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[BOTB] SongQuest III - Seven Sensational Seasons - Songs Only

Discussion in 'Competition Corner' started by Taz, Jul 28, 2018.

Discuss SongQuest III - Seven Sensational Seasons - Songs Only in the Competition Corner area at TalkCeltic.net.

  1. Taz Blind Justice Gold Member News Writer

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    Round 6

    2000/01

    'The Treble'


    [​IMG]

    Febuary 8th, 2000. That is where our story begins.

    It had been literally a dark and stormy day, with icy rain and gusty winds proceeding even some snowfall in areas around Glasgow. A rotten day in so many ways, so it was perhaps fitting that it would provide the backdrop for the tempest that awaited at Celtic Park that night.

    Inverness CT went on to beat the Hoops 3-1 that night, in a rearranged Scottish Cup fixture that would live long in the memory, and mostly for all the wrong reasons. Celtic had spent much of the time showboating and perhaps did not take the First Division Highland club seriously. Despite a clutch of gilt edged opportunities to get back on level terms, the Bhoys went into the break down 2-1 to a chorus of boos from around Paradise. That half time would change everything.

    Teammates were turning on each other as in-fighting broke out. Jonathan Gould accused Eyal Berkovic of slacking, while assistant coach Eric Black had tried to provoke a reaction from star striker, Mark Viduka. He got one - just not the one he was expecting. The poisonous atmosphere exploded as Viduka allegedly threw his boots in the bin and refused to play in the second half. Arsenal legend Ian Wright, who had been recruited to fill the void left by Larsson's injury, found it all terribly amusing, apparently laughing the whole time at what was clearly not a laughing matter, before was pressed into action as a replacement. But his lacklustre showings while he was in the Hoops were all too evident of a man well past his prime and picking up a sizeable wage on the back of minimal effort. And all the while this was happening, there was John Barnes, lost. In the corner, all too well aware he had lost many of the players long before now, and here he was, having lost control of this situation and by now there was no hiding from the fact he had completely lost the plot.

    Two days later, Barnes and his backroom staff were history. Wright would follow a week later.

    Even though Celtic would manage to win the League Cup the following month under the interum stewardship of Kenny Dalglish, it was evident that some serious work needed to be carried out as the summer approached.

    Martin O'Neill had already managed to put together a very respectable resume in football. As a player he had won the European Cup twice under the direction of Brian Clough at Nottingham Forrest and had captained Northern Ireland to the 1982 World Cup. And what he gleamed from Clough would stand him in good stead throughout the years that would follow, upon venturing into management. Here, he had been equally as impressive, proving his ability first with Wycombe before guiding Leicester City to promotion to the EPL, establishing them as a stable midtable side, and most impressively, managed to lead the Foxes to the League Cup Final 3 times in 4 years, winning that trophy twice in 1997 and 2000. Especially when taking into account the budget he was working with compared with many of the sides around him.

    O'Neill's contract with the EPL side expired that summer, and became the new Celtic boss on June 1st that year. Few could have anticpated the extent of just how much impact this appointment would have. Arriving with the pledge of 'wanting to bring some success', he wasted no time. There was a big gap that needed to close, as the Hoops had finished the previous season a mammoth 21 points behind our city rivals. Mark Viduka was traded to Leeds for £6m, and was one of a raft of departures from the old Barrowfield training ground, to make way for the O'Neill revolution that was starting to take shape.

    [​IMG]
    Deadly Duo: Sutton and Larsson

    Chris Sutton was O'Neill's first signing for £6m. The former Blackburn striker had fallen out of favour at Chelsea, where he had struggled to fit with their style of play. Perhaps it was by no co-incidence that just a few months after this deal went through that R****** bought the services of Tore Andre Flo, also from Chelsea, for twice the fee that Celtic had shelled out for Sutton. Here was the proof positive that Minty Moonbeams supposed promises of spending £10 for every £5 that Celtic did, and that they were determined to not let their stranglehold on Scottish Football go easily.

