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.

Rangers 0 Celtic 2 - 21-03-92

Celtic went into this Old Firm fixture 9 points adrift of league leaders Rangers, with only 8 games remaining. But Liam Brady's team were in excellent form, having won 8 and drawn 1 of the last nine league games.

Celtic's confidence was reflected in their play. Charlie Nicholas opened the scoring with a screamer of a volley from outside the box and Gerry Creaney added a second with a well worked goal to give Celtic the points and close the gap to Rangers to just 7.

Highlights


Just the Goals

Celtic 3 Dundee United 1 - 28-03-92

Season 1991-92 was in the middle of five long, frustrating trophyless seasons. There was decent football in amongst all that though (coupled with atrocious defending), and this game is a nice example. Going into the fixture, Liam Brady's team were back in third place in the league, 7 points behind leaders Rangers.

Gerry Creaney opens the scoring with a fantastic near post header. Charlie Nicholas makes it 2-0 with a sublime Henrik-esque chip from outside the box. Derek Whyte adds a third, with Duncan Ferguson pulling one back for the Arabs.

Season 1991-92 Index

Index for Season 1991-92


Clips

21/03/92 PL Rangers 0 Celtic 2
28/03/92 PL Celtic 3 Dundee Utd 1
04/04/92 PL Falkirk 0 Celtic 3

Celtic 3 Rangers 0 - 24-03-91

In every bad season there is always a game or two that keeps you going. Celtic's abysmal form in the run up to the turn of the year had seen them slide down the table. But the new year had brought new form, and in the months leading up to this game Billy McNeills side were undefeated in 8 league games - winning the last 5 straight without conceding a goal.

The previous week had seen the Hoops dump Rangers out of the Scottish Cup in the infamous St Paddy's Day massacre game. And Celtic were in no mood to let Rangers have their revenge. An early goal from the much maligned Anton Rogan sets the scene. Joe Miller adds a second, before Scott Nisbet makes everyone's day complete by being shown the Red Card. Tommy Coyne adds a third for Celtic and we all go home happy. Until the semi-final, that is. Motherwell would dump us on our arses over two games.

Dunfermline 1 Celtic 1 - 13th October 1990

Celtic's mini-revival had come to an end following the win against St Mirren - a dissappointing 0-0 draw at home to St Johnstone being followed up by this 1-1 draw at East End Park against Dunfermline. It takes a last minute goal to salvage a point for the Hoops, with Paul McStay scoring the vital goal to cancel out Ross Jack's earlier penalty. Celtic's slump accelerated following this game, winning just 3 out of the following 13 league fixtures.

St Mirren 2 Celtic 3 - 29th September 1990

Celtic's turnaround in form continued, albeit in a shaky manner, with this 3-2 victory over St Mirren. Goalless at Half Time, the second half is a pulsating affair with the Buddies taking the lead through Mark McWalter. But Celtic bounce back. Two goals in two minutes put the Hoops 2-1 up - Paul McStay and Gerry Creaney grabbing the goals. But Paul Kinnaird equalises for St Mirren with just 7 minutes remaining. Just as it looks like the points will be shared Gerry Creaney latches onto a ball and fires in the winner.

With Dundee United losing at Tynecastle, Celtic found themselves up to fourth in the league, just two points behind the Tannadice men who hung on to top spot. It was all downhill from here.

Celtic 3 Hearts 0 - 22nd September 1990

Having beaten Hibs a fortnight earlier, Celtic followed that mini-resurgence up with a respectable 1-1 draw at Ibrox. Next team put to the sword was Hearts. Joe Miller opens the scoring for the Hoops before Gerry Creaney doubles the lead, with his first goal for the club. Miller grabs his own second, and Celtic's third, and the points are in the bag. With Rangers losing at Tannadice, Billy McNeill's team suddenly found themselves up to 5th place, only a point behind the champions. For a brief couple of weeks it looked like the Championship could be on.

