Pools sign another as McCann signs up

By Albatross
August 28 2003

The squad building continues at Victoria Park as Neale Cooper makes another signing. This time it's a midfielder: Ryan McCann has joined on a free transfer after being told he was surplus to requirements at Celtic.

Rumours about Pools signing the 21 year old (22 next month) had been circulating over the last few weeks, including articles on the Tribalfootball.com and Daily Record Websites just over two weeks ago. The word there was that he'd sign on a free, with the possibility of a sell-on clause. The Record's accuracy is such that it reported he was due to join Cooper at London Road..... though the contract is indeed a two year deal.

McCann is an attacking midfielder, but struggled to make the breakthrough at Parkhead - hardly a surprise given the players that have been signed over the last few years. He made just one solitary appearance in the green and white hoops, eventually having a loan spell at St. Johnstone last season in order to get some first team experience. He had been offered a two year deal 12 months ago, but has now been told he's surplus to requirements.

McCann has attracted other interest over the summer, but the message seems to be somewhat confusing. The Daily Record reported in July that Inverness Caledonian Thistle had been hoping to sign the youngster, but the plans had fallen through after Celtic had demanded a fee that the player's agent described as "unrealistic". Just six weeks later and he's on his way to Pools.... possibly the Bhoys have had a change of heart. Either way, it's another intriguing capture.

McCann though will not be taking part in Saturday's game at Kenilworth Road; although the signing has gone through in time, Cooper presumably wants McCann to spend a little more time getting to know the squad before he's considered for action.