Two teams locked together on the final day of a great season - Martin O'Neill's glorious UEFA Cup finalists Celtic, and Alex McLeish's Rangers, pursuing their 50th league title. The world's greatest derby teams had spent an entire season reaching this point and Celtic had taken the nation to the very brink of European glory. In an era when our game endures unparalleled criticism, this was the year to make you feel a whole lot better.

• Simon O'Brien
• Éric Cantona
• Sarah Cawood