It’s remarkable that Celtic’s still in contention for the title

In partnership with

The Celtic Star

·18 February 2026

It’s remarkable that Celtic’s still in contention for the title

Anyone else think that for Celtic to still be in contention for the title, with all things considering, is rather astonishing really?

The scoreboard at Rugby Park. Kilmarnock 2 Celtic 3. Scottish Premiership. Sunday 15 February 2026. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

We face a huge run of games in the coming weeks, ones that will define our season one way or another, but the very fact we are still in contention for two trophies, as well as run in the Europa, is quite frankly unbelievable.

OneFootball Videos

Look, I know we spent a fortune compared to other sides domestically, with the exception of our Glasgow rivals, but with the injury problems that have plagued the side, not to mention the manager’s office at Celtic Park resembling the proverbial revolving door, it’s quite the feat to be just three points off top spot.

Derek McInnes, Hearts v Celtic, 25 January 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou.

Add on top the terrible decision making in the boardroom that’s akin to self-harm and that continues to this day with their own calls for unity being frustrated by those running our club. Ibrox turned up the noise on Sunday and that helped theRangers record a 4-2 win over Hearts, Tynecastle is going to be packed for the run-in with the Hearts supporters going to do all that they can to assist Derek McInnes in his title dream for the Jambos. Celtic really must turn up the volume at Celtic Park and the only way to do that is to lift the bans.

Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers modelling the Celtic FC x adidas Terrace Icons collection

On the injury front, we’ve been denied the services of Cameron Carter Vickers, Alistair Johnston, and Jota for a long period, not to mention the loss of several others for key spells, most recently Arne Engels. That’s a group of players who are vital cogs in our side, players who form a solid spine, and any club losing such key figures will struggle, something Hearts have discovered in recent weeks.

Reo Hatate of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Daizen Maeda during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Feyenoord and Celtic FC at De Kuip on November 27, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Influential figures such as Kasper Schmeichel, Daizen Maeda, and Reo Hatate have also been underperforming, so to be just one win away from top spot is quite astonishing to say the least. Kasper is in the closing stages of his career but our two Japanese stars have aspirations of achieving big moves this summer. Their chances of that happening decrease as poor performances mount up and with Engels sidelined for the next six weeks this is Reo Hatate’s chance to stand and deliver for Celtic and to win himself the kind of move his too often hidden talent merits.

As a club we remain in complete turmoil off the park, due to the actions of those running our club doing their best to destabilise the entire club, leading to morale plummeting. Credit to the Celtic supporters for standing up to this self-harming boardroom behaviour while still backing the team.

Brendan Rodgers talks to the media after the match. Hearts v Celtic, 26 October 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Their actions led to the shock resignation of Brendan Rodgers, a moment that sent shockwaves through the Scottish game, and understandably left the entire Celtic support reeling. Martin O’Neill made a sensational return, and steadied the ship, before they handed the reins to their outstanding first choice candidate Wilfried Nancy, sold to them by Paul Tisdale on the premise that the Frenchman would be more than happy to work with their project signings.

03.01.2026 Celtic v Rangers, SPFL Premiership. Wilfried Nancy and Kwame Ampadu. Photo : Kenny Ramsay

Martin of course had to ride to our rescue once again after the overdue sacking of the inept Nancy after 33 days. The Frenchman’s short rein was an unmitigated disaster, one that left us in a state of disarray with a dozen precious points thrown away needlessly.

Under the guidance of Nancy we also lost the Premier Sports cup final, and endured an embarrassing Europa League defeat to Roma at Celtic Park.

Celtic Manager Martin O’Neill speaks at a mainstream conference on Tuesday 6th January 2026 at Lennoxtown after returning to the club following the sacking of Wifred Nancy. Photo Andy Buchanan Shutterstock

Martin O’Neill has picked us up from the floor once again, but we’ve hardly been convincing in recent weeks. But the most important factor, is that this campaign can still be a successful one, and that in itself is truly remarkable.

Celtic interim Chairman Brian Wilson looks on during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Falkirk at Celtic Park on February 01, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

There is supposed to be a meeting today between the Green Brigade and Celtic board members including interim Chairman Brian Wilson and current CEO Michael Nicholson. This should be the chance to put Celtic on the best possible footing for the business end to the season and that involves lifting the bans on the Green Brigade and the Celtic Fans Media, which we have discussed on The Celtic Star this morning.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

Celtic in the Thirties by Matt Corr. Click on image to order