Celtic’s boardroom priorities remain firmly focused on matters inside the club, despite claims from the Daily Record’s Keith Jackson that the Hoops hierarchy will be glued to what’s going on across the city.
Jackson has suggested that chairman Peter Lawwell and CEO Michael Nicholson will be watching closely as Rangers’ new investors outline their vision at this morning’s EGM, presenting the moment as pivotal for Celtic’s response. However, this narrative appears more about creating intrigue than reflecting Celtic’s current agenda.
In reality, the club’s attention is centred on extending Brendan Rodgers’ contract and strengthening the squad ahead of a pivotal campaign. Rodgers’ current deal runs until next summer, and talks are said to be ongoing behind the scenes to secure the Irishman’s long-term future. There is a clear intent from the board to build continuity and avoid any uncertainty heading into the new season.
Recruitment is also dominating internal discussions. Paul Tisdale has been working closely with the club on transfer strategy, with a view to improving key areas. This process is already underway, with Celtic aiming to move swiftly in the market to avoid the same sluggishness that caused issues last summer. The club is seeking to blend experience with younger talent as they look to progress both domestically and in Europe.
The idea that the Ibrox EGM will shape Celtic’s direction lacks substance. While they will understandably keep tabs on developments at Rangers, it is not a defining moment for the club’s strategy.
The suggestion that Celtic’s board is basing its plans on what’s happening at Ibrox seems like a forced attempt to create drama in a story that doesn’t really affect what’s going on at Parkhead.
He said: (RecordSport), “For the time being Celtic will be positioning themselves on a watching brief. And there will be plenty for them to take in and process from across the city over the course of these next few days.
“Simply keeping up with the guy next door is not enough. On the contrary, the strategy since the turn of the century has been staying at least one step ahead of the neighbours at every turn.
“This will not only be the first chance for Celtic’s hierarchy to get a true gauge and feel for what’s about to come at them now that Rangers are in new hands. It may very well help shape the required level of response.
“Chairman Peter Lawwell and CEO Michael Nicholson simply cannot take anything for granted which is why they’ll be watching on and listening with interest when Cavenagh and Marathe outline their intentions to shareholders this morning.”
Celtic remain focused on their own plans. Securing Brendan Rodgers on a new deal is high on the board’s list, with talks under way well before his current contract runs out next summer. It’s the kind of forward thinking that’s kept the club stable for years.
On the transfer side, work with Paul Tisdale shows Celtic want to move early in the window. They know the value of having new signings settled before the Champions League qualifiers and don’t want a repeat of last summer’s slow start.
Celtic will be keeping an eye on what’s happening at Ibrox, but the idea they’ll shape their plans based on an EGM is way off the mark. This board operates from a position of control, not in reaction to whatever’s going on across the city.
For fans, the key things to watch are Rodgers’ contract and which players are coming in. That’s where the club is putting its efforts, and that’s what really matters this summer.
Weather you like them or not, Lawwell & Co are ALL top finance…..
They definitely already know what the yanks are up to (;-0)
HH
Whether is spelt as here,not the way you have.
FF.