    But O'Neill was also able to bring in other quality signings to strengthen the team, such as Joos Valgaeren, Alan Thompson, Bobby Petta and reuniting for the third time with O'Neill after spells at both Wycombe and Leicester was Steve Guppy. But perhaps the best of all was the return of Henrik Larsson, as the Swede had missed a considerable chunk of the previous season our with a horrific broken leg. His return was a boost for the new manager who actually looked at the squad he had inherited and saw that there was quite a bit of skill there, with the likes of captain Tom Boyd, Johan Mjallby, Jackie McNamara, Paul Lambert, Lubo Moravcik and a youngster by the name of Stillyan Petrov to integrate with these new arrivals.

    It didnt take long for this to begin to show promise and bear fruit, as almost instantly Larsson and Sutton began to form a potent and lethal strike partnership. And it wasn't just the new tactics, but the man management skills that shone, as this was so in complete contrast with what had proceeded it.

    After a middling series of friendlies, by the time that the league season got underway, this new Celtic team were keen to show that things had changed. Winning the first 4 league games against United, Motherwell, Killie & Hearts set the Hoops up, ready to prove themselves for the visit of R****** to Parkhead on the 27 August. Wbat happened next will forever be forged in Celtic folklore, as the Demolition Derby, with Celtic running out 6-2 winners, with braces for both Sutton and Larsson - the Swede's first being the pick of the bunch but all of the goals were quality.



    As the season progressed further additions were made, such as Didier Agathe, Rab Douglas and Neil Lennon reuniting also with O'Neill after their time together at Filbert Street. While Europe had finished in disappointment at the hands of Bordeaux, in domestic competitions and into the new year. By the time that the Bhoys went on their midwinter break to the US, Celtic's league record had stood at P 24 W 20 D 3 L1. In so doing, they had scored 68 goals, with Larsson already having found the net an incredible 32 times (in all competitions), including notching up his century, as one of four he scored in a 6-0 drubbing of Killie at the new year!

    The Hoops were top of the table by a considerable gap, and really there was no thought of taking the foot off the gas until the job was done. O'Neill ensured that the team was always motivated, as they would taste nothing but victory until they had completed securing the league before the Split. But the dominance was not reserved for the SPL alone, with resounding victories over Raith, Hearts and R****** ensuring their place in the League Cup Final, which was secured with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Killie.

    So by the time that the Hoops arrived at Ipox for the second time that season, looking to avenge the 5-1 mauling from November, it seemed as though things were looking up. But this remained a very real challenge for this team. For all their dominance and success, victory at Ipox was something of a rarity, as the Bhoys had not won in any of their previous 14 trips across to the south side of the Clyde. But that day at the end of April will always be remembered as being more than a little bit special, with Moravcik in scintillating form - the Slovakian playmaker scored twice before Larsson adding the cherry on top with his 50th strike of the season - driving the Hoops to a memorable 3-0 win - and a long time coming - the first at Ipox since 1994.



    As the season wound down, there was only really one serious piece of business left to conclude: the Scottish Cup. Wins over Stranraer, Dunfermline, Hearts and Dundee United had ensured our spot in an all green Final day appointment with Hibernian, who thenselves were looking to break a run of close to a century since they had last won the Scottish Cup.

    And there were a few wobbles as O'Neill and the Bhoys as they clearly had their eyes on that date in the calandar and the trip to Hampden to look forward to, in addition to Tom Boyd's testimonial match, which was to feature Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United. A surprise 2-0 loss to 10-man Dundee saw the Hoops undefeated home record end, and a 1-0 loss away to Killie on the final day of the league season sandwiched the testimonial (also a loss - the first time Celtic had lost to Ferguson's United teams going back 7 previous meetings) were hardly ideal preparation for the Hampden showdown.

    But the chance to clinch a treble is a rare thing. Especially as it had only previously been done by the great Jock Stein sides of the late 60's. So, here was a real chance to etch their names in history, and what a way to do it. McNamara had come off the bench early in the first half after Moravcik was forced off with an injury, and the Scottish International did not miss out on his opportunity to make his mark, by scoring the first goal and then setting up Larsson for the second either side of the interval, before the Swede - who else? - capped it off late on with a spotkick for his 53rd goal of the campaign and ensured that the Scottish Cup would reside at Paradise for the 31st time.

