Two weeks on from lifting the Scottish Cup Celtic fans are still indulging in the joys of an incredible season.
When 15,000 turned up to welcome Brendan Rodgers none of them could have guessed at how the new season would work out.
It was an act of faith that brought the fans out to welcome the new manager who instantly connected with the support and an unbreakable bond was former.
Early in the season there were massive wins over Astana, Hapoel Beer Sheva and Sevco that set the tone for the season ahead.
A thrilling Champions League draw with Manchester City hinted at what was possible with the team demolishing everything domestically put in their way.
Along the way the fans have had the time of their life with a treble to compliment the 50th anniversary of the Lisbon Lions greatest 90 minutes.
It’s been a season of almost constant success for the players, fans and management, editing that into just 67 pictures wasn’t easy but in years to come the memories will burn as brightly as ever.
Click on the link below and relive some special times- it’s so good to be CELTIC!
The hero from Oz
There must have been many times when he wondered what he was doing on the other side of the world but under Brendan Rodgers all aspects of his game have been brought together.
He never quite regained his early season form and had to settle for a place on the bench at Hampden. When Stockley decided to end Kieran Tierney’s final he couldn’t have imagined that revenge would be sweet as the substitute struck the winning goal.
The equaliser
Look at the technique as Armstrong strikes the equaliser in the Scottish Cup Final at Hampden.
For two minutes Aberdeen were in front, Celtic had started shakily but the steady boot of Armstrong quickly cancelled out Jonny Hayes opener.
It wasn’t a vintage performance but after 47 matches the side retained the instinct to win, kept playing their football and got a late reward through Tom Rogic.
Making a point
Any Champions League point is very welcome.
After being turned over 2-0 at home by Borussia Monchengladbach the away match looked ominous, especially after the Germans had won comfortably at Celtic Park.
Celtic went behind but never panicked, played their way into the match and equalised through Moussa Dembele and finished the match looking the more likely winner.
A cup for the Hibby
He suffered twice as a cup final loser for Hibs then watched his side triumph last season at Hampden.
2017 was his year and although he wasn’t on the scoresheet he worried and occupied the Aberdeen defence.
It wasn’t his best display, he seemed over anxious at times but with experience he’ll come back an even better striker with plenty to contribute.
Hampden hero
It took until the 89th minute to arrive but it was a magic moment as Leigh Griffiths and Moussa Dembele comibined brilliantly.
Griffiths created the space, struck fear into the Sevco defence then delivered the killer pass that Dembele flicked into the net.
It was a more dominant display than in the 5-1 win but it took that one moment of magic to ensure victory and a step closer to the first trophy of the season.
The heartbeat
Throughout the second half of the Scottish Cup Final they dominated and set the pace.
Callum McGregor and Scott Brown provided the base from which every Celtic attack started, and any counters from the Dons came to a halt.
At the final whistle they took their bow and joined in sharing the elation of the fans, as Invincibles.
Celtic United
Not since the glory days of Martin O’Neill and Henrik Larsson has there been such a bond between the players and supporters of Celtic.
The fans appreciate what they players are doing with that feeling reciprocated. Nothing seems pre-planned, it’s all off the cuff with the supporters fully engaged with a team playing the Celtic Way.
It’s what I’m here for
That double against Manchester City won’t be forgotten whatever else Moussa Dembele achieves in his career.
Despite a humbling 7-0 defeat from Barcelona in the opening group match the fans were well up for this and fancied their team against Pep Guardiola’s side with the 100% record.
Ninety minutes later Celtic had new heroes, a point and life would never quite be the same for Pep down at the Etihad.
The winner
The silverware is starting to rack up for this guy and he shows no sign of easing up.
He looks a little ruffled in this picture but has barely put a foot wrong all season. The pressure was on as the run extended, the treble came into sight, the Invincible tag surfaced but he never flinched and delivered more than any fan could have wished for.
Betfred winners
The deposit on the treble- Aberdeen never got a look in at the Betfred Cup as the hoops dominated from start to finish.
Too many times Hampden has been a let down but there was no mistakes this time around as Rogic, Forrest and Dembele delivered the trophy.
But even at that stage you’d have got long odds on the team returning in May still unbeaten and looking for an invincible treble.
We’ve did it!
Showing much of the drama that has featured in the 36 previous Scottish Cup wins Tom Rogic left it late to clinch number 37.
Generations of Celtic fans have willed the team over the line at Hampen with the Australian following in some famous footsteps.
His fitness has been doubted but his knack for finding the net is unquestionable, there was no way back for Aberdeen with the treble clinched without defeat.
