Celtic remain among the wealthiest clubs in the UK, a position few football sides can realistically claim, even compared with many in the Premier League.
It is rare for clubs to sit on tens of millions of pounds in the bank, but Celtic’s long-term financial management has left them in an extremely strong position.
Supporters are often told that this reserve is being held back for a “rainy day”. Many would argue that rain has already fallen, but there is a looming risk that the real downpour could arrive in the summer if Celtic again fail to secure UEFA Champions League football.
Despite that, the numbers remain healthy, as they showed in their interim report.
Celtic were forced into unexpected costs earlier this season, paying compensation to prise Wilfried Nancy away from Columbus Crew, only to then dismiss him weeks later. That decision brought further payouts to Nancy and his backroom staff, while the absence of Champions League income removed a revenue stream that is normally hugely lucrative for the club.
Even with those pressures, Celtic’s balance sheet has held firm.
In their latest financial update, released on Friday, Celtic confirmed a period-end cash figure of £67.4 million, up from £65.4 million at the same stage the previous year.
Those figures cover the period up to December 31.
The numbers underline just how robust Celtic’s finances remain, even during a season of instability on the pitch and in the dugout.
It should allow the club to push for a top manager this summer, and give him the funds he needs to complete a rebuild which will arguably be bigger than what Ange’s first window saw.
The challenge ahead is ensuring that strength off the pitch translates into success on it, particularly with Champions League qualification once again hanging in the balance.
Yae huv tae speculate tae accummlicate, at any stage of tha season.
Only thing Celtics squad can accumulate are injuries.
More feet, means healthier squad.
At tha seasons end, CFC Plc can remove or loan oot tha deidwood.
Not during it????????