When was last three-way race for Scottish title?

In the year former Scotland internationals James McFadden and Shaun Maloney were born, there was no league split.

And, when TV classics Taggart and Auf Wiedersehen Pet were launched, only two points were awarded for a win.

Dundee United were crowned champions for the first – and only – time, holding their nerve to rattle off six successive victories to finish one point clear of both Celtic and Aberdeen.

The Dons, who happened to lift the European Cup Winners’ Cup and Scottish Cup over the closing straight, were also unbeaten in their final six, but in among five wins was a 0-0 draw away to Hibernian.

Celtic, who had a young Charlie Nicholas raining in goals, were the team to slip most significantly, losing to both of their closest rivals over their closing six league fixtures.

Adding to the drama, United’s crown was clinched at Dens Park on the final day.

They beat city rivals Dundee 2-1, with Ralph Milne and Eamonn Bannon on target, but an Iain Ferguson reply just before half-time made for a tense second half.

“The final few minutes seemed like an eternity,” United’s legendary goalkeeper Hamish McAlpine recalled.

At the same time, Aberdeen thumped Hibs 5-0 at Pittodrie and Celtic were left feeling flat despite a 4-2 win over Rangers at Ibrox.

United and Celtic each scored 90 goals over 36 games, while Aberdeen were slightly off that pace with a mere 76 at the close of play.