Super Leigh
He’s had a few scraps and scrapes but when faced with Hearts Griffiths can usually be relied on to deliver.
After a goal less first half he struck soon after the break to ensure that the SPFL season ended with 34 wins, 4 draws and no defeats.
A few days earlier there had been a petted lip when substituted against Partick Thistle but the grin was back as he added to his collection of goals scored against the Gorgie lot.
KT celebrates
In December injury forced him to watch from the stand but in April KT was centre stage as the hoops ran out 5-1 winners.
One afternoon with so many memories- five goals, Jozo’s tackle, the celebrations and stewards guarding the posts to prevent Leigh Griffiths from attaching a scarf.
Number 63 enjoys his celebrations as much as anyone, in the stand or on the pitch it’s much the same for the bhoy from the Wishaw Emerald.
Tynecastle
A variation on the traditional celebrations it was a little low key winning the title at Tynecastle.
It could have been a damp squib if Aberdeen had lost at Dundee but they made no mistake by racking up a 7-0 win.
Winning off your own efforts is always preferred with Hearts suffering a 5-0 mauling that should have been a few more.
Demoralised
Two defeats within a week to Celtic put the tin lid on a season in which the delusions were laid to rest.
Clint Hill was a hero after equalising at Celtic Park, with those young Celtic attackers flying past him at Ibrox he’ll secretly be glad to be heading back down the road to stretch his 38 year old legs.
Whatever Pedro Caixinha gets upto in his Ibrox career this result will hover over him, if he lasts till Christmas it’ll be a surprise.
Green Brigade
They’ve enjoyed the long awaited standing section and as ever diced with controversy at times.
In many areas they get things spot on with this display typical of how the Green Brigade can bring a modern touch to our fantastic history.
They’ll be back for more again next season, but without the flares and lit torches.
That was neat
Any penalty that goes in off the woodwork always has a hearts in mouth moment!
Five minutes into the second half of the Scottish Cup semi-final win over Sevco James Tavernier sent Leigh Griffiths crashing to the ground.
He’d watched his previous penalty getting saved against Partick Thistle but made no mistake at Hampden as he hit the net to ensure that the season continued through until the final at the end of May.
Bring on the City
December was shaping up as a monster month with fixtures squeezed in left, right and centre.
After cheekily drawing 3-3 at home Celtic were supposed to discover a backlash but stuck to the style of play that had earned them a point away to Monchengladbach.
Patrick Roberts provided an early lead, City equalised but there was no bus parking as Celtic played their passing game and showed that they belonged to the top table.
Hampden hoodoo?
He looks as if his side had just eased to a 5-1 victory.
It was much much tighter but Rodgers ensured that his side stuck to their beliefs, passed the ball and eventually the goal came.
The clock had reached 89 before the goal came but Griffiths had added an attacking edge giving Dembele that extra yard of space to score the goal that ensured a return to Hampden for the first final of the season.
Joey who?
The Sevco rabble rouser had had plenty to say in the lead up to the match with the Celtic manager and captain the main targets.
Rodgers and Brown played it perfectly, they responded on the park and left Barton to squirm in what proved to be his last match in a Sevco shirt.
From that September day onwards Sevco were chasing shadows with the empty pre-season boasts torn to shreds.
The emotions
It’s all too much for Dedryck but for Callum McGregor the celebrations have to be savoured.
It had been a sapping season, demanding and emotional but when the whistle blew the Scottish Cup and the treble had been secured.
In six weeks time it’ll be time to go again with an incredible benchmark to aim for.
What a strike
He took on the entire Sevco defence and left them chasing shadows of frustration.
From the moment he picked the ball up he knew what he was doing and where the ball was ending up.
With a sweep of his right foot he guided the ball into the net with the backtracking defender powerless to do anything to stop the inevitable.
Mad Mikey
Over the season he has become quite a character.
Wherever there’s a celebration he’ll not be far away usually with something unique to add.
Apparently some Aberdeen players were unhappy with his after match celebrations but they’ll have the chance to put that right next season. Sport is about winning and losing with Lustig enjoying the sweet sweet smell of success.
Mission accomplished
Moments after the final whistle had sounded it was time for the manager and skipper to embrace.
From a summertime dinner back in London they had plotted their way through the campaign arriving at domestic fixture 47 undefeated with the treble to be played for.
Celtic is about winning, this team played with style but when required they moved up an extra gear and delivered the goods playing the Celtic Way.
