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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Fraser Wilson

Fergus McCann in heartfelt Wim Jansen tribute as Celtic boss is remembered by former owner

Former Celtic chairman Fergus McCann has paid tribute to Wim Jansen following the former Hoops boss’ death on Tuesday.

McCann was instrumental in recruiting Jansen from Japanese side Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the summer of 1997 to replace sacked Tommy Burns.

It was a bold move which paid huge dividends as the Dutchman led Celtic to the title in his first and only season at Parkhead and stopped Rangers hitting a historic 10 in a row.

McCann dubbed Jansen’s career as “incredible” as he paid tribute.

The Dutchman - a World Cup runner-up with the Netherlands in 1974 and 1978 - passed away after a battle with dementia aged 75 on Tuesday morning.

And McCann said: “I am very sorry to hear of Wim’s passing.

“He had an incredible career. Winning the European Cup with Feyenoord and playing in two World Cup Finals in 74 and 78.

“And of course, being the head coach of Celtic and winning the league title in a very significant year.

"My thoughts are with his wife Coby and family.

“May he rest in peace."

Despite the success, Jansen had a stormy relationship with McCann and general manager Jock Brown during his season in the east end of Glasgow.

A breakdown in communication with Brown was understood to have been at the root of his decision to quit just 48 hours after clinching one of the most important titles in the club’s history.

But not only did he deliver a title, Jansen also won the League Cup and was also the man who signed Henrik Larsson from Feyenoord for £650,000 shortly after arriving in Scotland.

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