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

Celtic in the Eighties: The talent and the triumphs of the Centenary era…

There are decades in Celtic’s history that live warmly in the hearts of supporters – and then there’s the 1980s. A time when Paradise crackled with energy, the Jungle swayed with song, and Celtic Park was home to heroes whose names still roll off the tongue like old family friends: Paul McStay, Tommy Burns, Danny McGrain, Billy McNeill.

Celtic Champions 1988. Roy Aitken and Billy McNeill with the trophy. Photo The Celtic Wiki

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.

Paul McStay and Roy Aitken celebrate Celtic winning the 1988 Scottish Cup Final on 14 May, against Dundee United at Hampden. Photo Imago/ Colorsport.

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.

1988: Frank McAvennie of Celtic celebrates after the Scottish Cup Final match against Dundee United at Hampden . Celtic won the match 2-1. Photo: Allsport

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 Matt Corr — 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

Click to order and use code STAR1

Readers of The Celtic Star can access this exclusive episode featuring Matt Corr 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 Matt Corr about Celtic in the Eighties and of course the late, great David Potter plus a month worth of brilliant content from The Celtic Exchange.

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1988: Billy McNeill Manager of the Celtic team waves to the crowd in celebration afterm winning the Scottish Cup Final match against Dundee United at Hampden Park. Celtic won the match 2-1. Photo: Allsport UK /Allsport

CELTIC IN THE EIGHTIES BY DAVID POTTER, FOREWORD BY DANNY McGRAIN is published by Celtic Star Books on the fifth day of September. You can pre-order now to guarantee your copy which will be signed by Danny McGrain, with just a limited number of signed copies still available, although they are selling very quickly.

It’s looking like the signed copies will run out shortly so if you are intending to purchase David Potter’s final Celtic book then why not do it today to get the benefit of a Danny McGrain signed copy!

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Thank you to everyone who has already pre-ordered and don’t worry, your copy will be signed by the legendary Celtic and Scotland star who captained Celtic for the early years of the 1980s.

And there’s another great benefit for readers who pre-order their copy of Celtic in the Eighties. You will also receive a copy of an earlier David Potter book – Celtic’ Icicle – Alec McNair – which you’ll receive for FREE when you pre-order with Celtic in the Eighties. Please don’t purchase Celtic’s Icicle alongside Celtic in the Eighties. Just order Celtic in the Eighties and we will automatically include Celtic’s Icicle with your order. If you’ve make a mistake and order both we’ll be in touch to sort a refund.

Danny McGrain lifts the trophy in 1981. Photo The Celtic Wiki

So  you get two great Celtic books by David Potter and better still the postage is only charged on one. Offer available for a short period only as we have a very limited number of copies of David’s wonderful book on Alec McNair left.

So why have one brilliant David Potter book when you can enjoy two? And if you’re planning on buying Celtic in the Eighties why not get your copy signed by Celtic legend Danny McGrain?

Click on the image below to order…

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Foreword by Danny McGrain. Published on Celtic Star Books on 5 September 2025. Click on image to pre-order.

Help raise funds for Celtic Youth Academy by playing the Celtic Pools Weekly Lottery and you could win up to £25,000. The lottery is £1 per week. Click on image to join.