LATE EIGHTIES DECLINE- CELTIC v BORUSSIA DORTMUND, 1987…
In 1987, after 23 seasons in European competitions, Celtic had NEVER been drawn against a team from West Germany. This was remarkable given the relative success of both Celtic and West German club sides during this period.
3rd March 1976: Celtic 1-1 Sachsenring Zwickau, Kenny Dalglish is denied a goal by a brilliant save. Photo The Celtic Wiki
17 March 1976: Zwickau 1-0 Celtic. Photo The Celtic Wiki
17 March 1976: Zwickau 1-0 Celtic. Photo The Celtic Wiki
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- 17 March 1976: Zwickau 1-0 Celtic. Paul Wilson in action. Photo The Celtic Wiki
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- 17 March 1976: Zwickau 1-0 Celtic. Kenny Dalglish in action. Photo The Celtic Wiki
Celtic’s only tie against any German side had come in 1976 when they were eliminated by Sachsenring Zwickau of East Germany in the quarter final of the Cup Winners’ Cup. At last, in 1987, the draw for the UEFA Cup first round pitched Celtic against Borussia Dortmund to finally set up a meeting in West Germany.
European football was the last thing on the mind of any Celtic supporter at that stage. Celtic ended season 1986/87 trophyless and in total disarray. FOUR players left after the expiry of their contracts and Danny McGrain was released on a free transfer without fanfare or thanks. In addition, on 28 May 1987, the sensational news broke that manager Davie Hay had been sacked, and Billy McNeill was back as Celtic manager. Celtic would have a new manager and a new team for season 1987/88 and European football was clearly not the top priority.
McNeill quickly set about the massive rebuilding job in the summer of 1987. Remarkably, Davie Hay had been allowed to buy centre half Mick McCarthy for £500 000 just a week before he was sacked as manager!
Fortunately, McNeill knew the player from his time at Manchester City and the purchase worked out well. McNeill was also fortunate that all his initial signings were to prove inspired, playing especially well in the season ahead. Chris Morris, Andy Walker and Billy Stark came first and were joined later by Frank McAvennie in October and Joe Miller in November. The side was also boosted by a rejuvenated Mark McGhee, looking his fittest at any time since he had joined Celtic.
