September 10, 1903
The announcement that Dundee have, notwithstanding the crippled condition of their teams through so many players being indisposed, transferred Sam Gilligan to the Glasgow Celtic will come as a bit of a surprise. Mr. Willie Maley, the Secretary of the Celtic, was in Dundee last night, and as the outcome of his visit secured the transfer and signature of Gilligan. Thus the “idol” of so many frequenters to Dens Park has gone.

Gilligan has shown a listlessness and indifference of late that betoken want of enthusiasm over his work for Dundee – hence the cause of the local Club parting with his services. In the second team his displays have been mediocre, whilst at Tynecastle, when on trial for the inside right position, it was evident his heart was not with Dundee.

Celtic were known to be very anxious to get Sam to Parkhead at the beginning of the season, but the sensation he created in the Scottish League last season was so great that Dundee were loth to let him go west. Things have changed since then, and now he is a Celt.

It is little more than a year since Dundee took Gilligan from second-class junior circles. Full of dash, he can hustle and opposing defence, and if he gets back to the form he displayed for Dundee at time he should prove an acquisition to the Celtic. He has youth on his side. The transfer price has not transpired, but it is likely to be high.