midweek win at Pittodrie. That result left Celtic in 3rd place in the league - 5 points behind leaders Hearts, 3 behind Rangers.

Next up was a crunch match against the Edinburgh side. A win was vital. Celtic came out with all guns blazing, dominating the match from start to finish. However several good chances were squandered and it seemed like a frustrating afternoon was in store; frustration made worse by the news that Rangers were only drawing with Dunfermline. But just as it looked as if the game would end without a goal, Celtic got the breakthrough. With just 10 minutes to go, Henrik Larsson scampered down the left wing and delivered a fine cross to the back post. Craig Burley did the rest. Celtic moved to within 2 points of Hearts at the top of the table, just 1 behind Rangers who only managed a draw at East End Park. Jansen's team were back in the hunt.

How to celebrate a championship winning goal

Now that the dust has settled, the hangovers have been cured, and the Rangers have been well and truly laughed at, it's time for some clips to commemorate events at Rugby Park on Sunday. I'm sure we've all seen Naka's goal from the Setanta coverage by now, so here's a wee collection of clips that you may not yet have seen. These were (nearly) all taken by brave souls in the stands at Rugby Park, so thanks to them for having the sense to stick their mobile phones in the air and keep them there as all hell broke loose around them.

Big Jan opens the scoring


A Side on view of Naka's goal


From behind the goal. From the Naka special to the final whistle


The winning goal as celebrated inside Bairds


The winning goal as celebrated a pitch length away


And another


Naka's goal as seen on Japanese TV


Naka's goal as seen on what I suspect is Polish TV


After goal celebrations


The celebrations kick off


Celtic fans belt out YNWA at the end of the game


More celebrations captured on a mobile phone


And yet more celebrations


The Celtic fan sing this seasons favourite celebration song


Highlights on Japanese TV


And more highlights on Japanese TV, this time focussing on Naka


Spanish highlights of the game


What sounds like a Dutch view of Nakas goal


Celebrations reach a train on the way back from the game...


...before reaching Central Station in true style


If there's any more kicking about, let me know

Celtic 1 Rangers 1 - 19th November 1997

Having gone the best part of 3 months unbeaten, by the time this game came around Celtic were in the middle of their second mini-crisis of the season. It began with a 1-0 Old Firm loss to Rangers at Ibrox ten days earlier - Richard Gough scoring and Stephane Mahe being sent off for...well, being Stephane Mahe. That was enough back then.

The derby defeat was hard to take, but what followed 7 days later was worse. Motherwell were the visitors to Celtic Park, and it was the Fir Park side who left with all 3 points, thanks to a 2-0 win. Another defeat, another red card - this time Regi Blinker the man sent for the early bath.

The two defeats left Celtic six points behind leaders Hearts, albeit with a game in hand. More worryingly, Jansen's team were now 3 behind Rangers. Celtic went into the game needing to avoid defeat.

This match at Celtic Park will probably be remembered for two things. First up was the controversial sending off of Paul Gascoigne for raising his hands against Morten Weighorst as they were both chasing down a ball. Looking back on it, the sending off seems harsh, although Gascoigne's second petulant swipe at the Dane was probably the deciding factor.

The second was Alan Stubbs last second equaliser to salvage a point for the Hoops - Marco Negri having given Rangers a lead with only 20 minutes left on the clock. Stubbs' goal would be a major turning point of the season. With one header, a six point deficit was slashed in half - a vital moment in a league title race that would go right down to the last game of the season.

Cheerio to 10 in a row

Following on from the BBC's pretty dull effort at rekindling memories of 1997/98 in That Was The Team That Was, here's a goal-packed reminder of the season we said Cheerio to 10 in a row! 79 goals are packed into about 17 and a half minutes of memories. Enjoy!

Celtic 3 Dundee Utd 0 - 30th November 1997, League Cup Final

Having thrashed Dundee United the previous week in the league, Wim Jansen's side were firm favourites to lift the first trophy of the season when the sides met again in the League Cup Final at Ibrox. 90 minutes later, the Perm had his hands on his first silverware as Celtic manager, thanks to a comfortable 3-0 win.

The opening goal comes from the head of Marc Rieper in the 20th minute; the Dane rising to guide a Weighorst cross into the top corner with a delightful header. Only 3 minutes later and the lead was doubled - Henrik Larsson scoring with a deflected drive. Craig Burley added a third in the second half and the celebrations began. It was only the second trophy won by the club in 8 and a half seasons.

Celtic 4 Dundee Utd 0 22nd November 1997

Having salvaged a point with the last head of the ball in the Old Firm game, Celtic bounced back from their sticky spell with a comfortable win over League Cup Final opponents Dundee United - just 8 days before the final itself. Two goals apiece for both Andy Thom and Henrik Larsson secure both the points, and the psychological advantage going into the final.

Dunfermline 0 Celtic 2 - 1st November 1997

Celtic travelled to East End Park to face mid-table Dunfermline as the new league leaders. With the first Old Firm game of the season on the horizon, another win was vital. Despite dominating possession, Celtic struggled to break down a well organised Dunfermline side. The breakthrough, when it came, arrived from the boot of the much maligned Regi Blinker - with a big bit of help from Mr Deflection. The win was secured with only 4 minutes left when Henrik Larsson burst into the box, eluded a couple of defenders, and calmly slid the ball into the back of the net.

Despite the win, Hearts jumped back to the top of the league on goals scored, having thrashed Aberdeen 4-1 at Pittodrie. Yet going into the Old Firm game at Ibrox the following week, Wim Jansen's side were full of confidence. Unbeaten in 14 matches, including 8 straight league wins, there was a real belief that this was a Celtic team that could finally shake off that Rangers jinx that had haunted the club for the best part of a decade. Unfortunately it was not to be.

