Much Mulgrew about nothing – Charlie knows what it takes

Much Mulgrew about nothing. Charlie knows what it takes to be a Scottish Premiership winner…

Charlie Mulgrew of Celtic Legends
Charlie Mulgrew of Celtic Football Club looks on during the FC Bayern Legends Cup at SAP Garden on January 18, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)

Former Celtic star Charlie Mulgrew has ruffled a few feathers in the Scottish footballing scene, simply by expressing his honest opinion, one that happens to be shared by a big majority of those in the footballing world.

Charlie has been vocal in his belief that high flying Hearts will choke when it come to the crunch in the title stakes, and he reiterated those sentiments in the aftermath of Tuesday night’s Edinburgh derby that saw the Jambos claim a last gasp victory to further strengthen their grip at the top.

Derek McInnes
Derek McInnes, Manager of Hearts during the Scottish Premiership match between Hearts and Celtic at Tynecastle on January 25, 2026. (Photo by Zak Mauger/Getty Images)

This has led to a flurry of supporters and pundits alike criticising the former Scotland international for his take on the situation. Some of it a bit over the top, it’s a game of opinions after all, and the one Charlie is making happens to be one that has its merits.

Listen, Charlie seems like the sort that likes to say things for the attention, a bit Kris Boyd-esque at some times, but he’s only saying what most of us think, and more importantly he’s been in this position numerous times with Celtic, he’s a five times champion with the hoops, so he certainly knows what it takes to win a title.

Champions again
The players of Celtic pose with the Scottish Premiership Trophy on May 17, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Charlie’s been there and bought the tee shirt so to speak, so when he talks folk should give him the respect by hearing him out, and not ridicule him. He represented his country, he’s played at the highest level of the game competing for honours, so if anyone is qualified to give an opinion, it’s Charlie.

Maybe, just maybe when he talks people should listen and not rubbish his honest opinion? He knows what he’s talking about after all, much more than the majority of his critics.

My own belief is the same of that as Charlie’s, maybe when it plays out that way, more than a few will be offering him an apology? I wouldn’t hold my breath.

Football is about opinions and everyone has one. With each passing week we get closer to the end of the season and for the first time in a long while we have three sets of supporters all dreaming about title glory come the end of May.

Miguel Freckleton of St Mirren scores the winner against Hearts
3rd February 2026; SMISA Stadium, Paisley, St Mirren v Hearts; Miguel Freckleton of St Mirren heads the ball and scores in the 88th minute to make it 1-0 to St Mirren Photo Vagelis Geogariou

Hearts have a lead that they will be looking to maintain at Ibrox on Sunday afternoon in a match that kicks off after Celtic’s trip to Rugby Park to take on Kilmarnock.  The Ayrshire side scored four times last night while conceding three to St Mirren on their plastic pitch. They are now managed by Neil McCann who will be looking to do both his old clubs a favour before they kick-off at Ibrox.

Miguel Freckleton of St Mirren scores the winner against Hearts
3rd February 2026; SMISA Stadium, Paisley, St Mirren v Hearts; Miguel Freckleton of St Mirren heads the ball and scores in the 88th minute to make it 1-0 to St Mirren Photo Vagelis Geogariou

Celtic though under Martin O’Neill and with many experienced title winners in the team including of course Callum McGregor and James Forrest, know what it takes to win the league. No-one at theRangers knows that outside of the survivors from the Covid season – James Tavernier is one perhaps there are others lurking around in the Ibrox shadows.

READ THIS…Sandman’s Definitive Ratings – Celtic v It Lives

Stephen Welsh scores for Motherwell
Full time at Fir Park after Stephen Welsh scored a late equaliser  for Motherwell. Motherwell 1-1 theRangers. Scottish Premiership. Fir Park, 11 February 2026. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

And only Derek McInnes at Hearts knows anything about lifting the top prize but that was as a player a generation ago. Hearts came close in 1986 – they took it to the last eight minutes of the last day before their bottle went up at Dens Park. Ibrox on Sunday will be a huge test for them.

Hearts fans at Dundee in May 1986
Hearts fans at Dundee in May 1986. Photo The Celtic Wiki

For Celtic it’s about getting the job done at Rugby Park and then looking to see which one – or both -rivals drop points. And they’ll be up against the hostile crowd and the match officials in their biggest test of the season.

Neil McCann and Kris Boyd
Neil McCann and Kris Boyd. St Mirren v theRangers, 24 August 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Maybe Charlie Mulgrew will change his opinion if Hearts get a win at Ibrox, although unlike Kris Boyd he’s not going to produce a Hearts top and proclaim his support for the Jambos in the title race. That’s left to the big balloon. Who will he be supporting on Sunday?

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

Celtic in the Thirties
Celtic in the Thirties by Matt Corr. Click on image to order

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About Author

An ordinary everyday Celtic supporters hailing and still residing in Govan in the shadows of the enemy. I’m a season ticket holder. I Witnessed my first Celtic game in 1988 and have attended when I can ever since. Growing up in the 90s I witnessed Celtic at their lowest, and now appreciate the historic success we enjoy today. I enjoy writing about this wonderful football club and hopefully will continue to do so. I’ve always been a keen writer and initially started this a hobby. My ambition is to one day become as good an author as my fellow Celtic Star colleagues.

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1 Comment

  1. OGs v Diets. If Hearts are a goal up with a minute to play, and Gassama goes diving like Tom Daley in the Hearts box to the howls of the gallery, what will happen? Does VAR suddenly burst into flames? Do the laws of physics invert? A giant anti-matter explosion and the end of reality? Beaton vaporises? It’ll be interesting….