manager makes history with three-in-a-row

Paul Cuddihy
GORDON Strachan has led Celtic to a third consecutive league title, an historic achievement that was secured on an emotional night at Tannadice.

The celebrations among players, management and supporters was tinged with sadness, with the memory of Tommy Burns’ passing still fresh in everyone’s minds. And they wore special t-shirts in tribute to the late, great Celt as they acknowledged the acclaim of the vast travelling Celtic support.

The t-shirts bore an iconic picture of Tommy along with the words ‘YOU’LL ALWAYS BE WITH US’, and the title triumph was dedicated to him.

Gordon Strachan has now ensured his own place in Celtic’s long and illustrious history, becoming only the third manager after Willie Maley and Jock Stein to win three consecutive league titles.

It has been a phenomenal achievement by the Hoops boss and his team, though it was one they always believed was possible.

Speaking to the assembled media after the match the Celtic manager said: “I want to say it has been an incredible night and an incredible season.

“I thank the players for their belief and character and ability. It has been the most memorable season I have ever had in my life.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and I have achieved what I set out to do. Now I want to go and be with people who have supported us and believed in us all season.”

The three-in-a-row triumph was praised by Celtic chairman John Reid, who singled out the manager as the key figure in the success.

He said: “I said a couple of months ago that what we needed was character and courage, and a degree of unity, everybody behind the team.

“And, by God, we certainly got that. I’m particularly delighted for Gordon Strachan. To be the only other manager apart from Willie Maley and Jock Stein to have won three in a row, I think Gordon has answered his critics in the best way to do it, on the football park. And he’s done it by trying to play the Celtic way.”

Chief Executive Peter Lawwell said: “It’s been a week for this club that we should all be proud of.

“It’s been a very emotional week, terrible grief, terrible sorrow – but tonight we can be proud to be a Celtic supporter.

“We’ve been written off and come back. It’s a wonderful night for this club. As for Gordon Strachan, he goes down in Celtic’s history as a legend."