When 1992 came around, it seemed that the unthinkable was going to happen. Paul McStay – a one-club player and Celtic man since the early-1980s – was expected to leave. On the last day of the season, he threw his shirt into the Jungle in what looked like a farewell to the supporters.
Over the years, he had been linked with various moves to Italy, including Inter Milan and Fiorentina. Now more Italian sides were mentioned, including Udinese. However, the Maestro eventually chose to remain in Glasgow’s east end.
Celtic’s poor performances in the early-1990s came amidst a backdrop of supporter unrest, including boycotts and anti-Board campaigns. This would eventually culminate in Fergus McCann’s 1994 takeover of the club, which eventually put Celtic back on the path to the top.
Photo by David Crump/ANL/Shutterstock – Peter Grant Paul McStay And Manager Tommy Burns Are Delighted Celtic Fans Have Responded In Telephone Numbers To The Club s Vital Share Issue. Photo David Crump/ANL/Shutterstock
This year also saw another small piece of McStay history – it was the only time he saw red in his career. In August, playing against Dundee in the League Cup, Celtic claimed a 2-1 win. But before that happened, Paul was sent off following a clash with Dundee’s Dusan Vrto, who was also dismissed.
Following Fergus McCann’s takeover, another popular Celtic midfielder, Tommy Burns, returned to the club as boss. In his first season, he took Celtic to the League Cup Final. Playing against First Division side Raith Rovers, it seemed certain that Celtic would end their trophy drought.
The match proved to be memorable for the wrong reasons. Celtic struggled to beat their lower league opponents with the game ending 2-2 in normal time. Even extra time could not achieve a winner, and so penalties were needed. With Celtic trailing 6-5, Celtic’s captain stepped up – and missed his penalty, giving the Fife side victory.
Paul McStay’s penalty is saved in the shoot-out at Celtic’s League Cup Final defeat to Raith Rovers at Ibrox on 27 November 1994. Photo The Celtic Wiki
For McStay, this was a terrible moment. He had hoped to finally lift silverware as captain but instead fell at the most important moment. The fans though rallied round their hero. Three days later, the Bhoys went to Easter Road for a League game. As well as singing McStay’s name throughout, fans unveiled a banner beforehand stating ‘You’ll never walk alone, Paul’.
By the end of the season, this sad event was well and truly forgotten. The Bhoys reached the Scottish Cup Final, and once more they faced lower league opposition in the form of Airdrie. It was yet again a tight game but a Pierre van Hooijdonk header ensured that Celtic had their first trophy for six years, and McStay lifted his first as captain.
At the final whistle, the emotion and delight was clear to see on Paul McStay’s face, as well as relief for finally winning silverware. He later remarked that: “The game was ninety minutes long but for me the game lasted as long as my five years as captain and six years without a trophy.”
30 years ago today, Celtic beat Manchester Utd 3:1 in Paul McStays Testimonial.
Pierre(2) and Chris Hay. @pierrevh17 pic.twitter.com/8io8Clc57O
— Celtic GIFs (@CelticGIFs) December 12, 2025
Unfortunately, this was to prove to be the only time that Paul McStay led his team to cup success. Later that year, his Celtic commitment was celebrated in a testimonial game in December 1995. On a very foggy night, Manchester United came to Glasgow and returned to England following a 3-1 defeat.