    [​IMG]
    Cup Final Hero: Jackie MacNamara

    Considering the state of the team and where we had been that night just a few short months before his arrival, the turnaround that had been achieved by O'Neill and his tam was nothing short of sensational! From being 21 points behind our city rivals the previous campaign to winning the league this time before the split, and had it not been for a late wobble and players resting up, it's very realistic to think that the eventual 15 point gap did not really reflect just how much of an improvement the Hoops had made under the Irishman.

    The 2000/01 season saw the beginnings of what was to be a fantastic era for Celtic fans all over the world, as the football on display would electrifying at times but also, would see the team develop and ensure more silverware was to follow, as well as some very special European nights as well. But that for now was all in the future.

    For now, this was a soecial saason in it's own right with no shortage of heroes, both old and new. Lennon, Petrov and Lambert, McNamara and Boyd, Mjallby and Valgaeran, Agathe, Thompson, Sutton and Moravcik. And of course, the crowning jewel in the pack; the dreadlocked Swede. The Player of the Year, The Player's Player, the King of Kings, Henrik Larsson.

    [​IMG]

    And ochestrating it all, Martin O'Neill. ​
     
    Last edited: Sep 13, 2018
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  2. Taz Blind Justice Gold Member News Writer

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    Semi Final 1





     
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  3. Taz Blind Justice Gold Member News Writer

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    Semi Final 2




     
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  4. Taz Blind Justice Gold Member News Writer

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    Final

    1987/88

    Happy Birthday, Dear Celtic!

    [​IMG]

    It was 6th November 1887 when Brother Walfrid assembled a committee at St Mary's Church Hall in the Calton, with the task of establishing a football club - the purpose of which was to fund raise in order to provide for the dinner tables of the destitute and the children of the immigrant Irish in the east end of Glasgow. What was born that night would become The Celtic Football and Athletic Club. And it was from these charitible roots that a community would be able to rally around.

    And so it was, for generations, Celtic became so much more than just a football team. It was a beacon of hope for a many that all too often were subjected to prejudice, and a rallying spirit that emerged that gave a sense of community, identity and pride.

    Ninety-nine years later, and that club and community had seen so many highs and lows through the years. Near miss of relegation prevented only by an 88th minute goal on the last day of the 1947/48 season, to the highs of Lisbon in 1967. The names of the greats that had become immortalized; Maley and McMahon, McMenemy, Quinn, Gallagher, Shaw and McNair, McGrory, MacLean, Thomson and the McStays, Tully and Peacock, Stein, Auld, Johnstone and Lennox, Dalglish and McGrain had all made their mark in making Celtic a dominant force in the Scottish game.

    But now there was a new challenge. Through the 1980's Aberdeen and Dundee United had emerged as powers to be taken seriously and Hearts had proved surprisingly strong also. And now, the 'Souness revolution' at Ipox was well and truly underway with the backing of David Murray and English club's ban preventing those clubs from competing in Europe saw a number of the English elite heading north of the border, including England captain, Terry Butcher and goalkeeper Chris Woods, and more would follow.

    By contrast Celtic were being subjected to the 'biscuit tin' mentality of the Board. The Board had in many ways rested on the laurels of the Stein era but had been content to sit back and it had been tellling. Despite the challenges, Davie Hay had never overseen the team finish below Runner Up in the league, including a surprise title in 1986. But with a revived R****** were now looking to build on their success the following year, Celtic were in an awkward spot.

    Hay, as manager had a clear eye for attacking footballers, and it was clear that with the likes of McClair and Johnson there were goals in the team. It was this eye for a player that would serve him equally well as a scout in the 90's in identifying Van Hooijdonk, Di Canio and Cadete for the Celtic cause. But in defence things were different and quite simply, the Board was less than supportive of the manager in recruiting in this area. Jack McGinn, the recently appointed Chairman, famously was quoted as saying that 'if Davie Hay wants to bring those players to Celtic then he will have to pay for them himself!"

