Having gone through good times and bad, my favourite Celtic memory had been the centenary double – thirty years ago, this year – when Billy McNeill came back as a saviour and delivered us the league and Scottish Cup.
That will always remain in my heart and be tied to the names of true Celtic greats – Bonner, Aitken, McStay and, of course, the peerless Tommy Burns.
That season was special, not just for the victories, but because a club as great as ours surely deserved something tangible on our 100th birthday. We have won doubles since, but none have ever mattered to me quite as much.
But time has taught me to try to appreciate success as it happens. To value the special people while they are with us.
While celebrating our glories, we never quite know what lies ahead and we must take each and every one on their own merits, while never ceasing to hunger for more.
So, firstly, we must remember that seven titles in a row is a monumental achievement in itself and not merely a component of something bigger.
And, secondly, when we have won two consecutive domestic trebles, we should enjoy the fact that our players, manager and staff have brought us our own “Lisbon moment”.
We could rhyme off the players who have put in stellar performances over the last two seasons and further back over the seven titles.
But none come close to Scott Brown in terms of what he has achieved and given to Celtic since he arrived from Hibs all those years ago.
Courage, skill, strength, determination, energy, leadership.
All these qualities have taken him on the long journey from a dynamic midfielder with great promise towards taking his place amongst the all-time great Celtic players and captains.
Just as in 1988, it seemed that the footballing gods had shone their light down on us to grant us a glory we deserved, those same powers seem to have delivered a fitting accolade to Scott in his testimonial season.
Celtic seven-in-a-row and double-treble-winning captain.
From one fan to all our people but especially to Scott Brown – thank you.--
