On signing from domestic rivals
There are limits to how far we can recruit from our domestic market and continue to prosper. Martin O’Neill preferred to sign players his teams had faced, which meant Hibs and St Johnstone being plundered, eventually leading to decline. Gordon Strachan enjoyed watching Hibs all his life; it showed in his Celtic signings.
Rumour has it when Jock Stein signed Willie Wallace from Hearts in 1966 his timing was determined by the need to deny a rival Wallace’ signature. Neil Lennon should find it easy to compete with the likes of Derby County, if he is motivated to do so.
Enjoy the fantastic clips of Willie Wallace below from the 1960s. You’ll have seen many before but the clip of him beating three Celtic defenders before scoring was new to me. It might have been the goal which convinced Jock to move.
Order Heart of a Lion below:
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