Celtic 2 St Johnstone 0 - 25th October 1997

Next up for Celtic would be mid-table St Johnstone at Celtic Park. Despite a nervy opening, Celtic snapped up all 3 points thanks to 4 minutes burst of activity in the first half. The first goal came from the boot of Henrik Larsson - the swede playing a headed 1-2 with a defender before lifting the ball over Alan Main in the St Johnstone goal. Three minutes later and it was 2-0, Simon Donnelly sticking away another penalty after Stephane Mahe had been felled in the box.

By the time the final whistle sounded Celtic were top of the league - while the Hoops were sweeping up another 3 points, Rangers were losing at Tannadice. We began to believe.

Hearts 1 Celtic 2 - 18th October 1997

Four days after booking their place in the League Cup Final, Celtic travelled to Edinburgh to take on League leaders Hearts at Tynecastle. It was to be Celtic's first major test in the league and, by the end of the 90 minutes, the signs were good.

Recent signing, Danish International defender Marc Reiper, gives Celtic a 15th minute lead with a well taken strike from the penalty spot. The lead is doubled by the increasingly influential Henrik Larsson just six minutes later. Celtic were coasting. Hearts pull a goal back in the second half through Colin Cameron, but Jansen's side see out the victory, and lift themselves above the Tynecastle side into second place in the league.

Celtic 1 Dunfermline 0 - 14th October 1997 League Cup Semi Final

Having started so poorly, Celtic's season had been well and truly turned around by the middle of October. Jansen's team were sitting in 3rd place in the league, 2 points behind Rangers and 3 behind Hearts, with a game in hand over the leaders.

In the League Cup, victories over Berwick, St Johnstone and Motherwell had set up a semi final meeting at Ibrox with Dunfermline - the last team to beat Celtic, who's unbeaten run now stretched across 10 games and two months. It would be 11 games by the end of the 90 minutes, Craig Burley scoring the only goal of the game with just 20 minutes remaining. Dundee Utd waited in the final, but two Old Firm games were also on the horizon, along with a trip to Tynecastle to play the league leaders. Celtic's season was about to entre a crucial stage.

Celtic 2 Liverpool 2 - 16th September 1997, UEFA Cup 1st Rnd 1st Leg

Having seen off the Austrians of Tirol in the previous round, Celtic were drawn against Liverpool in the first round proper. Despite being written off by those knowledgeable chaps in the press - both north and south of the border - the tie turned out to be a remarkably tight affair, with Celtic a bit unfortunate not to progress into the next round over the two legs.

The first tie was played in front of a packed Celtic Park, and those in attendance witnessed a cracking end to end game that could have went either way. Liverpool opened the scoring early, with a young Michael Owen showing the kind of pace that his hammys can no longer handle to latch onto a through ball and slip the ball past Gould in the Celtic goal.

It was the unlikely figure of Jackie McNamara who got Celtic back into the game in the second half with a stunning goal that left James in the Liverpool goal rooted to the spot. Celtic then stunned the visitors by taking the lead - Simon Donnelly converting a penalty after Henrik Larsson tripped up over a blade of grass in the box. Let's just give him the benefit of the doubt on this one.

But, just as it seemed the Hoops would hang on for the win, Liverpool grabbed what was probably a deserved equaliser with only seconds remaining - Steve McManaman scoring after a long mazy run that had started at the edge of his own box.

All in the all the result was probably a fair reflection on a game that saw both teams playing some great attacking football. The return leg, by contrast, was a dreary lifeless 0-0 draw. The result was enough to put the English side through to the next round, but Celtic more than matched their more illustrious opponents over the 180 minutes.

St Johnstone 0 Celtic 1- 19th August 1997, League Cup 4th Rnd

Having thrashed third division Berwick Rangers 7-0 in the 3rd round, Celtic were handed a tricky journey to Perth to face St Johnstone in the 4th Round. Wim Jansen's side went into the tie under severe pressure - defeat in the opening two league games had left them rooted to the bottom of the table. A nervy goalless 90 minutes ensued, followed by an equally nervous 30 minutes of extra time in which Celtic grabbed the single goal that would send them through to the Quarter Finals - the goal coming via a Simon Donnelly penalty.

It wasn't pretty, but the result proved to be something of a watershed moment - the new look Hoops would remain unbeaten for the best part of three months.

Celtic 4 Kilmarnock 0 - 4th October 1997

Only four days after a 0-0 draw with Liverpool at Anfield ended their UEFA cup run, it was back to domestic business for Celtic with this home tie against Kilmarnock at Celtic Park.

European frustrations were to be taken out on the ayrshire side in the first 45 minutes - with Celtic going in at the break 4 goals up. Henrik Larsson opens the scoring with a fine volley. A further 3 goals in 5 minutes from Simon Donnelly, Morten Wieghorst and Larsson again complete the comfortable victory for the Hoops. Wieghorst's goal is sublime.

Dundee Utd 1 Celtic 2 - 27th September 1997

Next up for Celtic was a visit to Tannadice to play Dundee Utd. Simon Donnelly opens the scoring for Celtic and Phil O'Donnell doubles the lead shortly before Half Time. Kjell Olofsson pulls a goal back for United in the second half with a well struck free kick, but Celtic see out the win.

And while Celtic were winning again, Rangers were dropping another 2 points - this time at home to Motherwell. The gap between the two teams was down to just 2 points.

