A New Era for Celtic TV: Inside the Huddle Offers Drama, Glory, and a Touch of Magic

Celtic have long embraced their history, but with the release of Inside the Huddle on their revamped Celtic TV, they’ve made a bold step into the future. Gone are the clunky DVDs gathering dust on fans’ shelves, replaced by a slick, digital offering that signals the dawn of a new era for how supporters will relive the club’s defining moments.

And what better way to kick things off than with a review of the dramatic 2023/24 season? A campaign where Celtic secured a double, while their city rivals were already puffing out their chests, proclaiming dreams of a treble. Inside the Huddle takes us through every glorious twist and turn, and it’s nothing short of exhilarating.

As with any Celtic season, the drama is laid on thick, and Inside the Huddle doesn’t shy away from it. The late goals that had us chewing through fingernails, the adversity that seemed insurmountable, and the unshakable resolve of this squad are all on full display. Matt O’Riley’s last-minute winner against Motherwell will forever sit in the archives of unforgettable Celtic moments. And then there’s Adam Idah, the man who made fans breathe again—twice. His performances will be etched in this season’s folklore, and they’re perfectly highlighted in this documentary.

The brilliance of Inside the Huddle lies not just in its play-by-play recap but in the insightful interviews with the key players of the season. Captain Callum McGregor, always articulate, talks us through those defining moments on the pitch. His calm, measured tones contrast sharply with the chaotic action we’ve just witnessed, giving the viewer a rare glimpse into the mental fortitude of this Celtic side. And then there’s Brendan Rodgers, a man whose return was viewed with scepticism by some but who ultimately proved his mettle. His behind-the-scenes commentary is both revealing and stirring, particularly as he reflects on the challenges of the first half of the season. It’s clear the weight of expectation bore down heavily on his shoulders, but his words before key Games are enough to make anyone want to don a pair of boots and storm the pitch.

The access to dressing room speeches is a standout feature here. Rodgers, calm but coMMAnding, delivers his team talks with a subtle ferocity that will give any fan goosebumps. There’s something electric about seeing the players’ faces as their manager stirs something primal within them. It’s Football at its rawest, and it’s clear why this team, despite moments of struggle, managed to emerge as champions. Callum McGregor rallying the players after defeat and building them up for big moments while Joe Hart’s energy permeated through the dressing room.

The documentary also handles the nail-biting tension of the Scottish Cup semi-final against Aberdeen with real craft. Joe Hart’s penalty save to keep Celtic’s cup hopes alive feels as heart-stopping as it did that very day. The editing keeps the tension bubbling, dragging viewers back into the thick of it, reliving the collective exhale of relief when Hart makes that critical stop. It’s moments like these that keep the adrenaline pumping throughout the hour-long feature.

One of the most visually striking moments is undoubtedly the build-up to Celtic’s league-clinching derby against Rangers. The camera follows Daizen Maeda in the moments after he forces John Lundstram into scoring an own goal. The joy on Maeda’s face as he charges into the Celtic support is pure, unadulterated ecstasy. It’s Football in its most joyful form, and the filMMAkers capture it brilliantly, creating a moment that will be replayed for years to come.

However, Inside the Huddle isn’t without its flaws. The documentary lightly skims over the more difficult periods of the season. Sure, the struggles are acknowledged, but they’re glossed over in a way that misses an opportunity. Had the darker days been explored with more depth, the eventual triumph might have felt even more euphoric. It’s not that anyone’s clamouring to watch extended highlights of Celtic stumbling, but a little more context could’ve made the highs that much sweeter. When you watch this again in ten years, the gaps might leave you wondering what exactly caused the mid-season stutter and why Santa Claus appeared in May to hand over the SPFL trophy.

Still, it’s hard to be overly critical. By the end of Inside the Huddle, I was buzzing. The way Rodgers echoes Billy McNeill’s words—“There’s a fairytale element to Celtic”—is more than apt. As we watch the story of this season unfold, with all its drama, heartbreak, and joy, it’s impossible not to feel swept up in the magic.

For Celtic fans, Inside the Huddle is a must-watch. The multimedia team has given us something to treasure, a digital time capsule that’ll have supporters reliving these moments again and again, from O’Riley’s heroics to the joyous chaos of Maeda’s celebrations. It may not be perfect, but much like Celtic themselves, it’s impossible not to love it.

You can watch the documentary over at CelticFC.tv by either subscribing for the year and having it included in your subscription or by paying £4.99 to watch it.