The phone call that was simply pie in the sky

When he was not setting off fireworks in neighbours’ gardens, chatting up air hostesses or entering rehab, Fernando Ricksen had his fair share of brushes with the enemy during his time in Glasgow. On the pitch he was the thorn – actually, make that studs – in Celtic’s side during many an Old Firm clash while off it he is remembered with fondness by Gers fans for shouting expletives through Alan Thompson’s letterbox following the 2002-3 title clincher.

John Hartson has ‘written’ a new autobiography, which in a stroke of unparalleled fortune hits the shelves just two months before Christmas – wonder how many mince pies that will buy him. In an extract published today, he recalls the day that Fernando, true to form, called his mobile in protest at having to share the player of the year award with so undeserving a character as Hartson. But, as the Piemaster General reveals, a certain Mr. Thompson was merely doing a very good impression of his favourite postman.

Category: Scottish Premier League