Gordon Strachan is proud to reflect on his time as the manager of Celtic Football Club, a period that was marked by significant accomplishments and unforgettable moments. Over his four years in charge, Strachan led the club to three league titles, one Scottish Cup, and two League Cups, establishing himself as a memorable figure in the club's history.
One of the standout memories from his tenure came during the 2007/08 season when Celtic faced their fierce rivals, Rangers, not once, but twice at home in must-win matches. These Glasgow Derbies were crucial not just for bragging rights but for the league title itself. Strachan recalls, "I think when we talk about football, there was the Man United and beating AC Milan and all that kind of thing and when you’re talking about character and really having to do it because when you beat Man United or whatever, you can say, ‘That’s right, okay, you’ve done it’, but we had to beat Rangers twice at home in the last two games.”
The first encounter was a thrilling 2-1 victory for Celtic, where Jan Vennegoor's dramatic header, following a clever pass from Gary Caldwell, sealed the win. Not only did the triumph bring joy to the fans, but it also set the tone for what was to follow in the fierce rivalry. Strachan noted the bravery and impact of Caldwell, emphasizing the tactical prowess of the team. He explained further, "So we had to play them twice in two weeks at home at night, and we won those two games, and the one in particular, with Gary Caldwell, who was so brave on the ball and coming out from the back and he’s picked this pass. I think it was Jan Vennegoor with his head, and he hit the back of the net. So to beat Rangers 2-1, and then we beat them 3-2, then we went on to win the league."
The 3-2 victory on the night of the second match was one that would be reminisced for years to come. Scott McDonald opened the scoring early in the 4th minute, only to see Rangers turn the game around with goals from David Weir and Daniel Cousin, pushing ahead to a 2-1 lead. Yet, McDonald would not be denied, scoring again just before halftime, bringing the teams level at 2-2.
The exciting back-and-forth of the game was a testament to the fierce competition and the never-say-die attitude of Celtic. As the match progressed, the tension was palpable, with neither team willing to give an inch. The culmination of the evening came in the 70th minute, when Barry Robson successfully slotted home a penalty to ensure Celtic walked away with all three points. Strachan praised the incredible character and determination of his players during this pressure-filled match, noting, "Because if Rangers got a draw in any of these, we were beaten. So in terms of how we played, the character and the drive and the belief of these players was phenomenal."
The wins against Rangers not only helped secure the league title for Celtic but also solidified Strachan's legacy as a club manager whose strategic insights and motivational leadership inspired a generation of players. His recollections of these matches highlight the intense rivalry and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with football, particularly in such a historic setting.
As he reminisces about those victories, it becomes clear that for Strachan, these moments transcend mere statistics; they embody the very spirit of Celtic Football Club and the unwavering support of its fans. In a sport where victories can be fleeting, the lasting impact of these games continues to resonate, forever etched in the hearts of all who witnessed them. Strachan's journey with Celtic was not just about winning trophies, but about instilling a sense of pride and belief in the club that has stood the test of time.
