We head into today’s derby with literally no confidence. What a contrast to this day on 2004…
Today is Derby day in Glasgow as we host theRangers at Paradise in the first league game of 2026, and it’s a game we should all be up for, but due to recent performances, we have literally no confidence in getting anything out of the game.
What a contrast that has been to recent years, especially on this very day 22 years ago when we played host to the now defunct Rangers 1872 RIP at Paradise as we looked to start 2004 with a bang over our old rivals, in the process putting some daylight between ourselves and them in the title race, and it was a game with headed into with some great optimism.
And with good reason, as it was in the midst of a campaign that seen us produce some terrific form, indeed we headed into the Derby on a run of 17 consecutive wins, and were feeling super confident about our chances of making it 18, and moving 11 points clear of the Ibrox club in the process. All overseen by Martin O’Neill, the man the majority of us wish was taking his place in the dugout this afternoon.
3rd January 2004, Celtic 3:0 Rangers.
Petrov, Varga and Thommo. @StanPetrov19 @Alantommo8 pic.twitter.com/GXVpF0nyaG
— Celtic GIFs (@CelticGIFs) January 3, 2026
Celtic stared brightly and it was no surprise when Stan Petrov opened the scoring in the 19th minute thanks to low diving header that crashed off the post before trickling over the line to give us a well deserved lead heading into the interval. Stan Varga made it 2-0 on the hour mark when he leaped highest after Bobo Balde guided a header from a corner directly on to the big Slovakians head as he bulleted the ball past the hapless Stefan Klos to all but secure the three points.
Derby specialist Alan Thompson put the icing on the cake with a spectacular free kick in the 84th minute that gave Klos absolutely no chance to give the game a scoreline it more than deserved as paradise celebrated yet another victory, and a derby success to boot. We were streets ahead, and taught the Ibrox side a footballing lesson.
— Celtic GIFs (@CelticGIFs) January 3, 2026
We stared 2004 with a smile and swagger. We should all be in good spirits and hoping the current squad can start 2026 in a similar manner, although admittedly it’s looking rather doubtful.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
Celtic in the Thirties – Both Volumes Half in the Celtic Star Books January Sale…
Both volumes of Celtic in the Thirties are now available on Amazon Kindle, with the links to order below. Signed copies of both volumes are available on hardback from Celtic Star Books and if you would like author Matt Corr to add a special dedication to your copies please let us know. Order hardback copies HERE or for Amazon Kindle click on the links below…
