Dermot Desmond’s Plan for Celtic’s Next Manager

As Celtic begin the search for a new manager following Brendan Rodgers’ shock resignation, attention has turned to how principal shareholder Dermot Desmond goes about recruiting the club’s leaders.

His past comments reveal a clear pattern in how key decisions are made, one that will likely influence who takes charge next at Parkhead.

Desmond has previously explained how he and chairman Peter Lawwell work closely together to identify potential managers, keeping a rolling shortlist of names ready should a vacancy arise. It was this process that famously led to the appointment of Ange Postecoglou in 2021 after Eddie Howe pulled out at the final moment.

At the time, Desmond admitted he knew little about Postecoglou but credited Lawwell for recognising the Australian’s qualities and insisting he be included among the candidates. The decision ultimately proved inspired, as Postecoglou went on to rebuild Celtic’s style and deliver back-to-back league titles before departing for Tottenham Hotspur.

He said: (Celtic TV), “What Peter and I did on a continuous basis is put five names on the list we feel could be the manager of Celtic.

“We always had a list of five. In this case we had a list of five and Ange was on the list. I had no idea who Ange was, I couldn’t pronounce his name. Peter was insistent he was a person we should put on the list, that he had a great record.

“We pursued another manager (Eddie Howe) in public. He was excellent to deal with, a person of ability and integrity, I couldn’t say enough good things about him.

“But, unfortunately, for personal reasons, he couldn’t take up the position. That happened at 12.30 on a Thursday and I made arrangements to speak with Ange at 5 o’clock UK time.

“I should say, prior to that, I researched quite a bit about Ange and what he’d achieved, what his type of personality is. I watched that Craig Foster interview several times, that showed me his determination, integrity, passion and individualism. And that he was a leader, he was a general. I was very pleased to interview Ange.”

Desmond’s comments show a hiring process that relies more on instinct and personal judgement than on any clear long-term football structure. His approach appears to centre around finding a strong individual to steady the ship rather than building a modern system that can outlast whoever happens to be in the dugout.

For all the talk of lists and research, Celtic’s recent history underlines a pattern of improvisation rather than planning. Desmond’s influence, combined with Peter Lawwell’s input, has shaped most of the club’s major appointments over the past two decades, and while there have been successes, it’s often looked like a two-man operation making decisions in isolation.

That same method is now being rolled out again after Brendan Rodgers’ sudden departure. Instead of a joined-up football model, Celtic continue to put their faith in personalities, strong characters who can cope with the chaos rather than fix its cause.

If anything, Desmond’s words reinforce the sense that Celtic’s leadership still prefer a quick solution over a long-term strategy. Until the club builds a modern structure that puts football decisions at the centre, the pattern of crisis, reaction, and replacement is likely to continue.