[0762]

The Leigh Griffiths conundrum goes farther back than Rod's possible blame in not signing him. I remember a young Sparky coming on as a sub for Hutchy Vale v Spartans U15s with Spartans 3-0 ahead - he scored a 'hat trick' within 20 mins and I was not a Hibs scout but my recognition of an unusual footie talent immediately 'sparked into life'! This lad was a staunch Hibs fan, not picked up by any Hibs scout and eventually grabbed by Livingston - a total disgrace and, if I could 'go back in time', I would have contacted an appropriate Hibs scout myself and instructed him to monitor Sparky's performances and come to the same conclusion as I did at that time when I was involved with Spartans!!