David Templeton has revealed he rejected a late offer to join boyhood heroes Celtic in favour of a move to Rangers in 2012. The former Hearts winger, who grew up in Glasgow supporting the Hoops, has explained why there was only one choice when Neil Lennon tried to hijack his transfer from Tynecastle to Ibrox.
Hearts career and the move to Rangers
Templeton was picked up by Hearts as a 16-year-old from Stenhousemuir and progressed through the youth ranks to become one of their key players under Jim Jefferies. However, things turned sour under Paulo Sergio the following season, and he was left out of the Scottish Cup Final team that beat city rivals Hibs 5-1 at Hampden.
Hearts had to cut costs massively the following season under John McGlynn, and Templeton was back in the starting lineup. Despite two standout displays against Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool, including a late goal at Anfield, the club were desperate to move the winger on before the transfer deadline to raise cash.
Celtic's late approach
An offer from Ally McCoist's Rangers, who were then in League Two, couldn't be turned down, and Templeton was told he'd be frozen out if he stayed. But while negotiations with Gers were ongoing, Celtic made their own move, although they wanted Templeton to wait and join them when his contract expired the following summer.
Speaking on the STV Radio Football Podcast, Templeton said: "It came about on the last day of the August window, I was at Murray Park until about two in the morning trying to get it all sorted. What made it even weirder is that when I was sat outside, my agent got a phonecall from Neil Lennon about potentially wanting to go there. The full thing was bizarre."
Why he chose Rangers
Celtic wanted Templeton to wait out his contract and join them in the summer, but he questioned the logic: "I said 'but what if I break my leg tomorrow? You wouldn't sign me.' So we had this discussion and it ended up that I went to Rangers."
He also revealed the pressure from Hearts, who needed the money: "I was also told by Hearts that if I didn't sign for Rangers, I wouldn't play for them again as they really needed the money."
Despite the temptation of Champions League football with Celtic, Templeton said it was a straightforward decision after visiting Rangers: "Obviously with Rangers, I went in and saw the facilities, the club and spoke to the manager and I knew how much I was wanted. It was a no-brainer."
