Gordon Strachan described leading Celtic to a third consecutive Scottish Premier League title as “fantastic”.
Celtic’s 1-0 win over Dundee United combined with Rangers’ 2-0 defeat at Aberdeen ensured that Strachan’s side finished the season three points ahead of their arch-rivals.
“This has been one of the most fantastic occasions of my life,” said Strachan.
“We had a challenge and accepted it and I want to celebrate it with guys who believed in me and who I believed in.”
Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink scored Celtic’s winner and the Dutch striker was quick to dedicate the team’s success to former coach Tommy Burns.
Burns, who had been first-team coach, died seven days ago.
“It’s incredible,” said the Dutchman. “It’s about Tommy Burns, it’s a tribute to him. We did it and it’s a great feeling.”
Centre-back Gary Caldwell added: “It’s been a tough week for everyone at Celtic.
“Tommy was a great man and a great coach and also a friend to all of us.
“I’m sure he would have loved tonight. He loved winning trophies for Celtic and this is obviously dedicated to him and his memory.
“He was a great man and we did it for him.”
Europe a problem
Meanwhile, a disconsolate Rangers boss, Walter Smith, blamed his side’s recent downturn in form on the their exertions in Europe. The club’s achievement in reaching last week’s UEFA Cup final resulted in a fixture pile-up which has forced them to play their final three league games of the season over a five-day period.
“I am disappointed with the way the season has finished in difficult circumstances,” he told BBC Sport.
“Coming back from big European games has been a big problem for us recently.
“There’s no doubt Aberdeen motivate themselves to a greater degree playing us than in other games, but it’s always difficult to come and play here.”
Rangers must now turn their attention to Saturday’s Scottish final when they face Queen of the South at Hampden Park.
