CCP Celtic Plc

RNS No 3838t
CELTIC PLC
6th August, 1997


REGI BLINKER

Celtic, today (06/08/97), announced the signing of Dutch
international, Regi Blinker (28) from Sheffield Wednesday,
in a three year deal.   The value of the deal is #4.5
million, with Paolo Di Canio moving to Sheffield Wednesday
and Celtic receiving Regi Blinker, plus around #3 million.

Fergus McCann remarked, "Regi is player signing number six
of the new season, and a player Wim Jansen knows well, and
sees as an important part of the new team and squad which he
is building.   The board is pleased to support Wim's
strategy".

Jock Brown, Football General Manager, comments, "Regi was
signed for Feyenoord by Wim Jansen, and has also played for
Feyenoord with Henrik Larsson, so they are all familiar with
each other's preferred style of play.   Wim sees Regi
playing in a wide left role, using his speed and skill to
best effect. Regi is a player who will excite the Celtic
support.   I have been very impressed with both his manner
and his conduct during the discussions leading to his move
to Celtic.

Henrik Larsson and Regi Blinker were Wim's top signing
targets, the players top of his list.   Sheffield Wednesday
have been very reluctant to let Regi leave, and for a month,
they refused all approaches.   The breakthrough in the deal
was Paolo Di Canio.   Paolo turned out to be the key to the
deal, and this is the only reason we have allowed him to
leave.   We have not initiated a sale, which is what many
clubs have wanted.   Wim wanted Blinker; David Pleat would
not let him go unless we agreed to let him speak to Di
Canio.   Di Canio has been telling people in Glasgow that he
had no intention of coming back to Glasgow or Celtic.   It
was, in fact, becoming increasingly difficult for him to
return. These factors, added to the feeling amongst many of
the supporters, make it sensible for Celtic to do a deal.

I have said from day one, on this issue, that the situation
would be continually reviewed and all actions taken would be
in the best interests of Celtic Football Club, and that is
what has happened.

As to the future, I have introduced a clause that is already
in the new contracts which confirms that player's total,
legally binding agreement with Celtic is as stated in the
contract, and that there are no further 'gentlemen's
agreements' or verbal promises.   Everything is contained in
the document that they have signed.   This step will protect
Celtic from the situation of false claims arising again in
the future".

Regi Blinker comments, "I am looking forward to working with
Wim Jansen again.   He is a man who played a big part in my
career, when he brought me to Feyenoord many years ago.
Henrik is also someone I know from my Feyenoord days, and
this should help me to settle in quickly, both on and off
the field.   Playing for a man who knows and appreciates my
strengths is important to me.   This, combined with the
opportunity of playing for a Club as famous as Celtic, has
proved to be an irresistible attraction".

END


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