Lions
The SPFL presentation started a brilliant week that linked the Lions with the Invincibles.
In-between collecting the SPFL trophy and winning the Scottish Cup the glory of Lisbon was celebrated in full with supporters of every generation savouring every moment.
Some clubs are submerged in their history, Celtic are comfortable with it as the Lions enjoy the present day successes while the current players savour the fact that they are carrying on the traditions of a very special club.
Simplicity
It was an unusual goal but no less wonderful.
Highlighting the passing game that Brendan Rodgers preaches McGregor took things a step further by passing the ball into the net from a Dembele lay off.
As ever Mikael Lustig played a full part in the celebration, it was an utterly dominant first half with the quality of the opening goal highlighting the growing gulf between the teams.
We are sailing
Summing up the joy of beating Sevco 5-1 Rod wasn’t going to miss out on a huddle just because he was in the posh seats.
The team delivered on the park, the manager from the touchline and the fans lapped up every brilliant minute as a sunny afternoon in September set the tone for the season.
Confrontation
He made his points quietly but forcefully, Scottish referees know that Brendan Rodgers can be a formidable foe.
Bobby Madden’s performance in the 1-1 draw was shocking. Celtic were below par but the referee allowed widespread brutality to go unchecked then bottled out of the big decision when Clint Hill chopped down Leigh Griffiths.
The skipper
It’s a little short of the full Broony but six years on the sentiments are much the same.
A lot of names have come and gone but Scott Brown was in at the start of the six-in-a-row run and is looking good to be around for a few more.
His leadership covers every area of the team with none of the players in any doubt about his impact or authority.
Penalty prize
What a way to get your first goal!
After making his debut away to Lincoln Red Imps a cloud was hanging over Moussa Dembele, the signing that Brendan Rodgers placed so much trust on.
Astana had matched and pressed Celtic all the way but with his first Celtic goal, from the penalty spot Dembele put Celtic into the final qualifying round for the riches of the Champions League.
Happy new year!
The perfect way to end one year and usher in a new one full of promise.
Almost five years after their last visit to Ibrox hoops fans left scented candles in the toilets as they celebrated another landmark as Glasgow is turned Green and White.
With a full team superior to their opponents Glasgow derbies are fixtures to be savoured as the hoops underline their superiority game by game.
Out of his depth
The former city trader was cruelly out his depth as he came up against a Champions League manager and the passion of over 50,000 Celtic fans.
All of those management dreams that he had harboured while selling photocopiers were left in tatters as his summer spending spree was sadly exposed.
Warbo’s tone changed slightly after this 5-1 hammering but despite witnessing it all he claimed after the match that there wasn’t much of a gulf between the two teams!
Podium
Three of the more experienced players in the squad acting like kids!
The pressure of 47 games is over, the Scottish Cup and treble secured and the joy is mixed with relief.
It could have gone wrong at any point during the previous 90 minutes but thanks to goals from Stuart Armstrong and Tom Rogic the season was completed unbeaten and history written.
Mark and Joey
It never looked a happy partnership and a few days later it all fell apart.
They had arrived at Celtic Park full of arrogance and left crestfallen, hammered by the hoops as their misguided #goingfor55 was trashed in front of gloating Celtic supporters.
There was to be further pain for Warbo and Barton but at least gobby Joey negotiated a pay off as he scurried back south of the border.
The passion
This is how it feels to be Celtic!
As Tom Rogic celebrates to his right this fan is brilliantly caught in the moment of joy as the Scottish Cup is claimed.
It had been tense at Hampden, a breakaway could have killed the dream but the bhoys weren’t to be denied with Rogic delivering the magic moment.
Wonderful
JFrom the moment he was introduced as a substitute away to Hearts in the opening SPFL match there has been something wonderful about Scotty.
He quickly formed a brilliant relationship with Kieran Tierney as he developed his trademark goal of drifting in from the left wing and curling a right footed shot into the postage stamp corner.
Like Rodgers he is in no rush to return to the land of milk and money, after having his skills stifled for years he has free reign to turn on the style with his efforts celebrated in song by the Celtic support.
Emilio
Stepping in for his injured amigo KT, Emilio barely put a foot wrong as he added another medal to his impressive collection.
As stand-in’s go it’s useful to be able to call in someone that has played in two World Cup Finals.
His bond with the fans is obvious with the appreciation flowing two way.
In summary
Playing on Trainspotting Two this banner took the spirit of the message board into the stadium.
Unfurled at half time during the 1-1 draw no further explanation is necessary.
The Young Team
The title was clinched in style at Tynecastle with these three young bucks at the heart of the action.
