Happy at Hayes and McInnes too

Really pleased to hear we have agreed terms with Aberdeen for Jonny Hayes. It’s not that an Aberdeen player who will turn 30 in three weeks will transform Celtic, but he hits a few important criteria:

We have a Champions League qualifier in three weeks. Patrick Roberts is likely to remain a Manchester City player until August (despite interest from Celtic and others), so we are limited to one right-mid player in the actively used squad.

If James Forrest is injured (I know this never happens……..) we have a gaping hole in the team. Jonny allows us to take care of that eventuality well within budget.

The other big reason to want him is that the management team have seen lots of him this season, and not just in our games across three competitions this season. Hayes has been scrutinised, assessed and put on the shopping list. When you consider this management team, that’s reason enough to want him.

Also delighted Derek McInnes is staying at Aberdeen, despite the windfall-induced riches available at Sunderland. Whatever the merits or otherwise of the Sunderland job, McInnes’ rejection of an English club to remain at Aberdeen feels significant. A comparable decision hasn’t happened in decades.

The objective now is for Aberdeen to secure their grip on second place next season. There can be no other reason for McInnes to stay. Game on.

Loving what Magners did with the Lisbon anniversary. Their special editions are back in stock after selling out overnight.  Clever engagement with fans adds so much more value than a name on the shirt. These guys gave me lots of help with our fundraising. They get what it’s about at Celtic.