Lennie Lawrence had set his sight on the 30-year-old Celtic striker Tommy Coyne who he thought ‘the man who can supply the goals to ensure the Ayresome Park club avoids the drop from the premier league. With Celtic cash strapped, a £500000 cheque would be a welcome sight for the Parkhead board where Brady had come in for some criticism.
Manchester City boss Peter Reid had also tried to take Coyne on loan earlier that season but was told that it would only take a permanent deal for the Scottish club to part ways with their prized asset.