A One-Club Golfer

Stephen Gallacher recalls the agony and the ecstasy of season 1997/98

- Mark Henderson

IT was 20 years ago, but Stephen Gallacher can still vividly remember his incredible relief and euphoria when the final whistle sounded in Paradise to signal Celtic were champions again after a decade of disappointment. He has never experienced anything like it again. 

The Scottish golfer was in the early stages of his professional career when the Hoops hosted St Johnstone on the last day of the 1997/98 season, needing a win to claim the title and ‘stop the 10’. 

Despite his busy schedule of tournaments, the season ticket holder was able to take his seat in the North Stand alongside his five friends for that dramatic day in May, when goals from Henrik Larsson and Harald Brattbakk sealed a 2-0 victory over the Perth side, sparking an outpouring of elation among the Celtic family across the world. 

After captain Tom Boyd had lifted the league trophy aloft, the Ryder Cup star joined thousands of supporters on the pitch, where many tears of joy were shed, hugs were shared and songs were sung.

The 43-year-old has enjoyed many more memorable moments following his boyhood heroes since then but nothing has matched the emotions he felt on that sunny afternoon, as he revealed in an exclusive interview with the View.

What are your memories of the game? 

I can remember the relief after it. I have never felt anything like it before. Obviously, playing St Johnstone, you were hoping we were going to do it but in the back of your head, it was still such a monumental ask. The way Larsson played in that game was just phenomenal and when Brattbakk scored, I’ve never felt euphoria like it, even with all the trebles and winning trophies. I missed the UEFA Cup final in Seville but I would say that I experienced the most emotions as a Celtic fan at that game.