Hartson signs?

26 June 2006

According to reports almost everywhere except the Official Web Site, Albion have completed the signing of Wales and Celtic striker John Hartson on a two year contract. The signing has been under negotiation for a while, and Hartson was quoted previously as not wanting to leave the Scottish club, but it seems an improved offer has persuaded him to move to the Midlands.

BOING reader Chris Hobster tells us...

"Get ready to sing his signature tune in the Scottish pre season tour - he is used to hearing this at Parkhead and as I have been there singing it as well at European matches, I know its true:"

There's only one Johnny Hartson, one Johnny Hartson
He's got no hair but we don't care
Walking in a Hartson wonderland
   

"So come on Baggy fans make him know that stripes are better than hoops even if we don't have 57,000 plus for every home game. I'm sure he'll do a good job for us and we all know he doesn't back out of 50/50 balls so he's got some fight in him. I'm a Brummie Roader and I can't wait to hear us sing his song when he breaks the net for us."

...Gerry Cassidy added...

"Greetings from the Land of the Long White Cloud. Just read the news here in Christchurch New Zealand of the signing of John Hartson. I am a dyed in the wool Celtic fan and would like to pass on my very best wishes to the Big Man. He has been a wonderful servant for the Hoops, and I'm very sure that with his help you guys can shoot straight back to the Premiership. I will be keeping a close eye on your progress in the coming season and good luck to all involved."

...while veteran poster Kev Buckley dryly observed...

"If he keeps Campbell out of the side, he'll be an obvious improvement."

Amen to that. The general view from most fans so far seems to be pretty positive and that the Chairman, Jeremy Peace, has backed Bryan Robson by getting him the player he wanted. Whether the pressure will be so great to negotiate a further deal with Kevin Campbell remains to be seen - however, Albion have reported that they have turned down a bold ?10 million triple bid from Wigan Atheltic for Curtis Davies, Zoltan Gera and Nathan Ellington. Again, the reaction seems positive given that we would struggle to find quality replacements for that sort of money while outside the Premiership. Whether Wigan return with an improved offer remains to be seen, as does the view of the players themselves and whether they would rather go straight back to the top flight with someone else...

Previous Stories:

  22 June 2006:  Under starters orders!

  22 June 2006:  Going to Scotland?

  31 May 2006:  Hartson bid accepted... but...

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