Celtic 2 Aberdeen 0 - 20th September 1997

Following the UEFA Cup exit to Liverpool, Celtic returned to league duty with this game against bottom of the table Aberdeen. It was to be a comfortable afternoon for Celtic, with both goals coming from the boot of Henrik Larsson - the second a beautiful free kick. The result saw Celtic climb into 4th place in the League, with a game in hand that could see them move up to second. Despite the atrocious start, the league was starting to look like a possibility.

Motherwell 2 Celtic 3 - 13th September 1997

Having met in the League Cup just three days earlier, Celtic and Motherwell faced off again at Fir Park, this time in the League. Motherwell were out for revenge after their League Cup exit and only 4 minutes in they were ahead, through ex-Celt Tommy Coyne. Craig Burley equalised just before the hour mark, only for Coyne to put Motherwell back in front within 2 minutes. But the game turned in Celtic's favour only a few minutes later when Motherwell were reduced to 10 men - Greg Denham being shown the red card. Burley grabbed a second with a fine shot into the top corner of the net and Simon Donnelly's arse scores the winner with just 9 mintues remaining.

With Rangers only managing a draw at home to Aberdeen, Celtic's comeback allowed Wim Jansen's team to claw back two of the points they had dropped in their opening 2 games.

Celtic 1 Motherwell 0 - 10th September 1997, League Cup QF

Having thrashed Berwick Rangers 7-0, then beaten St Johnstone 1-0 in a close game which required extra time, Celtic had progressed to the Quarter Final of the League Cup. Motherwell were to be the opponents, just 3 days before the two teams would meet in the league.

Celtic won the game 1-0, thanks to a back post header from Henrik Larsson. Celtic's reward would be a semi final game against Dunfermline at Ibrox.

Celtic 6 FC Tirol Innsbruck 3 - 26th August 1997, UEFA Cup Qual. 2nd Leg

Having got a vital away goal in the 2-1 first leg defeat in Austria, Celtic were confident of progressing to the 1st Round proper of the UEFA Cup. What followed, however, was the stuff of legend - a game right up there with Partizan Belgrade in the 90 mintues of rollercoaster ride hell stakes. I'm not even going to try and explain what happened. Just watch. If you have a calculator handy, that would help.

St Johnstone 0 Celtic 2 - 23rd August 1997

Celtic's league campaign in season 1997-98 got off to the worst possible start. In the opening fixture they would lose 2-1 to Hibs at Easter Road, with Henrik Larsson coming off the bench to make a forgettable debut - the Swede passing the ball straight to Chic Charnley who scored the winning goal with an unstoppable shot.

Worse was to come a fortnight later in the 2nd league match. A 1-0 half time lead was squandered, Dunfermline running out 2-1 victors at Celtic Park. By the end of the 2nd round of fixtures, Wim Jansen's new look Celtic were bottom of the table.

Celtic travelled to McDiarmod Park to face St Johnstone knowing a win was vital. They had won a League Cup match at the same stadium four days earlier, thanks to a Simon Donnelly penalty 5 minutes from the end of extra time. But no penalty's were required this time. Instead, we were treated to 2 goals of the highest quality; The first, a beautiful diving header from the head of Henrik Larsson, his first League goal for the club; the second, a peach of a goal from the boot of Darren Jackson.

Celtic had got their first points on the board.

Celtic 5 Inter CableTel Cardiff 0 - 30th July 1997, UEFA Prelim. 2nd Leg

Having eased to a 3-0 win in the 1st leg, Celtic extended the aggregate scoreline against Inter CableTel Cardiff to 8-0 with this 5-0 thrashing of the Welsh side. Andy Thom again opens the scoring from the penalty spot. Darren Jackson adds a second, with further goals from Tommy Johnson, David Hannah and Chris Hay.

Celtic were pulled out of the hat alongside Tirol Innsbruck in the next round.

Inter CableTel Cardiff 0 Celtic 3 - 23rd July 1997, UEFA Prelim. 1st Leg

First up for Celtic in season 1997-98 was welsh side Inter CableTel Cardiff in the UEFA Cup Preliminary round. A comfortable victory sees Andy Thom opens the scoring from the penalty spot, with Morten Wieghorst adding a second and Tommy Johnson a third. Wieghorst's goal is not included in the clip.

Celtic 1 Parma 1 - July 1997, Friendly

Celtic met Italian side Parma in a pre-season friendly. The game would finish 1-1, with Simon Donnelly scoring for the hoops

Season 1997-98 Index

Season 1997-98 Index


Clips

xx-07-97 FR Celtic 1 Parma 1 (Friendly)
23/07/97 UEFA Inter CableTel Cardiff 0 Celtic 3 (Prelim Rnd 1st Leg)
30/07/97 UEFA Celtic 5 Inter CableTel Cardiff 0 (Prelim Rnd 2nd Leg)
19/08/97 LC St Johnstone 0 Celtic 1 (4th Rnd)
23-08-97 PL St Johnstone 0 Celtic 2
26/08/97 UEFA Celtic 6 FC Tirol Innsbruck 3 (Qual Rnd 2nd Leg)
10/09/97 LC Celtic 1 Motherwell 0 (Quarter Final)
13/09/97 PL Motherwell 2 Celtic 3
16/09/97 UEFA Celtic 2 Liverpool 2 (1st Rnd 1st Leg)
20/09/97 PL Celtic 2 Aberdeen 0
27/09/97 PL Dundee Utd 1 Celtic 2
04/10/97 PL Celtic 4 Kilmarnock 0
14/10/97 LC Celtic 1 Dunfermline 0 (Semi Final)
18/10/97 PL Hearts 1 Celtic 2
25/10/97 PL Celtic 2 St Johnstone 0
01/11/97 PL Dunfermline 0 Celtic 2
19/11/97 PL Celtic 1 Rangers 1
22/11/97 PL Celtic 4 Dundee Utd 0
30/11/97 LC Celtic 3 Dundee Utd 0 (Final)

Celtic 2 Dundee Utd 1 - 10th March 1996, Scottish Cup QF

Having seen off Whitehill Welfare and Raith Rovers in the previous two rounds of the Scottish cup, Celtic were given this home tie against first division Dundee Utd in the quarter final. Despite playing in the lower division, United had a team full of experienced Premier league players. They were also unlikely to forget Celtic's part in their relegation the previous season.