    By the time the 86/87 campaign came to a close, Hay was running out of friends in the Boardroom, which made it odd that they would sanction the transfer of Mick McCarthy to the club only to sack Hay a week later. With the Celtic Centenary closing in, and desperate to have a season worthy, and despite less than stellar showings as manager down south with Aston Villa and Man City, that summer there were few around Parkhead that were disappointed to learn of the news that Billy McNeill would be returning to take charge of the team.

    [​IMG]
    The Return of Cesar!

    Obviously with the departures of McClair, Johnson, Murdo MacLeod, Danny McGrain and Davie Provan left significant gaps in the side, which meant that Celtic needed to bring in some new faces. including Andy Walker, Chris Morris, veteran Billy Stark. Frank McAvennie and Joe Miller over the course of the next few months. And with the departure of so many familiar faces, it was perhaps welcoming that one of the Celtic supports favourite sons, Tommy Burns, was given a testimonial match early in the season.

    Celtic got off to a promising start to the campaign however, winning 4 of their first 5 league games, including a 1-0 win over R******, before being knocked out of the League Cup by Aberdeen. Although the chances of a treble were now off. Shortly afterward, Celtic were able to secure a 2-1 win, courtesy of an 89th minute Derek Whyte winner, over Borussia Dortmund - the first time Celtic had faced German opponants in a competitive fixture, and ironically MacLeod was amongst the visitors back to Parkhead that night with his new team. Unfortunately a 2-0 reverse in Germany once again prematurely ended Celtic's European campaign for another year.

    McNeill was typically defiant that it wouldn't disrupt the team too much, however, as his team could now focus on the league. By the time that Celtic travelled to Ipox in mid October they held a 4 point lead and hoping to build on this further. In a match that had several contentious moments, including early in the first half when Frank McAvennie and Chris Woods came together, with the English goalkeeper grabbing McAvennie by the throat and Butcher pushing the Celtic player to the ground. In the end the referee saw fit to show red cards to both McAvennie and Woods, while Butcher would see red later in the match also. In the end, the 2 sides ended up with a share of the points following a 2-2 final score.

    [​IMG]
    Seeing Red: McAvennie is grabbed by the throat by Chris Woods

    This would not be the end of the matter however, as all of these players as well as another R****** man, Graham Roberts (who appeared to be 'orchestrating' the singing of sectarian songs by the home support) would end up in court charged with "behaviour likely to cause a breach of the peace". In the end McAvennie was found not guilty, Roberts was found that the case was 'not proven', but both Woods and Butcher were both found guilty, convicted and fined. McAvennie later reflected that "it was a season where they couldn't even beat us in court!".

    The games continued along and the Hoops continued to impress, and by the turn of the year had only lost 2 league games, and were sitting top of the table going into 1988. And fittingly, the first match of the new year was against the old foes in blue. Celtic were not about to let their control of the league go, with Roy Aitken resolute in defence, Paul McStay inspiring in the midfield and Morris impressing down the flank, but it was the McAvennie show, as the charismatic striker scored both of the goals that sparked the jubulation of the Jungle, roused with a rendition of 'Happy Birthday, Dear Celtic'!



    The only negative of the day, and indeed of the season was behaviour by some of the support that day, throwing bananas at R****** winger, Mark Walters. Especially disappointing, considering Celtic had previously featured players from the Carribbean and the Indian subcontinent, stretching back to the 1930's, when Mohammad Salim would play in bare feet for Celtic. An otherwise sad mark on a club that has always been devoted to the Maley maxim that it was 'not the race nor creed that matters, but the man himself'. So while its important to celebrate what made us great in the first place, it would be remiss not to acknowledge this.

    Moving on, Celtic were now 7 points clear at the top of the table, and were determined to not let go of the hold they now commanded over the competition. In fact, Celtic would not lose another match until mid April, including yet another victory over our former neighbours, before losing to Hearts (a week after knocking the Jambos out of the Scottish Cup), but it was only a minor blip.

