Celtic in the Eighties: The Talent and the Triumphs of the Centenary Era

It was a decade of drama.

Titles were never handed out – they were wrestled from the grasp of fierce rivals, not just Rangers but also the granite-hewn Aberdeen of Alex Ferguson, the swashbuckling Dundee United of Jim McLean, and a Hearts side hungry for glory.

And yet, when Celtic’s back was against the wall, the Hoops found a way.

Nowhere was that more perfectly captured than in the Centenary season of 1987/88. One hundred years on from Brother Walfrid’s founding vision, Celtic produced a story worthy of their history books, and their songbooks.

A league and Scottish Cup double, secured with grit, skill, and just the right amount of last-minute magic, ensured the milestone year was celebrated in the most incredible way.

From unforgettable fight-backs to the electric roar of Paradise on trophy days, the Centenary double wasn’t just about medals.

It was about the bond between a team and its people – the feeling that, no matter the odds, Celtic would find a way. That shared belief, between pitch and terrace, defined the club then, in a way that modern football maybe doesn’t quite allow.

For those who lived through it, the memories remain vivid – the colours brighter, the celebrations louder.

For those who didn’t, it’s a reminder that Celtic’s story is one of resilience, unity, and joy – and one that deserves to be told, again and again.

This golden era is the subject of the latest Celtic Exchange Podcast, where Tino is joined by our very own — who edited Celtic In The Eighties, the final work of the late David Potter – to relive the spirit, struggles, and silverware of an unforgettable decade in Celtic history.

Tino – The Celtic Exchange

Readers of The Celtic Star can access this exclusive episode featuring and Tino (Video or Podcast version) by joining Celtic Exchange on Patreon for only £1 this month. And over the course of the next month you’ll get loads of brilliant podcasts from the team at Celtic Exchange.

Just log in at https://patreon.com/celticexchange and enter the code STAR1 at checkout then enjoy Tino talking to about Celtic in the Eighties and of course the late, great David Potter plus a month worth of brilliant content from The Celtic Exchange.