The 1985/86 Scottish Premier Division may go down in history as Scottish football’s last great season. It wasn’t just the thrilling underdog story of Heart of Midlothian’s record-breaking unbeaten run and challenge for the unlikeliest of league and cup doubles. Or the way Glasgow Celtic came from the rear of the chasing pack to take the title to a photo finish. Or even the rumours, controversies and myths that continue to swirl around that most dramatic of final days—a day of fears, tears and transistor radios pressed to ears.
It was that four teams—almost half of the league—were still in contention for the title with three weeks to go. And, incredible as it might sound today, only one called Glasgow home.
As the victors enjoyed their spoils and the vanquished soothed their wounds, while everyone else got their breath back, no-one realised it was much more than just the end of a season—it was the end of an era.
Liverpool and Scotland legend Graeme Souness arrived from Sampdoria to awaken sleeping giant Rangers. Tanned face like distressed leather, sun-dappled perm, trademark lampshade moustache and Serie A swagger oozing from every pore, the man known to team-mates as Champagne Charlie embarked on an unprecedented spending spree that would change Scottish football forever.