    Celtic were all but champions, and deservedly so when they showed up at Celtic Park the following week. In front of an official capacity 60.000 spectators on hand (reports later emerged that unofficially up to 72,000 were actually there, as many, mostly kids, were allowed to sit on the old running track, and the gates were locked, with many thousands still outside and unable to get into the ground. That day, the Hoops were able to secure the League Championship, with a 3-0 win over Dundee, with Chris Morris providing the early goak to settle the nerves before Walker provided a second half brace in the space of about a minute put the game beyond the visitors and ensured the title for the Hoops for the 35th time!



    Meanwhile in the Scottish Cup, Celtic had been just as determined to make sure that it would be a season to remember. The Bhoys had managed to get past Stranraer, Hibs, Partick and Hearts set them on course for a Cup Final showdown with Dundee United. And, despite the presence of Maggie Thatcher there that day - or perhaps quite possibly in part because of it - it was to be a match and an atmosphere well worth remembering.

    The Tannadice side went ahead through Kevin Gallagher (the grandson of Celtic legend, Patsy Gallagher), early in the second half. But this only seemed to serve to inspire the Celtic team, who went on to put on a display of attacking football that must have rekindled memories of Lisbon more than 20 years before for the manager, as his side attacked relentlessly. McAvennie provided the equalizer with 14 minutes left to play, and in a season where so many victories had been secured late on in games, it was only fitting that McAvennie would be attracting all the headlines with his last minute winner!



    The party was well and truly one worth savouring, for the players and fans alike. Although there was to be a Cup Final victory to savour the following year, there would be precious little else to celebrate for a long time after that remarkable season. Turbulant times were ahead, but for right now, that May day in 1988, there was only unbridled joy outpouring, amongst the players and amongst the fans.

    It's fitting that a real Celtic man, through and through would pay tribute to the fans, that make the club so special, and continues to this day. "That's what's so special about them. They're there and they're always there. And * bless every one of them."

    Thirty years on, and we remember all the heroes of that day and that season. A season in which Celtic won 3 of their meetings with our former city rivals and drew the other. A season in which an unsung hero like Chris Morris, who played every minute in all 55 games the Bhoys played that season deserved as much of the praise as favourite sons, like Aitken and McStay, and celebrated along with new heroes, Miller, Walker and McAvennie. A season of so many memories created and reflected on the history of the hundred years that had proceeded it, and as Burns praisd the Celtic fans, it was and remains special that we have so many wonderful memories of those that went before, and sadly, have gone since.

    "* bless every one of them" Tommy Burns remarked, when talking about the support that day.

    Indeed, * bless every one of them. For all those that have done the Hoops proud through that first century. Every player that has given their all for the jersey. Every manager that has gone grey guiding them. Every scout that identified talents and everyone that sat in conference with Brother Walfrid that November evening in 1887, that made it all possible.

    * bless everyone of them!

    [​IMG]
    Roy Aitken and the Bhoys celebrate the Cup triumph

    **********

    Good luck to our Finalists

    @borobob and @Moustache
     
    Last edited: Sep 28, 2018
  5. Taz Blind Justice Gold Member News Writer

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    The Final

    1987








     
  6. Taz Blind Justice Gold Member News Writer

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    The Final

    1988







     
  7. Taz Blind Justice Gold Member News Writer

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    Jury Voting

    @Big els @Drakhan @Idioteque @JC Anton @Keano88 @Marie @Mr Shelby @obafgkmlt @Officer Doofy @Deebo67 @Pinstripe @Scotia @Swervedancer @The GOAT @Tim-Time 1888 @Vinnie BBQ

    Same as in the Semi-Final, you simply vote for the song you prefer from both 1987 and 1988 as nominated by our 2 Finalists.

    They have gone as far as they can under their own steam. Now their fate is entirely in the hands of the Jury.

    The scores will culmulate and whoever has the most votes overall will be the new SongQuest Champion.

    Good Luck!​