King of Kings heralds an era of Celtic domination that continues to this day

The Celtic Star

·18 marzo 2025

King of Kings heralds an era of Celtic domination that continues to this day

24 years ago today we witnessed the first part of a historic treble being sealed, thanks to the King of Kings. Little did we know that this would be the first honour of a great era in the 21st century where Celtic dominate Scottish football like never before…

Henrik Larsson scores against Kilmarnock on 18 March 2001 at Hampden in the League Cup Final win. Photo The Celtic Wiki

24 years ago today Celtic took to the field at Hampden Park looking for our first bit of silverware under the leadership of our new manager Martin O’Neill.

OneFootball Video

Martin O’Neill’s first trophy as Celtic manager

It was the League Cup final and Kilmarnock stood in our way of completing what would be the first part of a dream treble in the Irishman’s first season in charge of Celtic. We were flying high in the league, and had just the week previously booked our place in the Scottish cup semi-finals.

There could surely be no other outcome than a Celtic victory, and that’s what duly happened thanks to who else but the King of Kings himself, Henrik Larsson. The Super Swede scored a stunning treble to comprehensively win the silverware for the Hoops, or the yellow and greens as we were wearing that day). And despite the ‘controversial’ sending off of Chris Sutton it was a stroll in the park due to the deadly finishing of one of the greatest players ever to play his football in Scotland.

Henrik Larsson celebrates after scoring a hat-trick and helping Celtic win the League Cup against Kilmarnock on 18 March 2001. Photo The Celtic Wiki

The first part of a historic dream treble, the club’s first in 32 years

It proved to the first part of a historic dream treble, the club’s first in 32 years. The players tasted success, they wanted more, and despite winning the trophy the year previously, this was a different set of circumstances. We had a new mindset. We had a squad of top class players who had great belief and character installed in them by a top class manager. We were building something special as the next few decades would ultimately prove.

One treble in 32 years, now they are a regular occurrence and hopefully another one coming alone over the next few months as Celtic decades of dominance continues. Lap it up folks, enjoy every magical moment, this is a very special time to be a Celtic supporter.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

24 years ago today we sealed the first part of a historic treble, our first in 32 years thanks to a Henrik Larsson Hat Trick in a 3-0 win over Kilmarnock in the league cup final. The first of many trebles this century by Scotlands most successful football club.
– martedì 18 marzo 2025

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Last chance to get your FREE copy of Henrik’s book!