United were to make a real game of it. Early Celtic pressure failed to produce a goal, and United began to become more confident. With just under 30 minutes on the clock, a United break led to Gordon Marshall giving away a penalty, which Owen Coyle converted to give the Arabs the lead.

It was a lead they looked like holding. Celtic began to struggle and, as seconds ticked by, a major shock was on the cards. But as has happened so often in the past in games against United, a last gasp rally saved the day. With only 90 seconds left to play, Pierre Van Hooijdonk grabbed a dramatic equaliser with a powerful header. And before the Celtic fans have a chance to settle back into their seats, Andy Thom bursts through the United defence to fire Celtic into the semi final.

Of course we'd lose in the semi final to Rangers, so maybe it wasn't worth the bother.

Celtic 5 Aberdeen 0 - 1st April 1996

By the first day of April 1996, Celtic had lost only one league game all season. Yet they still trailed Rangers by 8 points with this game against Aberdeen in hand. 10 draws in 30 games played had seriously hampered Celtic's assault on the title.

This game against Aberdeen is remembered for a variety of reasons. It was a Monday night game, live on STV. It was a rout. It marked the home debut of Jorge Cadete after a protracted transfer saga. Jorge Cadete scored. The Celtic fans went wild. Radio Five went off air due to the noise.

In all, it was a fine performance from Celtic. Simon Donnelly opened the scoring earling on, with Pierre Van Hooijdonk adding a second before Half Time. Both players then scored again to put Celtic 4-0 up. And Cadete enjoys his dream debut to make it 5-0.

Cadete would add another 4 goals in the remaining 5 league matches of the season. It should have been more. However, the portuguese striker was caught up in one of the biggest scandals in Scottish footbal history when SFA chief executive Jim Farry deliberately held up Cadete's registration as a Celtic player, causing him to miss vital games in the title run in. The incident cost Farry his job. Whether it cost Celtic a league title is something that will be debated for years to come.

Dunfermline 2 Celtic 2 - 22nd March 1997

Having beaten Hearts in the league to close the gap on Rangers to 5 points, and having knocked Rangers out the cup, it seemed the dream was back on. But between the Cup game and the last Old Firm game of the season at Celtic Park lay a potentially damaging trip to face Kilmarnock at Rugby Park. As with so many other games under Tommy Burns' Celtic, when it came to the crunch we bottled it.

Celtic lost 2-0 to Kilmarnock on the Tuesday. And to rub salt into the already deep wounds, Rangers lost at home on the Wednesday to Dundee Utd. Had we won at Kilmarnock, a victory in that weekends Old Firm game would have seen us top. Instead, Rangers came to Celtic Park and took the points, and with it almost certainly, the league.

Celtic travelled to East End Park and played like a team who had conceded defeat. By half time they were 2-0 down - goals from Gerry Britton and Harry Curran giving the Pars their lead. But a second half fightback gave Celtic a share of the points. Phil O'Donnell pulls one back before Simon Donnelly grabs the equaliser.


And to sum up exactly how season 1996-97 went, while Celtic were dropping 2 points in this game, Rangers were losing again, this time to Kilmarnock. The gap was down to 7 points, but rose to 9 a fortnight later as Celtic were held to a draw by Raith. Rangers would lose twice more before the season finished, but Celtic were unable to capitalise and the league was lost on a frustrating Wednesday night - Rangers victorious at Tannadice, Celtic being held 0-0 at home to Kilmarnock.

Rangers completed their nine in a row, and again we wondered whether we would win the league in our lifetime

Celtic 2 Hearts 0 - 1st March 1997

Three days after defeating Hibs in the cup, Celtic welcomed another Edinburgh club to Celtic Park - and saw them off with the same scoreline. The game marked the Celtic debut of Enrico Annoni, a new signing from AS Roma in Italy. And the Italian was the recipient of that traditional Scottish refereeing welcome when you turn out in the hoops - a yellow card for your first tackle.

Paranoia aside, this was an important victory. While Celtic were claiming the 3 points, Rangers were dropping 2 points at Pittodrie. The gap was back to just 5 points with the final Old Firm league match at Celtic Park just a fortnight away. The race for the title, it seemed, was back on.

Oh, and look out for the lovely bit of skill by Di Canio on the byeline just before halftime.

Celtic 2 Rangers 0 - 6th March 1997, Scottish Cup Quarter Final

Going into this game at Celtic Park, Tommy Burns Celtic were on a dismal run against their Old Firm rivals. It had been nine games since Celtic had last beaten Rangers - almost two years worth of football. Goals from Malky MacKay and Paulo Di Canio give Celtic the win, but defeat to first division Falkirk (after a replay) in the semi final would put the final nail in the coffin for Burns. Any hope that this game would stop the Old Firm rot were quickly blown out of the water. Celtic would lose the more important league match 10 days later, and win only 2 of the following 15 matches against Rangers until Martin O'Neil's teams reminded us how to beat Rangers.

