For me 1986 won’t be beaten, but today could run it very close

For me at least Love Street 1986 won’t be beaten, for others the 4-2 game tops the lot but today could run both iconic Celtic title wins very close…

Albert Kidd’s goals, broken Hearts 

As the build up to the end of the season title showdown between Celtic and Hearts intensifies, minds will naturally be cast back 40 years to 1986, when of course Celtic pipped the Jambos to the league title on a dramatic last day of football.

A day that will joyfully long live in the memories of those who can recall it, whilst it’s a moment that still haunts the Jam Tarts and their supporters to this very day.

I was too young to appreciate such a remarkable moment, but like every other Celtic supporter I know the significance of that iconic day in Paisley.

Fast forward four decades, and it’s yet another showdown between us and our Edinburgh rivals, but the two sets of circumstances can’t be anymore different, as today our title hopes are firmly within our control.

Celtic supporters believed in 1986 

On that day back in early May 1986, the Jambos were huge favourites to lift the title, as much like today they only needed to avoid defeat, and were playing at Dens against Dundee, whilst Celtic were much further down the road as they took on St Mirren at Love Street.

Not only did we have to hope and pray that the Jambos lost the game, we would also have to win against the Buddies by three clear goals to win the league on goal difference. It was definitely a tall order.

1986 was a highly improbable title win for Celtic 

But thanks to Dundee’s Celtic supporting striker Albert Kidd, who appeared from the bench to score a late quick fire brace to sink the Jambos, and a rampant five goal performance from Davie Hays Celtic side, we overcame the odds to clinch a highly improbable title win.

Today, our destiny is firmly in our own hands, and we don’t need to be looking for favours elsewhere, which is a testament to our hard work and dedication these past months since Martin O’Neill returned after Wilfried Nancy was correctly sacked early in January after dropping 12 points in 33 days as statistically the worst ever manager in Celtic’s history.

Here we go, Five in a Row

If we are successful in our quest to secure a fifth consecutive title, then it will rank as one of our best ever moments, but for many not a patch on 1986.

Maybe it will be for those who were around supporting Celtic to judge properly and if that includes you we’d love to hear from you after today’s game is done and dusted and the trophy is lifted – hopefully by Callum McGregor and not Lawrence Shankland.

Vivid memories of the 4-2 Game in 1979  – When Ten Men Won the League 

Other Celtic supporters are comparing today to the 4-2 game in May 1979 when it was effectively a title decider. Celtic’s last game, we had to beat Rangers to win the league. They needed a draw then to beat Partick Thistle three days later at Ibrox to win the league.  Against the odds, with ten men and a goal down Celtic fought back gloriously.

Hopefully tomorrow we are comparing the 1979, 1986 and 2026 title wins and debating which one is the best. Fingers crossed. And in decades to come Celtic supporters are debating with of the these title wins was the best.

Let’s make it happen today. Everyone going to Paradise please give it all the Noise you’ve got.  Leave nothing on the table.  Enjoy the game and COME ON YOU BHOYS IN GREEN!

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

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