A second consecutive double beckons, yet the Celtic supporters are certainly not lining up to sing Strachan's praises.

Despite the title race effectively being over at its earliest stage in living memory, long before Easter, Strachan is arguably still losing his battle to win over the majority of the Celtic support.

One explanation is the peculiar season the Celtic fans have just witnessed.

Even the run in Europe left some cold, oscillating as it did between delight and despair.

On the plus side: Celtic's never-say-die spirit came to the fore on several occasions, most notably late on in big games against Hearts, Dundee United and Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Home victories in the Champions League against FC Copenhagen, Benfica and Manchester United preceded two commendable last-16 displays against AC Milan which ended in a 1-0 defeat only after extra-time in the San Siro.

That United and Milan will contest one of the semi-finals must reflect kindly on Strachan, and there have been other fine individual contributions on the pitch.

Artur Boruc proved with some incredible saves at crucial times that he is world class.

Left-back Lee Naylor confounded the sceptics to prove an astute signing from Wolves, and the Parkhead club were well served by young Irishman Darren O'Dea, who emerged as a powerful centre-back; a real prospect.

Another central defender, Stephen McManus, was arguably Celtic's most consistent player this season, helped by the acquisition of the experienced Pressley from Hearts in the winter.

Shunsuke Nakamura - whose injury-time free-kick sealed the title today - delighted with moments of sublime skill, mostly from dead-ball situations. Aiden McGeady provided flair on the left flank.

Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink showed, when fit, that he is a natural goalscorer.

Success across league, cup and European competition makes Celtic the envy not only of Rangers but also ambitious Hearts, yet Strachan's debit column nevertheless seems so long.

The reason? For one thing, try some strange team selections from the former Coventry and Southampton boss who tried, without great success, to fit his big-money signings Thomas Gravesen and Jiri Jarosik into his line-up. Neither are likely to settle for another campaign warming the benches of the SPL.

Celtic fans now more or less accept that Kenny Miller's remit - when he plays - is one of almost hysterical work-rate as opposed to scoring goals, while a regular place for the talented Derek Riordan - described by Strachan as "the best finisher at the club"- cannot be found.

Craig Beattie's constant injury problems, combined with an erratic touch, has frustrated the fans, and Poland international Maciej Zurawski seems to have lost his appetite. Both strikers could be on their way.

However, puzzlement over team selections only tells half the story of why Strachan was lambasted in recent weeks as Celtic stumbled towards their SPL crown.

Put simply, many of the Hoops fans have never taken to the man. He is tolerated rather than loved.

Strachan's arrival in the summer of 2005 as Martin O'Neill's successor elicited a mixed reaction.

An embarrassing Champions League qualifying defeat by Artmedia Bratislava then defeat to First Division Clyde in the Scottish Cup during his first season was compensated for, but only to a certain extent, by a league and CIS Cup double.

This campaign has been less than vintage. Including today, Celtic have lost only three SPL matches but won 17 of them by a one-goal margin.

One struggles to recall many thrilling displays along the way, notwithstanding a demolition of Benfica.

That, according to many disgruntled fans, who realise that the anticipated challengers Rangers and Hearts imploded spectacularly this season, is not "the Celtic way" with their resentment soothed only by the balm of another title.

Inevitably it will be Rangers, under Walter Smith and Ally McCoist, who will pose the most serious threat to Celtic's hopes of completing a hat-trick of titles next season.

However, pre-contract signings at Ibrox such as Falkirk's Alan Gow and St Mirren's Kirk Broadfoot will not have the Parkhead faithful - far less potential European foes - cowering.

Given the financial advantages they currently enjoy over the Ibrox club, Celtic will strengthen with a better class of player than Rangers.

Strachan's advantage, therefore is inbuilt, and assuming he stays for another season then he may find his biggest battle will, again, be with Celtic's own fans.

Having become Scottish football's big winners again, they will be expected to be its entertainers next term.