Each of them had played a significant role in getting the team to this stage with a 5-0 win demonstrating the gulf that they had created with the rest.
A few weeks later at Hampden they were signing off the season as Scottish football’s first ever Invincibles.
Unity
As well as the Invincibles they’ll be known as the 5-1 team.
After letting Sevco off lightly the previous week at Hampden there was no mistake as the hoops struck top form at Ibrox.
5-1 was no real reflection on the gulf between the two companies but as the stewards guarded the goalposts the Celtic players partied in unity with the delirious supporters.
Skipper
Amid the tickertape and silverware a familiar face is savouring the moment.
After last season’s Scottish Cup semi-final ko from Sevco it was doubtful if Brown would get his hands on another trophy.
Straight away he was identified by Rodgers as his leader, after dinner at Brendan’s place the pair of them have gone from strength to strength.
Respect
Two men that appreciate each other.
Working with Rodgers was the making of Suarez, getting to work with dedicated pros like the Uruguayan has inspired the Irishman to instil the same level of professionalism at Celtic. The results are apparent.
Feel the joy!
If one picture could sum up the season!
Playing towards the Celtic support the players knew something special was happening as they crushed Sevco for the second time in a week.
McGregor’s goal put Celtic 3-1 in front with further goals to come from Dedryck Boyata and Mikael Lustig as a million memories were created.
Betfred Cup winners
This trophy has caused untold grief down the seasons, earlier in the year Ross County had KO’d Ronny’s treble hopes.
This time it was different. Without hitting top gear the hoops were in complete control to deliver the first trophy of the season and put an end to the Hampden hoodoo that had developed over the last half dozen seasons.
Invincible
A year after being introduced as manager Brendan Rodgers was picking up the SPFL trophy with his side unbeaten in 38 matches.
He has barely said a word out of place or been wrong footed as he steered a group of players who appeared broken a year ago to heights that no one could have guessed at.
With a special bond formed with the supporters it was no surprise that after signing a new four year contract he admitted that he had found his dream job.
Teamwork
This team has really bought in to fan culture with a little prompting from their boss.
On a cold night at Pittodrie they had handed over their shorts to some fans- as soon as the final whistle blew at Hampden the celebrations were underway.
In an age of social media it’s all about sharing with this group of players loving the connection that they have with supporters.
Griffiths on fire
A year earlier he did as much as humanly possible to get past Malmo to no avail.
When the highly rated Hapoel came to Celtic Park Griffiths made it his personal mission to tear their defence apart as he inspired Celtic into a 3-0 half time lead.
There was plenty of drama to follow but in the end the group phase was reached.
Oh Jozo!
Even in a 5-1 win at Ibrox this incident will never be forgotten.
It was the ultimate 50-50 and Kenny Miller didn’t want to know as the young Croatian went into the challenge.
Miller must have felt every one of his 37 years as he crashed to the turf, the pain was to continue as Celtic went on to win 5-1 just days after the former Vancouver Whitecaps ace earned a 12 month contract extension.
Bobby Madden
KIn a season blighted by some incredible refereeing mistakes this one was a stand out.
Shortly after Sevco had equalised Leigh Griffiths dragged himself away from the clutches of Clint Hill and prepared to shoot at goal.
As Hill crashed through the striker all eyes turned to Madden who bottled out of giving a clear cut penalty.
Moussa mania!
This semi-final could have ended up as another hard luck story but with a flick of his heal Dembele took Celtic into the final of the Betfred Cup.
It had been a dominant display throughout from the hoops but in a rare first team appearance Matt Gilks put the shutters up.
The introduction of Leigh Griffiths increased the pressure with the former Hibs striker delivering the perfect assist for Dembele to strike the only goal of the game.
PICTURE 1
Right up until the 89th minute at Hampden the treble could have been snatched away. But with a powerful run and assured finished Rogic put his name into the history books as he ensured an invincible treble.
It was a special season in many ways with the former Nike Academy kid delivering some of the most important goals.
Brendan and Pep
Whatever the company he is in Brendan makes an impression.
Pep has got one of the biggest budgets in the business, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are on his CV but he knows that a chat and exchange of ideas with Rodgers won’t do him any harm.
What a season for Stu
KHe showed great patience to get back into the side, after the Betfred Cup semi-final win over Sevco there was no holding him back any more.
Week by week he was improving, becoming more influential and playing a lead role in the treble success.
Alongside Scott Brown or playing behind the striker he was equally influential, getting him signed up beyond next season is the transfer priority.
