So today could be the day that Celtic secure their fourth consecutive title, their 13th in 14 years, thus ensuring that it is now 40 years in a row that one of the Old Firm have finished first in the Scottish top flight.
There is little doubt that their fans will celebrate in fulsome fashion at Tannadice if a point or more is gleaned against Dundee United and it will be merited. Brendan Rodgers’ team have been, by some distance, the best and most entertaining side in the Premiership this season.
They have already hit 97 league goals and are 15 points ahead of their closest rivals, Rangers. They have worked hard for their success and are deserving champions. No one could, or has, argued with that. Case closed.
Of course, some of the debate over the past week has been about how interesting their bid for another Treble has really been. But it goes without saying that the Parkhead fans will not be complaining about their team putting yet more trophies in the cabinet.
The wider implications, though, in a season that has depressingly seen league reconstruction rear its head again in a desperate bid for some, any, kind of change, are clear to see.
‘I know we’re in a golden era here at Celtic,’ said Rodgers yesterday. Indeed, the records would certainly seem to suggest that. Yet only a fool would argue that means it’s a golden era for Scottish football.
Brendan Rodgers says the hunger within the squad to deliver success is as strong as ever
Adam Idah netted in last weekend’s Scottish Cup semi-final rout over St Johnstone
A point against Dundee Utd this afternoon would seal Celtic’s fourth consecutive league title
That’s not Celtic’s sole responsibility, of course. It’s not Rodgers’ fault, either. They beat what’s in front of them and, to give Aberdeen their due respect, they still have to defeat the Pittodrie club to take the Treble, which would be a sixth in just nine seasons.
For the record, the Dons were the last non-Old Firm club to win the Scottish top flight, retaining the title in 1985, with Celtic’s opponents today, United, having won it in the 1982-83 season. But these are very much changed days.
Where Scottish football goes from here is anyone’s guess. Sport needs drama. It needs jeopardy. It needs competition. Otherwise, it can become, well, a little tedious… surely that’s indisputable?
In terms of competition, Rodgers did insist that he never feels ‘too far ahead’ of the rest at his press conference yesterday.
And while they have somewhat trudged towards the title since the turn of the year, it’s clear the Northern Irishman sets high standards for his players.
‘People always say “you’re miles ahead” and everything else,’ said Rodgers. ‘I always think you’re never too far behind and you’re never too far ahead.
‘If you think you’re too far ahead then you’re too content and then you stop growing and you stop developing. What we want to do here is focus on ourselves.
‘There’s been a generation now that’s had amazing success. Brilliant for the supporters. What I love about our supporters is we celebrate it like it is our first, there’s nothing taken for granted.
Daizen Maeda has been the main man in Celtic’s march towards the championship this season
‘We’re in a great period. But that only comes from keeping aggressive, putting in the work. It boils down to hard work consistently and performing.’
Celtic have maintained a healthy gap over Rangers for much of the campaign, while also progressing to a knockout fixture in the rejigged Champions League.
Rodgers will again look to fight on two fronts next season and, for that reason, the transfer window will be an intriguing one for the Parkhead club as they look to improve on this term.
‘This season has been so satisfying in so many ways for me,’ continued the Celtic boss. ‘I have loved seeing us evolve as a team and develop since the start of the season. We have bounced back from any setbacks too.
‘Now the players are getting very close to seeing the reward for all the sacrifice they make. They are an incredible group of professionals who come in and work every day. They don’t look for any easy days or easy games.
‘You see reports around it being “boring Celtic are winning” and this and that. People don’t actually understand what goes into being that consistent to win.
‘From the outside looking in, it can maybe feel like that. But the work that goes in off the pitch at this club is massive.
‘From (principal shareholder) Dermot (Desmond) at the top, who has so much experience, knowledge and influence — with his intellect and everything, what he brings from the very top is so important.
‘Then it moves to me in terms of meeting core performance, and you know your responsibility as a manager here. You have to drive the players to deal with the expectations of the supporters, which we cherish. That always pushes you to be the best you can.
‘To live with that every day and give extra seven days a week is a challenge. For the players to come through that and be successful, that’s what you want at your club.
‘On top of that, you want to do it consistently and the consistency is there. I tip my hat to the guys for how hard they work to get the rewards.’
