WINNING HABIT

Davie Hay helped the Hoops secure their first 9-in-a-row success, and is full of praise for the achievement of Neil Lennon’s side

- TONY CONNELLY

WHEN a 20-year-old Davie Hay made his first-team debut on March 6, 1968 as a substitute for Charlie Gallagher in Celtic’s 4-1 win against Aberdeen at Paradise, Jock Stein’s team were closing in on a third consecutive league title.

At that point in time, it had been over 50 years since Celtic had won three consecutive league titles. That Hoops team were history-makers themselves and went on to set the benchmark for Scottish football with six league titles in a row between 1904-10.

Hay was one of many home-grown talents who contributed to Celtic’s success, learning and playing alongside the Lisbon Lions. The Paisley-born midfielder was part of the famous The Quality Street Gang – the crop of young players who came through the ranks at the club – and he established himself as a first-team regular in the 1969/70 season when Celtic reached their second European Cup final in three years.

He remained a key part of the Celtic team up until his departure at the end of the 1973/74 season, which saw Jock Stein’s side win their ninth consecutive league title. And seeing that record equalled almost half a century on filled the Hoops legend with pride.

“When we won the run of league titles, we just fancied our chances every season and played to win the league,” said Hay in an exclusive interview with the Celtic View.” It was a great achievement because Rangers and Aberdeen were strong back then and Hibs were also a good side.

“This Celtic side has competition, too, and there’s no question they’ve been pretty phenomenal! They can be really proud of the history they’ve made and how they’ve carried themselves along the way.