To keep reminding himself
Burrows knew Turnbull was real deal but had
Alan Burrows tormented himself every day over the £ 3million that flew out of the window after David Turnbull’s record- breaking transfer to Celtic collapsed last year.
The Mother well chief executive posted the details of the record-breaking deal on his PC desktop in a cruel reminder of the remarkable difference it would have made to his club at the time.
It was also huge motivation for him to ensure that he would resurrect the switch when Turnbull had recovered.
The 20-year- old playmaker has been sparingly used by Neil Lennon this season but burst onto the scene with the winner against Lille on Thursday and Burrows has no doubt that Turnbull will be a top player for both Celtic and Scotland.
He said: “I had the transfer agreement sitting on my screen for a year and I looked at it every day, knowing the difference it would make to us.
“When we first agreed to sell David, it would have cleared all outstanding debt, which we subsequently did, and given us space to make some serious changes to the stadium and the training ground.
“These would safeguard the club for generations.
“So it was teasing me every day on my desktop. It was like a quiz show – ‘Here’s what you could have won.’ I had done it deliberately to keep me motivated to make sure a deal happened.”
An issue was discovered when Turnbull has his medical last year. He needed surgery and his world collapsed.
Burrows said: “It was the most savage blow imaginable. It was like winning the lottery then getting hit by a bus and losing
your ticket and spending eight months in hospital.
“It was clearly a life-changing proposition for David and he had it taken away but he showed great strength of character to get back.”
The club record deal, which could rise to £ 3.25million, was finally done in August.
Burrows said: “To have negotiated the club’s record transfer is something I take great pride in.
“I’m sure that David will come good. He’s moved into a squad of international players but will be a fantastic player, not only for Celtic but for Scotland for many years.”
Burrows is now bracing himself for bids for Well’s next prospect, Allan Campbell. He said: “The reality is it won’t be long before he spreads his wings and flies.
“He’s now ready to take the next step up. He’s got a major career ahead of him.”