1986–87 Celtic F.C. season

After clinching the league title in dramatic fashion the previous season,^[1] Celtic entered the 1986–87 campaign as defending champions. It marked manager Davie Hay’s first league championship since his appointment in the summer of 1983, and this coming season would be his fourth season in charge. The club's objectives for the season included retaining the league title and making progress on their return to the European Cup.

There were no major additions to the first-team squad during the summer. Three young players were recruited: Northern Irish full-back Anton Rogan, plus fellow countryman and goalkeeper Allen McKnight were signed from Lisburn Distillery, then winger Mark Smith, was signed from Queen's Park. As the season progressed, the lack of significant investment in the playing squad became a source of tension between Hay and the club's board of directors.^[2] Plus media speculation about the futures of star strikers Mo Johnston and Brian McClair increased as the season progressed.^[3]

Celtic enjoyed a fairly successful pre-season, which included a tour of Ireland and two victories against English First Division opposition. These results generated optimism ahead of the competitive campaign.

The season began with Celtic unfurling the league flag at home, followed by a victory over Dundee. This was succeeded by two away wins against Motherwell and Clydebank, maintaining an unbeaten start in the league.

The League Cup campaign (now known as the Skol Cup for sponsorship reasons) also commenced in August. Celtic recorded home victories against Airdrieonians and Dumbarton in the second and third rounds respectively. While comfortable, the performances were not entirely convincing but set up a quarter-final tie against Aberdeen in September.

The remaining league fixtures in August included a 1–1 draw away to title rivals Aberdeen, a match that underlined why both clubs were widely regarded as the strongest teams in the division. The following weekend the faced Glasgow rivals Rangers, who hadn't won the league championship since 1978, but had heavily invested in their squad since Graeme Souness arrived in April 1986, with England Internationals Chris Woods and Terry Butcher being the main attractions brought in over the summer. The first old firm test of the season saw Rangers win 1-0 comfortably outplaying Celtic for most of the game.^[4]

Following defeat in the Old Firm derby, Celtic responded positively in September with a strong run of form. In league competition, the team recorded three wins and a draw, re-establishing momentum in the title race. Celtic also progressed in the Skol Cup, advancing through both the quarter-final and semi-final stages. Victories over Aberdeen and Motherwell were secured via penalty shoot-outs, setting up a final against city rivals Rangers. In terms of transfers, manager Davie Hay confirmed that striker Alan McInally was not available for transfer^[5] and would remain at the club as cover for first-choice forwards Mo Johnston and Brian McClair. During September Celtic Chairman Thomas Devlin passed away at the age of 72 after a long illness, he was appointed Chairman in June 1985 after the sudden death of long serving Chairman Desmond White. Devlin had been a director of Celtic since 1949 where he succeeded his father Thomas L. Devlin Snr, who briefly served as a director from 1940 until his death in 1941.^[6]

Celtic continued their strong league form by winning all their league fixtures during the month of October, claiming five wins out of five. The 26th October Celtic faced Rangers in the Skol League Cup final at Hampden Park, a controversial match ensued with Mo Johnston being red carded for Celtic before Tony Shepherd was also sent off but refused to leave the field. Rangers clinched the first trophy of the domestic season thanks to a late Davie Cooper penalty awarded after much protest from Celtic.^[7]

In the European Cup, Celtic progressed comfortably through the first round, defeating Shamrock Rovers 3–0 on aggregate, although performances were widely regarded as unconvincing.^[8] This victory set up a challenging second-round tie against Soviet champions and reigning European Cup Winners’ Cup holders Dinamo Kiev. Celtic were eliminated after a 4–2 aggregate defeat to the Soviet side.^[9]

Celtic kept up their league form in November, winning all of their fixtures except for a draw away to Aberdeen. However, performances declined in December, with the team managing only one victory, alongside three draws and a defeat to Hearts. Despite the downturn in results, Celtic entered the New Year still leading the league by five points, although Rangers had a game in hand. The Old Firm derby at the turn of the year proved pivotal, as Rangers delivered a composed performance against a poor Celtic side to secure a 2–0 victory. The result significantly dented Celtic's title challenge while providing momentum for Rangers.

Celtic would drop further points during the January and February, many citing that although Celtic had a potent strike force, their poor defense cost them points. Davie Hay's efforts to strengthen the team fell on deaf ears from the board led by new Chairman Jack McGinn.^[10][11] In February Davie Hay appointed Tommy Craig as his assistant manager, the role had been vacant since the controversial sacking of Frank Connor during the previous season.^[12][13] There was not much cheer either in the Scottish Cup, a third round victory over Aberdeen after two replays was followed by a fourth round defeat to Hearts who ended Celtic's hopes of any cup silverware for the season.

The only trophy left was the League title but a 4–1 defeat away to Dundee at the end of February allowed Rangers to claim top spot.^[11] Another defeat away at Pittodrie at the hands of Aberdeen saw Celtic's title challenge falter even further. Although Celtic did regain some form in March and April including a win against Rangers at Celtic Park,^[14] further points dropped against Dundee Utd and Rangers hitting form, meant the league title would go to Ibrox for the first time in nine years and Celtic would end the season without a trophy. A poor defeat to Falkirk at home on the second last weekend of the season would seal the fate of the title.

Celtic would go trophyless into their much anticipated centenary season, with much speculation around several players futures, especially Celtic's top two strikers Mo Johnston and Brian McClair. There also was much talk about Davie Hay's suitability to continue to lead the team.^[15][16]

Celtic prepared for the 1986–87 with a summer tour of Ireland in late July, playing 3 games including Pat Bonner's twin brother Denis testimonial game in Galway. The then followed up with a home friendly against Aston Villa and then finished up pre season preparation by travelling to London to play in David O'Leary's testimonial match at Highbury.

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