Interestingly, during this run, Celtic’s main rivals were not Rangers. Twice the League runners-up were Dundee, twice Falkirk with Rangers and Hearts also finishing second.
Celtic 7IAR Champions 1972. Image Shoot.
Six-in-a-row remained the Scottish record until 1972 when Celtic sealed their seventh successive title in what became the famous nine-in-a-row run. In the twenty-first century, Celtic did nine-in-a-row for a second time, from 2012 to 2020.
Since 1905, arguably the closest that Celtic have come to repeating a playoff-type fixture was in 1979. At the end of Billy McNeill’s first season in charge at Parkhead, the Bhoys faced Rangers in the Hoops’ final league game of the season.
Celtic Champions 1979 – Monday 21 May 1979. Celtic 4-2 Rangers – Ten Men Won the League. Photo The Celtic Wiki
Victory was needed to ensure the title returned to Celtic Park. Despite falling behind – and going down to ten men after Johnny Doyle was sent off – the Celts fought their way to a famous 4-2 victory, ensuring that they could not be caught in the League race.
As exciting and memorable as this was, this was actually just a normal League game, albeit one which settled the title’s destination. In reality, had Celtic lost this match, Rangers would have still had to win their two remaining games to claim the title.
The 1905 playoff, however, was a very different affair. On that day, both teams entered the pitch knowing that victory would mean they would see the League championship flag hoisted above their home ground. It was a huge incentive, and one which most inspired the Celtic players.
Nowadays, teams that are tied on points at the end of a long season can be separated based on issues such as goal difference, goals scored and head-to-head results. Technically, if all of these still lead to a tie, a playoff could be used, but it is not something that’s happened since Celtic’s 1905 triumph.
It’s another small piece of Celtic history, being the only side to become Scottish champions after winning a playoff game. Which is maybe just as well – imagine the media and police hysteria which would arise if such a game had to take place now!
Matthew Marr
VISIT – https://celticwalkingtours.wordpress.com/
If you want to learn more about Celtic history, follow Hail Hail History on Twitter/X. You can also take part in a FREE Celtic history walking tour. Visit celticwalkingtours.wordpress.com for more information.
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.