Celtic 2 Hibs 0 - 26th February 1997, Scottish Cup 4th Round Replay

Having seen off Clydebank in a 5-0 rout at Firhill Stadium in the 3rd round of the Scottish Cup, Celtic were given a tricky away tie against Hibs at Easter Road. A 1-1 draw in the first game led to this replay.

Celtic booked their place in the last eight with a 2-0 win. Despite early Hibs resistance, Celtic dominated the match and could easily have won by more. In the end, it was two fine strikes which settled the tie - the first from Phil O'Donnell, the second from the boot of Paulo Di Canio.

Celtic's reward for this win? A home tie against Rangers in the quarter final.

Motherwell 0 Celtic 1 - 22nd February 1997

A couple of weeks on from their victory over Raith, Tommy Burns' side travelled to Fir Park for what would prove to be a tough game. Matters weren't helped by having to play on a pitch which looked like it had been freshly ploughed for our visit.

But Celtic dug in and fought out a gritty 1-0 win, the decisive goal coming from that one man goal machine Jorge Cadete. celtic ended the day still 4 points behind Rangers who had a game in hand.

Celtic 2 Raith Rovers 0 - 6th February 1997

After demolishing Hibs 4-1, Celtic travelled to Dunfermline where a 2-0 victory saw them close the gap to Rangers to just 6 points. But the wheels came off the Celtic comeback train three days later at Tannadice. A last minute goal for Dundee Utd handed Tommy Burns' side a 1-0 defeat - defeat made more bitter because Rangers were busy drawing with Hearts at Tynecastle. Another chance had passed.

When Raith came to visit Celtic Park the following midweek, hope that we claw back Rangers lead were beginning to fade. In the game itself, Paulo Di Canio opens the scoring for Celtic early in the second half. Jorge Cadete completes the win with 10 minutes left on the clock

Celtic 4 Hibs 1 - 18th January 1997

Four days on from their victory at Starks Park, Celtic were back in Glasgow - Hibs being the latest victim of Celtic's free scoring forward line. Pierre Van Hooijdonk opens the scoring with a trademark free kick and substitute Brian McLaughlin makes it 2-0 just before half time. Van Hooijdonk adds a third just after the break, only for Kevin Harper to pulls one back for Hibs. But Jorge Cadete soon adds a fourth for Celtic.

Raith Rovers 1 Celtic 2 - 14th January 1997

Three days after beating Hearts at Tynecastle, Celtic were again heading back east, this time to face Raith Rovers at Starks Park. Soren Anderson gives Raith an early lead, one they hang on to until the 73rd minute. But Celtic fight back, and who else but Jorge Cadete fires in the equaliser. As the seconds tick away, it looks like a share of the points is on the cards. But with only 2 minutes left on the clock, substitute Chris Hay scores a late winner for the Hoops.

Hearts 1 Celtic 2 - 11th January 1997

Having scored 11 goals in the previous two games, Celtic travelled to Tynecastle in fine form and confidence. Having failed to beat Hearts on the road in two previous meetings during the season, Tommy Burns' side were determined to take all 3 points home with them. A scrappy game was brightened when Jorge Cadete opens the scoring for Celtic. But a young Jim Hamilton grabs an equaliser to send the sides in 1-1 at half time. The decisive goal is scored by Jorge Cadete with only 20 minutes remaining, the Portuguese strikers 10th goal in only 6 games. Celtic were still 8 points behind Rangers, but at least the ship had been steadied.

Celtic 6 Kilmarnock 0 - 8th January 1997

Four days after thrashing Motherwell, it's the turn of Kilmarnock to be on the receiving end of Celtic's paranoid fury.

Jorge Cadete opens the scoring for Celtic and Jackie McNamara adds a second with a rocket of a shot from outside the box. Further goals from Cadete, Morten Wieghorst and Chris Hay make it 5-0 before Cadete completes both his hattrick and the 6-0 rout.

Cadete. Goal. Machine.

Celtic 5 Motherwell 0 - 4th January 1997

Celtic's mini-resurgence over the Christmas period came to a grinding halt at Ibrox in the New Year Old Firm game - albeit in extremely controversial circumstances. 2-1 down, Jorge Cadete grabs a late equaliser, only for the goal to be chopped off for wearing a Celtic strip while being in possession of the ball. Rangers duly run up the park and score a third, and another generation of paranoid Celtic fans are born.

Two days later, Celtic are back at Celtic Park and take out all the pent up frustration on an unsuspecting Motherwell side. Paulo Di Canio opens the scoring from the penalty spot and Pierre Van Hooijdonk adds a second to give Celtic a 2-0 half time lead. 3 more goals follow in the second half, all coming in the last 15 minutes - a brace from Jorge Cadete, and one from Morten Weighorst.

Celtic 4 Dunfermline 2 - 28th December 1996

Having defeated Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Boxing day, Celtic were back in action just two days later with Dunfermline being the visitors to Celtic Park. The Fifers seemed determined to put another dent in Tommy Burns' title hopes, and ex-Celtic player Gerry Britton opens the scoring after only 6 minutes. But two goals in 3 minutes, from the boots of Jorge Cadete and Pierre Van Hooijdonk, give Celtic a 2-1 lead at half time. In the second half Cadete grabs his second, with Simon Donnelly makes it 4-1 to Celtic. Gerry Britton pulls one back for the fifers before the end.

