Confirmed – Killie’s comeback means Celtic return to Rugby Park next season

On This Day in 2007, Shunsuke Nakamura curled a late free-kick into the back of the net to send the Celtic supporters wild. His goal, an injury-time winner, sealed the League title for Gordon Strachan’s men. Fast forward fifteen years and another late goal have had consequences for the destination of one title as Killie left it late to score a winner at Rugby Park.

Arbroath had taken the lead in the first half and a spirited display ensued only for two late goals to seal the title for Derek McInnes’ side.

The victory over Arbroath means that Killie have been promoted to the Premiership at the first time of asking. The plastic pitch in Ayrshire is one of the worst in the Scottish game and its return will make for another tough away venue with Derek McInnes’ side looking to climb the top table next year.

Celtic have enjoyed some famous wins at Rugby Park, even winning a few titles down there. However, the installation of the plastic pitch as well as the decision to cut the away allocation made it a poor away trip. Hopefully, they remedy their mistake on the ticket front even if the pitch is there to stay.

It remains to be seen who will drop out of the league but Dundee appears to be the prime contender as they sit rooted to the bottom.

About Author

Born just as Celtic were stopping the Ten, Lubo98 follows Celtic home and away and helps run his local Celtic Supporters Club. He goes to all the games and is a Law Graduate. Has a particular fondness for Tom Rogic among the current Celts and both Lubo and Henrik form his earliest Celtic memories.

2 Comments

  1. John Stevenson on

    Get your facts right about our surface before you publish that bull**it …its on a par with ALL UK and European club surfaces and has world approval FIFA UEFA & even Scottish Rugby …

  2. Daniel Caldwell on

    Always thought that “good players” can play on any pitch!! It’s a poor reflection on the quality of players in Scotland’s Premiership if they’re complaing already.