1909-10
In terms of cup finals, season 1909-10 was a very different experience from what had gone before.
Neither Celtic or Rangers made the final of the Charity Cup, the first time in almost two decades that neither of the Old Firm featured. Also, the Scottish Cup – which again went to a second replay! – was at least settled, with Dundee eventually beating Clyde.
In the Glasgow Cup though, Celtic again celebrated. In October 1909, Celtic again met Rangers in a Hampden final. Once more, perhaps fearing complaints, an English referee was appointed. He oversaw a 1-0 win for the Hoops, thanks to a second half Jimmy Quinn goal.
In the League, Celtic were once again in the hunt for the honours, although were being pushed all the way by Falkirk. With two games to go, Celtic had a chance to seal the title. On 25 April 1910 – 115 years ago, and Willie Maley’s 42nd birthday – Hibs came to Glasgow’s east end.
Celtic’s top of the table advantage meant they needed only one point from their remaining two games to be Champions. Despite the prospect of a sixth successive title, fan interest was limited and only 3000 attended the match.
Those at the game had no goals to cheer or jeer. The match finished 0-0, and Celtic were champions again. This was the only title of the six that was sealed at Celtic Park.
Despite the low key nature of victory, this six-in-a-row league run was a momentous achievement, a record that would stand in Scotland until Celtic themselves beat it in 1972.
In season 1910-11, Rangers were Champions. Celtic’s run of six successive titles came to an end. In recognition of this remarkable run, the Scottish League presented Celtic with a special shield to mark this.
When it comes to successive League titles, Celtic fans first thoughts will always go to nine-in-a-row. The Celts did this for a second time from 2012 to 2020, but the 1966-74 run will always have a more famous place in history, owing to Celtic’s European success in this era.
However, the six-in-a-row run of 1905-1910 is also something that deserves a more prominent place in the Celtic story. Not only was this a world record, it was an achievement not beaten in Scotland for more than six decades.
As well as featuring some memorable – and infamous – events, it also includes some of the most celebrated players in Celtic’s history, including men such as Jimmy Quinn, Jimmy McMenemy and Alec McNair, and was overseen by Willie Maley, the club’s longest serving manager.
So all hail Celtic, six-in-a-row Champions! And hopefully title winners this Saturday too.
Matthew Marr
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Click on cover to order a hardback copy
Matthew’s debut Celtic book titled ‘The Bould Bhoys – Glory to their name’ was published by Celtic Star Books last year and is available to order HERE. This brilliant book is also available on Amazon Kindle for just £3.49 and includes all photo sections that appear in the hardback edition.
Matthew Marr with his debut Celtic book, Glory to their name, which tells the story of Celtic’s first ever title win. Photo The Celtic Star
Celtic in the Thirties by Celtic Historian Matt Corr is published in two volumes by Celtic Star Books.
I would posit, that the Scottish Cup remained the most prized trophy in the eyes of the supporters, until the 1955-56 season. The importance of winning the league took precedence from that season onwards. Winners of that competition, gained entry into the European Cup. From the very beginning, the World’s foremost club competition.
Hail Hail.
Having said that Matthew, what a fine article. The 1906-10 team remain legendary, in the eyes of the Celtic support worldwide.
Hail Hail.