Celts were Given less cash as a pro than apprentice
SHAY GIVEN has revealed he quit Celtic as a teen in 1994 because he was offered less money for turning professional than he was on as an apprentice.
In his autobiography Any Given Saturday, the 134-times capped former Republic of Ireland No.1 lifts the lid on his three-year spell at Parkhead.
Given tells how he turned down the chance to play for Manchester United under Alex Ferguson to instead sign for Lou Macari’s Hoops in 1991.
But the now 41-year-old admits he left for Blackburn at 18 without having played a single first-team game for Celtic due to a major wages row with his old gaffer.
Given said: “I travelled home after a trial with Manchester United. I was torn between clubs but it was felt Celtic was the best option for me.
“Looking back, it was my dad who had the biggest say. ‘Son, Schmeichel is not going anywhere for a long time,’ he said.
“He’s coming into his own, he is still very young and he has the next 10 years in that United goal.
“Do you want to sit in the reserves for six years going nowhere before realising you’ve made a mistake? If you go to Celtic, you could play first team right now.
“People ask me why I left Celtic and the reason I left Celtic was Lou Macari.
“Macari had replaced Liam Brady in October 1993 and, for whatever reason, I just didn’t feature in his plans.
“When I’d joined Celtic, I was put on £100 a week which is an incredible figure for an apprentice and way more than the other lads who were on £27.50 or £30.
“On top of my wage, Celtic also paid for my digs, which was another £70 a week.
“Eventually, I was ushered into Macari’s office and a contract offer was there in writing – on the back of an envelope – dad still has it at home.
“Macari said, ‘We want you to sign professional terms, we’re going to offer you £130 a week’.
“I’d now also have to pay half my digs, which was £35 a week so, all in, it meant I would actually be on less money as a professional than I’d been on as an apprentice. It felt like a kick in the teeth.
“This was Celtic. One of the biggest clubs in the world and their offer was not good enough, especially for somebody who had given his all for the last two years.”
Although Given admits he considered staying with Celtic when Tommy Burns took over, they just couldn’t compete with Blackburn’s spending power.
He said: “Blackburn got in touch with me and my Dad and said they wanted to meet us in Dublin.
“The same week, Packie Bonner and Tommy Burns also said the same thing. We thought Celtic might have come to their senses on their first offer.
“Packie wasn’t aware two gentleman by the name of Kenny Dalglish and Jack Walker were heading over from England at that very moment.
“Kenny was great with me and made it clear he wanted to take me to Blackburn and that it was the best move for me.
“They offered me a four-year deal on £500 a week. I couldn’t believe the sums they were talking about for a goalkeeper.
“We all shook hands and I was on cloud nine. I was on the verge of becoming a Premier League player but out of respect for Celtic and Packie, we didn’t commit to anything.
“They discussed various offers for a while but it was clear nothing would be agreed. They could not come up with a deal and I was on my way to Blackburn.”
■ Shay Given, Any Given Saturday: The Autobiography, Trinity Mirror Sport Media. Hardback and ebook available. On sale Thursday, pre-order now from Amazon or sportmediashop.com. Follow @no1shaygiven for tour dates.