Again, the peculiarities of the fixture list dictated that recent Cup conquerors Dundee United would provide the opposition for the official title clinching-game. A huge travelling support headed to Tayside on the Wednesday night and they were rewarded early, as MacLeod headed the champions-elect in front after three minutes.
On the half-hour there was a setback, as poacher-supreme Willie Pettigrew snatched an equaliser. Back came Celtic, with that man McGarvey restoring the lead just five minutes later from a Provan corner and Celts went down the tunnel at the interval with the job half-done. The title-winning moment most of us remember came on the hour mark. We watched from high up on the old uncovered terracing, facing the main stand, as Tommy Burns lived up to his name, twisting and turning away from defenders to smash a beautiful left-foot shot past McAlpine and the title was ours.
The scenes at the end will live with me forever, a sea of green and white scarves around the ground as ‘Walk On’ echoed into the night air. The Celtic players joined in, scarves held aloft in triumph, before raising first Danny McGrain then Billy McNeill shoulder-high, in a flashback to another era. After the bitter taste of a final-day title loss the previous season, this particular championship felt very special, earned the Celtic way with an incredible winning run from Ne-erday, which blew the opposition away.
We funnelled out onto Tannadice Street on Cloud Nine, to the strains of a well-known BA advert of the time, the words amended to reflect the achievement of Cesar’s young lions…
…“We’ve won the League again, fly the flag, fly the flag”.
Hail Hail!
Matt Corr
Get your copy of ‘Celtic in the Eighties’ which has been personally signed by Celtic legend Danny McGrain…
Celtic legend Danny McGrain is seen during the League Cup Final between Aberdeen and Celtic at Hampden Park on November 27, 2016. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Don’t miss the chance to purchase the late, great Celtic historian David Potter’s final Celtic book, Celtic in the Eighties. All remaining copies have been signed by the legendary Celtic captain Danny McGrain , who also wrote the foreword for Celtic in the Eighties. And you’ll also receive a FREE copy of David Potter’s Willie Fernie biography – Putting on the Style, plus you’ll only be charged for postage on one book. Order from Celtic Star Books HERE.
Celtic in the Eighties and Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style both by David Potter. Photo The Celtic Star
Danny McGrain has signed the remaining batch of David Potter’s outstanding final book Celtic in the Eighties so hurry to get your signed copy!
Ordering is simple, just place your order for Celtic in the Eighties at celticstarbooks.com/shop and we’ll do the rest, ensuring your copy is signed by Danny PLUS you’ll also receive a complimentary Willie Fernie book dispatched by the next working day, whilst stocks last.
Danny McGrain signing copies of Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Photo: Celtic Star Books
Please note that stocks are now running very low indeed and the book will NOT be reprinted. Click on the image below to order. Also postage will only be charged on ONE book, not per item so if you are in Britain or the six counties you will pay £24.50 for both books – one side by Danny McGrain and that includes the postage costs for speedy delivery. As always the books are hardback and are of the highest quality.
CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW TO ORDER…
Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Out now on Celtic Star Books. Click on image above to order.