Celtic 2 Hibs 0 - 8th September 1990

Having lost the opening two games of the league campaign - failing to score a single goal in the process - Celtic were in the embarrassing position of propping up the rest of the league when this game kicked off. 90 minutes later they had crawled their way back up to 4th bottom, thanks to two excellent goals - the first a stunning volley from the boot of Andy Walker, the second an opportunist overhead kick from Polish striker Dariusz 'Jackie' Dziekanowski. To be fair, the goals had to be good goals to get the past the mound of human flesh in goal for Hibs that day.

Celtic 2 Dundee Utd 0 - 25th September 1990, League Cup SF

Enjoying something of golden period in the league - we hadn't lost for 3 games - Celtic entered this Cup semi final against Dundee United with growing confidence. United, however, were the form team in Scotland. Having beaten Rangers just 3 days earlier, they sat at the top of the league, unbeaten in domestic football.

But Celtic were too strong for them on the night. Young Gerry Creaney opens the scoring with a powerful header. Paul McStay nicks in to double the lead in the second half, and Celtic were into the final where they would face Rangers. Needless to say, we lost. We were in the Dark ages of Celtic FC by this point.

Season 1990-91 Index

Season 1990-91 was make or break for Billy McNeill as manager. The glory of the Centenary season was a fading memory, and the two subsequent seasons of playing second fiddle to Rangers were hard for the fans to take. Finishing fifth the previous season had meant that there was no European football at Celtic Park for the first time in over 20 years.

McNeill again plunged headlong into the transfer market, signing £650,000 bench warmer Martin Hayes from Arsenal. Charlie Nicholas returned to Celtic Park from Aberdeen for close to half a million pounds. And the club transfer record was broken when we paid £1M for talented Hibs youngster John Collins.

But despite these new signings, the season was much the same as before. Hopes of winning the league died in a atrocious spell of form towards the new year - a spell which produced only 3 wins in 15 games. By the 5th day of January, Celtic were struggling in fifth place in the league, only 4 points above Hibs at the bottom of the table.

The new year brought better form, a great run of 12 undefeated games that produced 10 wins - including back to back wins over Rangers in both the league and cup. But the league win over Rangers was followed by three successive defeats, and the wee white flag was raised over Billy McNeill's tenure as Celtic boss. A cup semi final defeat to Motherwell left Celtic trophyless for a second successive season for the first time in 30 years.

Clips

08/09/90 PL Celtic 2 Hibs 0
22/09/90 PL Celtic 3 Hearts 0
25/09/90 LC Celtic 2 Dundee Utd 0 (Semi Final)
29/09/90 PL St Mirren 2 Celtic 3
13/10/90 PL Dunfermline 1 Celtic 1
24/03/91 PL Celtic 3 Rangers 0

Celtic 1 Rangers 0 - 25th February 1990, Scottish Cup 4th Round

With the league well and truly over for Celtic - they were back in 4th place, 11 points adrift of leaders Rangers at the time of this game - Celtic looked once more to the Scottish Cup to salvage something from their season. A narrow 3rd Round victory over Forfar had set them up for this early Old Firm cup clash. It was the first time the two teams had met before the final in 20 years.

In the end it was a game decided by a single goal. Celtic's Tommy Coyne grabs the winner, sliding the ball into the back on the net, before being kicked into it himself by a cheerful John Brown, who obviously can't contain his delight at Celtic scoring. Unfortunately, Celtic would lose the final to Aberdeen on penalties.

Hearts 1 Celtic 3 - 2nd August 1989

Celtic travel to Hearts on the first day of the 1989-90 season determined to put the dissappointment of the previous year behind them. Tommy Coyne had been signed towards the end of the previous season, but had not yet scored for his new club - something he seemed determined to fix at Tynecastle. As Coyne grabs a hattrick, Rangers are losing their opening fixture at Ibrox. And for at least a couple of weeks, we remain in complete blissful ignorance of what the next five seasons would bring.

Season 1989-90 Index

Following the massive dissappointment of the 88-89 season, Billy McNeill went on a spending spree in what would be a vain attempt to gain supremacy over Rangers. In came Mike Galloway from Hearts, Paul Elliott from Bari, and from Nantes we greeted the return of the prodigal son, Maurice Johnston - or so we thought. When Johnston wriggled his way out of the Celtic shirt he wore at his Celtic Park Press conference and followed the smell of cash to Ibrox, it was a sign of what was to follow - not just this season, but for the next five.