Aberdeen 1 Celtic 2 - 26th December 1996

Next up for Celtic was a boxing day trip to Pittodrie to face Aberdeen. The signs are ominous for Celtic when Billy Dodds gives Aberdeen an early lead. But Jorge Cadete equalises shortly before half time with a powerful near post header. And, with just 7 minutes remaining, Paulo Di Canio - playing in his famous Golden Boots - scores a sublime winner. Di Canio's goal is one of the most memorable Celtic goals of recent times.

Celtic 1 Dundee Utd 0 - 21st December 1996

Having moved to the top of the table against Aberdeen a month earlier, Celtic had suffered a nosebleed of monstrous proportions - possibly caused by the suckerpunch Rangers had caught them with in the Old Firm game at Celtic Park a fortnight later. Rangers ran out 1-0 winner. The gap was opened further when Celtic drew 2-2 at home to Hearts the following week, in a game which saw Paulo Di Canio equalise from the penalty spot with 13 minutes left, and be sent off for fighting with a Hearts player as he went to retrieve the ball from the net.

Worse was to follow at Fir Park when a last minute Motherwell goal handed Celtic another defeat. Celtic had a fortnight to recuperate before a hectic Christmas and New Year schedule that would see them play 9 games in 28 days. The first of those was this game against Dundee Utd, with Celtic running out 1-0 winners thanks to a Phil O'Donnell header. The result left Tommy Burns' side a massive 14 points behind Rangers, with 3 games in hand.

Celtic 1 Aberdeen 0 - 2nd November 1996

Going into this fixture against Aberdeen, Celtic still trailed Rangers by 2 points at the top of the table. A win was vital. But as the game progressed and chances were missed - and word came through from Starks Park that Rangers were winning, having been 1-0 down - it looked like more ground could be lost. However, Celtic were not to be denied. And with 20 minutes to go Paulo Di Canio slots home a Simon Donnelly cross to give Celtic a deserved lead. Five minutes later the news reaches Celtic Park that Raith have equalised. Both games finish without further goals. The celebrations at the end aren't just for a hard fought win. Celtic were back at the top of the league. Not that it would last long.

Hibs 0 Celtic 4 - 26th October 1996

Following the last gasp win against Motherwell, Celtic faced two consecutive away matches in Edinburgh. The first of the games, against Hearts at Tynecastle, should have given us wanring of how the season would turn out. With Rangers only drawing at home against Aberdeen the previous day, Celtic had the chance to move to the top of the table for the first time that season. But despite being 2-0 up early in the second half Celtic capitulated, throwing away both the lead and, with it, the chance to climb above Rangers.

The following week Celtic returned to Edinburgh to face Hibs at Easter Road. This time Tommy Burns' side made no mistake in snapping up the points, routing Hibs 4-0. Andy Thom opens the scoring to give Celtic a 1-0 lead at the break. Pierre Van Hooijdonk adds a second, before Andy Thom grabs his own 2nd and Celtic's 3rd. And Simon Donnelly rounds off the scoring following up a Van Hooijdonk shot that comes back off the bar.

Celtic 1 Motherwell 0 - 12th October 1996

In the three weeks following the 5-1 thrashing of Dunfermline, Celtic's season took it's first major blows. The UEFA cup campaign was ended by a 4-0 aggregate defeat at the hands of Hamburg. But worse was to follow only four days after that European exit. The first Old Firm game of the season saw Rangers run out 2-0 winners, extending the gap at the top of the table to 5 points. And to cap it all off, Pierre Van Hooijdonk began to work his transfer out of the club, claiming a new contract offer of £7000/week was something that might be offered to a homeless person, but not someone of his talents.

It looked like the gap might be further extended when Motherwell came to visit Celtic Park in the next league game. With the game tied at 0-0 and only 10 minutes remaining, Celtic goalkeeper Gordon Marshall is sent off for a professional foul. But 10-man Celtic grab a last minute winner from the head of Pierre Van Hooijdonk. And with Hibs coming from behind to beat Rangers 2-1, Celtic suddenly find themselves right back in the hunt - only two points behind the league leaders.

Celtic 5 Dunfermline 1 - 21st September 1996

Celtic followed up their 5-0 rout of Hibs with a hard fought win over Dundee United at Tannadice - a win that kept Tommy Burns' side only 2 points behind leaders Rangers, who were still to drop a point after 5 games. But they then crashed out of the League Cup at Tynecastle in a game that required extra time. Next up was Dunfermline at Celtic Park and Celtic returned to winning ways.

Jorge Cadete opens the scoring and Paulo Di Canio adds a brace to put Celtic 3-0 up at half time. Ex-celt Gerry Britton pulls one back for Dunfermline before Pierre Van Hooijdonk grabs himself a couple of goals late on. The fifth is another Pierre special. That boy could hit a freekick.

Celtic 5 Hibs 0 - 7th September 1996

Next up for Celtic in the league was Hibs. Having changed the game at Rugby Park, Paulo Di Canio made his first league start, and the form shown in the second half against Kilmarnock was carried over into this game.

The Celtic attack, with Van Hooijdonk, Cadete, Thom and Di Canio to call upon, tore the Hibs defence to shreds all afternoon, although Celtic's first goal come from the head of Hibs player Pat McGinlay, who puts the ball into his own net. Jorge Cadete then grabs a double to give Celtic a 3-0 half time lead, before Brian O'Neil makes it 4-0. The 5-0 scoreline is completed by another fantastic Pierre Van Hooijdonk free kick.

Kilmarnock 1 Celtic 3 - 24th August 1996

Having progressed to the 1st Round proper in the UEFA cup during the midweek, it was back to domestic business for Celtic, and a potentially tricky journey to Rugby Park to face Kilmarnock.

