Ex-scout claims Rangers tried to hijack Celtic’s move for Paul Lambert in 1997

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Rangers allegedly tried to beat Celtic to the signing of the midfielder 21 years ago.

Former Celtic scout Andy Ritchie spoke exclusively to the Daily Record, and shared how Rangers tried to beat the Hoops to the signing of Paul Lambert from Borussia Dortmund in 1997.

Lambert went on to become a real hit at Parkhead, making 275 appearances in all competitions for Celtic, winning four Scottish league titles in the process.

The 49-year-old has gone on to forge a respectable career in football management, but he will undoubtedly be remembered more for his exceptional playing career.

Things could have been so different for the 40-capped Scotland international, however, according to a former Hoops scout.

Former Celtic scout Andy Ritchie told the Daily Record how Rangers tried to swoop in and beat their bitter rivals to the midfielder’s signature way back in 1997:

“I knew the player [Paul Lambert] had a clause in his contract that he could go for five million Deutsche Marks, or around £1.2m. The deal was on, but then came a problem. Jock had told Wim he had to see a player himself three times if he cost more than £1m. But Wim said, ‘Why do we have Andy here?’ Right in that Celtic turmoil, Rangers made a better offer. But Paul had shaken hands with me. That’s the mark of the man.”

If Rangers had beaten Celtic to Lambert’s signature, it would not be an exaggeration to suggest that the four league titles won by the Hoops from 1998-2004 might just have ended up in the blue side of Glasgow.