Johnston was eventually replaced by a polish striker who went by the name of Dariusz Dziekanowski. Jackie, as he became known around the clubs of Glasgow, was an extremely talented footballer, and an even more talented Charlie Nicholas impressionist.

Celtic started the season brightly, and led the way going into Novembers 2nd Old Firm game of the season. But a 1-0 defeat at Ibrox started the rot and by the turn of the year, the Hoops were back in third place, 4 points behind Rangers. Celtic's form increasingly deteriorated, and by the end of the season McNeill's team were lying a poor 5th place - only 4 points above 2nd bottom, 10 above relegated Dundee.

Aberdeen were to be Celtic's downfall in both cups, knocking the Hoops out of the League Cup in the semi final, and beating them in the Scottish Cup final, after a penalty shoot out. Not our best ever season.


Clips

02/08/89 PL Hearts 1 Celtic 3
25/02/90 SC Celtic 1 Rangers 0 (4th Round)

Celtic 1 Rangers 0 - 20th May 1989, Scottish Cup Final

Having endured a miserable season - never getting above third place in the league and losing in the Quarter Final of the league to Dundee United - Celtic were left with only the Scottish Cup to play for. 72000 crammed into Hampden to see the Hoops take on newly crowned champions, Rangers. A controversial Joe Miller goal is enough to give Celtic the win. Rumours that Chris Woods is still to land on the Hampden turf are completely unfounded. However, this would be Celtic's last trophy for six long, barren years.

Celtic 3 Rangers 1 - 12th November 1988

Going into this Old Firm encounter, Celtic were in fifth place of ten teams - seven points behind league leaders Rangers. Having been trounced 5-1 at Ibrox in the first encounter between the teams, the Champions seemed determined to make amends. And although Mark Walters opens the scoring from the penalty spot, Celtic bounce back with Terry Butcher scoring a sublime own goal to put Celtic back on level terms. Mark McGhee and Billy stark add a second and third, and for a short time we delude ourselves into thinking we can still win the league.

Season 1988-89 Index

Season 1988-89 should have been a glorious one for Celtic. Having seen off the threat of the Souness revolution the previous year, the position of strength we found ourselve in should have served as a foundation for more success.

But in true Celtic fashion, it all went horribly wrong. No new signings arrived - with the exception of goalkeeper Ian Andrews, who would make only 8 appearances for the club. Andrews will be forever rememberd as the Goalkeeper between the sticks during the first Old Firm game of the season, a 5-1 thrashing at Ibrox - a game that probably laid the foundation for the inferiority complex that would haunt us in Old Firm games over the next decade.

By the end of September Celtic were third bottom of the league, with only 4 points from six games, and although they did improve, the champions would finish the season in third place. The League Cup also ended in dissappointment, with a Quarter Final defeat at Tannadice. But the Scottish cup salvaged some pride from what was otherwise a dismal season, the Hoops beating Rangers 1-0 at Hampden in the final.


Clips

12/11/88 PL Celtic 3 Rangers 1
20/05/89 SC Celtic 1 Rangers 0 (Final)

Celtic 3 Rangers 2 - 30th October 1982

Going into the first Old Firm game of the season, the Premier division was a tight affair. Celtic sat on top, just 1 point clear of eventual winners Dundee United. Rangers and Aberdeen were both a further point behind.

The match itself was a cracker with Rangers taking the lead through a Robert Prytz goal - directly from a corner. Paul McStay equalises on his Old Firm debut, starting and finishing the move, only for Davie Cooper to restore Rangers lead with a looping header. 2-1 down at half time, Celtic fight back in the 2nd half. McStay again shows his class, setting up Frank McGarvey for equaliser, before Murdo MacLeod slots home the winning goal and send Celtic Park into bedlam.

Celtic 2 Dundee United 1 - 18th May 1985, Scottish Cup Final

Season 1984-85 was another poor one for Celtic. Aberdeen dominated the league, winning the championship with a 7 point margin from Celtic. The League Cup run had ended at the Quarter Final stage, a 2-1 loss to Dundee United leaving Celtic in danger of finishing a second succesive season without a trophy.

