Call at the Edinburgh Festival ended McGinn move to the Hoops
John McGinn has opened his heart on the dithering which sunk his dream move to Celtic in the summer of 2018.
Then manager Brendan Rodgers had made it clear to the 23-year-old that he wanted to sign him from Hibs for his Double-Treble winners.
However, Hoops chief executive Peter Lawwell’s attempts to sign the lifelong Celtic supporter dragged on for three months.
Lowball offers for the Scotland player were followed by reports that Lawwell was prepared to sign him on a pre-contract deal in order to land him for nothing.
After three months of holding his breath, Aston Villa made an offer, which both Hibs and McGinn were happy with, and Celtic fans were left wondering: “What if?”.
“When that first offer comes in, you start thinking it’s done, it’s going to happen,” McGinn admitted. “So it was just a waiting game – the longest waiting game ever.
“I’ve ended up back with Hibs for pre-season and it was, ironically, Neil Lennon who was Hibs manager at the time.
“They were amazing. It’s not a popular decision if you go from Hibs to Celtic, but I think everyone – the supporters, the board – all had an understanding that it was what I wanted, and respected that I wouldn’t kick the door down.
“I thought it had to work both ways and, initially, it wasn’t happening like that. But we ended up getting a wee bit more guarantees that things were going to progress.
“I remember driving to a UEFA Cup qualifier against NSI Runavik. I’d been told Celtic were going to make an offer that day, and not to play in the game as I’d have been cup-tied for the European games coming up for Celtic.
“So I’m waiting all day, nothing happens. I’m going round these winding roads in the Faroe Islands, not knowing if I’m actually playing or not.
“To be fair to Hibs chief executive, Leeann Dempster, and everyone at Hibs, they were waiting as well. They didn’t know what was going on.
“Neil spoke to me. He’s one of the best man-managers I’ve had, so relatable. He knew what I was going through, and what I wanted at the time.
“The offer didn’t come, for whatever reason. So I remember speaking to the manager, then I phoned my dad and agent, and I just thought: ‘You know what? I’m playing in the game’.
“I played, scored that night and it was a good performance in a bit of a wild game. I was proud of myself because I thought: ‘This isn’t right. I need to play in this game’.
“I believed in myself as a player. If someone wants me, they can try a wee bit harder to get me. Then doubt got into my head and I’m thinking: ‘Is this the right thing?’.
“It started becoming a wee bit of a sitcom. It was getting more and more publicity, and I was beginning to worry.
“At that time, Celtic had an unbelievable midfield. But I believed in myself, and had to weigh everything up.
“I still, in my head, wanted to play for Celtic, no doubt. But then it was August.
“It probably spurred me on to play better.
“Next thing you know, I’m walking around the Edinburgh Festival and my agent phones, asking if I’d like to have a look around at Aston Villa.
“I’m like: ‘Aye I’ll have a look’ – and didn’t end up coming back.” ▪