A fantasist impersonated a Celtic scout to make creepy approaches to an under-10 team.
Anthony Adams mocked up false ID to make him appear like a bona fide scout for the Parkhead giants.
The 28-year-old previously ran a private paramedic service that chased ambulances around but failed to pay its young staff.
His latest shameful episode involved bizarre approaches to the coach of the well established Ayrshire team Largs Colts as they played in a competition in Cumnock in June, 2019.
Adams talked up the chances of Largs players getting signed by Celtic.
He told Largs Under 10s coach James Craddock that he was interested in four of his players.
Adams asked about where and when the team trained and then brazenly turned up at the club's Bowencraig Recreation Ground base, creating a stir among the youngsters, who were filled with false hope of playing for a top club.
Adams had the brass neck to produce his fake Celtic ID but Craddock and other coaches are understood to have become suspicious about his behaviour.
Club officials contacted Celtic, who confirmed they had no scouts checking out Largs Colts.
Police were called and Adams was arrested and charged. He later admitted the offence at Ayr Sheriff Court.
A source told the Record: “It is unclear what exactly Adams had in mind but one thing that is certain is that he was not going to be signing any kids to play for Celtic. All he was doing was building false hopes.
“He seemed like he might be plausible at first but the coaches decided they better flag the guy up with Celtic FC.
“That soon established they had no scouting at Cumnock on the day Adams produced his ID and introduced himself. He got rumbled very easily because the coaches are trained by the SFA to train the kids and to look after their wellbeing.”
The source added: “He was also brazen enough to make a plot in advance, mocking up the fake ID, so there was a lot of premeditation on this.
“There is no way this guy should be allowed within a mile of young children. He’s a menace.”
In 2018, the Record told how Adams appointed staff to work as first aiders at sports events for his National Event Medical Services then refused to pay any wages.
Adams set up one firm as North Ayrshire Community Youth Work, which led to accusations of him passing it off as part of North Ayrshire Council.
Adams admitted putting Craddock and others in a state of fear and alarm by his conduct, thereby committing a breach of the peace.
He did not attend Ayr Sheriff Court yesterday, where he was due to be sentenced. His lawyer said he was attending hospital. Sentencing was adjourned to next Wednesday.
Adams had earlier been accused of stealing North Ayrshire Council ID badges and clothing and impersonating a council employee. A not guilty plea to this charge was accepted.
Celtic and Largs Colts were asked to comment, as was Adams.
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