The golden jubilee of the jewel in Celtic’s crown is fast approaching – their 2-1 win over Inter Milan in the 1967 European Cup final in Lisbon to become the only Scottish side to ever lift the famous trophy.
Jock Stein’s all conquering side were all born in and around the Glasgow area and were also the first British side to become Europe’s top team.
They played a stylish game typified by Jimmy “Jinky” Johnstone and Bobby Lennox on the wings and were led by the legendary Billy McNeill as they swept all before them.
The previous season had seen them crowned league champions for the first time in eleven seasons – a title which they would go on to defend eight more times to set a record which still stands to this day (although it was been equalled since).
1967 was their year. The club won everything they entered: the Scottish league, the Scottish Cup, the Scottish League Cup, the Glasgow Cup and the European Cup – scoring 196 goals in the process.
In total, Stein led the Glasgow side to ten Scottish League Championships, eight Scottish Cups, six League Cups and Europe’s top prize.
The current squad have just won their sixth successive league title and are unbeaten in all domestic competitions thus far this season. With a League Cup also safely in the trophy cabinet, the domestic treble is now the aim. Arch rivals Rangers await in the semi-final of the Scottish Cup.
#6inarow, #Brendan2021 and the unbeaten run continues, it's a great time to be a Celt! â˜ºï¸ pic.twitter.com/nKnX44Gug5
— Celtic Football Club (@celticfc) April 9, 2017
Manager Brendan Rodgers has just signed a new four year deal and his style of play has attracted plenty of admirers with some comparing them to Stein's squad of the late 1960s.
Rodgers has built on the foundations laid before him by Neil Lennon and Ronny Delia. His aim now is to complete the domestic treble and chase the historic mark of ten consecutive league titles.
For now though, his side are honouring the Lisbon Lions as best they can.
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