You know me, I do not make criticising Celtic a business model. We have been the most successful football club in the world over the last decade by a country mile. I predicted a Generation of Domination decades ago, because I could see how the club was structured for success. However, the day before the season started I predicted the current crisis, “We have won five titles in a row, 14 out of 15, but all dominant empires fall for the same reason. A succession of poor decisions, are masked by times of plenty until it’s too late to stop the rot. I can see this happening in real time.
“[Martin] never faced conflict among coaching staff, squad or supporters. It would be miraculous if that state continued for another 10 months.
“He has also never recruited in the modern game. Martin watched players and bought them…… I hope we have signed well and continue to do so, but to paraphrase the old joke, if you want to have a great transfer window, I would not start from here.”
Thankfully, two brave souls stepped forward to become non-exec directors last week. I have no doubt they did so out of a sense of duty, not that they expect to enjoy the experience. Nine months on, there are still no takers for the position of permanent chairman.
I have spoken to multiple people who have politely declined to be considered for board positions, all for the same reason, fans have made the role toxic. The environment that demands change, makes constructive change almost impossible. What Celtic fan would want to put themselves forward for this? The job is a guaranteed way to stop enjoying going to see Celtic. Understand it is a factual inhibitor on our club – and I don’t expect anyone to listen to me, or anything to change.
The recruitment department remains under-resourced. It urgently requires elite appointments, however, these need to be made at a time when the only certainty is that by the summer, a new boss will be in place.
Ask yourself, in this crisis, are we more likely to bring in a Tisdale with a Rodgers or a Nancy, than a Postecoglou and an elite recruitment head? I wish I was more confident here. Tisdale’s role has also gone nine months without being filled.
There is more pain to come this season, and abuse will be thrown at the wrong targets on and off the field, but we need to hold the campaign together and rebuild the club. Win at Fir Park, every next game is now the most important game of the season. We are top of the table and have a league to win. We should also offer ungodly money to an elite director of football-type to get him in immediately, and put foundations in for a rebuild. Stabilise the club, then complete the refresh of the non-execs in a better environment. This is the way forward.
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With KT pulling out of the Scotland squad , is there any news of when our fabled left back from Chelsea is expected to be fit? Not sure many teams would sign a player on loan for a season in August knowing he couldn’t play until October.
I read online Van den Berg was seen at the weekend with a walking boot on to protect his foot/ankle. So guessing he has not trained since signing for us and will be out for another several weeks (depending on severity of injury).
Bring back Brendan
“I have spoken to multiple people who have politely declined to be considered for board positions, all for the same reason, fans have made the role toxic.”
Crystal ball time. That isn’t going to go down well.
Maybe they declined roles in the club because they are not yes men
Can we also get a fitness and conditioning guy because the team aren’t fit and lack power that won’t cost the earth.
A director of football…thats the answer?
“Fans are toxic “ — straight out of the Ross Desmond playbook.
It starts with Desmond, a Mickey Mouse Board and the invisible mute impersonating a CEO.
Even CQN has sunk to rock bottom !
I have spoken to multiple people who have politely declined to be considered for board positions, all for the same reason, fans have made the role toxic. The environment that demands change, makes constructive change almost impossible. What Celtic fan would want to put themselves forward for this? The job is a guaranteed way to stop enjoying going to see Celtic. Understand it is a factual inhibitor on our club – and I don’t expect anyone to listen to me, or anything to change.
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While I take your point Paul 67 and accept it could be ‘a factual inhibitor’ that does not explain why the Chairman’s role is unfilled since Peter Lawell stepped down nor the other unfilled posts in the Executive and in other key posts supporting the football structure. There’s not a football club in Scotland, England or Europe where these types of expectations, aspirations of supporters which can sometimes drift into what you describe as ‘fans have made the role toxic’. No other football club that I know of has struggled the way Celtic has to fill these roles and that includes basket case Clubs like Sevco, Manchester United, Newcastle, Chelsea, Real Madrid etc. etc.
Wait a minute.
We have a recruitment infrastructure in place at the club.
