Celtic in the Fifties – Volume Two – Flags and Coronations

It is the ultimate Celtic 'sliding door' moment. When a journeyman defender was plucked from the obscurity of non-league football in South Wales to help the struggling Celtic cause in the winter of 1951, no-one in their wildest dreams could have imagined what would follow.

But that man was the incomparable Jock Stein, and under his inspirational leadership the Celts would emerge from the shadow of relegation to secure the iconic Coronation Cup then a first League and Scottish Cup Double in four decades. Stein's list of teammates reads like a 'Who's Who' of Celtic greats, evoking memories of a quite wonderful era.

The genius of Charlie Tully, Willie Fernie and Bertie Peacock. The sheer will to win of Bobby Evans and Sean Fallon. The explosive firepower of Bobby Collins, John McPhail and Neil Mochan. It is a cast for the ages.

Of course, being Celtic, jeopardy, heartbreak and tragedy are never far away. From the deaths of young players and old legends to the controversial Eire Flag Crisis which threatened to end the club's involvement in Scottish football permanently,

In terms of heroes and events which align perfectly with the history of the grand old team, the years following Jock Stein's arrival at Celtic Park are right up there with the very best of them.

In Flags and Coronations, the second volume of Celtic in the Fifties, author and historian Matt Corr takes you step-by-step through that journey. Published in 2026.