The first 45 see's a disjointed performance from Celtic - Mark Reilly's goal giving Kilmarnock a deserved 1-0 lead at half time. But ten minutes into the second half Tommy Burns plays his trump card - Paulo Di Canio. The Italian was making his domestic debut in the hoops and his arrival instantly changes the game. Di Canio scores an equaliser 5 minutes after coming on, Andy Thom puts Celtic ahead, finishing off a superb counter attacking move, and Jorge Cadete rounds off the victory with the third goal 2 minutes from time.

Celtic 1 FC Kosice 0 - 20th August 1996, UEFA Cup Q.Rnd 2nd Leg

Celtic's opening game of season 1996-97 saw them travel to Slovakia to play FC Kosice in the UEFA Cup qualifying round. That game had ended goalless, and for the majority of the 2nd Leg, it looked as if a similar result would occur. But with only minutes remaining before extra time, Jorge Cadete latched onto a ball in the box and fired the ball into the back of the net. Celtic would lose 4-0 on aggregate to German side Hamburg in the following round.

Celtic 4 Raith Rovers 1 - 17th August 1996

Celtic followed up their draw against Aberdeen with a comfortable victory over Raith Rovers at Celtic Park. Once again, Pierre Van Hooijdonk opens the scoring for the Hoops before Andy Thom makes it 2-0 with a bullet of a shot. Thom grabs his own 2nd and Celtic's 3rd shortly after half time, and, although Peter Duffield pulls one back for Raith, Simon Donnelly scores another for the Hoops with only a few minutes left.

Aberdeen 2 Celtic 2 - 10th August 1996

Celtic opened their 1996-97 League Campaign against Aberdeen at Pittodrie and it wasn't long before the familiar fluctuation between brilliance and bloody awful came to the fore.

Pierre Van Hooijdonk provided the brilliance, giving Celtic a first half lead with a stunning free kick. But in a crazy final 15 minutes, Alan Stubbs is first sent off for a professional foul - with Dean Windass equalising from the resulting penalty - before poor defending allows Duncan Shearer to put Aberdeen in front with only 10 minutes remaining. Cue the bugle being sounded and, with almost the last kick of the ball, Andy Thom pops up to salvage a point for the Hoops. Tommy Burns' Celtic really weren't too good for the old heart.

Season 1996-97 Index

Season 1996-97 Index

Clips

10/08/96 PL Aberdeen 2 Celtic 2
17/08/96 PL Celtic 4 Raith Rovers 1
20/08/96 UEFA Celtic 1 FC Kosice 0 (Qualifying Rnd 2nd Leg)
24/08/96 PL Kilmarnock 1 Celtic 3
07/09/96 PL Celtic 5 Hibs 0
21/09/96 PL Celtic 5 Dunfermline 1
12/10/96 PL Celtic 1 Motherwell 0
26/10/96 PL Hibs 0 Celtic 4
02/11/96 PL Celtic 1 Aberdeen 0
21/12/96 PL Celtic 1 Dundee Utd 0
26/12/96 PL Aberdeen 1 Celtic 2
28/12/96 PL Celtic 4 Dunfermline 2
04/01/97 PL Celtic 5 Motherwell 0
08/01/97 PL Celtic 6 Kilmarnock 0
11/01/97 PL Hearts 1 Celtic 2
14/01/97 PL Raith Rovers 1 Celtic 2
18/01/97 PL Celtic 4 Hibs 1
06/02/97 PL Celtic 2 Raith Rovers 0
22/02/97 PL Motherwell 0 Celtic 1
26/02/97 SC Celtic 2 Hibs 0 (4th Round Replay)
01/03/97 PL Celtic 2 Hearts 0
06/03/97 SC Celtic 2 Rangers 0 (Quarter Final)
22/03/97 PL Dunfermline 2 Celtic 2

Celtic 3 Hearts 1 - 25th November 1995

After a positive start to the season, Celtic soon found the old inconsistencies creeping into their game. They had lost only once in the league - the opening Old Firm fixture at Celtic Park had ended in a 2-0 defeat - but too many draws had seen Tommy Burns' side fall 4 points behind Rangers going into this game.

But Celtic would take all three points against Hearts. John Collins opens the scoring from the penalty spot, and although Hearts equalise shortly after the break through Pasquale Bruno, it would be Collins' day. He fires Celtic back into the lead before completing his Hattrick with a stunning strike.

Celtic 1 Motherwell 1 - 16th September 1995

Celtic followed up their opening day win at Raith with a second win on the Road - this time at Pittodrie, where a 3-2 win Tommy Burns' team move to the top of the table alongside Rangers. Next up was the first home game of the league campaign, with Motherwell the visitors.

In true Celtic style, two tough away victories were followed up with a draw at home. Phil O'Donnell opens the scoring for Celtic against his former club, only for Dougie Arnott to grab an equaliser midway through the second half.

Raith Rovers 0 Celtic 1 - 26th August 1995

Safely through to the next round of the league cup, Celtic opened their 1995-96 League campaign with a visit to play Raith Rovers at Starks Park. It was to be an unconvincing start, but the 3 points were won courtesy of a Pierre Van Hooijdonk header late on in the game.

Ayr United 0 Celtic 3 - 19th August 1995, League Cup 2nd Rnd

Celtic began season 1995-96 with a trip to Somerset Park to face Ayr Utd in the 2nd round of the League Cup. The game marked the competative debut of German International Andreas Thom, and it was the German who would open the scoring in the first half. Pierre Van Hooijdonk adds a second after a great bit of skill inside the box and John Collins wraps things up from the Penalty spot.