Who said that a few weeks ago?
It’s Brendan & the fans. Risible.
It’s the parochial, nepo enthusiasts making decisions.
8 from 10 failures in the real fitba arena is their legacy. Maybe Kwon would’ve made it 7 from 10.
Our board are like Capitalism; it’s always something/one else’s fault.
Old Firm horizon nonsense.
The board & their fans are stunting our club.
Mvuka & Nancy ffs. Aye, that was the fans.
Deary me.
GEDINTE 3.18 am.
Read his post. Sums up the situation perfectly, bypassing all the made up Trump style board pish.
I have spoken to multiple people who have politely declined to be considered for board positions, all for the same reason, fans have made the role toxic.
The environment that demands change, makes constructive change almost impossible.
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Good article, Paul.
If indeed the fans have made the role toxic?
Hire a toxicity reducer.
That responsibility lies with the board.
Engage the fans with real meaningful information about your plans.
The overall response from frustrated, angry fans might fall into 3 broad categories
1. Frustrated, angry but reasonable, open minded fans who’ll respect the comms and the plan. Their frustration will reduce significantly.
2. Frustrated, angry but reasonable, open minded fans who’ll respect the comms but not the plan. They’ll temper their frustration somewhat.
3. Frustrated, angry, unreasonable, close minded fans who won’t listen to anything coming out of this board. Precious few torches will be extinguished or pitchforks dropped.
Then hire Clarke.
Not my ideal choice, BTW
He won’t win sexy football coach of the year award ever … but he’ll organise our good players quickly
… and stop the elephant from bleeding.
The partially recovered elephant should then have sufficient vitality to trample all over the other SPFL clubs more often than not.
Buy us a year to fix the longer term issues (shared in the aforementioned plan)
Fanadpatriot
“Maybe they declined roles in the club because they are not yes men”
In one specific case I’m aware of, that was absolutely the reason given – the concern was that Dermot Desmond’s influence on decision making undermined the independence of the non execs.
That and the anticipated negative impact on the person’s family.
I expect that these aspects have been brought up in other such conversations. I assume the two new appointees have been assured whatever their concerns.
This is where we are and it’s not entirely clear to me how the hell we get out of here.
fans have made the role toxic.
and why would that be the case.
It’s all the pesky entitled fans fault.
Why did Dom MacKay leave? The fans?
Celtic FC – ran by cowards, enabled by cowards.
“We have been the most successful football club in the world over the last decade by a country mile”
—————–
Oh dear! 23 years without a knockout win in Europe! But hey, we’ve been the most successful in Glasgow and what else matters really?
So it’s Brendans and the fans who are the problem, nothing to do with years, nay decades of mismanagement from the boardroom, lets just blames others no matter who, as long as it’s not anything to do with those who are really to blame.
Pathetic, how sad it’s come to this.
This serm strange to anyone else?
“What Celtic fan would want to put themselves forward for this? The job is a guaranteed way to stop enjoying going to see Celtic.”
Do we only appoint Celtic fans to the board? Surely that is not a prerequisite? Like only signing players that are Celtic fans.
We’ve needed a DoF and proper recruitment team for years. Martin said they aren’t a priority. I don’t see change any time soon.
What’s Fergal Harkin up to?
The people who put money into Celtic are blamed for the state of the club by people who take money out of Celtic.
Gaslighting at its finest.
They’ll be working out their strategy to bring a premature end to this years AGM rather than face scrutiny.
McPhail Bhoy on 22nd September 2026 12:13 pm
While I take your point Paul 67 and accept it could be ‘a factual inhibitor’ that does not explain why the Chairman’s role is unfilled since Peter Lawell stepped down nor the other unfilled posts in the Executive and in other key posts supporting the football structure. There’s not a football club in Scotland, England or Europe where these types of expectations, aspirations of supporters which can sometimes drift into what you describe as ‘fans have made the role toxic’. No other football club that I know of has struggled the way Celtic has to fill these roles and that includes basket case Clubs like Sevco, Manchester United, Newcastle, Chelsea, Real Madrid etc. etc.