The Hoops last chance for silverware lay in the Scottish cup. Wins over Hamilton and Inverness saw Celtic into the quarter final, where two games were needed to see off Dundee. The Semi Final opponents were Motherwell, and another replay was required before Celtic finally won through to the final with a 3-0 victory. Opponents in the final were to be Dundee United, who had finished third in the League.

The 1984-85 Scottish Cup Final at Hampden was the 100th in the tournaments history. A packed crowd saw Dundee Utd take a first half lead through Stuart Beeedie. But as has happened so often in games between Celtic and United, Celtic turned the game around in the closing stages. With only 14 minutes remaining Davie Provan curls a beautiful free kick into the top corner to level the game. And it's left to Frank McGarvey to pop up with an 84th minute winner and send the cup back to Paradise.

Celtic 2 Rangers 1 - 4th December 1982, League Cup Final

Going into this League Cup Final, Celtic sat proudly atop the Premier Division, 3 points clear of Dundee United in 2nd place and a massive 9 points clear of Rangers who were back in 4th. It was to be the highlight of the season. United would take the league championship by a single point, and Aberdeen the Scottish Cup - knocking Celtic out in the semi final.

Celtic won the final 2-1 - the goals coming from an inspired Charlie Nicholas and a rocket of a shot from Murdo MacLeod. Danny McGrain lifts another trophy as Celtic captain.

Dundee United 2 Celtic 3 - 22nd April 1981

By the time they arrived at Tannadice with just 3 league games remaining, Celtic were in top form. The previous 8 games had produced 7 wins and a draw, scoring 25 goals and conceding just 3. This run had left them 6 clear of Aberdeen, and a massive 13 ahead of Rangers (19 points in today's currency).

A single point against Dundee United was all that was needed to clinch the league title. Goals from Murdo MacLeod, Frank McGarvey and Tommy Burns gave the Hoops a 3-2 win, and Danny McGrain lifted the league trophy.

Celtic 3 Rangers 1 - 21st February 1981

Going into this match, Celtic sat at the top of the Premier Division, 1 point clear of Aberdeen, 6 clear of Old Firm rivals Rangers, who had a game in hand. With Rangers a goal up at half time, it looked like the gap at the top could be reduced. But two second half goals from Charlie Nicholas and one from Roy Aitken gave Celtic the two points, stretching their lead over Rangers to 8 points. With Aberdeen only drawing, Celtic moved two clear of the dons.

Pre-Centenary 1980's Index

This Index holds games from the 1980-81 season through to season 1986-87.


Season 1980-81

21/02/81 SPL Celtic 3 Rangers 1
22/04/81 SPL Dundee United 2 Celtic 3 (League clincher)

Season 1981-82

Season 1982-83

30/10/82 SPL Celtic 3 Rangers 2
04/12/81 LC Celtic 2 Rangers 1 (Final)

Season 1983-84

Season 1984-85

18/05/85 SC Celtic 2 Dundee United 1 (Final)

Season 1985-86

Season 1986-87

Celtic 2 Dundee United 1 - 14th May 1988, Scottish Cup Final

Another of those games that will feature highly on any list of the most memorable Celtic games - and not just because it was a cup final. Like so many games from season 1987-88, this game was won at the death by a team that didn't know when to stop running.

Kevin Gallacher, grandson of legendary Celt Patsy Gallacher, put United ahead early in the second half. Celtic surged forward, looking for the equaliser. With 15 minutes remaining, their ceaseless attacking paid off. Anton Rogan skipped to the byeline and delivered a delightful cross right onto the head of Frank McAvennie - who makes no mistake in sending the ball into the back of the net. Still Celtic flooded forward, and, just with just seconds remaining, up popped McAvennie again, this time latching onto a deflection in the box and firing past the helpless Billy Thompson in the United goal.

When the final whistle sounded, the noise was incredible. Celtic had won the double in their Centenary year. The clip includes after match interviews with Billy McNeil, Frank McAvennie. It also shows the cup presentation. Listen to the noise! What a day that was. What a season!