John Hartson recently revealed an interesting story about his transfer to Celtic back in 2001. As negotiations were underway for his £6 million move, he received a surprising call from Celtic’s majority shareholder, Dermot Desmond. Desmond, who is known for his love of golf and connections in the sport, offered Hartson the opportunity to play a round of golf with none other than Tiger Woods, a global sports icon.
Despite the enticing offer, Hartson never got the chance to tee off with Woods as promised. However, the gesture highlighted the lengths to which Celtic was willing to go to secure Hartson’s signing. This unique approach appealed to Hartson, especially after failed moves to Tottenham and Rangers due to concerns about his fitness.
Ultimately, Hartson did sign for Celtic and went on to have a successful five-year spell at the club. He became a prolific goal scorer, netting over 100 goals and forming a formidable attacking trio with Henrik Larsson and Chris Sutton. His time at Celtic was filled with success and memorable moments, solidifying his status as a fan favorite.
While the promised golf game with Tiger Woods never came to fruition, Hartson’s decision to join Celtic proved to be a pivotal moment in his career. The creative tactics used by the club to secure his signing set the stage for a successful chapter in Hartson’s football journey.
