UNSTOPPABLE CELTIC WIN A SIXTH CONSECUTIVE SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP TITLE.

 

There may still be eight games left to play, but the Scottish Premiership has already been wrapped up, as an unstoppable Celtic side stormed to the title by, at the very least, a 15 point margin.

While it has been clear for some time that Celtic would prevail, the club confirmed the 48th league title in their trophy-laden history with a 5-0 victory over fifth placed Hearts which, even by their own lofty standards, was nothing short of incredible.

Yet, they can’t relax yet. They must now turn their attentions to joining a historic group of top European clubs that have managed to play an entire league season without suffering defeat. They have dropped just four points so far this term, by way of draws against Inverness and Rangers, and to throw that impressive record away now would be a disaster, regardless of the trophies that they have won.

Yet, given their form, you wouldn’t bet against them joining the Invincibles club. Likewise, with the Scottish League Cup won and the SFA Cup final still to play, Celtic could finish the season with the treble. Should they achieve both of those feats, the 2016/17 campaign would prove to be the greatest in Celtic’s long, successful history. But where would they go from there?

The club’s short term goal will undoubtedly be to secure impressive manager Brendan Rodgers for the foreseeable future. There would have been some worry over the course of the campaign, with the former Liverpool boss linked with some big jobs, but he has since insisted that he’s at Celtic Park to stay.
His first year at the club has been incredible, but he will have the tough task of holding onto his star players throughout the summer, with the likes of Kieran Tierney and Moussa Dembele linked with Manchester United and Chelsea switches. Although, should they lose their stars, Rodgers is likely to be given the financial backing to bring in worthy replacements.

With Scottish football seemingly under Celtic’s control, the club are likely to turn their attention to progressing in Europe. While undoubtedly one of Europe’s most recognisable clubs, they have struggled to compete alongside the best in recent years. The board will be hoping Rodgers can change that over the coming seasons, but their main goals will undoubtedly be more long term.
With six consecutive titles now wrapped up, Celtic will be hoping that they can win another four to beat their run of nine straight titles, recorded between 1965/66 and 1973/94. However, what the club will really want is to surpass their arch-rivals, Rangers, as Scotland’s most successful club.

Rangers have been Scottish champions more times than any other team, having won the top flight title on 54 occasions throughout their 145 year history. Celtic’s latest victory was their 48th, meaning Rangers’ record is now within touching distance. There is still some way to go before Celtic take Scottish football’s biggest honour, but given their current superiority over their Scottish Premiership opposition, it now seems like a question of when, rather than if.