Eleven months ago Celtic went to Tynecastle looking to put two hands on the SPFL title.
It had been a long and often grim season but the opportunity to ‘clinch’ the title on hostile territory was a consolation for the lucky fans able to get a ticket and entry to Tynecastle.
Ronny Deila had already announced that he was stepping down with no one backing Brendan Rodgers to come in and transform the club.
Last season’s 3-1 win meant that Aberdeen could only match Celtic’s points tally, with a goal difference advantage of more than 20.
Colin Kazim-Richards opened the scoring in front of the Hearts support in the 17th minute but the home side equalised just before the hour mark.
Pouring forward towards the visiting support Celtic the hoops turned on the style with Patrick Roberts scoring in the 66th minute before Tynecastle specialist Leigh Griffiths sealed the win five minutes from the final whistle.
After the match the players celebrated their title success in front of 1,200 Celtic fans, tomorrow Brendan Rodgers can join the greats to have delivered the title but perhaps not in the same manner as Efe Ambrose or Logan Bailly.
EFE’S PARTY PIECE
For the first time in six years Efe Ambrose won’t be part of Celtic’s title celebrations.
Last season wasn’t his best but the defender never gave less than 100% and clearly enjoyed pulling on the jersey and a spot of gymnastics.
Ambrose started 16 Premiership matches and started this season under Brendan Rodgers, once Kolo Toure arrived his days were numbered but he seems likely to enjoy a title winning party this season with Neil Lennon at Hibs.
KT ENJOYS HIS FIRST TITLE
He’d celebrated a few league wins in the stand but this time he was out on the park playing his part.
Tierney had an outstanding season, alongside Leigh Griffiths he was one of the driving forces behind the success.
‘He’s one of our own’ is an easy chant, when he was out injured this season the bhoy from Wishaw proved that as he returned to his role of fan cheering on his team-mates.
MAD MIKE ENJOYS A CELEBRATION
He is developing a reputation as a ‘party animal’ wherever there is a celebration he can usually be relied on to be the last man to join in.
Like many last season wasn’t his best but he did start 29 Premiership fixtures and played a full part in the success.
With Cristian Gamboa breathing down his neck the Swede has had an impressive season adding some great touches around goal highlighted by his assist in the fifth goal at St Johnstone and a stylish strike against Inverness Caley Thistle in the Scottish Cup.
LOAN JOY
Brought in as the January messiah on an 18 month loan deal.
His skill was obvious from the very start but applying that into the team was a different matter, especially with the team out of sorts.
Hearts seem to be a favourite opponent for the Manchester City kid with that run continuing this season, where he’ll be this time next year is up for debate but Brendan Rodgers would love to have him again next term.
JUST GOOD FRIENDS
He does seem to enjoy his trips to Gorgie, the scene of his first goal as a Celtic player.
The former Hibs striker seems to find something special for games against Hearts and the locals all know just how much he enjoys finding the back of the net.
Last season it was his goals that were the difference between Celtic and Aberdeen, this season he has taken a backseat to Moussa Dembele but is capable of stepping in to any fixture and delivering goals.
THE CHAMPIONS
It’s a special moment when the final whistle blows and you know that you can’t be caught.
Aberdeen were 20 goals short of the hoops with three games left to play, their visit to Celtic Park the following week would put things right with the mathematicians.
When the dust settled the coaching staff joined the players on the park taking a bow in front of the hoops support- for Ronny Deila and others it was to be their final bow winning a title for Celtic.