Celtic will head into Saturday’s Scottish Cup final against Aberdeen aiming to make history by setting a world record.
Aberdeen, meanwhile, will be trying to justify having sold 20,000 tickets—despite growing doubts about whether they can genuinely compete with Brendan Rodgers’ dominant side. Pape Gueye’s nasty challenge on Reo Hatate during Celtic’s commanding performance at Pittodrie on Wednesday looked more like something from an amateur than a professional footballer.
Aberdeen now must win the cup to salvage any shred of credibility, or else Jimmy Thelin’s position as manager could soon come under serious threat.
The illusion has worn off. Thelin has put together—if that’s the right term—a distinctly average team lacking clear identity or style.
When even club icon Willie Miller openly admits to fearing what might happen at Hampden, it’s hard to disagree. The only thing Aberdeen have going for them is the unpredictability of football.
After all, Celtic won’t face Rangers in the final because they were shockingly eliminated by Queen’s Park at Ibrox—a reminder that anything can happen.
Then again, Rangers, despite playing in front of a half-empty stadium that mirrored their disappointing season, dismantled Aberdeen just last weekend.
Celtic’s recent dominance is almost surreal when viewed statistically. From their founding in 1888 to 1968—a full 80 years—they collected 47 domestic trophies. If they beat Aberdeen this weekend, they’ll have matched that total again in just 30 years.
That’s an astonishing fact. And doing so while clinching a record ninth Treble only adds to the awe.
Supporters never tire of celebrating success, which made the banner unveiled at Celtic Park during last week’s win over Hibs seem baffling.
It read: “Celtic PLC always out of touch, never out of pocket.” To me, that smacks of pure ingratitude. The leadership’s primary duty is delivering results—and they’ve done just that.
Fans constantly demand major signings—they’ve had them. Sound financial management means being prepared to face growing competition, like what’s expected next season when Rangers move under American ownership. Again, Celtic are ready.
There’s no glory in financial recklessness. Just ask rival fans who’ve endured the pain of administration.
So to those behind that banner, I’d simply ask:
What more do you want?
