Stars of the noughties: No 10, John Hartson

Published on 19/12/2012 00:27

SWANSEA-born John Hartson began his career at Luton before spells at Arsenal, West Ham, Wimbledon (where he was the doomed London club’s record signing at £7.5million in 1999) and Coventry City.

He almost signed for Rangers in 2000 but failed a medical, a fact which is comparable to Decca Records passing on The Beatles as the burly Welsh striker joined Celtic for £6.5million in 2001 and was a regular thorn in the Ibrox team’s side. He scored over 100 goals for Celtic and won three league titles, two Scottish Cups and one League Cup.

He netted for Celtic in a 1-1 Champions League draw against Barcelona at the Nou Camp and was instrumental in the the run to the 2003 Uefa Cup final, although missed out on the final in Seville through injury.

In July 2009 Hartson received chemotherapy after being diagnosed with testicular cancer which had spread to his brain. His treatment was successful and he now works as a pundit.