Celtic on this Day, starting with an excellent win over Rangers in the New Year game in 1974 as Celtic Park paid it’s respects to former Celtic star and manager Jimmy McStay who sadly passed away…
5 January 1974
Celtic 1-0 Rangers. This was the fifth Old Firm meeting of the season and Celtic’s victory secured their fourth win over their rivals at the halfway mark of the 1973/1974 campaign. The Hoops won more comfortably than the scoreline suggests with Dixie Deans passing up several chances. Connelly and Jinky were left on the bench, but their fine replacements of Hood and McCluskey were outstanding. Dalglish was possibly the pick of the bunch in terms of best performers, but there were many to choose from. Lennox scored the solitary goal in the game.
Poignantly, Celtic wore black armbands in commemoration to former Hoops player and manager Jimmy McStay who sadly passed away on 3 January 1974. Celtic went seven clear of their nearest title challengers Hibs and were now nine in front of Rangers.
5 January 1963
Aberdeen 1-5 Celtic. Starting for the first time in a Hoops jersey was 19 year-old Tommy Gemmell. I Wonder how his career panned out? It was a mystery how Gemmell was given his debut in this League Division 1 encounter given the icy weather and blizzards all over the country. Snow was cleared off the Pittodrie pitch, and so the game was played. Jimmy McGrory made seven changes to the side that was hammered 4-0 at Ibrox four days prior. Notably, outwent Pat Crerand for John McNamee after Crerand was involved in a half-time argument with Sean Fallon at Ibrox which was witnessed by Robert Kelly. Yogi Hughes scored a hat-trick and Bobby Craig grabbed a brace.
5 January 2015
Kilmarnock 0-2 Celtic. Ronny Deila’s underperforming Celts kickstarted the new calendar year with a necessary three points at Rugby Park. Rare goals for Emilio Izaguirre and Stefan Scepovic. Celtic now moved one point behind league leaders Aberdeen. Celtic had dropped points in the league in their final two matches of 2014 – firstly against Dundee United at Tannadice losing 2-1 followed by a 0-0 draw at home to Ross County. Post-match at Rugby Park I remember Deila doing his traditional ‘Ronny Roar,’ and just cringing. How far had we fallen? Just get up the tunnel Ronny! A nice guy, but evidently miles out of his depth.
5 January 2014
St Mirren 0-4 Celtic. The Celts began 2014 with an impressive league win in Paisley. It was a day of landmarks. Saw witness to Kris Commons’ 50th Celtic goal and a 100th career goal for Anthony Stokes. Neil Lennon’s side stretched their unbeaten league run to 23 matches. All four of Celtic’s goals came in the second half with Charlie Mulgrew also adding to the scoreline.
Conor Spence
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