Celtic first, Celtic last and Celtic over all

All you need to know about the history of Celtic FC…

Celtic Football Club,  is a Scottish football club with a rich history and an unwavering passion for the game. Founded in 1887 in the East End of Glasgow, Celtic has become one of the most iconic clubs in world football. Since its founding, the club has achieved success in the Scottish game and has left an indelible mark on European football.

With a devoted following and a rich legacy of unforgettable experiences, Celtic FC transcends being merely a soccer club; it stands as an establishment that encapsulates the essence and heritage of its urban hub and nation. This piece is dedicated to individuals like you, part of the millions across the globe who cherish football in its entirety: its past, live matches, engaging in sports betting activities, or exploring cutting-edge new online casino sites that provide these options via their innovative platforms. An opportunity to delve into and gain deeper insights into this remarkable sport.

History of Celtic

FC Celtic FC was founded in 1887 by Brother Walfrid, a Marist priest with the aim of raising funds to help Irish immigrants in the east of Glasgow. Since then the club has grown and become one of the most successful teams in Scotland and Europe.

Celtic is renowned for its storied rivalry with Rangers FC and its successor club theRangers. famously labeled the ‘Old Firm” this fixture died in 2012 when Rangers FC went into liquidation.  These days the rivalry that remains unmatched in its intensity and fervour in the realm of football, is called the Glasgow Derby.

Celtic FC Honours and Titles

Celtic have amassed an impressive haul of titles throughout their history. The club has won the Scottish Premiership more than any other club and have been Scottish Champions 53 times. Celtic’s trophy room also includes domestic cups such as the Scottish Cup (41 wins) and the League Cup (21 wins including the most famous of all the 1957 Final when Celtic beat Rangers 7-1, still to this day a record score in a national Cup Final) .

On the global stage, Celtic secured one of their most remarkable triumphs by clinching the European Cup in 1967, a pioneering feat as the first British team to achieve such glory. In addition, the club has achieved success in European competitions and has left its mark in international tournaments.

Celtic FC Main Players

Over the years, Celtic have featured talented players who have left an indelible mark on the club’s history. One of the most iconic names is Henrik Larsson, who is considered one of the best forwards to ever wear the Celtic shirt. Other notable players include Jimmy Johnstone, Kenny Dalglish, Paul McStay and most recently, Scott Brown but there are so many to choose from

Curiosities about Celtic FC

Celtic FC has a history rich in anecdotes and curiosities that demonstrate its uniqueness in the world of football:

Charitable Origins: Celtic FC was founded in 1887 by Brother Walfrid with the aim of raising funds to help Irish immigrants in Glasgow. The club was created with a charitable purpose and its caring spirit lives on to this day.

Celtic fans cheer on their team prior to the UEFA Champions League group E football match between Celtic and Lazio at Celtic Park on October 4, 2023. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)

Celtic Park and “You’ll Never Walk Alone”: Celtic Park, the club’s stadium, is famous for the impressive atmosphere created by fans singing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” before each match. This melodic hymn of optimism and togetherness has evolved into an emblem of the fervor and dedication of Celtic supporters.

Inaugural Emblem: Celtic stood among the pioneering teams to feature a crest on their jersey. Originally, the shield had a shamrock, a traditional symbol of Ireland. Although it has evolved over time, the shamrock remains an important emblem on the current shield.

The Magnificent Jock Stein: Jock Stein, one of Celtic’s most legendary managers became the first British manager to win the European Cup to become the Champions of Europe. Manchester United won it the next season and other English clubs like Liverpool, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, Chelsea and Manchester City have subsequently won the European Cup or as it’s called these days, the Champions League but Celtic won it first and remain the only Scottish team to do so.

Best Celtic FC Seasons

A pivotal chapter in the Celtic story unfolded during the 1966-67 season, marked by their triumphant European Cup victory under the stewardship of the legendary Jock Stein. Another highlight was in the 2016-17 season, when the club achieved a historic “Invincible Treble”, winning the league, Scottish Cup and League Cup without losing a game.

Celtic Supporters

Celtic FC Fans and City Celtic fans are recognised globally by a profound devotion towards the club. Celtic Park buzzes with devoted fans at every game, generating a remarkably boisterous and thrilling ambiance. The city of Glasgow feels deeply connected to Celtic, and the club is an integral part of the region’s cultural and sporting identity.

Celtic’s stadium – ‘A place we call ‘Paradise’

Celtic plays its home games at Celtic Park, sometimes called Paradise, it’s an iconic stadium located in Glasgow’s East End. Famed for its distinctive ambiance and storied past, Celtic Park transcends the role of a mere football venue; it stands as the very soul of the club, a haven for Celtic’s faithful and it’s a place that they call Paradise.

Celtic Park Features

Seating Capacity: With the ability to accommodate more than 60,000 supporters, the stadium ranks among the UK’s largest and is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere.

History and Tradition: Celtic Park was opened in 1892 and has been the home of Celtic FC since then. Brother Walfrid maintains a deep connection at Celtic Park and his spirit is palpable in every nook and cranny of the stadium. Fans feel deeply connected to their stadium, a bond made of traditions and historical sport events.

“The Jungle”: “The Jungle” section gained renown as the heart of fan enthusiasm, celebrated for its fervent support. Although it no longer exists in its original form, it remains an important part of the history of the stadium and the club, notorious for its electrifying atmosphere, having been replaced by the North Stand in the mid 1990s.

Renovations and Improvements: Over the years, Celtic Park has undergone several renovations to keep up to modern standards. Among the most important transformations, we have to mention the works done in 1994 when much of the stadium was rebuilt in three stands, leaving just the main stand in place.

Conclusion – Celtic FC: History, Honours and a Passion for Football

Celtic transcends being merely a football team; it stands as an establishment deeply intertwined with the tapestry of Scottish history, fervour, and heritage. Its storied past, remarkable achievements, and dedicated fan base render it an unparalleled entity in the global realm of soccer. Under the banner of ‘A Club Like No Other’ Celtic persists in leaving an indelible impression on the realms of Scottish and European football, diligently upholding their storied legacy and unwavering dedication to the principles upon which it was established.

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor David Faulds has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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