Set up in 1999, The Celtic Trust has long been aiming for fan ownership and a bigger sphere of influence from supporters. They have driven a number of initiatives including the ‘Drive for 5’ in 2021 and more recently, ‘The Celtic End’.

The former wanted to establish a group of Celtic supporters who had at least 5% of the total shareholder vote of Celtic PLC which the Trust can call on for support whilst the latter aimed to transform the Jock Stein lower stand into a safe standing section, much like Dortmund’s iconic Yellow Wall.

Speaking to Glasgow Times, Celtic Trust member Mikaela McKinley outlined the key target of the organisation:

“Fan ownership is an aim, that is a long term aspiration. we feel it is our club and we want to own it. i don’t think there is anybody better placed to run a club than fans.”

She also said that Celtic should be wary of a ‘hostile takeover’ and that the Trust should be there to help in such a situation:

“Whatever the crisis was, a hostile takeover or whatever, then that is when the trust would step up. You would hope a lot of people would come to the trust.

“It is unrealistic to think Celtic are not in line for that sort of hostile takeover or that sort of situation. We definitely need to think about that, to take a long-term view and to be prepared.”

It is fair to say the Trust has Celtic’s best interests at heart. To do this, though, they must ensure they have a fair influence on the club and this is something that McKinley spoke about:

“In simple terms, we are looking to influence the running of the club, there are different ways we are trying to do that.”

“one way is buying new shares to make sure the trust own a bigger chunk of the club. another way is uniting existing shareholders, people who already own a bit of the club, but aren’t using their voice.”

As well as greater ownership, the Trust also want to establish a fan advisory board in place which shadows the current board:

“The formation of a shadow board is something that is definitely a key agenda and strategy point for the trust. We have not taken it to the club. But we are looking into it at the moment and doing a lot of work behind the scenes.”

A fan advisory board would ensure important issues are consulted with supporters before anything happens. Several big teams including Liverpool and Manchester United have this in place following the European Super League debacle.

Undoubtedly, The Celtic Trust want what is best for the football club, as do all supporters. Its way of showing this is through increased fan influence which they believe can be achieved through a range of different methods.

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