ABOUT THIS EPISODE
How Great Were Celtic 2000–2005?
Was Martin O’Neill’s Celtic (2000–2005) the club’s greatest modern side — and how did it reshape Scottish football in the new millennium?
In this episode of By Far The Greatest Team, hosts Graham Dunn and Jamie Rooney are joined by very special guest Martin Ferguson — a passionate season ticket holder and lifelong Celtic supporter — to dive deep into the legacy of Martin O’Neill’s iconic Celtic team from 2000 to 2005.
From stunning domestic performances to unforgettable European nights, O’Neill’s tenure at Celtic Park was packed with drama, personality, and big-match intensity. We revisit the key moments, the tactical identity, and the leadership that defined this era — and debate the standout players who made it all work.
The central question hangs over everything: was this truly Celtic’s greatest team? What did O’Neill change culturally and tactically? And what did this spell mean for Celtic’s identity — and for Scottish football more broadly — in an era of modern pressure, expectation, and rivalry?
Where does Celtic 2000–2005 land on the Greatness Index — true greats, modern icons, or the ultimate European “nearly” side?
Takeaways
- How Martin O’Neill transformed Celtic’s mentality and standards
- The defining domestic moments and what made the team so hard to stop
- The European nights that shaped the era’s mythology
- The key players and leaders who carried the culture on the pitch
- Why this period still resonates with supporters — and what it changed long-term
- Where Celtic 2000–2005 belongs in the club’s all-time conversation
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Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7erZQ9qQEsa2Xq8Rg843Gv
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/by-far-the-greatest-team-football-podcast/id1678832405
Website: thegreatnessindex.com
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