Celtic’s Title Triumphs: A Look Back at the Club’s History of Trophy Days
Celtic Football Club has a rich history of success, with 55 league titles to their name. But have you ever wondered how the club’s trophy days came to be? According to an article by The Celtic Star, the tradition of trophy days at Celtic Park is a relatively recent phenomenon.
When the Scottish League first began in 1890, there was no trophy given to the winners of the competition. Instead, the title holders received a flag, a tradition which remains to this day. In fact, when Celtic won their first championship in 1893, their rewards were ‘badges’ (medals) for the players, and a flag for the club to be flown at Celtic Park.
The practice of only flags and medals for the title winners continued until after World War Two. In October 1947, William MacAndrew, the long-term secretary of the Scottish Football League, retired, and as a parting gift, he decided to leave two mementos: specifically, trophies to be presented to the winners of League Division A and League Division B.
These gifts meant that the winners of Scotland’s football leagues would receive not simply a flag but also a trophy. As winners of the top league in 1948, Hibernian became the first team to receive the ‘A’ cup, whilst East Fife got the ‘B’ trophy.
The Celtic Star reports that Celtic were nowhere near getting a trophy or a flag in the 1947-48 season. In fact, 1947-48 almost saw the Bhoys getting relegated, and they needed a last-day win at Dens Park – with a hat-trick from Jock Weir – to guarantee their safety.
The first time Celtic received a trophy on the pitch was in 1981, when they beat Dundee United 3-2 to claim the title. The following week, Kilmarnock came to Glasgow’s east end, gaining a 1-1 draw. Before the match – and on the pitch in front of the fans – the League trophy was presented to captain Danny McGrain.
Since then, the practice has been established that fans would see their team receive the cup. However, doing this at the start or end of the game was determined by whether or not the title had been sealed before kick-off.
In recent years, these celebrations have spilled onto the streets of Glasgow city centre, an action which increasingly divides the support. The Celtic Star notes that since the introduction of the League split, and given Celtic’s recent dominance, often the fixtures are deliberately arranged to ensure that Celtic are at home on the final day.
According to The Celtic Star, “For years, the fans have sang ‘We’ve won the League again, fly the flag.’ That remains as true now as it was going back to 1893. But since 1954, the Celts have also collected a trophy to mark their league success.”
The article concludes that perhaps the song needs a new line to reflect this. As Celtic continues to dominate Scottish football, their trophy days will remain an integral part of their history and tradition.
The Celtic Star provides a detailed account of Celtic’s history, and their article is a testament to their dedication to preserving the club’s heritage. As the club continues to celebrate their title triumphs, fans will be eager to see what the future holds for this storied institution.
Celtic’s history is a rich and storied one, and their trophy days are an integral part of that history. From the early days of receiving flags and medals to the modern-day celebrations, the club’s tradition of trophy days continues to be an important part of their identity.
As The Celtic Star notes, “Whatever happens, since Trophy Day started to become a major part of the title winning-team’s calendar, it is always an event to be welcomed by Celtic fans.” With their recent dominance, Celtic fans have been treated to numerous trophy days, and they will be eager to see what the future holds for their beloved club.
The club’s success is not limited to their league titles, and their history is filled with numerous triumphs and achievements. As The Celtic Star reports, Celtic’s history is a testament to their dedication and perseverance, and their trophy days are a celebration of that success.
In conclusion, Celtic’s title triumphs are an integral part of their history and tradition. From the early days of receiving flags and medals to the modern-day celebrations, the club’s tradition of trophy days continues to be an important part of their identity. As the club continues to dominate Scottish football, their trophy days will remain an essential part of their heritage.
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