Friday 12 January 2007

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)

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