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👍 Absolutely. Another excuse and example of ineptitude by those in charge.
Gedinte
Outstanding post earlier.
Its all the fans fault?
A new low for you Paul.
This suggests we should change the club name to FC Holding Pattern or FC Stasis.
All this angst and bungling is self-imposed, largely by moneymakers with no idea on or love for fitba; and the kind of excellence most of us fans want.
After the managerial merry go-round, we should stop shopping in this tired celtic DNA department; it’s a small, still pond.
Go for Muscat currently in China. He has won trophies as a team captain, as a manager in Australia and Japan (where he continued to implement a form of Angeball) and has built a decent side in china.
He ballsed up his first Euro audition at St Truden, but he will fancy managing in Engerland some day.
So, we’re his step up. H
He fleetingly played for the Huns, is aggressive and cocky and would be box office given we’re wedded to the Ugly Ibrox Sisters. He would take no shite from the shirkers in the squad, plus he has solid knowledge of and contacts in the Asian player market (roll up, roll up, erra powerful midfielder at a great introductory price!)
Even AI concurs: “Having succeeded Postecoglou at both Melbourne Victory and Yokohama F. Marinos, Muscat proved he can not only maintain a high-intensity, possession-heavy structure but also adapt it to win multiple titles. At Celtic, where the fanbase demands relentless, attacking football and dominance on the ball, his tactical approach aligns perfectly with the club’s modern identity.”
Stop this tentative pussy footing about Celtic; get Kevin ‘Maltese Faclon’ Muscat in.
HH
If Dominic McKay had stayed on would he have suffered toxicity directed at him by the fans ? I seriously doubt it . He was certainly scared off when he realised he had stepped into a toxic working environment . The best CEO in the world can’t work with his hands tied behind his back .
A look back for those of a certain vintage. Comical Ali.
Reminds me of a few people……..
His real name was Mohammed Saeed al-Sahhaf, and he was Saddam Hussein’s Minister of Information. He had previously been Iraq’s Foreign Minister from 1992–2001 and had a long diplomatic career.
Why did everyone call him “Comical Ali”?
During the invasion in March–April 2003, al-Sahhaf held almost daily press conferences in Baghdad. His job was essentially to present the Iraqi government’s version of events.
The problem was that his version of events became spectacularly detached from what television cameras were showing behind him. 😂
For example, while coalition forces were advancing into Baghdad, he would confidently insist that:
* American troops were being destroyed.
* Baghdad was completely secure.
* There were no American forces in Baghdad.
* The Americans were on the verge of surrender.
* Coalition soldiers were being killed “by the hundreds.”
At one notorious briefing, he was effectively declaring victory while coalition forces were visibly entering Baghdad.
One of his most famous claims was essentially:
“There are no American infidels in Baghdad. Never!”
The footage around him rather spectacularly contradicted him. 😂
And his insults were absolutely brilliant
He had an extraordinary vocabulary for describing the Americans and British.
He called them things such as “losers”, “fools”, “louts” and “crooks.”
He also used an obscure Arabic term, ’ulūj, for the invading forces. It was sufficiently archaic that Arabic-speaking commentators were actually discussing exactly what the word meant.
The funniest bit?
He wasn’t necessarily a complete idiot.
That’s the fascinating thing.
Al-Sahhaf was a professional diplomat and propagandist, had served as ambassador to several countries, and had been foreign minister for nearly nine years.
After Baghdad fell, he was asked where he’d been getting his information.
His response was essentially:
“Authentic sources. Many authentic sources.”
And he insisted he had simply been doing his job
open up the positions to non-celtic supporting individuals.
simple.
thousands of qualified experienced persons on linked in.
not supporting celtic would bring the critical inspection of governance rather than emotional though proccesses.
The club is NOT a well run football club, Paul. The club will not attract quality people because the CLUB is TOXIC.
Celtic fans do not want to be chairman because of us? Spare me.
You said people won’t enjoy going to watch Celtic. I haven’t for some time other than the very end of last season, when I blocked out everything that wrong with our club and just focused on a game by games basis.