The 100th trophy
In the end it was straightforward and a down payment on the treble.
Even without Scott Sinclair and Kieran Tierney the hoops were in complete control as Aberdeen were swept aside 3-0 at Hampden.
After winning the semi-final against Sevco Rodgers spoke of getting something tangible to show for their efforts- the Betfred Cup was the first of three.
A slow burner
This bhoy ended the season in storming style.
He fought off a few challenges to claim a starting place alongside Scott Brown and got stronger and stronger.
Back to back goals against Sevco were the product of a player playing full of confidence- for good measure he topped that off in the next game with a stunning solo strike against St Johnstone.
Hat-trick
What a way to make your mark at a new club.
The loss of Leigh Griffiths through injury opened the door for Moussa who blew it down with a memorable hat trick.
Mark Warburton’s Sevco aces had no answer to the skill, power and confidence of the young Frenchman as he struck a devastating hat trick that set the tone for the SPFL ‘race’.
Celtic to the core
No one was going to stop this bhoy getting his hands on the Scottish Cup.
Hayden Stockley and Bobby Madden ended his direct involvement but knowing that his mates were inside Hampden collecting the trophy spurred KT into into action.
When he collected the trophy and his medal it reminded you that dreams come true, local bhoys steeped in Celtic can create history as well as know it.
Nice one Paddy
Manchester City sent him north to gain experience and sample the Champions League- at the Etihad he showed exactly how quickly he was developing.
Although it was a dead rubber Celtic put in an assured performance building on the maturity that they had shown to take a point from Borussia Monchengladbach.
Will we see him back again? Well he did leave some memories.
That Lustig goal
What a strike- there’s not a player on the planet who wouldn’t be jealous of this classy strike.
The lively Swede became the first Celtic player to score a fifth goal at Ibrox with the celebrations matching the skill required to ping another one past Wes.
In a season of highlights beating Sevco at Hampden and Ibrox within a week was without doubt highly memorable.
Efe magic!
As farewells go this one was pretty spectacular!
It says it all about Rodgers’ man management that Efe was full of praise for the manager who basically ended his Celtic career.
He tried his best, won a few medals and left with more good than bad memories.
Hampden specialist
Aberdeen must be sick of the sight of Tom Rogic, this is his lesser celebrated Hampden goal against Derek McInnes’ side.
He was at the peak of his powers in the autumn with this Betfred Cup opener highlighting the confidence that Brendan Rodgers had installed as the first stage of the treble was completed.
Moussa arrives on the big stage
After an incredible first half that had finished 2-2 there was no let up after the break. When Moussa Dembele hit this spectacular effort into the net the whole of Europe took note of the former Fulham kid.
Despite a 7-0 defeat in the Nou Camp Celtic demonstrated that they belonged at this level of the game. For City it was the beginning of the end as Pep Guardiola’s side never recovered after looking Invincible in the opening weeks of the season.
Remember Joey?
He arrived with plenty to say for himself, whipped the people up into a frenzy then left with barely a whimper after being outplayed and out thought by Scott Brown.
This match truly burst the Sevco bubble as reality finally entered their world. Warburton was exposed and washed up, his tactics and signings had been trashed, after the game he claimed that there wasn’t much of a gap between the two teams.
Champions again as you know
The team turned on the style and clinched the flag in style with a 5-0 win at Tynecastle on a sunny Spring afternoon.
Even without Moussa Dembele and Leigh Griffiths there was no let up as the goals flowed with Stuart Sinclair and Patrick Roberts turning on the style as the away fans lapped up the goal show.
Wonderful
What better way to round off a year of change than with a win at Ibrox?
After a 20 minute flurry that catapulted Barrie McKay into the £6m category Celtic took control and should have won more convincingly than 2-1.
Once Moussa Dembele equalised the tide turned spectacularly with Scott Sinclair drilling home this brilliant winning goal.
We’ve reached the group stage
He could just as easily have been sitting in with the supporters but on this occasion he was grafting away on the park.
At times the trip to Hapoel Beer Sheva looked like joining Malmo and Maribor in the Hall of Shame but inspired by Kolo Toure the defence found hidden resolve to avoid losing a third goal to tee up matches against Barcelona, Manchester City and Borussia Monchengladbach.
The finale
A picture that sums up an incredible season as the fans and players celebrate as one.
While other clubs appear to choreograph their goal celebrations in training it’s all off the cuff at Celtic. Rogic wins the race to join the fans with Sinclair picking up the silver medal closely followed by Griffiths and Armstrong.