Tonight, Linfield were confirmed NIFL Premiership champions for the fourth time in five years, courtesy of a 1-1 draw, away to Coleraine.
The Blues made it ‘Three in a row’ following on from their Irish Cup success last Friday night, when they beat Larne 2-1.
Double delight has now been secured and Linfield now join Rangers with 55 domestic championships won.
FULL TIME: COLERAINE 1-1 LINFIELD
๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐-๐๐!!!!
For the 55th time in our history and the third year in a row, Linfield are league champions! #JointMostSucce55ful #ThreeInARow
๐ตโช๐ด pic.twitter.com/WKqEzD25RT— Linfield FC (@OfficialBlues) May 25, 2021
From a Rangers perspective, Linfield manager David Healy needs no introduction.
Former Rangers youth captain Cammy Palmer is now an integral part of the Blues midfield and Matthew Clarke was also a player who came through the Auchenhowie system.
Plenty of Rangers fans in Northern Ireland have their local allegencies but regardless of their ties, it can’t be forgotten that Linfield were one of very few to hold out the hand of friendship and help in Rangers hour of need back in 2012.
There are ties and friendships firmly established, as was confirmed recently when Linfield congratulated Rangers on their Scottish Premiership success and thrashed out an early agreement for another friendly game to be played between the clubs.
Clincher
In the penultimate game of the season tonight, Linfield needed just one point to be confirmed as league winners and that is what they secured.
A Mark Haughey opener in the first half was cancelled out by a Curtis Allen strike before half-time for hosts Coleraine but the Belfast Blues will be delighted with the draw and the double that is now in the bag.
It is another trophy for boss David Healy – who will gaining further admirers – as well as iconic captain Jamie Mulgrew, to cap off a fine season for all at Windsor Park.
Following tonight’s clincher, Linfield finish their season away to Cliftonville on Saturday evening.
LEAGUE CHAMPIONS 2020/21๐
WE ARE LINFIELD ๐๐งก pic.twitter.com/prR2ZrJvEL
— Linfield FC (@OfficialBlues) May 25, 2021