Celtic tried to hijack my Rangers transfer but here's why I said no despite being a boyhood fan

Templeton rejected a late Celtic offer in 2012 to join Rangers, citing Hearts' financial pressure and Rangers' clear desire to sign him.

David Templeton has revealed he turned down a move to boyhood heroes Celtic in August 2012 to join Rangers instead. While negotiations with Rangers were ongoing, Dunfermline Athletic manager Neil Lennon called Templeton's agent with an offer, but Celtic wanted him to wait until his Hearts contract expired in the summer rather than move immediately.

Templeton rejected Celtic's approach because of the uncertainty it posed and Hearts' desperate financial situation. The club had told him he would be frozen out if he didn't sign for Rangers, as they needed the money from the transfer. Despite Rangers being in League Two at the time while Celtic were in the Champions League and top flight, Templeton felt it was the right choice. "It was a no-brainer," he said, citing Rangers' clear ambition to sign him and the facilities on offer at Ibrox.