Football: Dalglish fronts Celtic bid

YESTERDAY'S ATTEMPT by a consortium headed by Kenny Dalglish and Jim Kerr, the Simple Minds singer, to take over Celtic, was welcomed by Celtic supporters who feel such a move would transform the club in every department. The players were more cautious.

Peter Rafferty, who heads the Affiliation of Registered Celtic Supporters' Clubs, believes it would be an overdue second revolution at Parkhead.

"It is one of the most positive things I have heard about Celtic in the past five years," he said. "It would put the club into the big league both in personnel and financial terms because I am sure the backers are mega-time. Kenny Dalglish should be able to attract major players to the club."

Among the Celtic players, David Hannah was one of the more vocal. "If Mr McCann decides that is the right option I will be happy with that as well because if it goes on to enhance Celtic Football Club then it will be a good thing."

But the goalkeeper, Jonathan Gould, said: "It should be remembered Fergus McCann has made an impact himself by building the stadium he promised and seeing us to the title last year. It is about football; if you win on a Saturday the supporters always go home happy."