Five memorable Celtic moments, with a nod to the late Celtic Historian and Celtic Star legend David Potter, on this day starting in 1912…
Willie Loney scored
ONE – SATURDAY 2nd JANUARY 1909 – Yesterday’s 3-1 win over Rangers at Ibrox is welcome but comes at a cost with injuries, not least to goalkeeper Davie Adams. Sunny Jim Young suggests to Maley that rather than try to find a new goalkeeper on New Year’s Night, he (Sunny Jim) could take over the mantle of the custodian, for he was unable to play in his normal position of right half because of a leg injury. Rather against his better judgement, Maley agrees to this for today’s game at Kilmarnock, and Celtic duly lose 1-3, their only goal coming from Willie Loney. Perhaps the celebrations of yesterday’s New Year Day victory were a trifle over zealous.
Jimmy McGrory
TWO – SATURDAY 2nd JANUARY 1926 – Considered unlucky to merely draw with Rangers yesterday, Celtic today travel to Hampden to defeat Queen’s Park 4-1. Jimmy McGrory scores twice, and Alec Thomson once (but some sources give McGrory a hat-trick and Adam McLean the other) as Celtic consolidate their position at the top of the League. But for Jack Harkness in goal for Queen’s Park, the score would have been a great deal more.
THREE – SATURDAY 2nd JANUARY 1971 – This is one of Scottish football’s saddest days as 66 Rangers supporters die in the immediate aftermath of the Old Firm game at Ibrox. Celtic and Rangers supporters are united in grief for this terrible tragedy caused by crushing on the infamous Stairway 13 at Ibrox. The game had been a good one with Jimmy Johnstone scoring Celtic’s goal in the 1-1 draw.
The man in the photo below helping the dying and injured on this day 2nd January 1971 at the third Ibrox Disaster that left 66 dead and 140 injured.
A man who’s name is targeted by vile slurs from many Rangers supporters – tomorrow will be no exception.
His name is Jock Stein. pic.twitter.com/JyWCXyOpiN
— Celtic Curio (@Celticcurio) January 2, 2026
Franke McAvennie scored
FOUR – SATURDAY 2nd JANUARY 1988 – Celtic begin their Centenary Year in style with a fine 2-0 win over Rangers at Parkhead. Frank McAvennie scores the two goals which definitely give Celtic the edge in the race for the Scottish League Championship. 60,800 applaud a stylish Celtic performance.
2nd January 1988, Celtic 2:0 Rangers.
Frank McAvennie with 2 excellent goals. @MaccaFrank
Superb from the Maestro for the opener. pic.twitter.com/KJ7RyKgXQj
— Celtic GIFs (@CelticGIFs) January 2, 2026
Henrik Larsson scored four times
FIVE – TUESDAY 2nd JANUARY 2001 – Saturday’s game against Motherwell was snowed off, but the thaw arrived with the New Year, and today’s game against Kilmarnock at Parkhead went ahead. Celtic opened their New Year with a 6-0 victory. Henrik Larsson scored four times and Chris Sutton twice in a devastating display of attacking football. Ally McCoist comes on for Kilmarnock near the end, but fails to turn the tide.
Let’s not forget Samaras Sunday…
15 years ago today, Rangers 0:2 Celtic.
Samaras Sunday. pic.twitter.com/VK9KfMR2lw
— Celtic GIFs (@CelticGIFs) January 2, 2026
Happy New Year from everyone at The Celtic Star!
Celtic in the Thirties – Both Volumes Half in the Celtic Star Books January Sale…
Celtic in the Thirties by Celtic Historian Matt Corr is published in two volumes by Celtic Star Books. ORDER NOW!
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