Alan Thompson and Didier Agathe. Two of Martin O’Neill’s most important signings…
Twenty three years ago this month Martin O’Neill made two signings that would play a big part in his Celtic revolution. The new Celtic manager of course had already spent big on the likes of Chris Sutton and Joos Valgaeren, with a £10 million spend on those two showing Celtic’s intent to back MON.
Two more signings would come in, both who cost a fraction of that combined and who would both go on to contribute massive success to the club. Their names? Alan Thompson and Didier Agathe.
Thompson cost £2.5million from Aston Villa and Agathe a mere £50k from Hibs.
Thompson was highly rated down south thanks to his exploits with Bolton Wanderers, but maybe lost his way a bit at Villa. While Agathe we knew a bit more about after his strong start to the season with Hibs.
Thompson would go on to be a success at the club. He had a magical left foot and scored some vital and memorable goals domestically (he loved a derby goal) and in Europe against the likes of Barcelona and Liverpool.
He even earned his one and only England cap under Sven Goran Eriksson in 2004, becoming the first player to earn an England cap while playing for Celtic. All in all he played 227 games for the club scoring 51 goals. Winning 8 honours in the process.
Didier was just as big a success. Originally a striker when he signed, Martin converted him to right wing back. As important as Alan proved to be on the left, Agathe was to prove as equally vital on the right.
He was lightning fast and could beat a player. He was immense. There was a very vocal opinion that he couldn’t cross, but while that could be a bit of an Achilles heel for him, he could indeed put in a decent ball.
Remember in Amsterdam for big Sutton’s header? Henrik’s first goal in Seville? That man Agathe provided those two goals with expertly hit crosses. Didier would play 183 games for the club scoring 11 goals and winning six honours. Just like Thompson he was a shrewd signing by Martin O’Neill. Two of the very best in my view.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
