Hartley praise for Strachan after historic third title win
Hoops dedicate triumph to tragic coach Tommy Burns
Dundee United 0 Celtic 1
Published:
PAUL Hartley is confident Gordon Strachan will still be at the helm at Celtic next season after the Hoops boss clinched a third successive SPL title.
Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink’s second half header secured the points – and the title – for the Bhoys, meaning Strachan became the first Celtic boss since Jock Stein to win a hat-trick of championships.
There has been speculation in recent months about the former Aberdeen midfielder’s intentions at the end of this season, but midfielder Hartley believes Strachan will still be there to lead the Parkhead men in the Champions League again.
“He is a fantastic manager,” said the Scotland midfielder.
“He made us believe that we can win the league and that’s what happened in the end.
“We hope he will be here next season and we are sure he will be.
“He’s the first manager since Jock Stein to win three titles on the trot and that’s a great achievement – not many managers will do that.
“When Motherwell beat us 1-0 at Parkhead last month, everybody wrote us off but we have a great team spirit.
“We were determined to try to win every game after that and put pressure on Rangers.
“In doing that, we showed a lot of character and a lot of bottle and were worthy winners.
“It’s a great achievement.”
Celtic striker Scott McDonald dedicated the team’s triumph to former coach Tommy Burns.
Hoops legend Burns, who died eight days ago, had been first-team coach at Celtic and McDonald was quick to pay tribute.
“We loved him,” said the Australian.
“He was just a gentleman at heart. God rest his soul.
“We did this for you Tommy – God bless.”
McDonald famously denied Celtic the SPL title in 2005 when his two late goals for Motherwell against the Hoops handed the trophy to Rangers.
The striker, who finished the season as the SPL’s top scorer, was delighted to play his part in the championship win.
“It’s something I’ll never forget,” he said.
“After three years ago, it’s great to put that right and I’m certainly going to enjoy this.”
Vennegoor of Hesselink heaped praise on Burns as the Celtic supporters in the crowd sang the name of the club’s former manager.
“It’s incredible,” said the Dutchman. “It’s about Tommy Burns, it’s a tribute to him.
“We did it and it’s a great feeling.”
Winger Aiden McGeady added: “It’s not been a perfect season but we’ve done amazingly well to get back into it and win the league.”
McGeady came through the ranks at Parkhead and knew Burns well, which made it inevitable he would think of his former coach as the title came Celtic’s way.
“It crossed my mind a few times during the game,” said McGeady.
“Obviously Tommy’s looking down on us and gave us a bit of luck.”
Meanwhile, Dundee United boss Craig Levein said: “I was proud of the way we played, but I’ve been proud of the way we have played all season.”
