When the bells toll on 2012 Celtic fans worldwide will look back on a momentous year that has transformed the entire dynamics of the club.
Even after Joe Ledley’s derby winner 12 months ago could any of us have dared to dream about what the new year would have in store? Who would have placed a bet on Tony Watt scoring a Champions League winner against Barcelona?
A year littered with highlights from the wow-moment of Watt’s goal to the appearance of the Thai Tims at Celtic Park 2012 will go down as one of the most memorable and significant in the history of the club.
There were plenty to choose from as I returned through the calendar recalling some of the moments that made 2012 spectacular.
………January 21. St Mirren 0-2 Celtic. Two second half goals from James Forrest and Scott Brown give substance to Celtic’s title claims, later on in the day Rangers draw at home to Aberdeen as the tension tells on Ally McCoist’s men.
………February 14. A date never to be forgotten as the predictions of the internet bampots became reality. Despite selling Nikica Jelavic to Everton for £5m Craig Whyte put Rangers into administration before promising that the club would emerge bigger and stronger in his final Ibrox appearance.
………March 11. Dundee United 0-4 Celtic. A powerful second half display took Celtic into the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup with the visiting support in full voice. The feel good factor was underway with the team playing with style and finishing with conviction.
………April 7. Kilmarnock 0-6 Celtic. The title is clinched in style with Celtic fans filling three stands at Rugby Park. Charlie Mulgrew opens the scoring and turns in another majestic display with the late goals from Joe Ledley and Gary Hooper kicking off spectacular celebrations.
………May 13 Celtic 5-0 Hearts. Gary Hooper nets five times as Celtic finally receive the SPL trophy. The Thai Tims put in an appearance as Neil Lennon and his side sign off in style with the hoops boss paying a special tribute to The Green Brigade.
………June 12. Another result for the internet bampots as Rangers go into liquidation. Despite apparently getting a nod of approval for his CVA Charles Green finds out that HMRC have rejected his offer consigning the Govan based club to the history books.
……… August 29. A 2-0 win over Helsingborg takes Celtic back into the Champions League for the first time in four years where they are drawn alongside Barcelona, Benfica and Spartak Moscow. Having won the first leg 2-0 it was mainly a night of celebration at Celtic Park as the journey back to Europe’s centre stage was completed.
……….September 19. Celtic 0-0 Benfica. After the big build-up the return of the Champions League proved to be something of a disappointment with few chances created by a side missing Gary Hooper and Tony Stokes.
……….October 2. Spartak Moscow 2-3 Celtic. The game changer as Celtic throw off the shackles to record their first away win in the Champions League. Neil Lennon’s tactics were spot on with the players mixing expression with discipline scoring three well worked goals sealed by Georgios Samaras’ last minute headed winner.
………….November 7. Celtic 2-1 Barcelona. Despite a heroic performance in the Nou Camp little was expected of Celtic against the world’s most popular side. Victor Wanyama’s first half header created a shudder, Tony Watt’s winner caused a roar that none will forget as the eyes of the world turned to Glasgow taking notice of the team emerging back into the limelight.
………….December 5. Celtic 2-1 Spartak Moscow. What an incredible night of drama spiced up by the return of Aiden McGeady to Celtic Park. With Barcelona’s B side holding out for a home draw Celtic earned their place in the last 16 of the Champions League thanks to a late nerve jangling Kris Commons penalty that has created the biggest dates for 2013- Juventus home and away.
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i’ll be toasting this season from 9 tonite until about weds.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL THE CELTIC FAITHFULL. AND THOSE LESS FORTUNATE.
HH.
There are many times in a lifetime of supporting the Glasgow celtic that have made me proud to be a celtic supporter.
The ethos of our club and the Social conscience in our DNA is exclusive to us while surrounded by poisonous ,religious zealots who would rejoice in our demise not only as a football club,but our being in this world.
I would like to put forward our manager as being the beacon to all people ,of all colours and creeds who choose to come to celtic park to watch a game of football. This man literally had to roll with the punches and he emerged with great credit and carried himself with self respect and integrity.
I raise my glass and salute NEIL LENNON for representing our club the way I want it to be shown to the world.
Great pice Happy New Year Hail Hail Hail
Where did go my Commet
To any Sevconians reading, I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you all “”A happy continuation of the auld year”. To all normal folk. “Have a hoopy and prosperous new year. AWRABEST!