“I was LURED to Celtic…” Former Celtic Player Reveals How Celtic Majority Shareholder Used Golf’s Biggest Star to LURE Him to Celtic….

John Hartson Reveals How Dermot Desmond Used Tiger Woods to Lure Him to Celtic

Former Celtic striker John Hartson has shared an intriguing story about how Dermot Desmond, Celtic’s majority shareholder, used the promise of a round of golf with Tiger Woods to persuade him to join the club in 2001.

At the time, Hartson was in talks with Martin O’Neill over a £6m move from Coventry, but had concerns about his fitness after failed medicals with Spurs and Rangers. Desmond’s intervention proved decisive, as he phoned Hartson to discuss the move and tantalized him with the prospect of teeing off with golf’s biggest star, Tiger Woods.

Although the golf outing never materialized, Hartson went on to enjoy a highly successful five-year stint at Celtic, scoring over 100 goals. The Welshman has credited Desmond’s persuasive tactics for securing his signature.

Hartson’s revelation offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of football transfers and the creative strategies employed by top clubs to attract talent. Desmond’s use of Tiger Woods’ name demonstrates his willingness to think outside the box and leverage his connections to secure key signings.

The move proved a masterstroke, as Hartson formed a potent partnership with Henrik Larsson and Chris Sutton, helping Celtic secure several domestic titles. Despite the initial fitness concerns, Hartson’s Celtic medical was apparently passed, and he went on to become a beloved figure at Parkhead.

This story highlights the importance of personal relationships and innovative approaches in football transfers. Dermot Desmond’s cunning tactic not only secured John Hartson’s signature but also contributed to Celtic’s success during the early 2000s.

Hartson’s experience serves as a reminder that, even in the high-stakes world of professional football, personal connections and clever persuasion can make all the difference.