RANGERS are set to kick off their stint at Hampden this weekend as they gear up to face Motherwell. This move comes thirty years after Celtic spent an entire season at the national stadium back in 1994/95. The construction work at Parkhead forced the Hoops to temporarily relocate to Mount Florida.
During their time at Hampden, Celtic striker Andy Walker made history by scoring the team’s first league goal in a match against Dundee United. Reflecting on his experience, Walker emphasized the difference in playing home games away from your actual stadium. He highlighted the importance of familiar surroundings, the energy from the fans, and the unique atmosphere that each team’s home ground provides.
Walker also pointed out the challenges that come with playing at a neutral venue like Hampden, where the lack of a home advantage can impact performance. Despite the change in scenery, Walker believes that Rangers, as the stronger team, should be able to secure a win against Motherwell this weekend. However, he cautioned that surprises can happen in football, as seen in previous encounters between Rangers and Motherwell.
In the 1994/95 season, Celtic finished fourth behind Rangers, Motherwell, and Hibs. This performance was influenced by Hampden defeats to Falkirk and Partick, which were significant setbacks for the team. Walker recalled the struggles Celtic faced during that season, but noted that the team’s return to Celtic Park marked a turning point in their fortunes.
The transition back to their home ground signalled an improvement in Celtic’s form, with the team losing only one game the following season. This shift was accompanied by the recruitment of key players like Pierre van Hooijdonk, Andy Thom, and Paolo Di Canio, who bolstered Celtic’s squad and competitiveness in the league.
Despite the challenges of playing away from home, Tommy Burns, Celtic’s manager at the time, managed to lead the team to a Cup final victory against Airdrie at Hampden in 1995. This success, coupled with the return to Celtic Park, set the stage for a more prosperous period for the Hoops.
Looking back on his time at Hampden, Walker fondly recalled the dramatic victory against Dundee United, where he scored the opening goal and Tony Mowbray secured a late winner. These memories serve as a reminder of the highs and lows that come with playing at a temporary home ground and the resilience needed to overcome such obstacles in football.
As Rangers embark on their journey at Hampden, they will face similar challenges and opportunities to prove their strength as a team. The lessons learned from Celtic’s experience three decades ago can serve as valuable insights for the Gers as they navigate this temporary relocation and strive for success on the pitch.