It will not matter if we keep MON or appoint a new man/coaching staff. The same approach to recruitment will be taken by a board not fit for purpose orchestrated afar by a man only their for status and ego. Meanwhile we will be overtaken by rangers fc 2012. It is an will happen because our whole approach to running the club is wrong.
The division is rife and I expect the AGM in November to be another smokescreen – if it goes ahead.
We are a total joke in Europe. An also ran. Why? Because of how we run our club.
Attracting a good level of manager can be done by paying them several millions of pounds but then expecting them to keep performing above what is reasonably expected is much harderd.
Anyone who knows football can see we lack leaders and energy on the park. However, you have to things right off the park. Sign players early, sign quality players, spend the money you have to achieve your goals, encourage fans to actually enjoy watching their club.
Celtic park has not been an enjoyable place to visit for some time. We consistently have to watch us be humiliated in Europe.
Blaming fans is ludicrous. I partly blame people like you Paul. Pompous blinkered individuals who live in an echo chamber.
Maybe you should join our board.
Seems to me that we have signed good players in the summer but without any clue in how they fit together or how we want to play football. It points to a complete lack of professionalism behind the scenes , bloggers like the Huddlebreakdown were predicting the good and bad points for our new guys , and funnily enough Hassan does have a poor end product and doesn’t track back and Kasper is not a hold up striker.
Given that we put effort to profiling these players , it seems on the face it we don’t know what we’re doing. Maybe it takes longer to blend a team nowadays, so should we just wait and see things get better.
Last Sunday was totally disjointed , against a rubbish Rangers team, we look as though we are not coached. It was the same last season but grit and determination got us through by the skin of our teeth.
I suspect MON will give it another couple of games to attempt to steady the ship , but really it’s over for this management team.
HH
“fans have made the role toxic”
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honestly man, how can you write that with a straight face.
corporation bosses dont like scrutiny, especially from us plebs who they think are beneath them and shouldnt be commenting on business at that level.
they want to run a marketting organisation, the fans want them to run a football club.
If being on the Board gives you some power to change ‘the environment’ why would this not have encouraged recruitment? Even of non-Celtic fans? Unless, of course, it doesn’t. And whose fault would that be?
Reminds me of Brecht (I paraphrase): Would it not be easier in that case for the Board to dissolve the fans and select another?
FAIRHILL BHOY
Hope you are good, Sir!
Celtic without the fans is NOTHING.
Seems to have been conveniently forgotten.
The fans aren’t toxic when it comes to season ticket renewal time or the latest merch drop.
Paul – your divide and conquer tactics won’t wash. The boards days are numbered. Desmond who hasn’t attended an AGM in 20 years because he wants the power of a king and the scrutiny of a toddler days are numbered.
Report that back to the board.
Always good to get a myopic temperature gauge on how the Celtic board is feeling.
Desmond appointed Rodgers
Desmond controls the club
Desmond demands in year profit regardless of results on the park.
Desmond uses your money and keeps a large percentage back in cash for a rainy day that has happened and continues. Some goes to HMRC
There is no point in flinging excrement at the moon while Desmond waits on whatever he is waiting on.
It shouldn’t be too hard to continue the board refresh, surely there is other children of existing or former directors we can bring in ?
19 days till Fir Park. Michael. Nicholson has yet to take action.
In year profit is killing your club. Slow ever decreasing circles to keep the majority shareholder happy and guarantee a sale price in the form of the cash at the bank.
Meanwhile the investors are happy with their profit and happy to keep Desmond there.
The fans shout at the men in suits that attend like stooges.
Why would you buy a left back when you can wait a year and get one for nothing.
Why do you need a Director of Football when stuff just happens and you would only pay him a salary.
Why would you pay for a fitness coach or proper testing?
Why pay for any of it when it has not been needed to return a profit and a £120m average turnover. Safe investment.
So Celtic fans are a group of people who are what?
Disgusting intolerable commentary to label Celtic fans by first of all the board and then by this blog.