Season 1995-96 Index

Season 1995-96 Index

Clips

19/08/95 LC Ayr Utd 0 Celtic 3 (2nd Round)
26/09/95 PL Raith Rovers 0 Celtic 1
16/09/95 PL Celtic 1 Motherwell 1
25/11/95 PL Celtic 3 Hearts 1
10/03/96 SC Celtic 2 Dundee Utd 1 (Quarter Final)
01/04/96 PL Celtic 5 Aberdeen 0

Celtic 1 Airdrie 0 - 27th May 1995, Scottish Cup Final

Celtic had gone five barren, trophyless seasons between 1989-90 and 1993-94. The 1995 Scottish Cup Final was the last chance to avoid making it six. And having finished fourth in the league, it was Tommy Burns' sides last hope of bringing European football to Celtic Park the following season.

What followed was 90 minutes of scrappy football that ran in contradiction to much of what the Tommy Burns Celtic sides are remembered for. But Celtic got the win - the decisive goal coming from the head of our newest hero, Pierre Van Hooijdonk. And when the final whistle went, no one cared how bad the performance might have been. Six years of agony were over, and the Scottish Cup was coming back to Celtic Park.

Of course it'd be another 3 seasons of misery before we won anything else, but we were still blissfully ignorant of that in May 1995.

Dundee Utd 0 Celtic 1 - 13th May 1995

Celtic travelled to Tannadice in the final game of the 1994-95 league season, and although Rangers had already been crowned Champions, the stakes were high. Dundee Utd needed a win to have any hope of avoiding relegation from the Premier division. But it was Celtic who came out on top, thanks to a Phil O'Donnell goal with a quarter of an hour remaining.

Celtic 3 Hibs 1 - 11th April 1995, Scottish Cup SF Replay

Having seen off Kilmarnock in the Quarter Final, Celtic were pulled out of the hat alongside Hibs in the draw for the last 4. A goalless first tie led to this replay. The two games were played at Ibrox, due to Celtic's use of Hampden while Celtic Park was being rebuilt.

Celtic eased into the final courtesy of this 3-1 win. Willie Falconer opens the scoring in the first half with a rare goal in the hoops. John Collins adds a second with a marvellous shot from outside the box before Keith Wright pulls one back for Hibs. But Phil O'Donnell seals the win with a powerful header and Celtic were through to the final, where they would play Airdrie. The six year wait for a trophy was almost over.

Celtic 1 Kilmarnock 0 - 10th March 1995, Scottish Cup QF

The 1994-95 Scottish Cup had begun with a 3rd round tie at Love Street - Celtic defeating St Mirren 2-0. Up next were the now defunct Meadowbank Thistle at Celtic Park. A 3-0 win sent Tommy Burns' side into the last 8, where they were given a home tie against Kilmarnock.

The quarter final wasn't much of a game - A John Collins penalty all there was to separate the sides. But Celtic were a step nearer to their first trophy in six years. What a pass from McStay in the lead up to the penalty, though!

Season 1994-95 Index

When Fergus McCann took control of Celtic in March 1994, it became obvious that Lou Macari's days as Celtic manager were numbered. To be fair to Macari, his performance as Celtic boss wasn't quite as bad as may be remembered. His side finished only eight points adrift of Rangers in season 1993-94, albeit in fourth place.

Contrast that with Billy McNeills' sides, who finished 10, 17 and 14 points behind the Ibrox club in his 3 seasons following the Centenary year. Likewise, Liam Brady's Celtic finished 10 then 13 points behind Rangers in his two full seasons. When Brady resigned in October of his third season and Macari took the reigns, the team were 4th bottom of the league.

Having said that, the style of Macari's football was atrocious - as were his signings. Wayne Biggins and Carl Muggleton will never be forgotten.

Macari was eventually sacked in June 1994, with Tommy Burns becomming Celtic's ninth manager. Burns had enjoyed a successful couple of years as manager of Kilmarnock, and promised to bring good football back to Celtic Park.

The season started encouragingly, with an 11 game unbeaten streak that left Celtic joint top of the table with Rangers, and into the League Cup Final, where they would play first division Raith Rovers. But on beating Hibs at Celtic Park in late September, another 11 game run would follow - this time without a league win. That run left Celtic in 5th place, a massive 17 points behind Rangers and closer to the bottom than the top. In the middle of this run came a soul destroying defeat to Raith in the League Cup Final. It seemed like we would never win a trophy again.

But 1995 saw a change in fortune. The signing of Dutch striker Pierre Van Hooijdonk gave Celtic fans some hope, and a Scottish cup run saw us take to the field at Hampden in the final at the end of May and lift our first trophy in six years.


Clips

10/03/95 SC Celtic 1 Kilmarnock 0 (Quarter Final)
11/04/95 SC Celtic 3 Hibs 1 (Semi Final Replay)
13/05/95 PL Dundee Utd 0 Celtic 1
27/05/95 SC Celtic 1 Airdrie 0 (Final)

Falkirk 0 Celtic 3 - 4th April 1992

Having beaten Rangers at Ibrox in the league, Celtic lost out to the same team in the Scottish Cup semi final just 4 days before this game. And with only 6 league games remaining, Celtic were still 7 points behind the Ibrox club. But Liam Brady's team were determined to keep pushing until the end, and this 3-0 win at Brockville kept their slim hopes alive.

Gerry Creaney opens the scoring in the first half. Charlie Nicholas adds a second with a great bit of skill. John Collins seals the win with Celtic's third.